Cross Dragon x Devils

The aftermath of the battle against Zephyr Shadowblade was a whirlwind of emotions, exhaustion, and a sense of triumph. As the echoes of the cheering crowd faded, Kazuki found himself surrounded by his closest allies—Rito, Sutea, and Ayumi. The camaraderie that had carried him through thick and thin was palpable in their expressions.

But deep within, Kazuki couldn't shake the lingering shadow of the Void Dragon's incomplete power. He had felt it stir during the fight, a tantalizing taste of strength that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

---

A Moment of Respite

Later that evening, Kazuki sat with Rito, Sutea, and Ayumi in a quiet corner of the campus gardens. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a gentle glow over their small gathering. Rito had insisted on bringing snacks, and Ayumi, never one to miss an opportunity for fun, had grabbed a bottle of sparkling cider from the cafeteria.

"So," Ayumi began, leaning back against the cool grass. "Kazuki, what's it like to be the school's new hero? Must be pretty nice to have everyone cheering your name."

Kazuki scratched the back of his head, his cheeks flushing. "It's… weird, honestly. I'm not used to that kind of attention."

Sutea raised an eyebrow. "You'd better get used to it. With the Void Dragon inside you, people are going to expect great things."

Kazuki sighed, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "That's what scares me. I barely managed to control it during the fight. What if next time… I can't?"

Rito placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her touch gentle yet firm. "You're stronger than you think, Kazuki. You've always been. Even when things seemed impossible, you never gave up. That's why I—"

She stopped abruptly, her face turning a shade of red that rivaled the setting sun. Ayumi caught the hesitation and smirked, her teasing nature immediately kicking in.

"Oh? That's why you what, Rito?" Ayumi leaned closer, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Come on, don't leave us hanging."

Rito stammered, avoiding Kazuki's gaze. "I-it's nothing! Just forget I said anything!"

Kazuki blinked, confused by the sudden shift in Rito's demeanor. "Uh, okay…?"

Sutea rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Honestly, you're all hopeless."

---

The Shadows Stir

Unbeknownst to them, Zephyr Shadowblade had retreated to a secluded corner of the campus. His wounds were severe, but his pride was wounded even more. He clenched his fists, his shadowy aura flickering with rage.

"How could I lose to someone so… incomplete?" he muttered, his voice dripping with venom.

From the darkness, a figure emerged—a tall, enigmatic man cloaked in a black robe. His face was obscured, but the power emanating from him was suffocating.

"You failed because you underestimated him," the man said, his tone calm but laced with menace. "Kazuki Satoru is no ordinary host. The Void Dragon's power is unlike anything this world has seen. And yet, it remains dormant… for now."

Zephyr gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with frustration. "I don't need a lecture. Tell me what I need to do to defeat him."

The figure chuckled softly. "Patience, Zephyr. The time will come when his power fully awakens. Until then, we must ensure he cannot harness it properly. And to do that… we target those closest to him."

Zephyr's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Rito."

---

A Dangerous Proposition

The next day, Kazuki was called to the headmaster's office. He wasn't sure what to expect, but the somber expression on the headmaster's face immediately put him on edge.

"Kazuki," the headmaster began, folding his hands on the desk. "You've shown extraordinary courage and strength in recent days. But with great power comes great responsibility."

Kazuki frowned. "What's this about, Headmaster?"

The headmaster leaned forward, his voice low. "I've received intelligence that Zephyr Shadowblade isn't acting alone. There's a greater force at play, one that seeks to exploit your connection to the Void Dragon."

Kazuki's heart sank. "What kind of force?"

The headmaster shook his head. "I can't say for certain, but their intentions are clear—they want to awaken the Void Dragon prematurely. And they'll stop at nothing to achieve that goal, even if it means going after your friends."

The weight of those words hit Kazuki like a punch to the gut. His mind immediately went to Rito, Sutea, and Ayumi.

"What can I do to stop them?" he asked, determination replacing his fear.

The headmaster handed him a folder. Inside were detailed blueprints for his combat suit, alongside notes on enhancing its capabilities.

"You'll need to become stronger, Kazuki. Not just for yourself, but for those you care about. Your suit is already a marvel, but with these upgrades, it can become a true extension of the Void Dragon's power."

Kazuki nodded, his resolve hardening. "I won't let them hurt anyone. I'll do whatever it takes."

---

Strength Through Bonds

That evening, Kazuki gathered Rito, Sutea, and Ayumi in his workshop. He showed them the blueprints and explained the headmaster's warning.

"This isn't just about me anymore," Kazuki said, his voice steady. "If we're going to protect each other, we need to work together."

Rito placed a hand on his shoulder, her usual fiery determination shining in her eyes. "You're not doing this alone, Kazuki. We've got your back."

Sutea nodded, her expression serious. "We'll do whatever it takes. Just promise us you won't push yourself too far."

Ayumi grinned, her teasing tone returning. "Yeah, because if you die, who am I supposed to annoy?"

Kazuki chuckled, feeling a warmth in his chest despite the looming threat.

As they worked together to upgrade his suit, the bonds between them grew stronger. They laughed, teased, and shared stories, their camaraderie a beacon of hope in the face of darkness.

But even as they found solace in each other's company, Kazuki couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.

**End of Chapter 17**