Friday morning sunlight streamed through the blinds of Issei's bedroom as I completed the final stage of my energy suppression exercises. Two months of intensive training had paid off more quickly than either Ddraig or I had anticipated.

  "Perfect," I muttered, feeling the steady containment of power around my draconic heart. No leaks, no fluctuations.

  "Impressive," Ddraig acknowledged. "Most hosts take months to achieve this level of control. Your security background serves you well—the discipline, the focus."

  I smiled, rising from my cross-legged position on the floor. "Or maybe I'm just stubborn."

  "That too," the dragon rumbled with unmistakable amusement. "Though I prefer 'determined' when describing my hosts. Sounds less like an annoying hatchling and more like a proper warrior."

  "Worried about your draconic reputation?" I teased, stretching my arms over my head. "The mighty Welsh Dragon can't have people thinking he's partnered with some stubborn teenager?"

  "After being sealed in Sacred Gears for millennia, my standards have... adjusted," Ddraig replied dryly. "But you're certainly an improvement over your predecessor. Less obsession with female anatomy, more actual combat potential."

  I moved to the small desk where my sketchbook lay open. Pages filled with combat stances, fighting techniques, and the occasional anime character design. My drawings had always been decent, but the enhanced coordination from my partial transformation made them noticeably better.

  "So, fallen angels," I said, flipping to a fresh page and sketching based on my knowledge from the anime. "Light spears as their primary weapon. They're fast, can fly, and have centuries of combat experience."

  "Yet they are arrogant," Ddraig noted. "All fallen are. It makes them predictable."

  I nodded, adding details to the drawing. "In the original timeline, Raynare approaches Issei after the first week of school. We're on day five now. So it's coming soon."

  As I sketched, a surge of foreign emotions washed over me—unlike my own controlled tactical assessment, these were raw teenage fears and excitements. Emotional echoes from the original Issei, I realized, though not memories of events that hadn't happened yet. Just his typical reactions to beautiful women mixed with my knowledge of the danger they represented.

  "These emotional echoes are getting stronger," I murmured, setting down my pencil as the wave passed.

  "The integration progresses," Ddraig confirmed. "Your souls continue to merge. It will become more pronounced in moments of strong connection to the original's experiences."

  I shook my head to clear it and headed to the kitchen. Cooking had been a passion in my previous life—a practical skill that doubled as stress relief during my high-pressure security job. Issei's parents were often away on business trips, which gave me plenty of opportunity to cook for myself.

  As I prepared a proper breakfast—rice, grilled fish, miso soup, and a small omelet—I found myself humming the opening theme to "Sword Art Online." Little pleasures like these helped me adapt to my bizarre situation.

  "You seem... lighter today," Ddraig observed.

  I flipped the omelet with practiced ease. "I'm adapting. What other choice is there? Besides, this world has some advantages."

  "Such as?"

  "Well, for one, there are dozens of anime series here that never existed in my world," I said with genuine enthusiasm. "Once we deal with Raynare, I can catch up on all of them. Plus, I'm young again, with a draconic heart that makes me more physically capable than I ever was before."

  "A positive outlook," Ddraig sounded approving. "Though perhaps premature. Raynare will not be your only challenge."

  "One threat at a time," I replied, plating my breakfast. "Speaking of which, what fighting style do you think would work best against a fallen angel? My karate training focused on human opponents, not supernatural ones."

  "With your current abilities, direct confrontation would be unwise," the dragon advised. "Your strength has improved, but you haven't undergone additional transformations yet. Counter-strikes and evasion would serve you better."

  I nodded, eating thoughtfully. "Aikido principles then. Use her momentum against her, stay close to negate the advantage of her light spears."

  "A sound strategy. Though I would advise carrying a weapon as well. Something to disrupt her flight capability."

  "So you're saying I should bring a dragon to a knife fight?" I quipped, finishing my miso soup.

