Chapter 16 - Arc 2 Chapter 6 to 10

📖 Arc 2 – Chapter 6: The Void and the Flame

[Ancient Battlefield]

The earth of the ancient world cracked beneath every tremor, as if unable to contain the clash of primordial forces. This was not the fragile artificial cage of Aincrad, but the raw, chaotic Tensura world in its pre-canon era—a land where proto-monsters roamed, continents shifted with dragon roars, and the laws of magic were still being written.

The crimson sky above burned with Velgrynd's flames as she descended like a living comet, her spear of pure fire already formed.

Velgrynd (mocking):

"Show me, intruder. Show me why my brother thinks you're worth even speaking to!"

Her strike came faster than thought. The air around Neo vaporized, ground melting into rivers of magma as her spear pierced forward.

Neo barely raised his barrier before it shattered like glass, the molten shockwave searing his skin.

Neo (grimacing):

She's faster. Stronger. Every move is trial by fire. If I only defend, I'll be crushed. But if I unleash everything… I could erase her. And I can't. Not here. Not now.

[Azathoth Awakens]

A pulse resonated in his mind—Seraphina's voice, calm amidst the inferno.

Seraphina:

You cannot match her flame with storm alone. Invoke Azathoth. Call upon Nihility Collapse. Even restrained, its void will tip the scales.

Neo thrust his hand outward. Reality bent. A black ring of nothingness spiraled into being, distorting the light of Velgrynd's flames.

For the first time, her smirk flickered.

Velgrynd (thought):

This… isn't magic. Not flame. Not storm. Not creation. This is… erasure.

He released a controlled pulse of Turn Null, the raw fabric of nothingness. Her spear of fire dissolved in midair, erased without resistance.

The world itself groaned from the strain of containing the clash.

Velgrynd (low, intrigued):

"…Void. You dare hold such power in mortal hands?"

[Measured Destruction]

Velgrynd surged forward again, body wrapped in dragonfire that turned mountains into ash. Neo countered with Imaginary Space, warping the battlefield itself, folding distance so her strike cut through nothing.

Still—her aura pressed him, searing through every gap. Every strike shook his bones, forcing his focus razor-sharp.

Neo (breathing hard):

"…Guess I can't just hold back anymore."

He gathered a narrow thread of Nihility Collapse Energy, shaping it into a precise blade. The void-line sliced through her flames without exploding, without collateral—only a clean, perfect erasure.

It took everything he had to control it. Sweat poured down his forehead, his muscles screaming. To wield Azathoth's void was to balance annihilation on the edge of willpower.

Velgrynd's smile softened—not mockery now, but acknowledgment.

Velgrynd:

"…You could have tried to erase me. But you didn't."

Neo (steady):

"I came here to prove myself. Not destroy the one I'm supposed to stand beside."

[A Watching God]

From above, hidden in the folds of the sky, Veldanava's divine presence lingered. The God of Creation watched silently, golden eyes reflecting both curiosity and satisfaction.

Veldanava (to himself):

"…The boy holds the void yet wields it with restraint. He shapes destruction into precision. Perhaps my sister has finally found an equal worthy of testing her flame."

[The Final Exchange]

Velgrynd's aura ignited brighter, flames rising like suns. The ground beneath split, magma bursting forth.

Velgrynd (voice ringing like a verdict):

"One last strike. If you can endure this, I'll recognize you. Fail—and the void claims you."

Her form condensed into a colossal spear of dragonfire, her entire essence sharpened into annihilation.

Neo steadied his breath, storm-light and void intertwining.

Seraphina:

Now, Neo. Scorch・Storm. Unleash the True Dragon within.

Neo roared as True Dragon Release [Scorch・Storm] erupted—storm winds and searing fire coalescing into a primal dragon's roar. His blast collided with Velgrynd's spear, the clash tearing open the sky, splitting mountains, boiling rivers.

For an eternal heartbeat, the world held its breath.

Then—the flames and storm canceled into silence.

[Acknowledgment]

Neo stood, clothes scorched, body battered, but unyielding. Velgrynd's armor cracked, her hair wild with flame, but she too still stood.

Slowly, her lips curled—not in mockery, but approval.

