Chapter 8 The Red Dragon Emperor Awakens: Gear Upgrade
Night fell over the outskirts of Shinjuku, streets eerily empty.
Ren Asakura stood atop a ruined building, red flames flickering along his left arm, scales crawling across his shoulder. His gauntlet glowed with a pulsing gem Ddraegon's power simmering inside him.
Before him, a Fallen Angel one of Airi's elite lieutenants hovered, wings black as midnight, spear crackling with holy energy.
"So… the human revived by devils shows his face again," the Fallen Angel sneered. "I'll erase you properly this time."
Ren clenched his gauntlet. "I'm not the same as before. Let's end this."
The Battle Begins
The Fallen Angel struck first, spear aimed directly at Ren's chest.
Red flames surged along Ren's arm as he parried with his dragon claws, sparks flying.
"Time to show him the next step," Ddraegon rumbled in his mind.
Ren felt the dragon's presence merge with his heartbeat. His gauntlet pulsed violently, the gem glowing brighter than ever.
"BOOST!" he shouted.
A wave of crimson energy erupted from his arm, engulfing the Fallen Angel's spear and knocking him back.
"Impossible… this is not human power!" the Fallen Angel gasped.
Ren grinned, feeling the first true upgrade of his Boosted Gear.
"Good… good… let's evolve further," Ddraegon purred.
Red Dragon Emperor Upgrade
The gem on Ren's arm cracked slightly, then reformed, glowing golden-red. Scales spread from his hand up to his shoulder, now sharper, almost armor-like. His aura expanded, flames taking the form of dragon wings of pure fire.
"This… feels amazing," Ren whispered, fists glowing. "Ddraegon… what's happening?"
"We've fused more deeply. This is the true Red Dragon Emperor Form Boosted Gear upgraded. Use it wisely, boy. Your power is now untouchable… if you can control it."
Ren leapt into the air, flames coiling like serpents. His dragon wings spread fully, bright enough to illuminate the city.
The Fallen Angel tried to flee, but Ren's claws extended, striking precisely, slicing the spear in half.
"You… can't… beat me…" the Fallen Angel stammered, before being sent flying by a controlled dragon punch, crashing into a building.
Ren landed gracefully, golden-red aura flickering around him. The city below was damaged, but no civilians were harmed he had mastered control better than ever.
Riasha appeared behind him, wings elegantly spread. "Excellent. You've unlocked the next stage of Boosted Gear and controlled it in battle. Few could manage that."
"I feel… stronger than ever," Ren said, flexing his upgraded arm. Flames shimmered over the scales, almost alive.
"Yes… this is only the beginning," Ddraegon purred. "Next, we'll prepare for the tournament… and show Airi the true power of the Red Dragon Emperor."
From the shadows, distant black wings flickered Airi had watched the battle. Her eyes narrowed.
"So he's stronger… much stronger than I anticipated. Interesting… I'll have to strike sooner than expected."