  "I am the dragon in this scenario," Ddraig responded with a hint of exasperation. "And at your current level, you'd be the equivalent of bringing a particularly sharp spoon to a magical firefight."

  I chuckled, rinsing my dishes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

  "Not confidence—reality," Ddraig countered, though his tone was more bantering than harsh. "The wielder who charges in believing himself invincible is usually the one whose lifespan I measure in seconds rather than decades."

  "Fair enough," I conceded. "I'll need to get creative with both strategy and weaponry."

  As I dried the last plate, a question that had been nagging at me finally surfaced. "Ddraig, the power I'm suppressing... how much of it is coming from me versus the sacred gear? I know the original Issei had to build up his power gradually."

  "An insightful question," Ddraig rumbled. "In your case, the line is blurred. Your soul fusion created an unusual situation. The sacred gear has adapted—mutated, as I mentioned before. The amulet form allows for greater power integration than the standard gauntlet would at this stage."

  I touched the crimson amulet hanging around my neck, feeling its warmth against my skin. "So the power is... both of ours?"

  "Correct. The draconic heart transformation has linked your life force more directly to my power than a normal host would experience. You're channeling a portion of my power constantly, even when not actively using the Boosted Gear's abilities."

  "Speaking of which," I said, "we've been so focused on suppression and the heart transformation that we haven't discussed the actual abilities of the Boosted Gear. In the series, it could double the user's power every ten seconds."

  "That remains its primary function," Ddraig confirmed. "Though with your mutated version, there are... variations."

  "Such as?"

  "The amulet form allows for more subtle manipulation. While the gauntlet is primarily offensive—doubling power for strikes and energy attacks—your version can distribute the boost more selectively. Enhance speed while maintaining normal strength, for instance. Or boost defensive capabilities without increasing offensive output."

  That was interesting—and potentially very useful. "More versatile, but potentially less raw power?"

  "For now," Ddraig agreed. "Though as we progress through more transformations, that limitation will fade. There's another ability you should know about, given your concerns with detection."

  I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

  "I can assist with power suppression," the dragon explained. "While you've mastered the basics impressively quickly, there may be situations where you need to hide completely from supernatural detection. In such cases, I can temporarily assume the burden of containment, cloaking both your power and mine."

  "That's extremely useful," I said, already thinking of scenarios where such an ability would be crucial. "What's the limitation?"

  "Time," Ddraig said simply. "It's draining to maintain. Perhaps five minutes at maximum suppression currently. And you would be unable to access most of your enhanced abilities during that period."

  I nodded, adding this to my mental arsenal. "A last resort then, but good to know it's available. What about the other abilities I saw in the series? Transfer? Penetrate?"

  "Those will come with time and development," Ddraig assured me. "Each requires mastery of the previous abilities and additional transformations. Your body isn't ready yet."

  "But first, we need to survive Sona Sitri's interrogation today."

  The Student Council room was exactly what I expected—immaculate, formal, with an atmosphere of quiet authority. Large windows overlooked the school grounds, bookshelves lined the walls, and a beautifully crafted wooden desk dominated the center of the room.

  Sona sat behind the desk, her posture perfect. Beside her stood Tsubaki Shinra, the vice president and Sona's Queen. Also present were two other council members I recognized from the anime—Momo Hanakai, a girl with white hair and a gentle demeanor, and Genshirou Saji, the only male member, who was eyeing me with visible suspicion.

  "Thank you for coming back, Hyoudou," Sona said, her formal tone softened slightly compared to our first meeting yesterday. "I hope your condition hasn't been giving you trouble today?"

  I sat in the chair facing her desk, maintaining my calm breathing and perfect energy suppression. Even after only a day, it felt oddly familiar to be here—almost comfortable, despite the magical wards I could sense through my draconic heart.

  "The detection spells have been strengthened since yesterday," Ddraig observed. "Nothing threatening, but more precise. Your suppression is holding well, though."

  "No episodes today, thankfully," I replied to Sona with a small smile. "The Friday classes were engaging enough to keep my mind off things."