Velgrynd (softly, almost reluctant):

"…Not bad, husband."

Neo blinked. His knees almost buckled—not from exhaustion, but from her words.

High above, Veldanava's laughter rumbled across the skies.

Veldanava:

"…So begins the bond of Void and Flame. How… amusing."

The ancient world itself seemed to shiver, as though recording the first step of a new legend.

✨ End of Chapter 6 – The Void and the Flame ✨

📖 Arc 2 – Chapter 7: Husband of Flame, Voice of Multiverses

[Dimensional Group Chat – Live Broadcast]

System:[Broadcast active: Neo vs. Velgrynd]

The duel had just ended, the battlefield still trembling from the collision of storm and flame. Neo was still trying to catch his breath when Velgrynd, with all the casual ruthlessness of a dragon goddess, called him husband.

And of course, the chat group exploded instantly.

Kiana:

😂😂😂 HUSBAND?! Bro we blink and suddenly you're married to a dragon goddess?!

Asuna:

Neo… seriously?! You almost got burned alive and the reward you get is a wife??

Kirito:

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) "Not bad, husband." Man, you're living the dream while I was stuck fighting floor bosses for loot drops.

Bronya:

Calculating… this is statistically the fastest engagement I've ever witnessed.

Zhongli:

Dragons… do not waste words lightly. If Velgrynd called you that, she has already accepted your bond. Congratulations, Neo. Though you seem… distressed.

Kiana:

Distressed?! He looks like he's about to faint! 😂😂

Neo:

(angry typing) YOU GUYS SAW IT. SHE'S INSANE. She tried to roast me alive!! And now everyone's calling me her husband??

Kiana:

Bro, you literally unleashed a void god and survived her flames. That's like… peak marriage ceremony in dragon culture.

Asuna:

Do we call you "Mr. Velgrynd" now?? 😏

Kirito:

LMAO, Dragon Knight Neo, Protector of the Void, Flame Husband Supreme.

Zhongli:

…you all are merciless.

Kiana:

(っ˘ڡ˘ς) We're just preparing Neo for his honeymoon.

Neo:

I HATE THIS GROUP.

[After the Duel]

The firestorms had calmed. The land was scarred and smoking, magma rivers glowing faintly under the cracked earth.

Neo stood opposite Velgrynd. She was composed now, her fiery aura dimmed to a simmer, her sharp eyes assessing him with new weight.

Velgrynd:

"…You did not collapse. And you wield your void with control. Fine. I acknowledge you—not just as a warrior, but as one worthy of standing beside me."

Her words carried the weight of law. To dragons, acknowledgment was binding.

Neo (muttering):

"…Great. Just what I needed. A cosmic marriage contract…"

From above, Veldanava finally descended—his presence like starlight woven into human form. Where Velgrynd was fire incarnate, he was serenity itself.

Veldanava:

"You've proven more than I expected, traveler. Now—tell me. What are you? Your aura is not of this world."

[Neo Explains the Multiverse & the Chat Group]

Neo straightened. He knew hiding anything from the God of Creation would be pointless.

Neo:

"I'm… not from this timeline. Not even this world, really. I was brought here by something called the Dimensional Group Chat. It connects people from countless universes—different worlds, different timelines. We take on missions to stop corrupt forces that threaten balance across realities."

He paused, then added:

Neo:

"In my case, I've already fought through one crisis in another world. Now, the chat sent me here. To your world. A world I know from… stories. From another timeline, where events are already written."

Veldanava's gaze sharpened, his divine light flickering like suns colliding.

Veldanava:

"…So you know the fate of this world. You know of my death."

Neo's throat tightened. The air itself grew heavy.

Neo (softly):

"Yes. In the original flow, you die… and the world spirals into centuries of conflict until someone rises to inherit your will. That someone is Rimuru."

Velgrynd froze at his words, fire crackling in her hair. Her eyes darted toward her brother in disbelief.

Neo:

"But I have to ask… is the original timeline of this world still safe? Or did my presence—or the chat group's missions—change it?"

[Veldanava's Answer]

Veldanava closed his eyes. His aura rippled outward, brushing across the entire multiverse like a tide of light. For a heartbeat, Neo felt the weave of worlds beyond worlds—the timelines branching endlessly, the fragile thread of this one.

