Cross Dragon x Devils

The moon hung high over the academy, casting silvery light over the quiet grounds. But in Kazuki's workshop, the air hummed with tension and determination. Rito, Sutea, and Ayumi worked tirelessly alongside Kazuki, who pored over the blueprints given to him by the headmaster.

Each adjustment to his combat suit felt like a step closer to readiness, yet Kazuki couldn't ignore the gnawing fear in his heart. If Zephyr's power was merely a fragment of the threats to come, how could he possibly protect his friends and live up to the expectations placed upon him?

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Upgrading the Suit

The combat suit, already a technological masterpiece, was becoming something entirely new. With the added Void Dragon-enhanced circuits, it could now harness Kazuki's incomplete transformation.

"This layer will amplify your kinetic energy output," Rito explained, her tone all business as she soldered a connection. "But the main issue is stability. If you push the suit too far, it could short out—or worse."

Kazuki glanced at her, noting the worry in her eyes despite her professional demeanor. "I know. I'll be careful."

Ayumi leaned over, inspecting the gauntlet. "Careful? You? Yeah, sure, let's pretend that's a thing." She grinned, though her playful jab didn't hide her concern.

Sutea tapped her pen against her notebook. "It's not just about being careful. Kazuki, you'll need to train yourself to sync with the Void Dragon's power. Right now, it's like two clashing energies inside you—your human side and the dragon's."

Kazuki clenched his fists, feeling the faint thrum of power within him. "Then I'll train until I figure it out. I can't let this power go to waste."

---

Zephyr's Next Move

In the shadows of the forest bordering the academy, Zephyr Shadowblade knelt before the robed figure he had met before. The figure radiated an oppressive energy that made even Zephyr feel like an insect in its presence.

"You failed to kill Kazuki," the figure said, his voice calm but cold. "And now you've revealed your intentions."

Zephyr bowed his head lower. "I underestimated him. But next time, he won't be so lucky."

The figure's laugh was a low, menacing rumble. "Next time? There may not be one if we strike where it hurts most."

Zephyr's eyes widened. "You mean… Rito?"

"Yes. Kazuki's attachment to his sister is his greatest weakness. Break that bond, and his spirit will shatter. Without his resolve, the Void Dragon will remain incomplete."

Zephyr hesitated. Despite his malice, even he found the idea of harming Rito distasteful. Her bravery in the tournament had earned a sliver of his respect. But the figure's aura intensified, leaving no room for objection.

"As you wish," Zephyr said, his voice resigned.

---

A Training Duel

The next morning, Kazuki stood in the academy's training grounds. His new combat suit, now upgraded, gleamed in the sunlight. The enhancements were untested, and Kazuki knew the only way to ensure they worked was through combat.

Rito stepped forward, her expression a mix of determination and mischief. "Let's see what this suit can do, little brother."

"Wait, you're my sparring partner?" Kazuki asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Afraid of losing?" Rito teased, summoning a crackling orb of lightning in her hand.

The duel began, and Kazuki immediately felt the difference in his suit. Each movement was sharper, faster, and more precise. But Rito's mastery of all elemental magics made her an overwhelming opponent. Fire, ice, wind, and shadows danced in her hands as she pushed Kazuki to his limits.

"You're improving," Rito said, dodging a flurry of strikes. "But you're still holding back. Stop relying on the suit and start trusting yourself!"

Kazuki gritted his teeth, her words cutting deeper than her attacks. The Void Dragon's power pulsed within him, begging to be unleashed.

"Fine," he muttered. "No more holding back."

His eyes glowed with an intense violet light as the incomplete Void Dragon transformation surged through him. His hair flared upward, and his aura became a storm of shadowy energy.

Rito smirked. "Now we're talking."

Their clash escalated, each blow shaking the ground. The crowd of onlookers, including Sutea and Ayumi, watched in awe.

---

A Growing Bond

As the duel ended in a draw, Kazuki collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. Rito knelt beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder.

"You've got the power, Kazuki," she said softly. "But you need to stop doubting yourself."

He looked up at her, his exhaustion evident. "It's hard not to, Rito. I don't want to let anyone down."

She smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "You've never let me down. And you never will."

Sutea and Ayumi approached, their expressions a mix of relief and amusement.

"You two really are something," Sutea said, shaking her head.

Ayumi grinned, nudging Kazuki with her foot. "Don't think this makes you invincible, though. You've got a long way to go before you can handle me."

Kazuki chuckled weakly. "Noted."

---

A Storm Approaches

That night, Kazuki sat alone in his workshop, staring at the Void Dragon gauntlet that rested on the table. The duel with Rito had shown him the potential of his power, but it had also revealed how far he still had to go.

"I won't let them hurt you," he whispered, thinking of his friends—and especially Rito.

Unbeknownst to him, Zephyr Shadowblade was already on the move, his shadowy form blending seamlessly with the darkness of the academy.

The next attack was imminent, and this time, it wouldn't just be Kazuki's strength that was tested—it would be his heart.

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**End of Chapter 18**