  Saji made a derisive noise. "That's a first. Hyoudou finding classes 'engaging' instead of just staring at girls."

  "Saji," Sona said sharply, "we discussed this yesterday after Hyoudou left."

  His face reddened slightly, but he maintained his suspicious glare in my direction.

  "I brought lunch," I said, placing three bento boxes on the desk. "I noticed yesterday that none of you had taken a break to eat, and I figured Friday council work might be the same."

  This clearly caught them off guard again, despite yesterday's food offering. Saji looked particularly bewildered, as if my behavior continued to defy his entire worldview of who "Issei Hyoudou" was supposed to be.

  "You... made lunch? For us?" Tsubaki asked, her normally stoic expression showing genuine surprise.

  "Nothing fancy," I said with a modest shrug. "Just thought it might be appreciated."

  Sona adjusted her glasses, studying me with that calculating look I was beginning to recognize. "This is becoming a habit, Hyoudou. First chess challenges, now homemade meals. The student body wouldn't recognize you."

  "My friends certainly don't," I admitted with a rueful smile. "Matsuda and Motohama have been giving me strange looks all week when I turn down their... extracurricular viewing activities."

  "You mean when you refuse to peep on the kendo club with them," Momo translated dryly, though she was already accepting one of the bento boxes with a grateful nod.

  "Their faces when I said I had a Student Council meeting instead were priceless," I chuckled. "They thought I was being blackmailed or something."

  Even Sona's lips quirked upward at that. "Your reputation does make your recent behavior... unexpected."

  "Change can be good," I replied, pushing a bento toward her. "Speaking of which, I've been thinking about our chess game yesterday. I believe I've identified my key mistakes."

  "Oh?" Sona's interest visibly piqued, and she opened the bento while maintaining eye contact. "Do tell."

  As Tsubaki and Momo began eating, Sona and I fell into a surprisingly comfortable analysis of yesterday's chess match. I pointed out what I thought were my strategic errors, and she corrected my assessment with remarkable precision, explaining subtleties I'd missed entirely.

  Saji watched this exchange with growing disbelief, his bento sitting untouched as Sona and I discussed pawn structures and queen-side development.

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  "This is bizarre," he finally blurted out. "Since when does the biggest pervert in school talk chess strategy with Kaichou?"

  "Since he discovered he has more interests than just the female anatomy," I replied good-naturedly before Sona could reprimand him again. "The heart condition was a wake-up call, honestly. Makes you reassess priorities."

  "And chess became a priority?" Saji asked skeptically, finally opening his bento and grudgingly sampling the food.

  "Strategy games help me focus," I explained. "When you're having a pain episode, having something complex to concentrate on makes it easier to get through."

  Sona nodded thoughtfully. "A legitimate therapeutic technique. Mental focus can help manage physical discomfort."

  "Exactly," I agreed. "Plus, it's just fun. I never realized how much I'd enjoy the challenge until I tried it."

  "Speaking of challenges," Sona said, gesturing toward the chess set by the window, "are you ready for that rematch? Your food is excellent, but I'm curious if your game has improved since yesterday."

  "Bold of you to assume I could improve that quickly," I laughed, though in truth I had spent several hours studying chess strategies online last night. "But I'm always up for learning from defeat."

  Saji made another disbelieving sound. "Kaichou, the budget reports for the cultural festival—"

  "Can wait until after lunch," Sona finished smoothly. "It's Friday afternoon, Saji. Even Student Council members deserve a short break."

  As we moved to the chess table, I caught Tsubaki and Momo exchanging surprised glances. Apparently, Sona taking a lunch break for chess was as out of character for her as my newfound interests were for me.

  "You draw?" she asked, genuine curiosity entering her voice.

  I glanced down, surprised to find I'd sketched a decent rendition of a chess piece—the knight—during our conversation. A habit from my previous life, doodling during meetings to help maintain focus.

