Chapter 6 Dragon Control and Rivalry
The sun hung low over Kuromiya Academy, casting long shadows across the training courtyard.
Ren Asakura wiped sweat from his brow, his crimson-scaled arm still glowing faintly from his battle with Airi.
"I can't believe I survived that…" he muttered, flexing his gauntlet. The scales shimmered with a pulsing red light, almost alive.
Riasha walked beside him, wings folded elegantly. Her sapphire eyes gleamed with pride. "You did more than survive. You controlled the Red Dragon Emperor's power… for a few moments. That's a huge step forward."
Ren groaned. "Yeah, but it felt like Ddraegon was… everywhere inside me. I almost lost control."
"Don't worry, boy. You're improving. Next time, I won't hesitate to take over completely but I prefer if you learn control first," Ddraegon rumbled in his mind, scales crawling up Ren's shoulder.
Peerage Rivalry
Lena swung her twin blades nonchalantly, smirking. "Not bad, human boy. You're finally starting to keep up with us."
Kuro crossed his massive arms. "Keep bragging, and I'll throw you into lava… oh wait, maybe that's overkill."
Takuya leaned lazily against a tree, wings folded, a smirk on his face. "You think that's impressive? That's barely scratching the surface. When you fight me seriously, we'll see if you can handle a real threat."
Ren growled, energy pulsing from his arm. "I I'm not scared of you guys!"
"Good," Ddraegon purred. "A little fire in the veins. That's how we win."
Riasha chuckled. "Enough teasing. Today, we focus on control exercises. If you can master your dragon energy at half-power, you'll survive your next encounter with Airi."
Ren nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "Fine. Let's do this."
Dragon Control Exercises
Riasha had set up a series of magical targets around the courtyard.
The first exercise: a stream of controlled fire bursts, hitting each target in sequence without damaging the surroundings.
Ren clenched his fist. Flames surged, then twisted and condensed, forming precise bursts of red energy. Each target exploded in a small flash of light, one after another.
"Perfect," Riasha said. "Your control is improving. Now, try flying while maintaining the energy stream."
Ren leapt into the air, red dragon wings of flame spreading from his back. Energy bursts followed his movement, hitting targets mid air. He grinned, finally feeling truly powerful.
"Now that… is more like it. Keep this up, and you'll be unstoppable," Ddraegon purred.
Unexpected Challenge
Takuya suddenly swooped in, wings outstretched. "Let's see if you can maintain control while dodging attacks!"
Ren barely had time to react. Takuya's shadow blades cut through the air like lightning. Flames twisted around Ren as he dodged, blocked, and countered. Each clash sent shockwaves across the courtyard.
"You've improved," Takuya said, landing gracefully. "But don't get cocky. I can still beat you if I try."
Ren flexed his gauntlet, red flames swirling. "Maybe next time I'll make sure you regret saying that."
Lena giggled. "Finally, some fire in our pawn! About time."
Mina adjusted her glasses. "Control, not chaos. You're powerful, Ren, but you must learn precision or you'll destroy everything around you."
Ren sighed. "Yeah… I get it. No more accidental destruction."
Evening Reflection
As the sun set, the peerage gathered for a brief meal in the mansion's courtyard. The night was calm, but tension lingered in the air.
Riasha sat beside Ren, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "You've done well today. Your bond with Ddraegon grows stronger. But remember, Airi is already planning her next move. The Fallen Angels will not wait."
Ren looked down at his gauntlet. The dragon's energy hummed softly, almost like it was listening. "I'm ready. Whatever she throws at me, I'll be stronger."
"Good. And boy… we're just getting started. Wait until I show you the full extent of my power," Ddraegon purred.
Ren smiled faintly. "Bring it on."
The night sky glimmered with stars, the quiet before the storm.
The Red Dragon Emperor had grown stronger, but this was only the beginning of the battles to come.
Volume 1 ends here.