I found myself standing on black stone that stretched forever. The sky above was deep red with gold veins running through it like lightning frozen in time. Chunks of rock floated in the air, covered in green fire that didn't burn.
This place felt old. Really old.
"So, you finally notice me."
I turned around and froze.
The dragon was massive—easily the size of a building. Black scales covered its body, but silver lines pulsed through them like a heartbeat. When it looked at me with those burning gold eyes, I felt like an insect under a microscope.
"What the hell are you?"
"I am what lives within Incursio," it said, voice rumbling through my bones. "The Holy Water of Life awakened me fully when you drank it."
My stomach dropped. "You've been conscious this whole time?"
"I was Dormant. Until that divine essence gave me strength." Its massive head tilted. "Listen carefully. If you push Incursio beyond its current limits, I will take control of your body and consciousness. Permanently."
"What do you mean, permanently?"
"Your mind will cease to exist. Even the Holy Water of Life cannot save you once I take over completely."
I stared at it, confused. "Why are you warning me? Wouldn't you want to take my body?"
Something like amusement flickered in those gold eyes. "Perhaps once. But this world has Great Red, Ophis, the Heavenly Dragons, Maou-class devils. If I take your body, I must face them all. I prefer remaining safely bound to your mortality."
The dragon leaned closer. "But if you force my hand by being reckless, I will not hesitate to survive. Everything you seek to protect will burn in my wake."
The black stone began cracking beneath my feet.
"Remember this warning," it said as everything shattered.
I jolted awake, gasping and covered in sweat. The dragon's words echoed in my head.
Shit. All this time I've been carrying around something that could destroy everything I care about.*
I looked at my left, where Incursio usually rested. For the first time since getting this power, I was genuinely afraid of it.
After breakfast, I called from the living room. "Asia, Valerie, can you come here for a minute?"
They walked in—Asia wiping her hands on a towel, Valerie carrying her morning coffee.
"You look terrible," Valerie said, sitting on the couch. "What happened?"
"Bad dream." I pulled out the Bishop and Knight pieces, setting them on the coffee table.
Both girls went quiet.
"Things are getting dangerous," I said. "Listen, There are people who want me dead, and they won't hesitate to hurt you two to get to me" I continued "These could give you the power to protect yourselves. So are you girls up for it?"
Asia picked up the Bishop piece, examining it carefully. "I would... I would still be me, right?"
"Yes. Not, Just stronger, but faster as well. You would probably gain increase in mana and would help your combat improve significantly."
"And we'd be part of your peerage," Valerie said, studying the Knight piece. "Connected."
"Right. It'd be great in giving a boost to your abilities when in trouble."
Asia was quiet for a moment, holding the piece with both hands. "If... if I could help more people... heal them better..." She looked up with those gentle green eyes. "I would like to try."
Valerie nodded. "I've read enough about devil society to understand the benefits. And I'm curious about what magical abilities I might develop."
"You're both sure? Once this happens, there's no going back."
"We're sure," they said together, then laughed.
I stood and began tracing the magic circle. Silver light followed my movements, creating the pattern on the floor. When I completed it, power filled the room.
"Asia, step into the center."
She walked forward without hesitation. I held up the Bishop piece.
"Asia Argento, do you accept becoming my Bishop?"
"Yes... I accept," she said softly.
I released the piece. It floated toward her, glowing until it touched her chest. Light exploded through the room. Asia gasped, but her expression was wonder, not pain.
When the light faded, she moved differently—more graceful. Her eyes held a new depth.
"How do you feel?"
"It's... it's strange. But in a good way. Like there's more warmth inside me now... it feels good. Stronger, maybe?"
Valerie stepped into the center next. I held up the Knight piece.
"Valerie Tepes, do you accept becoming my Knight?"
"I do," she said with that smile that always made me smile in adoration.
The Knight piece merged with her in another flash of light. When it cleared, the change was more obvious—she stood taller, moved with fluid precision.
"This is amazing," she said, sparks dancing between her fingers. "The speed enhancement, the magical potential...it feels increased"
I dissolved the circle and sat back down, exhausted but relieved. I could sense them now—their presence, their emotions. It was intimate in a way I hadn't expected.
We're connected now. Whatever comes next, we face it together.*
Two magic circles suddenly appeared—one red, one blue. I paused with my tea halfway to my lips, then set it down as Rias and Sona materialized.
Asia and Valerie immediately flanked me as I stood. The new bond made them react to my alertness.
Both devil heiresses looked more worried than I'd ever seen them.
"What's wrong?" I asked, though I suspected I knew.
"Kokabiel," Rias said immediately. "The fallen angel Xenovia mentioned. He's decided to start a war."
Of course he has.* I sighed internally. *First Vali with his battle obsession, now this maniac. Is Azazel the only sane person in his group?*
"He plans to destroy Kuoh Academy first," Sona added, her composure cracking. "Then the entire town. He wants to reignite the Great War."
Another bored immortal with nothing better to do than cause mass destruction.*
I looked at their panicked faces, then felt Asia and Valerie's steady presence through our bond. At least now I knew they could defend themselves.
Time to see what my peerage can do.*
. . .
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