"Impressive," Ddraig acknowledged. "Most hosts take months to achieve this level of control. Your security background serves you well—the discipline, the focus."


    "That too," the dragon rumbled with unmistakable amusement. "Though I prefer ''determined'' when describing my hosts. Sounds less like an annoying hatchling and more like a proper warrior."


    "After being sealed in Sacred Gears for millennia, my standards have... adjusted," Ddraig replied dryly. "But you''re certainly an improvement over your predecessor. Less obsession with female anatomy, more actual combat potential."


    "Yet they are arrogant," Ddraig noted. "All fallen are. It makes them predictable."


    "The integration progresses," Ddraig confirmed. "Your souls continue to merge. It will become more pronounced in moments of strong connection to the original''s experiences."


    "You seem... lighter today," Ddraig observed.


    "Such as?"


    "A positive outlook," Ddraig sounded approving. "Though perhaps premature. Raynare will not be your only challenge."


    "With your current abilities, direct confrontation would be unwise," the dragon advised. "Your strength has improved, but you haven''t undergone additional transformations yet. Counter-strikes and evasion would serve you better."


    "A sound strategy. Though I would advise carrying a weapon as well. Something to disrupt her flight capability."


    "I am the dragon in this scenario," Ddraig responded with a hint of exasperation. "And at your current level, you''d be the equivalent of bringing a particularly sharp spoon to a magical firefight."


    "Not confidence—reality," Ddraig countered, though his tone was more bantering than harsh. "The wielder who charges in believing himself invincible is usually the one whose lifespan I measure in seconds rather than decades."


    "An insightful question," Ddraig rumbled. "In your case, the line is blurred. Your soul fusion created an unusual situation. The sacred gear has adapted—mutated, as I mentioned before. The amulet form allows for greater power integration than the standard gauntlet would at this stage."


    "Correct. The draconic heart transformation has linked your life force more directly to my power than a normal host would experience. You''re channeling a portion of my power constantly, even when not actively using the Boosted Gear''s abilities."


    "That remains its primary function," Ddraig confirmed. "Though with your mutated version, there are... variations."


    "The amulet form allows for more subtle manipulation. While the gauntlet is primarily offensive—doubling power for strikes and energy attacks—your version can distribute the boost more selectively. Enhance speed while maintaining normal strength, for instance. Or boost defensive capabilities without increasing offensive output."


    "For now," Ddraig agreed. "Though as we progress through more transformations, that limitation will fade. There''s another ability you should know about, given your concerns with detection."


    "I can assist with power suppression," the dragon explained. "While you''ve mastered the basics impressively quickly, there may be situations where you need to hide completely from supernatural detection. In such cases, I can temporarily assume the burden of containment, cloaking both your power and mine."


    "Time," Ddraig said simply. "It''s draining to maintain. Perhaps five minutes at maximum suppression currently. And you would be unable to access most of your enhanced abilities during that period."


    "Those will come with time and development," Ddraig assured me. "Each requires mastery of the previous abilities and additional transformations. Your body isn''t ready yet."


    "The detection spells have been strengthened since yesterday," Ddraig observed. "Nothing threatening, but more precise. Your suppression is holding well, though."


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    "The Gremory girl is curious now," Ddraig commented as I made my way down the stairs. "The devils'' interest in you grows."


    "A fallen one," Ddraig confirmed. "By the cherry trees, across the street."


    "It''s to be expected," the dragon confirmed. "Your body is still adapting to the heart transformation. The energy fluctuations will continue until you''ve fully integrated the changes."


    "Difficult to say," Ddraig rumbled. "Your human body struggles to contain draconic power. Each transformation requires an adaptation period. The heart was the most crucial, but your body needs to evolve further to properly channel the energy without strain."


    "More like a human-shaped teapot trying to contain molten steel," Ddraig corrected with dark humor. "It''s a miracle you''re not a smoldering pile of ash already. You should be grateful for my excellent containment skills."


    "I wouldn''t object," the dragon replied with what sounded suspiciously like a draconic chuckle. "Though I''d settle for a host who doesn''t complain quite so much about a little pain and power leakage."


    "Are you certain?" Ddraig asked. "The lung transformation is less traumatic than the heart, but still dangerous and painful."


    "Funds for what, precisely?" Ddraig asked with curiosity.


    "For this transformation, yes," the dragon confirmed. "Unlike the heart, which took three days, the lungs can be transformed in approximately twenty-four hours. Still painful, but more manageable. However, the energy fluctuations may become more pronounced afterward until you adapt."


    "At least four major ones," Ddraig said. "Heart, lungs, blood, and nervous system. Each makes you less human and more draconic, but also increases your ability to contain and channel power without strain."


    "Please don''t," Ddraig groaned. "Those stereotypes are offensive. Modern dragons prefer diversified investment portfolios and consensual relationships."


    "I''ve been sealed in Sacred Gears for millennia," Ddraig replied with dignified humor. "You develop a certain perspective... and yes, occasionally, a sense of humor. Though I assure you, my investment advice is entirely serious."


    Author Note:


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