Finally, Veldanava spoke.

Veldanava:

"…The original timeline still exists. Untouched. But your arrival has created… a parallel divergence. A new branch. In this branch, I live. Velgrynd binds herself to you. The group chat… is a foreign element even I did not foresee."

He opened his golden eyes, gaze piercing Neo like a blade.

Veldanava:

"Your purpose, then, is clear. This timeline is no longer bound to my death. Its future is unwritten. Whether that future prospers or collapses depends on your path."

[Velgrynd's Condition]

Velgrynd stepped closer, flames soft yet fierce in her voice.

Velgrynd:

"Then let us begin that path. But understand, Neo—being my husband is not ceremonial. It means proving yourself, again and again, until your strength is unquestionable. Only then will you stand beside me not as a guest, but as family."

Neo blinked, then groaned as the chat group notifications pinged mercilessly in his ear.

Kiana:

(✧≖ ͜ʖ≖) This just keeps getting better and better.

Asuna:

I can't wait for the wedding broadcast.

Kirito:

Do dragons have bachelor parties?? Asking for a friend.

Neo (to himself, groaning):

"…I should've just stayed in Aincrad."

Above, Veldanava chuckled softly—the laugh of a god both entertained and intrigued.

✨ End of Chapter 7 – Husband of Flame, Voice of Multiverses ✨

📖 Arc 2 – Chapter 8: The Cocoon Within, the Task Beyond

[The God's Hand]

The battlefield was quiet now, Velgrynd's flames simmering down into sparks. She kept her arms folded, still eyeing Neo as though every breath of his was on trial.

Veldanava, radiant yet strangely gentle, stepped forward. The weight of his presence shifted—not oppressive, but solemn, as if what he was about to do would echo for eternity.

Veldanava:

"You carry contradictions within you, Neo. Void and light. Hunger and restraint. Hero and demon. A being caught between paths cannot remain fractured for long. You need an anchor."

He extended his hand. A crystalline sphere, layered in impossible fractals, formed in his palm. It pulsed with Dragon Factor essence—primordial and overwhelming.

Seraphina (calm voice):

"Analysis complete. Source identified as proto–True Dragon core. Warning: incompatible with host body in current state. Risk of annihilation exceeds 99%."

But Veldanava only smiled knowingly.

Veldanava:

"No, Seraphina. This is not a core. It is a seed. A cocoon. Not to overwrite him, but to grow with him. To harmonize with what he already is."

[The Cocoon Awakens]

The sphere sank into Neo's chest. For an instant, his body convulsed—flame and storm clashed with void, timelines flickered, his soul screamed with paradox.

Then… silence.

A pulse echoed from within. Not two forces, not competing entities—but one. The Dragon Factor had fused with the Cocoon of the End, weaving together into a single embryonic essence.

Seraphina:

"Confirmation: Fusion stabilized. Entity designation: Cocoon of the End. Nature: A living Dragon Factor—incubation core. Function: Adaptive evolution in response to combat, growth, and emotional resonance."

Neo (panting, clutching his chest):

"…It's… alive."

Seraphina:

"Affirmative. The cocoon is a proto-lifeform, designed to mature alongside you. Its survival is tied to your own. If nurtured correctly, it may evolve into a new branch of True Dragon."

The pulse inside him matched the rhythm of his heartbeat, like a second soul breathing in tandem with his own.

[The Task Set]

Veldanava's eyes softened, though his tone carried no room for debate.

Veldanava:

"This cocoon is both gift and burden. It is not yours alone to bear, Neo. When you return to your other battles, you must not go alone. You will bring Velgrynd with you."

Neo blinked, startled. Velgrynd raised an eyebrow, but her lips curled in an amused smirk.

Velgrynd:

"…So it's official. I'm stuck with you. Try not to embarrass me, husband."

The group chat exploded instantly as Neo's live broadcast caught the moment.

Kiana:

LMAO HE'S BEEN DRAGON-MARRIED. 💍🔥🐉

Kirito:

This is straight up an isekai harem route, isn't it?

Asuna:

Careful, Neo. Velgrynd looks like the type to set you on fire if you mess up.

