Akira POV
Saturday morning arrived with overcast skies that seemed perfect for my planned reconnaissance mission to the abandoned shrine. I'd spent the past two days refining my magical control and preparing for what might be my first real venture into unknown supernatural territory.
"I'm going to explore the neighborhood." I announced at breakfast, carefully keeping my tone casual. "Maybe find some new places to practice."
Dad looked up from his newspaper—though I noticed his eyes weren't actually moving across the text. "Stay within the residential area, and be back before lunch."
"And take your phone," Mom added, sliding the device across the table. "just in case."
[They're being unusually permissive.] Ddraig observed as I pocketed the phone. [Either they trust your judgment, or they have ways of monitoring your activities that you haven't discovered yet.]
'Probably the latter. But that's a problem for future me to solve.'
I made my way through the quiet Saturday streets, taking a deliberately circuitous route toward the hills that bordered the town. The abandoned shrine was supposedly a twenty-minute hike from the residential area, hidden among old-growth trees that had been left undisturbed for decades.
As I walked, I practiced something I'd been working on all week—combining [Archive Magic] with enhanced perception. The translucent interface appeared in my peripheral vision, automatically cataloging details about my surroundings.
{Environmental scan active. No immediate supernatural signatures detected. Ambient magical energy: Low-normal for residential areas.}
The transition from suburban streets to wilderness was gradual but marked. The neat houses and manicured lawns gave way to wilder vegetation, and the air itself seemed to grow thicker, more... expectant.
{Warning: Magical energy levels increasing. Multiple unknown signatures detected ahead.}
I paused at the base of a steep trail that wound up through dense forest. Ancient stone markers flanked the path, their surfaces covered with carved symbols that made my newly awakened magical senses tingle.
[Those are warding stones,] Ddraig identified. [old ones too. Whatever lies ahead was meant to be protected—or contained.]
'Only one way to find out which.'
The climb was steeper than I'd expected, but my enhanced physical conditioning made it manageable. As I ascended, I noticed that the forest grew unnaturally quiet—no birdsong, no rustle of small animals, just the sound of my own footsteps on the overgrown path.
{Magical energy concentration is increasing exponentially. Recommend extreme caution.}
The shrine appeared suddenly as the path crested a small ridge. It was larger than I'd expected—a complex of buildings arranged around a central courtyard, all of it overgrown with vines and moss. But despite decades of abandonment, the structures remained remarkably intact.
More importantly, the entire site hummed with magical energy.
And something was moving in the central courtyard.
[Partner,] Ddraig's voice carried a note of surprise, [that's not a magical construct or spirit. That's an actual dragon.]
My enhanced vision focused on the figure lounging near the main shrine building—a young woman with a distinctive horned appearance, wearing what looked like a maid outfit. Her orange and yellow hair caught the filtered sunlight, and her tail swished lazily as she examined something in her hands.
But what made my breath catch wasn't her unusual appearance—it was the overwhelming aura of ancient, powerful magic radiating from her very being.
"Oh?" The dragon-girl looked up as I approached, her large eyes fixing on me with immediate interest. "A human child? How unusual. Most humans can't even find this place anymore, let alone climb the warded path."
I stopped at the edge of the courtyard, every instinct telling me I was in the presence of something far more dangerous than it appeared. "I... I was looking for a place to practice. I didn't know anyone was here."
"Practice?" She tilted her head curiously. "What kind of practice would bring a human child to a dragon sanctuary?"
[Dragon sanctuary?] Ddraig repeated with growing excitement. [Partner, this explains the concentrated magical energy. This place is still active.]
"Can you sense my magic?" I asked carefully.
"Sense it? Child, your magical aura is practically screaming." The dragon-girl stood gracefully, and I realized she was taller than she'd appeared while lounging. "Fire dragon magic, that crude Archive system you've been playing with, and..." Her eyes widened suddenly. "Oh my. You carry the scent of the Red Dragon Emperor."
[She recognizes me.] Ddraig said with a mixture of pride and wariness. [This one is old and powerful. Be respectful.]
"I'm Tohru." the dragon said with a slight bow. "I am the current Guardian of this sanctuary and... currently between employment opportunities. And you are clearly more than you appear, little human."
"Akira Buné," I replied, returning her bow. "and you're right—I'm not entirely human."
"Buné?" Tohru's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "The dragon tamer bloodline? I thought that the Buné family line was extinct."
"Apparently not completely." I hesitated, then decided honesty was the best approach. "I'm still learning about my heritage. I found this place because I need somewhere safe to practice my abilities."
