Cross Dragon x Devils

Part 1: A Dangerous Foe

Kazuki's boots slammed into the ground as he sprinted toward the shadowy figure in the training grounds. His aura of violet energy burned brighter with each step, lighting up the dim arena.

The intruder, clad in dark robes and exuding an aura of malevolence, smirked as Kazuki approached. "Foolish boy," he taunted, his voice smooth and venomous. "You dare challenge me with such incomplete power?"

Kazuki didn't bother with a reply. He raised his hand, summoning a burst of void energy that crackled like lightning. With a sharp motion, he hurled the energy forward, the air distorting in its wake.

The figure raised a hand, conjuring a shield of dark magic. The two forces collided with a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath them.

"Your power is impressive," the figure said, his tone mocking. "But it is unrefined. Allow me to show you how it's done."

He thrust his hand forward, and shadows erupted from the ground, twisting and writhing like serpents. The shadows lashed out at Kazuki, forcing him to dodge and weave with lightning-fast reflexes.

"Tenebris!" Kazuki shouted, his voice strained. "A little help here?"

"I already told you," Tenebris replied, his voice echoing in Kazuki's mind. "I am not a babysitter. Figure it out."

"Helpful as always," Kazuki muttered under his breath.

The shadows closed in, and Kazuki had no choice but to counter. He focused his energy, his aura flaring as he summoned another wave of void energy. This time, the blast was more focused, cutting through the shadows like a blade.

"Not bad," Tenebris remarked. "But you're still holding back. Stop thinking. Feel the power."

Kazuki grit his teeth, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He didn't have time to argue. He charged forward again, his movements a blur as he closed the distance between himself and his opponent.

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Part 2: The Turning Tide

The battle raged on, each clash of energy shaking the arena. Kazuki's body ached from the strain of maintaining his transformation, but he refused to back down.

The intruder smirked, his confidence unshaken. "You're persistent, I'll give you that. But persistence alone won't save you."

He raised both hands, and a massive wave of dark magic erupted from the ground, surging toward Kazuki like a tidal wave.

Kazuki's eyes widened. He knew he couldn't dodge this one. He planted his feet, raising both hands as he called upon every ounce of power he could muster.

"Void Barrier!" he shouted, a dome of violet energy materializing around him. The dark magic crashed against the barrier, the impact sending shockwaves through the air.

Kazuki's knees buckled under the pressure, but he held his ground. "Come on... just a little more..."

The barrier held, and the wave of magic dissipated. Kazuki collapsed to one knee, gasping for breath.

"Impressive," the intruder said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "But you're running out of steam. It's over."

"Not yet," Kazuki growled, forcing himself to stand.

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Part 3: Awakening the Right Hand

As the fight continued, Kazuki began to notice something strange. His right hand, which had been tingling since the battle began, now burned with an intense heat.

"Tenebris," he said through gritted teeth. "What's happening to my hand?"

The dragon's voice was calm but curious. "It seems the power I mentioned is stirring. Perhaps this battle is the catalyst."

"What power?" Kazuki demanded, dodging another wave of attacks.

"The power to negate any force, magical or otherwise," Tenebris replied. "But it is dormant, incomplete. If you wish to unlock it, you must push beyond your limits."

Kazuki clenched his burning hand, the pain almost unbearable. "Fine. Let's do this."

He charged toward the intruder, his right hand glowing with an otherworldly light. The intruder sneered, summoning a massive spear of darkness.

"Die, boy!" he shouted, hurling the spear with deadly precision.

Kazuki didn't flinch. He raised his glowing hand, the spear colliding with it in a brilliant explosion of light and shadow. To his astonishment, the spear disintegrated upon contact.

"What?!" the intruder exclaimed, his confidence finally wavering.

Kazuki smirked, his exhaustion forgotten. "Guess I'm full of surprises."

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Part 4: Naming the Power

The battle ended with the intruder retreating, his confidence shattered. Kazuki stood alone in the arena, his hand still glowing faintly.

"You've done well," Tenebris said, his voice unusually warm.

Kazuki chuckled weakly. "Thanks, I guess. But what do I call this... thing?"

Tenebris was silent for a moment before replying, "That is for you to decide."

Kazuki thought for a moment, staring at his hand. "How about... Null Hand? Simple, but it gets the point across."

Tenebris chuckled. "A fitting name. Use it wisely."

Kazuki nodded, a sense of determination washing over him. He knew the battles ahead would only get tougher, but with his new power and the bond with Tenebris, he felt ready for whatever came next.

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**End of Chapter 28**