Neo:

STOP TEASING ME!!!

Velgrynd (smirking at his reaction):

"…Oh, I like them. They know how to fluster you."

[The Training Begins]

Veldanava didn't let the teasing linger. He summoned a sphere of unstable, black-gold energy. Its presence resonated with Neo's Cocoon, causing it to thrum violently in his chest.

Veldanava:

"This is your true trial. Nihility Collapse. Turn Null. It is not mere destruction—it is reset, the unmaking of existence into possibility. Without control, it will consume everything. With mastery, it will become creation's twin."

The sphere unraveled into threads, showing collapsing stars, fractured timelines, devoured worlds… only to reform, reshaped anew.

Seraphina:

"Data acquired. Constructing training protocols: precision void manipulation, layered collapse management, re-creation calibration."

And so began the training.

[Scenes of Growth]

• Exercise One – The Blade of Nothingness: Neo tried forming a stable Turn Null blade. At first it shattered instantly, erasing fragments of space around it. Under Seraphina's calm guidance, he learned to weave collapse into structure, until the blade hummed like an instrument tuned to void.

• Exercise Two – The Sky Test: Veldanava conjured a meteor, demanding Neo erase it without harming the sky. The first attempts tore holes into the heavens, leaving Velgrynd cackling at his failures. Slowly, Neo learned to isolate his collapse field, cutting the meteor cleanly without touching the stars.

• Exercise Three – Creation vs. Collapse: Veldanava engaged Neo in mock battles—his divine creation clashing against Neo's collapse. Each clash reshaped the land. At first, Neo flailed, but soon he began anticipating collapse waves before they detonated, countering creation with controlled void.

[Aftermath]

Exhausted, Neo collapsed onto the scorched ground. The Cocoon pulsed warmly, feeding on every ounce of his growth. He could feel it becoming more defined, like a presence waiting for the day it would awaken.

Velgrynd (standing over him, arms crossed):

"…Not bad. You didn't implode. Maybe you're not a total embarrassment after all."

Neo (groaning):

"Is that… supposed to be encouragement…?"

Above them, Veldanava looked on with quiet approval.

Veldanava:

"Good. You are adapting faster than I expected. Remember, Neo—the cocoon within you is not a prize, but a responsibility. Should you fail, it will devour you. Should you succeed… it may become something beyond even the True Dragons."

Neo shivered, not with fear—but with the weight of the path he had chosen.

And Seraphina whispered, gentle yet resolute, within his mind:

Seraphina:

"Worry not, Neo. I will walk this path with you. Always."

For the first time since the Cocoon fused with him, Neo felt at peace.

✨ End of Chapter 8 – The Cocoon Within, the Task Beyond ✨

📖 Arc 2 – Chapter 9: Resonance of the Cocoon

[The Divine Training Grounds]

The training field was not made of earth or sky. Veldanava had folded a pocket dimension, one stitched from creation itself—a place where destruction could not leak into the real world. Floating landmasses drifted in endless void-light, elements surging in raw rivers across the air: firestorms, oceans, storms, and mountains erupting in cycles of birth and collapse.

It was a world of elements unbound.

Veldanava (sternly):

"Neo, if you are to master the Cocoon of the End, you cannot treat it as a passive power. You must learn to resonate with it—to make its pulse beat as one with your will, your body, your soul."

The Cocoon pulsed within Neo's chest, steady but heavy, like a second heart.

Seraphina (calmly):

"Resonance requires synchronization. Suggestion: link Cocoon's pulse with Ultimate Skill usage to create stable harmonics."

Neo nodded. The training began.

[Elemental Resonance Drills]

• Fire Resonance: A wall of primordial flame surged from the ground. Neo reached for Azathoth, God of the Void, attempting to cloak himself in collapse energy. At first, the Cocoon resisted—the pulse misaligned, causing him to burn. Velgrynd's laughter echoed in the distance.

Velgrynd (mocking):

"Come on, husband! If you can't even survive a little flame, you'll never keep up with me."

Through Seraphina's guidance, Neo aligned his breathing with the Cocoon's pulse. When the rhythm matched, the Cocoon resonated, forming a barrier that devoured the fire without consuming him.