Tohru studied me for a long moment, then smiled—an expression that was simultaneously warm and slightly predatory. "How wonderfully convenient. I've been terribly bored lately, and training a descendant of the Buné line sounds delightfully entertaining."
"You'd be willing to teach me?"
"Oh, absolutely. It's been centuries since I've had the opportunity to work with someone who has proper dragon tamer blood." Her tail swished with apparent excitement. "Though I should mention—my teaching methods are somewhat... intensive."
[Partner,] Ddraig interjected, [dragons from this reality have different power scales than what you're familiar with. Proceed carefully.]
Before I could respond, the air shimmered and another figure materialized in the courtyard—a smaller dragon with blue and white coloring, wearing what appeared to be traditional Japanese clothing.
"Tohru-san," the newcomer said with impeccable politeness, "I sensed unusual magical fluctuations and thought you might need assistance."
"Kanna!" Tohru's demeanor brightened considerably. "Perfect timing. We have a visitor—a young dragon tamer who needs instruction."
The dragon called Kanna turned her large, curious eyes toward me. Despite her child-like appearance, the magical power radiating from her made my enhanced senses tingle with warning signals.
"Lightning dragon," she said matter-of-factly after a moment of observation. "but also the Red Dragon Emperor. Unusual combination."
[Lightning dragon?] Ddraig sounded puzzled. [I sense no lightning affinity in your magical development.]
"Lightning dragon?" I echoed Ddraig's confusion.
"Potential," Kanna clarified. "your bloodline carries dormant lightning dragon capabilities. Most humans lack the spiritual capacity to access them."
Tohru nodded approvingly. "Excellent observation, Kanna. Yes, the Buné bloodline had connections to multiple dragon types. Lightning was one of their rarer manifestations."
{Archive Magic activating automatically. Analyzing new information...}
The interface appeared in my peripheral vision, processing everything I was learning at an accelerated rate.
{Analysis: Dragon-type magical signatures detected exceed all known parameters. Recommend extreme caution and respectful approach.}
"You mentioned teaching methods," I said to Tohru. "what would that involve?"
"First, we assess your current capabilities." Tohru replied, moving to the center of the courtyard. "Then we identify your weaknesses and correct them. Dragon tamer magic is fundamentally different from the crude Dragon Slayer variants you've been experimenting with."
"Different how?"
"Dragon Slayer Magic is about consuming elements and converting them into power for slaying dragons." Kanna explained with her usual directness. "But Dragon Tamer Magic is about communication and partnership. Much more efficient."
[They're right,] Ddraig admitted. [the power I've been helping you access is based on consumption and force. True dragon taming involves harmony and understanding.]
"Show us what you can do." Tohru instructed, settling into what was clearly an observation position. "Start with your strongest element."
I centered myself and drew upon my [Fire Dragon Slayer Magic], building the familiar warmth in my chest before channeling it into my hands. A controlled flame appeared above my palms, dancing with the precision I'd developed through weeks of practice.
Both dragons watched with expressions of polite interest.
"Adequate control for a beginner," Tohru observed. "but you're fighting the fire instead of partnering with it. Watch."
She extended her hand, and flame erupted from her palm—but this wasn't the aggressive fire I'd been creating. This flame danced and flowed like a living thing, responding to Tohru's intentions with perfect harmony.
"Feel the difference?" she asked. "Your fire is forced, constrained. Mine is invited, welcomed."
I tried to replicate the feeling, reaching for my fire magic with a gentler approach. The flame in my hands flickered, then suddenly bloomed into something more fluid, more alive.
"Better!" Tohru said with genuine enthusiasm. "You're a quick learner. Now try water."
The next hour was a revelation. Under Tohru and Kanna's guidance, I accessed not just improved versions of the dragon magics I already knew, but entirely new variants I hadn't even known were possible.
Lightning dragon magic proved to be my strongest natural affinity—when Kanna guided me through the basic techniques, electricity crackled around my fingers with an ease that surprised even her.
"This is very unusual," she noted. "most magic users need months to develop even basic lightning control."
"It's the Boosted Gear's influence," Tohru said thoughtfully. "the Red Dragon Emperor's power is enhancing his natural draconic affinities."
[I can feel it too.] Ddraig confirmed. [The interaction between my power and his bloodline is creating synergistic effects.]
"What about the other elements?" I asked, eager to learn more.
"Earth, metal, poison, shadow—all accessible through your bloodline." Tohru replied. "But there are two variants that require special attention."
"Which ones?"
