Vali waved off any tension with a lazy grin. "Relax. If we don't find anything, we'll be gone in a few days. But you seem pretty strong—maybe we'll get a chance to spar before that."
Lux's eyes lit up at the word "spar." "Hey, Vali! If there's a fight, he's gotta go through me first. Unless you want to take me on before that!"
Vali shot him a weary look. "Lux, you maniac…" He knew exactly what Lux was angling for—a brawl. This Red Dragon Emperor was even more battle-crazy than he was.
Shuo laughed, shaking his head. "You two are something else. As for a friendly match, let's save it for another time."
He'd seen enough: this generation's Two Heavenly Dragons were both total fight junkies. After a few minutes of Lux's relentless invitations, Shuo decided it was time to make his exit.
As Shuo's figure faded into the distance, a deep, resonant voice echoed in the minds of the two—Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor's Sacred Gear.
"So, what do you think of him?"
They fell silent, considering. Finally, Lux grinned, eyes gleaming with intrigue. "He's not what he seems. Sure, his physical stats look like a high-tier devil at best, but the aura he gave off… I felt real awe. Even a faint sense of death."
Vali nodded, thoughtful. "You too? I thought it was just me. He knew exactly who we were, but never flinched. Honestly, he gave me the impression he could kill us if he wanted. Albion, did you and Ddraig sense anything?"
Albion's voice joined the conversation, cool and measured. "I felt it too. My instincts screamed caution. There's something about him that demands respect."
Ddraig sounded genuinely surprised. "I didn't expect you both to react like that. For me, it was obvious—my host is trained in senjutsu, and that kind of danger sense is sharp."
Lux frowned, replaying the earlier conversation. "When he heard about the dragon phantom, he looked shocked, but I caught something else in his eyes. What do you think that means?"
Vali's gaze grew distant, his tone loaded with meaning. "If I had to guess…"
The realization hit all three at once. Their eyes widened, shock and a touch of fear flickering across their faces.
"Vali, are you saying he's connected to that dragon phantom?" Lux asked, voice trembling with excitement and uncertainty.
Vali nodded slowly. "It's just a theory, but the signs fit. If he's only as strong as he looks, there's no way he'd be so calm around us. But if he's tied to that phantom… it explains everything. Unless he's hiding even more power."
He let his speculation hang in the air.
Lux's grin turned wild, practically feverish. "If that's true, this news would shake the whole world. Honestly, I want to fight him even more now. I want to see what kind of monster could surpass Great Red or Ophis!"
Ddraig's voice rang with awe. "That's one hell of a truth. Looks like you've both found a new rival."
Vali's eyes followed Shuo's retreating silhouette, burning with anticipation. "Our showdown is inevitable. When the time comes, I'll make sure it's a real fight."
Albion and Ddraig exchanged a mental sigh. "Poor guy… Getting targeted by two battle maniacs is anyone's nightmare."
Both hosts were exceptional—one the grandson of the original Lucifer, the other a master of senjutsu. Their only flaw? An insatiable lust for combat. Anyone caught in their sights was in for a headache.
Shuo didn't waste any time. He made straight for the Occult Research Club. The lights in the lounge were already on when he arrived.
Inside, Akeno was pouring tea with practiced grace, while Koneko lounged on the sofa, nibbling on snacks. Across the room, Rias and Sona sat face-to-face, deep in conversation. Kiba and Tsubaki stood quietly behind their respective leaders.
"Ara, Shuo-chan! Didn't expect to see you here!" Akeno greeted him with a warm smile.
"Yeah, figured I should fill Rias in on a few things," Shuo replied, stepping inside.
He nodded to Akeno, then dropped onto the sofa next to Koneko, unable to resist giving her a gentle pat on the head.
Koneko shot him a frosty glare, swatting his hand away. "Pervert. Go away."
Shuo grinned sheepishly. "Can't help it, Koneko-chan—you're just too cute!"
Akeno chimed in, her tone playful and teasing. "Ara, Shuo-chan, that's sexual harassment, you know. And Koneko's still a minor. If you're looking to do something indecent, you should come to me instead—after all, I'm your girlfriend."
Anyone else might have melted at Akeno's sultry invitation. But Shuo knew her tricks—and caught the glint of mischief in her eyes.
He shot back with a smirk. "Tempting, Akeno. Maybe we should make some time for those 'indecent' things, hmm?"
Akeno blinked, surprised by his boldness, then played along—face flushed, voice coy. "Ara ara, now I'm looking forward to it."
Rias and the others exchanged knowing glances, the mood in the room taking on a distinctly strange energy. Sona, sensing secrets, started to rise with Tsubaki, ready to excuse herself.
Shuo quickly waved them down. "No need to leave, President Sona, Tsubaki-san. It's not really a secret—actually, I was hoping to let Rias fill you in, but since you're both here, I'll just say it myself."
Sona and Rias shared a look, then settled back onto the sofa, curious to hear what Shuo had to say next.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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