Cross Dragon x Devils

Part 1: A Moment of Calm

The days after the encounter with the mysterious intruder passed in a tense haze. Kazuki, Ayumi, Rito, and Sutea spent their time alternating between training and trying to regain some semblance of normalcy.

"You've been pushing yourself too hard, Kazuki," Ayumi said, handing him a cold drink as they sat on the academy's rooftop after another grueling training session.

Kazuki leaned back, the evening breeze cooling his sweat-drenched body. "I have to. The attacks are getting worse, and Mortis wasn't some random threat. I need to be ready."

Sutea, sitting cross-legged nearby, gave him a sharp look. "Ready for what? To kill yourself before the real battle even starts?"

Kazuki laughed nervously. "It's not like that."

"It is like that," Ayumi interjected. Her voice softened, and she placed a hand on his arm. "Kazuki, we're here too. You don't have to bear this burden alone."

Kazuki's gaze flicked between Ayumi and Sutea, both of whom were clearly worried. He opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by Rito's voice from behind him.

"Leave him alone, you two."

Rito stepped onto the rooftop, her presence commanding. She sat beside Kazuki, leaning her shoulder against his. "He knows what he's doing. And if he doesn't, I'll be here to smack some sense into him."

The lighthearted remark made everyone chuckle, and for a brief moment, the tension eased.

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Part 2: Chaos in the Courtyard

The following morning, chaos erupted as a section of the academy's outer wall was breached. Dark-clad figures poured in, their movements swift and coordinated.

Kazuki's combat armor materialized in a burst of violet energy as he, Rito, Ayumi, and Sutea rushed toward the battlefield.

"I knew it!" Ayumi shouted, conjuring a barrier of flames to block incoming projectiles. "Something felt off this whole week!"

Sutea, standing back-to-back with Ayumi, unleashed a flurry of wind blades, her precision deadly. "Save the commentary for later, Ayumi!"

Kazuki and Rito fought side by side, their movements perfectly synchronized. His Null Hand absorbed enemy attacks, while Rito countered with devastating bursts of light and shadow magic.

"Who are these guys?" Rito shouted, her tone a mix of frustration and determination.

"No idea!" Kazuki replied, shoving an enemy back with a surge of void energy.

The battle raged on until a towering figure stepped through the breach, his dark armor gleaming ominously.

"So, these are the academy's finest?" the figure said, his voice a deep rumble. "Pathetic."

Kazuki stepped forward, his fists clenched. "Who are you?"

The figure smirked. "I am General Mortis, servant of the White Dragon. I've come to deliver a message—and eliminate any resistance."

Before anyone could react, Mortis attacked. His speed and strength were terrifying, and despite their combined efforts, the group struggled to keep up.

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Part 3: The Void Awakens

Kazuki was sent flying, his body crashing into a wall. He groaned, struggling to his feet. His armor was cracked, and his energy was almost depleted.

"Tenebris," he called out in his mind.

"Yes, Kazuki?" the dragon replied.

"I need your help."

"Then stop holding back," the dragon said. "Let the void flow through you."

With a deep breath, Kazuki let the energy surge through his body. His incomplete transformation activated, his aura blazing violet as his hair flickered with energy.

"Kazuki!" Ayumi shouted, her voice filled with worry.

"I'm fine!" he replied, darting toward Mortis with renewed speed. His strikes were faster, more precise, but Mortis still held the upper hand.

"Foolish," Mortis said, knocking Kazuki back again. "You cannot defeat me."

As Kazuki struggled to his feet, Tenebris's voice echoed in his mind. "This is not your limit, Kazuki. You have more to give."

Kazuki gritted his teeth, pushing himself beyond his limits. His Null Hand glowed with an intensity he'd never felt before, and when Mortis attacked again, Kazuki caught the glaive, its dark magic unraveling under his touch.

"What?!" Mortis exclaimed, his confidence finally shaken.

Kazuki smirked. "Guess I'm stronger than you thought."

With a final surge of energy, he unleashed a devastating blast, sending Mortis retreating into the shadows.

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Part 4: Naming the Dragon

After the battle, Kazuki sat in the courtyard, exhausted but victorious. Ayumi and Sutea tended to his wounds, while Rito stood nearby, her arms crossed.

"You're reckless," Rito said, though her tone was more concerned than angry.

"I had no choice," Kazuki replied, his voice weak.

"You always have a choice," Ayumi said softly, her hand resting on his shoulder.

Kazuki glanced at her, his heart skipping a beat. Her concern was genuine, and for a moment, he felt a pang of guilt.

Sutea rolled her eyes. "If you're done with the drama, maybe you should thank us for saving your sorry butt."

Kazuki laughed, the tension easing slightly. "Thanks, Sutea. You're the best."

Sutea smirked, but her cheeks turned a faint pink.

In his mind, Tenebris spoke up. "Kazuki, we need to talk."

Kazuki closed his eyes, entering the mental plane. "What is it, Tenebris?"

"You can't keep calling me Tenebris," the dragon said. "It's time for a proper name."

Kazuki thought for a moment before smiling. "How about Erevan? It means 'shadow of the dawn.'"

The dragon chuckled. "A fitting name. Very well, Kazuki. From this day forward, I am Erevan."

Kazuki opened his eyes, a newfound sense of purpose filling him. With Erevan by his side and his friends supporting him, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the group prepared to return to the academy, Rito grabbed Kazuki's arm, her expression unreadable.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Just… don't forget that we're here for you," she said softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.

Kazuki smiled, his heart warming at her words. "I won't."

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**End of Chapter 29**