• Storm Resonance: Lightning storms crashed. Neo attempted to summon Spacetime Domination—but the Cocoon's pulse accelerated wildly, causing spatial distortions. At Seraphina's command, he slowed his rhythm, allowing the Cocoon to merge its pulse into spacetime itself. The result was a bubble of frozen air, where lightning bent harmlessly around him.

• Water & Earth Resonance: Neo was buried in crushing waves and stone. Forcing the Cocoon to expand outward, Seraphina whispered instructions:

Seraphina:

"Fusing Cocoon with Dragon Factor—activating latent resonance."

The Cocoon pulsed violently, merging briefly with his inherited Dragon Spirit Haki. Scorching flames and storm winds erupted from his body, vaporizing water and splitting stone with sheer elemental force.

[The Fusion Test]

Satisfied, Veldanava escalated the trial. He summoned a construct of pure divinity—a proto-dragon, woven of all elements at once.

Veldanava:

"This will be your final test. You will fuse the Cocoon's resonance with your ultimate skills. Prove that the Cocoon does not control you—you control it."

Neo steadied his breath. The Cocoon pulsed violently, demanding release, but Seraphina's voice guided him through the chaos.

Seraphina:

"Initiating fusion sequence: Cocoon + Ultimate Skills. Target: Equilibrium God Sophia."

The Cocoon's pulse synchronized with Sophia, radiating a divine balance that allowed Neo to channel multiple Ultimate Skills at once. For the first time, Azathoth's void, Michael's radiant authority, and Samael's devouring abyss surged together without clashing.

A harmonic resonance formed.

Neo struck. The Cocoon's pulse amplified his attacks into something greater—a collapsing void storm wrapped in radiant flame and storming winds. The proto-dragon shattered under the blow, dissolving into divine sparks.

[Aftermath]

Neo collapsed to his knees, sweat dripping, but alive. The Cocoon pulsed warmly inside him, stronger, more defined than before. It no longer felt like a parasite—it felt like a companion.

Veldanava (nodding, proud):

"You've taken the first step. You are no longer just a host—you are a bearer. In time, the Cocoon will hatch. And when it does… the world will tremble."

Velgrynd (arms crossed, smirking):

"…Not bad, husband. Maybe you'll actually survive standing at my side."

Neo groaned, half in pain, half in embarrassment.

[Group Chat Interlude]

Suddenly, the Group Chat lit up in his vision.

[System Announcement]

✅ Mission Complete.

Host has successfully resonated with the Cocoon of the End.

Host is now permitted to bring Velgrynd back to their origin world.

🎁 Rewards boosted due to successful synchronization with Dragon Factor.

Kiana:

Wait—YOU'RE BRINGING A DRAGON WAIFU HOME?! 😂🔥

Kirito:

You skipped like ten routes ahead. This isn't even fair anymore.

Asuna:

Congratulations, Neo. …Though I don't envy you explaining this to normal people.

Velgrynd (leaning over, smirking into the broadcast):

"Don't worry. I'll make sure he behaves."

Neo:

"STOP TEASING ME IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!!"

The chat exploded in laughter, emojis flooding the screen.

And in the background, the Cocoon pulsed steadily, stronger than ever—marking the true beginning of Neo's path as a bearer of the End.

✨ End of Chapter 9 – Resonance of the Cocoon ✨

📖 Arc 2 – Chapter 10: Departure and Return

[Final Test – Flames of the Crimson Dragon]

The training grounds rumbled once more. Neo thought he was finished, but Velgrynd stepped forward, her crimson hair like wildfire under the artificial sun.

Velgrynd (smirking):

"Not so fast, husband. Before you leave, I want to see if you can truly stand beside me—not just with borrowed power, but with your own resolve."

Her aura erupted, a storm of fire and pressure that warped the air. Neo's instincts screamed danger, but he forced himself to breathe in rhythm with the Cocoon.

Seraphina (calm, clinical):

"Warning: Output surpasses host's prior tolerances. Suggestion—activate new Cocoon functions."

Inside Neo, the Cocoon of the End pulsed, threads of void-light weaving outward. Seraphina's essence glowed like wings in his mind.

