Chapter 9 Peerage Training & Tournament Prep
The morning sun filtered through the Gremory mansion's training courtyard.
Ren Asakura flexed his left arm, now glowing with the golden-red hue of his upgraded Boosted Gear. Flames licked around his gauntlet, yet he moved with precision a far cry from the chaotic bursts of a week ago.
"I can feel it… Ddraegon is calmer now. And I can control this power fully," Ren muttered, a small grin on his face.
Riasha appeared beside him, wings elegantly unfurled. "Good. Today, we will train as a team, not just rely on individual power. The Tournament of Devils is coming, and you'll need strategy, speed, and control."
Ren groaned. "Teamwork… sounds boring compared to just smashing everything."
> "Foolish boy," Ddraegon rumbled in his mind. "Power without strategy is death. Learn to combine strength with your peers… or die trying."
Training with the Peerage
The peerage gathered in the courtyard:
Lena twirled her twin blades casually. "Let's see if the new Red Dragon Emperor can keep up with real combat training."
Kuro adjusted his massive sword. "Focus on precision. Your dragon energy is strong, but it could destroy the entire area if misused."
Mina floated slightly above the ground, silver runes circling her. "Coordination exercises first. Work together or fail."
Takuya lounged on a roof beam, wings spread. "I'll judge your teamwork… and enjoy seeing you squirm."
Ren took a deep breath. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
Team Combat Drills
Riasha conjured three magical training drones, glowing red and moving at high speed.
"Your task," Riasha explained, "is to eliminate these drones without destroying the courtyard. Ren, you will coordinate with your peerage. Use your new Boosted Gear wisely."
Ren nodded, feeling the pulsing energy of his upgraded gauntlet. Flames curled into dragon shaped projectiles, controlled precisely, not wildly like before.
He leapt into the air, forming a serpentine stream of dragon fire, directing it perfectly to intercept drones.
Impressive," Lena said, swinging her blades in perfect tandem with his attacks. The drones were shredded with synchronized strikes.
Kuro's heavy swings broke two drones midair. Mina's runes immobilized the last one, allowing Ren to finish it with a controlled dragon claw strike.
"Perfect execution. This is control and coordination," Ddraegon purred.
Takuya descended, landing in front of Ren. "Finally… you're learning. Just don't get cocky. There's more coming."
Ren flexed his gauntlet. "Bring it on. I can handle more now."
Lighthearted Peerage Moments
After training, the team took a break.
Lena tossed Ren a water bottle. "You sweat like a furnace. You should drink more… before you accidentally melt someone."
Ren groaned. "Thanks for the advice… I think."
Kuro muttered, "Stop trying to show off in front of Riasha. She's already impressed."
Riasha smirked, hands on her hips. "I am impressed. But I also expect you to grow even stronger. The Tournament of Devils will test everything you have and Airi won't wait for you to get comfortable."
Mina adjusted her glasses. "And remember the stronger you become, the more enemies notice you. Strategy, control, and teamwork. Don't ignore that."
Ren glanced at his left arm, the golden-red gem pulsing softly. He smiled. "Yeah… I get it now. I'm not alone anymore. And I'll win this tournament for me, for Ddraegon, and for all of you."
Tournament Prep
As the sun set, Riasha flew above the courtyard, watching the city below.
"Tomorrow, the Tournament of Devils begins. Your opponents will be other peerage members from different schools. Expect strong, fast, and cunning adversaries."
Ren clenched his gauntlet, flames glowing faintly. "I'm ready. My Boosted Gear… my dragon… we're ready."
Ddraegon growled with satisfaction. "Good. Soon, the Red Dragon Emperor will rise above all. And when Airi comes… she'll regret underestimating you."
The city lights sparkled below, a calm before the storm. The Tournament of Devils would push Ren to his limits but this time, he had control, precision, and an upgraded Boosted Gear.
And nothing would stand in his way.