《The Draconic Knight of DXD》


 PROLOGUE: DRAGONS AWAKENING

    not dead¡ªat least not in any conventional sense.


    "You know of me." The voice sounded surprised, even impressed. "Most hosts require significant... persuasion before they even acknowledge my existence."


    "Fictional? How curious." The dragon''s voice had a rumbling quality, like distant thunder contained in my skull. "Your mind contains strange knowledge. I see memories of... watching this world? As entertainment?"


    "Speaking of which," Ddraig interrupted, his tone shifting to something more serious, "we have a more immediate problem."


    "Perceptive. No, this conversation should be impossible at this stage." Ddraig sounded almost amused. "But your soul is not what I expected. It''s as if two souls occupy this vessel simultaneously¡ªyours and the original owner''s. Fused but distinct."


    "The sacred gear has adapted to your unique situation," Ddraig explained, and I could almost picture a massive dragon shrugging. "Your combined soul carries too much power, too much awareness for the standard form. Consider it... a mutation."


    "That," Ddraig said dryly, "is the sound of your body failing."


    "Your human form cannot sustain the fusion of souls within it. The strain is too great." For a mythical beast of destruction, Ddraig sounded remarkably matter-of-fact about my impending death. "Without intervention, you will die within weeks. Perhaps days."


    "There may be a way." Ddraig''s voice took on an almost contemplative tone. "In my long existence, I''ve had hosts face similar issues¡ªthough none quite like yours. The solution is... extreme."


    "Low. Perhaps thirty percent for the first transformation alone. Each subsequent change carries similar risk."


    "You die. The body fails. Both souls lost." Ddraig sounded almost sympathetic now. "I lose another host before they even accessed my power. Quite disappointing, really."


    "After millennia of imprisonment, one develops a certain... perspective," Ddraig replied, equally sarcastic. I hadn''t expected the apocalyptic dragon to have a sense of humor.


    "Not long, partner. Your body is already beginning to fail." Ddraig''s voice held no mockery now, just brutal honesty. "Hours, perhaps a day before damage becomes irreversible."


    "Brave words." Ddraig sounded approving. "Or foolish. Often the same thing."


    "Meaning you''ll scream until your vocal cords rupture, only for me to heal them so you can scream more." Ddraig''s brutal honesty was almost refreshing. "Three days of agony as your human heart dies and a dragon heart forms. Survival... uncertain."


    "If you survive, recovery. Adaptation. Learning to control a heart that pumps power as well as blood." The dragon almost sounded impressed by my lack of hesitation. "Then we plan the next transformation."


    "The original owner of this body was... not strategically minded," Ddraig admitted with what sounded like draconic embarrassment. "His thoughts were dominated by breasts and harem fantasies."


    "A worthy goal." Ddraig sounded genuinely impressed now. "Very well, Andrew Slayn. Let us begin your transformation. It starts with pain, and will likely end with pain, but between..."


    <hr>


    "Adequate," Ddraig agreed. "Though you should secure yourself. The pain may cause violent convulsions."


    "Focus on the amulet. It contains the connection point between your soul and mine. Through it, draconic energy will replace your heart''s human essence¡ªgradually at first, then all at once."


    "Unavoidable. Necessary. Transformative." The dragon''s voice was solemn. "Are you certain, Andrew Slayn? Once begun, this process cannot be reversed."


    "You survived," Ddraig''s voice was the first thing I clearly registered as consciousness returned fully. "Impressive. Most would have broken."


    "Still mostly human," Ddraig replied, with what almost sounded like pride. "But your core is dragon now. The heart of a fire drake pumps power through your veins alongside blood."


    "I was being generous," the dragon admitted. "I''ve only seen three hosts survive this particular transformation before you. None were mere humans¡ªone was a half-god, another a descendant of heroes."


    "A stubborn fool who simply refused to die."


    "Your recovery rate is remarkable," Ddraig observed. "The draconic heart accelerates healing. A day, perhaps two, before you regain full mobility. A week before you can access the first tier of power."


    "Your physical strength has doubled, perhaps tripled," Ddraig explained. "Your endurance, far more. Fire magic will come naturally to you now¡ªan affinity born of your new heart. And you''ll find yourself... changed in other ways."


    "More aggressive. More instinctual. More... draconic." The ancient being sounded almost amused. "Dragons are creatures of power and instinct. You''ll feel it most strongly in battle or... other intense situations."


    "Physical transformation is more complex than you might think," Ddraig explained. "Your strength comes from the draconic energy flowing through your system, not merely muscle mass. Though as you use this power, your body will gradually adapt to channel it more efficiently. You''ll notice changes in time."


    "Not for at least a month maybe two," Ddraig warned. "Your body needs time to fully adapt. Rushing would kill you¡ªand this time, I doubt even your stubbornness would save you."


    "The first visible sign," Ddraig commented, noticing my focus. "There will be others as we progress."


    "Indeed we do, partner," Ddraig agreed, his voice resonating through my new draconic heart. "The world won''t be prepared for what we become."


    "A valid concern," Ddraig acknowledged. "Yes, those sensitive to magical energies might detect something different about you. The Gremory girl and her Queen would certainly notice if you flared your power carelessly."