"Hell flame and moon dragon slayer magic," Kanna said seriously. "Dangerous elements that require emotional maturity and perfect control."
"Hell flame is demonic fire combined with dragon power," Tohru explained. "incredibly destructive, but it burns the soul as well as the body. One mistake could cause permanent damage to yourself or others."
"And moon dragon slayer magic?"
"The rarest variant. Connected to illusion, time manipulation, and spiritual transformation. Beautiful and terrible in equal measure."
[Both variants exist in the DxD reality as well.] Ddraig noted. [But these dragons' understanding seems far more comprehensive than what I'm familiar with.]
"For now," Tohru continued, "focus on mastering the basic elements. Lightning, fire, water, earth, metal, poison, and shadow. Once you've achieved true harmony with all seven, we can consider the advanced variants."
"How long will that take?"
Tohru and Kanna exchanged glances. "Depends on your dedication and natural aptitude," Tohru said. "most human dragon tamers require several years. But you have advantages—the Boosted Gear, your mixed heritage, and that interesting Archive system you've developed."
"Can you see my Archive Magic?"
"Of course. It's quite sophisticated for human-created magic." Kanna observed. "But it could be enhanced significantly with dragon knowledge integration."
[They're offering to help evolve your magical systems.] Ddraig realized. [This is an unprecedented opportunity.]
"What kind of enhancement?"
"Dragon Archives," Tohru explained. "instead of simply storing and organizing information, your system could tap into the collective knowledge of dragon-kind. Millions of years of accumulated wisdom, instantly accessible."
The implications were staggering. "What would that involve?"
"Trust," Kanna said simply. "by allowing us to integrate dragon consciousness patterns into your Archive system. Permanent magical partnership."
"Is it dangerous?"
"All power carries risk," Tohru replied. "but the Buné bloodline was designed for this kind of integration. Your ancestors worked in partnership with dragons for centuries."
I considered it carefully. The offer was incredible, but it would also represent a fundamental change in the nature of my abilities.
"Can I think about it?"
"Of course. Such decisions shouldn't be rushed." Tohru said approvingly. "But in the meantime, we can work on your foundation skills."
The next two hours were intensive training unlike anything I'd experienced. Tohru and Kanna didn't just teach techniques—they taught understanding. The philosophical approach to magic, the importance of emotional harmony, the way different elements interacted with personality and spiritual development.
By the time they called a break, I'd achieved basic competency in lightning, shadow, and improved versions of fire and water magic. More importantly, I'd begun to understand the fundamental difference between forcing power and partnering with it.
"You've made excellent progress." Tohru said as I sat panting in the shade. "You have natural talent enhanced by good instincts."
"There's something else I wanted to ask about." I said carefully. "I've been working on rune magic—[Jutsu Shiki]. Could that be enhanced with dragon power?"
"Dragon Script," Kanna said immediately. " an advanced type of runic magic that combines symbolic power with draconic energy. Very effective."
"Show us what you know." Tohru instructed.
I traced a basic protection rune in the dirt, channeling my energy into the symbol. The familiar barrier sensation settled around me, but it felt weak compared to the dragon magic I'd been using.
"Adequate foundation," Tohru observed. "but limited by human understanding of runic principles. Watch."
She traced a similar symbol in the air with her finger, but this rune blazed with golden light and created a barrier that made my efforts look like tissue paper by comparison.
"The difference is intent and energy integration." she explained. "Your runes focus on single purposes. Dragon Script creates multi-layered effects with built-in adaptability."
"Could you teach me?"
"Eventually. Master the basic dragon elements first, then we'll work on integrated systems."
[This is incredible, partner.] Ddraig said with enthusiasm. [These dragons understand magical development in ways I never imagined.]
"There's one more thing," I said hesitantly. "I've been reading about something called Touki—using life energy to enhance physical abilities. I was wondering if it could be adapted to recreate enhancement systems from other realities."
Both dragons looked genuinely surprised.
"You're thinking of Nen reconstruction." Tohru said slowly. "Cross-dimensional magical adaptation. Ambitious and extremely dangerous."
"But not impossible," Kanna added thoughtfully. "the Buné bloodline's dimensional sensitivity might make it feasible."
"Dimensional sensitivity?"
"Your family's dragon taming abilities came from their capacity to understand and bridge different magical systems." Tohru explained. "That's why you can access multiple Dragon Slayer variants so easily—your bloodline is designed for magical adaptation."
[This explains much about your rapid learning.] Ddraig realized. [You're not just talented—you're biologically designed for this kind of development.]