  "Just a hobby," I replied, slightly embarrassed.

  "May I see your other sketches?" she asked, her interest seemingly genuine.

  I hesitated, then carefully turned back a few pages in my notebook. Most drawings were innocuous—landscapes, practice studies of hands and eyes, a few anime characters. But then there was the detailed sword design—the distinctive blade I'd used as a Dark Knight in Final Fantasy XIV. The page showed multiple angles, with notes about balance and materials.

  The sleek, curved single-edged blade was drawn in exquisite detail, with careful annotations about the potential weight distribution. In one corner, I'd added a smaller sketch showing how the sword might look when activated—surrounded by wisps of ethereal purple energy flowing along the blade and emanating from its edge. I'd even made notes about how draconic power might be channeled through the weapon to create that effect.

  "Interesting design," Sona commented, studying the sword sketch. "Is this from a game?"

  I was surprised by her recognition. "Final Fantasy. I'm a fan of the aesthetics."

  "The energy effect is particularly striking," she noted, pointing to the secondary sketch. "What purpose would that serve?"

  "Just artistic license," I replied with a shrug. "Though I imagine it would be intimidating in a real fight."

  She flipped to another page, where my sketch of the knight chess piece was more fully developed than the one I'd just drawn.

  "Your chess interest continues, I see," she observed, looking from the detailed knight to my current doodle. "You mentioned yesterday you play."

  "Been practicing online since our conversation," I admitted. "Your skill level was... motivating."

  Her eyes moved to the far end of the room, where the elegant chess set we'd used yesterday sat on a small table by the window. "Ready for another match so soon? Most students avoid a rematch after losing."

  "What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment," I replied with a small smile. "Besides, I've been thinking about our game. I made at least three critical mistakes."

  "Four, actually," Sona corrected, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. "Your queen-side defense collapsed because of poor pawn structure."

  I couldn't help but laugh. "See? This is why I need a rematch. Valuable feedback."

  "Kaichou is an exceptional player," Tsubaki said, speaking for the first time. "Few in the school can provide a challenge."

  "Is that an invitation or a warning?" I asked with a small smile.

  The corner of Sona's mouth twitched upward—the closest thing to a smile I'd seen from her. "Perhaps both. We've concluded the official business regarding your health condition. If you have time, a game might be... informative."

  I recognized the strategic opportunity. Playing chess would give me a chance to show a different side of "Issei" while also gauging Sona's approach.

  "I'd be honored," I replied, genuinely looking forward to the challenge.

  Saji looked downright offended by this development. "Kaichou, we have the budget meeting to prepare for—"

  "Which isn't until Monday," Sona cut him off smoothly. "I can spare thirty minutes."

  We moved to the chess table by the window. The set was beautiful—carved stone pieces on a marble board. Sona took white again, making a different opening move than yesterday—a king's pawn opening instead of the queen's pawn she'd previously used.

  "Changing tactics?" I asked, responding with a different defense than before.

  "Assessing adaptability," she replied with that ghost of a smile. "Yesterday's game showed you have foundational knowledge. I'm curious how well you respond to variation."

  As we played, I found myself enjoying the moment despite the underlying strategic surveillance. There was something almost comforting about the quiet concentration, the gentle click of stone pieces against marble, the respectful silence as we each considered our moves.

  "Your approach is more aggressive today," Sona noted after I launched an unexpected attack with my knight. "Less cautious than yesterday."

  "Different day, different mindset," I replied, capturing one of her pawns. "Besides, I figure you've already seen my defensive play. Might as well show some range."

  The comment earned me an appraising look from both Sona and Tsubaki, who had abandoned her paperwork to watch our game.

  "You know," Sona said after making her next move, "we have an unofficial chess club that meets on Wednesdays after school. Nothing formal, just a few students who enjoy the game. You might find it interesting."

  The invitation surprised me—and clearly shocked Saji, who was nearly gaping across the room.