    "It''s possible, yes. Another skill to master." There was a hint of wariness in Ddraig''s tone. "But it will be challenging. Most hosts take months to develop such control."


    "Your determination is admirable, if perhaps foolish," Ddraig rumbled, but I detected a note of respect beneath the criticism. "We''ll begin tomorrow."


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    "Secondary adaptations," he replied, concern evident in his voice. "Your body is still reconfiguring to accommodate the draconic heart. It will happen sporadically for the next few weeks."


    <hr>


    "A medical cover story might serve our purposes," Ddraig commented internally. "Explaining both the episodes and your need for those breathing techniques."


    "A clever development," Ddraig commented as I focused on channeling small amounts of draconic energy through my fingertips, creating faint crimson trails in the darkened room. "Though human medicine will eventually become suspicious if you continue seeing specialists."


    "Perhaps. Your progress is remarkable for a new wielder, though far from complete." The dragon''s voice carried centuries of experience. "The next phase of training should focus on combat applications, now that basic energy control is developing."


    "Wise. Though you''ll need weapons to train with. This body lacks the muscle memory your original possessed."


    "The human female saw you during an adaptation episode," Ddraig reminded me. "The one with pink hair. She may become a complication."


    "Your endurance is approximately triple that of a normal human teenager," Ddraig confirmed. "Though nowhere near what it will become with further transformations."


    "Such techniques would prove effective against fallen angels," Ddraig observed. "Their overconfidence often leads to overcommitment in attacks."


    "Don''t fight it," Ddraig instructed, his voice cutting through the haze of pain. "This is different from previous adaptations. Your heart is attempting to channel power more efficiently."


    "Your first manifestation of external draconic energy," Ddraig explained, approval evident in his tone. "The ability to channel power through objects, enhancing their properties."


    "Your unique situation continues to create unexpected outcomes," the dragon replied. "The soul fusion and your conscious knowledge of combat applications are accelerating certain aspects of power development, while your human body limits others."


    You''re doing martial arts? Since when?"


    "Your control is adequate for initial interaction with devils," he assessed as I completed a particularly complex suppression exercise. "They will sense something unusual about you, but nothing that immediately suggests the Red Dragon Emperor."


    "Sufficient to handle low-to-mid tier fallen angels in one-on-one confrontations," he replied thoughtfully. "Though multiple opponents or higher-tier entities would still overwhelm you without further transformation."


    "A reasonable assessment," Ddraig agreed. "Though your foreknowledge remains your greatest advantage. Use it wisely."


    "An objective that would have seemed impossible for an ordinary human," Ddraig observed. "Yet within reach for what you''ve become."


    "Something new," the dragon replied thoughtfully. "Not fully human, not truly dragon. Not the original soul of this body, nor entirely the one who joined it. A unique existence forged through adversity and determination."


    "Indeed," Ddraig agreed. "The world believes you human. Let them maintain that illusion as long as possible."

 CHAPTER 1: THE NEW NORMAL

    "Remember, steady breaths," Ddraig''s voice rumbled in my mind as I approached the school gates. "Imagine your power as water behind a dam. Control the flow."


    "You should focus on energy suppression first," Ddraig advised. "Weapon designs can wait until you''re not at risk of accidentally revealing yourself."


    "The brown-haired one has spiritual sensitivity," Ddraig commented, confirming my suspicions. "She can likely sense something different about your energy, even if she doesn''t understand what she''s perceiving."


    "You''re improving," Ddraig noted, his ancient voice resonating through my mind. "Two months ago, you couldn''t maintain this level of suppression for more than a few minutes. Now you''re holding it for hours."


    "Inevitable," the dragon rumbled. "This is their territory. Their detection wards would have registered your arrival the moment you stepped onto campus, regardless of how well you suppress your aura."


    "Independence has its advantages," Ddraig responded to my unspoken thoughts. "Devils serve their masters for centuries. Freedom is no small thing to surrender, especially for one who carries a dragon''s heart."


    "The original soul''s emotions occasionally surface when encountering significant people from his memories," Ddraig explained privately. "The integration is still ongoing."


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    "The kendo girl could be problematic," Ddraig observed. "Her spiritual sensitivity seems to be developing naturally, even without formal training."


    "True. Though hunting for allies seems premature when you''ve yet to master basic energy containment."


    "Careful," Ddraig warned in my mind. "The red-haired one is particularly interested in your energy signature. Maintain steady suppression."


    "Your plans may need acceleration," Ddraig commented as I wrote. "Both devil houses are watching you now, and the fallen angel has likely detected your presence as well."


    "Don''t grow complacent," Ddraig warned. "Timeline changes may accelerate certain events even as they delay others."


    "And your strategy when she does?"


    "The latter option risks exposing your abilities to the devils as well," Ddraig pointed out. "They will almost certainly be monitoring such an encounter."


    "You should rest," Ddraig advised, his rumbling voice gentler than usual. "Tomorrow brings new challenges."

 CHAPTER 2: THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

    "Impressive," Ddraig acknowledged. "Most hosts take months to achieve this level of control. Your security background serves you well¡ªthe 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¡ªreality," 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¡ªmutated, 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¡ªdoubling power for strikes and energy attacks¡ªyour 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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