"However," Tohru continued seriously, "nen reconstruction requires perfect understanding of both Touki and the target system. Premature attempts could cause magical backlash, soul damage, or worse."
"What would I need to do to prepare safely?"
"Master advanced Touki first." Kanna said. "Then develop a comprehensive understanding of Nen principles. Finally, careful experimental combination under supervised conditions."
"How long?"
"Years," Tohru replied bluntly. "but we can start laying the groundwork now with enhanced Touki training."
As the afternoon wore on, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer scope of what I was learning. Dragon taming magic, enhanced Archive systems, Dragon Script runes, and the eventual possibility of Nen reconstruction—it was far more than I'd hoped to discover.
"This is incredible." I said as we prepared to wrap up the session. "But why are you willing to help me? What do you get out of this?"
Tohru's expression grew more serious. "Tohru, the dragons of our kind can sense when reality is shifting. Changes are coming to this world—convergences between dimensions, awakening powers, ancient forces beginning to move."
"The supernatural balance is becoming unstable," Kanna added. "dragon tamers historically served as mediators between different magical communities."
"You're saying I might be needed for something specific?"
"We're saying," Tohru replied carefully, "that someone with your unique heritage and abilities might play an important role in maintaining stability when those changes come."
[It all connects back to that entity.] Ddraig observed. [Your reincarnation, the convergent realities, these dragons offering training—it's all part of some larger plan.]
"But for now," Tohru continued, "focus on development. Return next Saturday, and we'll continue your training. Oh, and Akira?"
"Yes?"
"Tell no one about this place or our existence. Dragons prefer to remain hidden from mundane human awareness."
"I understand."
The walk home gave me time to process everything that had happened. I'd gained access to true dragon taming magic, potential enhancement of all my magical systems, and mentors who understood power development in ways I'd never imagined.
But I'd also learned that larger forces were at work, and my role in whatever was coming might be more significant than I'd realized.
{Archive Magic Active. Integration of dragon knowledge patterns detected. Enhanced processing capability development.}
'Create comprehensive file: Dragon Training Session Alpha - Initial Assessment and Goals.'
{File created. Cross-referencing with existing magical development data... Recommendations updating...}
When I arrived home, I found Mom in the garden, tending to her flowers with the same systematic precision I'd observed in everything she did. But today, something was different—she looked up as I approached with an expression that suggested she'd been waiting for me.
"How was your exploration?" she asked, but her tone carried undertones that made it clear she knew I'd been somewhere significant.
"Very educational," I replied carefully. "I found some interesting places to practice."
Mom nodded slowly. "I'm sure you did. Akira, your father and I need to have a conversation with you tonight. There are some things about our family that you're old enough to understand now."
My heart jumped. After weeks of careful observation and growing certainty about my parents' supernatural nature, it seemed they were finally ready to reveal the truth.
"What kind of things?"
"The kind that explains why you've been having those dreams about flying," she said with a small smile. "and why you're developing abilities that most children your age don't possess."
[It seems your parents have been more observant than you realized.] Ddraig noted.
"Okay." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'd like that."
"Good. We'll talk after dinner. For now, why don't you rest? You look like you've had quite an adventure."
As I headed inside, I reflected on how much my life had changed in just a few hours. Dragon mentors, multiple magical systems to master, and now my parents are ready to reveal family secrets that had been hidden for my entire life.
[The game is accelerating.] Ddraig observed. [I suspect tonight's conversation will change everything.]
'Then I'd better be ready for whatever they tell me.'
I spent the afternoon in my room, carefully organizing my new knowledge with [Super Archive Magic] and practicing basic control of my expanded dragon abilities. The enhanced system made the learning process dramatically more efficient, providing real-time feedback and optimization suggestions that shortened the typical training curve by months.
{Recommendation: Focus on integration rather than expansion. Dragon tamer magic requires a different mental approach than dragon slayer magic.}
Sound advice. The dragons had emphasized harmony over dominance, partnership over consumption. It would take time to unlearn the aggressive approaches I'd been developing.
As evening approached, I found myself both excited and nervous about my parents' promised revelation. Whatever they told me tonight would either confirm my theories about their supernatural nature or reveal something even more unexpected.
Either way, I had the feeling that the careful balance I'd been maintaining between my normal and supernatural lives was about to shift dramatically.
[Are you ready for this, partner?] Ddraig asked as I headed downstairs for dinner.
'Ready or not, it's time to find out who my parents really are.'
The answers, I suspected, would be more surprising than anything I could imagine.