Leon stood atop the school's rooftop as dusk fell, the sky bathed in crimson light. The power of the Boosted Gear surged quietly beneath his skin, no longer violent or unstable—but composed, like a blade returned to its sheath.
[Boost] – x7[Boost] – x8[Dominate: Current Sync – 41%]
He didn't need to scream "Transfer!" or punch wildly like Issei had. Each increase in power was calculated, surgical—more akin to a master swordsman sharpening his edge than a brawler seeking brute strength.
"You adapt unnaturally fast," Ddraig muttered, voice now less detached and more... intrigued.
"Even Vali, Albion's host, needed months to control his power. You've stolen, shaped, and now—are remaking mine."
Leon gazed at his reflection in a nearby window. His eyes shimmered faintly with emerald draconic light beneath the ice-blue.
"Because I don't see limits," he answered. "Only wasted potential."
He paused, sensing several presences approaching fast.
Moments Later – Rooftop Confrontation
Rias Gremory arrived with her full peerage in tow. She wasn't smiling.
"You stole Issei's Sacred Gear," she said directly.
Leon didn't move.
"He couldn't use it," he replied coolly. "I could."
"That's not your decision to make!" Kiba stepped forward, hand on his sword.
Leon's gaze flicked toward him. "Is that a threat?"
Kiba hesitated. Something primal crawled up his spine as he looked into Leon's eyes. Not fear—instinctual submission. Like a beast facing a higher predator.
Akeno narrowed her gaze, electricity dancing at her fingertips. "You're tampering with a Longinus, Leon. That's dangerous."
"I am dangerous," Leon said calmly, "and you should start adjusting to that."
Rias stepped between them all, eyes hard.
"I don't want to fight you."
"You wouldn't win."
A moment of silence passed.
Then Rias sighed, her voice low. "Why help us at all, then? Why protect Asia? Why fight the fallen? Why stay here?"
Leon looked at her finally.
"Because I choose to. Not because I serve anyone."
"And the Boosted Gear?" she asked.
Leon raised his left arm, the evolved gauntlet glowing in the twilight.
"I'll show this world—and every other one I step into—what real power looks like when it's wielded by someone worthy."
Inside Leon's Mind – Ddraig's Realm
Leon found himself in a vision of endless flame and metal. Chains hung broken. A massive dragon loomed before him—emerald scales shimmering like ancient jewels, eyes burning with age and wisdom.
Ddraig himself.
"You are not like the others," the dragon said, voice rumbling like a volcano beneath the sea.
"Previous hosts feared losing themselves. You never even questioned control."
Leon approached the beast, unafraid.
"Because I never planned to be controlled."
A long pause.
Then, slowly, Ddraig lowered his massive head.
"Then let us burn this world... together."
[Full Acknowledgement Achieved – Partner Status Confirmed][Skill Unlocked: Crimson Reign – Ddraig's Authority]