  "I'd like that," I replied sincerely. "Though I'm still a beginner compared to you."

  "We all start somewhere," she said philosophically. "And variety in opponents helps develop strategic thinking."

  Forty minutes into our game, we'd drawn a small audience. Momo was openly watching instead of working, and even Saji had abandoned his sulking to observe from a distance. The game was closer than yesterday's, though Sona still maintained a slight advantage.

  "Check," I announced after a particularly complex exchange, earning a raised eyebrow from Sona.

  "Interesting choice," she remarked, studying the board before making her counter-move.

  Ten moves later, however, her superior experience told. "Checkmate in three," she announced.

  I studied the board, saw the inevitable, and conceded with a respectful nod. "You're right. Well played."

  "You've improved since yesterday," she acknowledged, surprising me. "Your middle game was considerably stronger."

  "Online tutorials," I admitted. "I may have stayed up a bit later than I should have studying chess theory."

  "Dedication," she noted with approval. "A commendable quality when applied to worthwhile pursuits."

  As we reset the pieces, I caught Saji watching us with a complicated expression—suspicion mixed with confusion and something that looked almost like jealousy.

  "Is the chess club primarily Student Council members?" I asked, handing Sona the last pawn.

  "No, actually. It's quite diverse," she replied. "A few academically focused students, a couple from the literature club, even one from the kendo team."

  My interest piqued at that. "The kendo team? Anyone I might know?"

  "Murayama," Sona said casually, though her eyes watched me carefully for reaction. "She's quite talented, actually."

  I carefully maintained a neutral expression despite the surge of original-Issei emotions that flared at the mention of the kendo captain. "Interesting. I wouldn't have guessed."

  "People often have hidden depths," Sona observed, with a pointed look that made me wonder if this had been a test of some kind.

  "True enough," I agreed, standing as I checked the time. "I should probably head out. Got some errands to run before the weekend."

  "Of course," Sona nodded. "Thank you for the lunch and the game. Perhaps we'll see you Wednesday at the chess club?"

  "I'd like that," I replied sincerely, collecting my things.

  As I prepared to leave, Saji finally approached, his expression guarded but less openly hostile than before.

  "You're really different from what everyone says," he said grudgingly. "And the food was... good."

  Coming from him, this was practically effusive praise. "Thanks," I replied with a small smile. "See you around, Saji."

  As I exited the Student Council room, I nearly collided with someone in the hallway—someone with long crimson hair.

  Rias Gremory.

  She stepped back, turquoise eyes widening slightly in surprise before shifting to curiosity.

  "Excuse me," I said politely, stepping around her.

  "Of course," she replied, her gaze following me. "You're Issei Hyoudou, aren't you?"

  "That's right," I confirmed, maintaining my energy suppression and casual demeanor.

  "Interesting," she murmured, glancing from me to the Student Council room door. "Perhaps we'll speak another time."

  "Perhaps," I agreed neutrally, continuing on my way without looking back.

  I could feel her watching me until I turned the corner.

  "The Gremory girl is curious now," Ddraig commented as I made my way down the stairs. "The devils' interest in you grows."

  "Let them be curious," I replied under my breath. "We have bigger concerns."

  As I crossed the school courtyard toward the main gate, a prickling sensation ran down my spine—the feeling of being watched, but different from the devils' attention. This felt... malevolent.

  I didn't turn or change my pace, but I extended my senses—another new ability from my draconic heart.

  "A fallen one," Ddraig confirmed. "By the cherry trees, across the street."

  Through my peripheral vision, I caught a glimpse of her—a petite figure in a different school's uniform, dark hair framing an innocent face that concealed her true nature. This must be Raynare in her Yuuma Amano disguise, watching me just as I'd expected from my knowledge of the anime.

  The game was beginning.

  "Right on schedule," I murmured, continuing my casual pace. "Time to prepare for our inevitable meeting."

  As I walked home, my mind was already planning for what would come next. The weekend would be perfect for my second transformation—less extensive than the heart change, but still necessary for my continued evolution.