Seraphina:

"Evolved Function Detected: Cocoon can temporarily merge resonance across all Ultimate Skills, distributing strain evenly."

Neo raised his hand, channeling void collapse, radiant authority, abyssal devouring, and balance into one steady pulse. The Cocoon resonated with the Dragon Factor—stabilizing the storm within him.

Velgrynd lunged, claws burning like molten spears. Neo clashed with her using condensed Turn Null, careful not to harm her, but determined not to yield.

The duel blazed across the sky. Sparks of void met flames of crimson.

Finally, Velgrynd stopped, laughing in approval.

Velgrynd:

"…Good. You're not a coward. Maybe you really are worthy to stand at my side."

Neo exhaled in relief, sweat dripping—but deep down, pride welled up.

[The Cryptic Blessing]

Veldanava appeared at the edge of the battlefield, arms crossed, smiling faintly. His presence alone made the sky bow.

Veldanava (softly):

"You've done well, Neo. You are no longer merely a traveler—you are a bearer of fate."

He placed a hand over Neo's chest. The Cocoon pulsed, harmonizing with divine essence.

Veldanava:

"But remember—when the Cocoon hatches, it will test you. Whether it becomes a blessing or a curse will depend on your heart. Protect it well."

His gaze turned cryptic, almost heavy.

Veldanava:

"And when the End arrives, seek the balance of beginnings. Only then will you survive what is to come."

Neo froze at the words, sensing layers of meaning he couldn't yet grasp.

[Departure]

Velgrynd stood at Neo's side, arms folded.

Velgrynd:

"I'm coming with him, as agreed. Don't try to stop me, Brother."

Veldanava (chuckling):

"As if I could stop you, little sister. Go—both of you. This is your path now."

With Seraphina guiding the process, the Group Chat's portal expanded before them, linking back to the Honkai universe.

[Return – Shock in the Honkai Universe]

Neo and Velgrynd stepped out into the Honkai world. The shift from timeless divine space to bustling human structures was disorienting.

And then came the screams of surprise.

Kiana (pointing, jaw dropped):

"NEO—WHO THE HECK IS THAT?? WHY IS THERE A SUPER-HOT DRAGON LADY HOLDING YOUR ARM?!"

Bronya (expressionless, but voice cracking):

"Correction: That is not 'a dragon lady.' That is Velgrynd, the Scorch Dragon. Classification: World-ending."

Mei (blinking, pinching the bridge of her nose):

"…You brought back a dragon wife. Of course you did."

Velgrynd smirked at their reactions, clearly enjoying the chaos.

Velgrynd:

"I see your comrades are spirited. Good. It means they'll survive standing beside my husband."

Neo nearly choked on air.

[Group Chat Interlude – The Roast Session]

The chat exploded the moment Neo reconnected.

Kirito:

BRO. BRO. You actually pulled it off. You didn't just survive—you came back with a dragon wife!

Asuna:

Neo… this is beyond reckless. But… congratulations?

Kiana:

LOL. Husband material confirmed. Someone clip his reaction.

Bronya:

Already done. Streaming Neo's red face to the group archive.

Neo (flustered):

"STOP CLIPPING MY LIFE, DAMN IT!!"

Even Seraphina chimed in, her voice soft but teasing:

Seraphina:

"Correction: Statistically, the chance of you not being teased about this is 0%."

[Mission Announcement]

The chat's lighthearted chaos dimmed as the system broadcast a new message:

[System Notice]

Next Major Mission Pending.

Objective: [Redacted – Warning: Scale exceeds previous missions].

Preparation Phase granted: Group bonding & ability synchronization recommended.

Neo (reading, frowning):

"…So it's bigger than before. Figures."

Velgrynd (grinning, leaning in):

"Whatever it is, husband, you won't face it alone. I'll make sure of that."

Neo groaned—but deep down, he felt steadier than ever. The Cocoon pulsed warmly in rhythm with his heartbeat, Seraphina humming in sync, and Velgrynd's presence at his side like fire in the cold.

For the first time, he wasn't just surviving. He was moving forward—prepared for whatever mission lay ahead.

✨ End of Chapter 10 – Departure and Return ✨