  "Ddraig," I said quietly as I entered the empty house, "I've been noticing more energy fluctuations lately. Is that normal?"

  "It's to be expected," the dragon confirmed. "Your body is still adapting to the heart transformation. The energy fluctuations will continue until you've fully integrated the changes."

  "Which means more episodes," I sighed, setting my bag down. "How long will this continue?"

  "Difficult to say," Ddraig rumbled. "Your human body struggles to contain draconic power. Each transformation requires an adaptation period. The heart was the most crucial, but your body needs to evolve further to properly channel the energy without strain."

  "So I'm basically a leaky faucet of draconic power?" I muttered, flopping onto the couch. "Fantastic."

  "More like a human-shaped teapot trying to contain molten steel," Ddraig corrected with dark humor. "It's a miracle you're not a smoldering pile of ash already. You should be grateful for my excellent containment skills."

  "Your modesty is truly inspiring," I replied, rolling my eyes despite the fact that Ddraig couldn't actually see the gesture. "Next you'll be telling me I should build you a shrine."

  "I wouldn't object," the dragon replied with what sounded suspiciously like a draconic chuckle. "Though I'd settle for a host who doesn't complain quite so much about a little pain and power leakage."

  "Which is why we need the next transformation," I concluded, heading upstairs. "I think we should proceed with it tomorrow. My parents will be out for most of the weekend, and I've already adapted reasonably well to the heart change."

  "Are you certain?" Ddraig asked. "The lung transformation is less traumatic than the heart, but still dangerous and painful."

  "I'm certain," I replied, opening my closet and pulling out a small box hidden beneath some clothes. Inside were several manga volumes and figurines—the remnants of the original Issei's perverted collection. "I've been selling off these... items... over the past week. Should have enough funds now."

  "Funds for what, precisely?" Ddraig asked with curiosity.

  "You'll see," I replied with a small smile, setting the box aside. "For now, let's focus on the transformation. I'll tell my parents I'm staying at a friend's. One day should be enough, right?"

  "For this transformation, yes," the dragon confirmed. "Unlike the heart, which took three days, the lungs can be transformed in approximately twenty-four hours. Still painful, but more manageable. However, the energy fluctuations may become more pronounced afterward until you adapt."

  "How many transformations will I need before my body is stable?" I asked, beginning to pack an overnight bag.

  "At least four major ones," Ddraig said. "Heart, lungs, blood, and nervous system. Each makes you less human and more draconic, but also increases your ability to contain and channel power without strain."

  "So I'm slowly turning into a dragon in human clothing," I mused, tossing some clothes into the bag. "Should I start hoarding gold and kidnapping princesses too?"

  "Please don't," Ddraig groaned. "Those stereotypes are offensive. Modern dragons prefer diversified investment portfolios and consensual relationships."

  I nearly dropped the shirt I was holding, bursting into surprised laughter. "Did you just make a joke about dragon dating preferences?"

  "I've been sealed in Sacred Gears for millennia," Ddraig replied with dignified humor. "You develop a certain perspective... and yes, occasionally, a sense of humor. Though I assure you, my investment advice is entirely serious."

  I nodded, already composing the text message to my parents. With a fallen angel watching and the devils growing more curious, I needed every advantage I could get. Draconic lungs would increase my stamina and provide resistance to airborne toxins—including, potentially, the light element that fallen angels wielded.

  The confrontation I'd been training for was approaching. Soon, Raynare would make her move, expecting an easy kill.

  She had no idea what was waiting for her.

  I smiled to myself, feeling the draconic heart beat steadily in my chest. Let her come. This time, the story would have a very different ending.

  Author Note:

  Hey guys I hope you liked the new Chapter if so make sure to like and follow for more :).

  Also I have a Patr eon Account where you can read ahead, visit my Page for more infomation:

  w.pat reon. com/c (slash)AndrewSlayn