A brilliant flash of light erupted behind Vali, and Divine Dividing materialized—not just the wings, but a spectral presence that filled the cave with overwhelming draconic power.
A deep, ancient voice echoed through the space. "Fascinating... To think someone would defeat my host through sheer determination rather than superior power. I would like to speak with you, Algernon."
Both fighters tensed. Vali's eyes widened slightly. "Albion? What are you—"
"I invite you into my domain," the dragon interrupted, his voice directed at Algernon. "Let us speak within the soul space of this Sacred Gear. There are things I must understand about you."
Algernon met Vali's questioning gaze and nodded. "It's fine. I'll hear what he has to say."
He closed his eyes, allowing his consciousness to be drawn into the Sacred Gear's inner world.
Divine Dividing's Soul Space
When awareness returned, Algernon found himself in a realm of crystalline beauty. The space seemed constructed of pure light refracted through countless prisms, creating a dazzling display that would humble any jeweler's wildest dreams.
At the center stood Albion in his true form—a massive white dragon whose scales gleamed with divine radiance. His eyes, ancient and penetrating, fixed on Algernon with an intensity that would have made most beings prostrate themselves.
Algernon remained standing, meeting that gaze steadily.
"Albion, the Vanishing Dragon," he greeted with respect but no submission. "It's an honor."
The dragon's lips curled into what might have been a smile. "You know who I am, yet you show no fear. Interesting. Tell me, Algernon Azeroth—what are you? I cannot see through you. Your potential is... obscured, as if hidden beyond the boundaries of this world itself."
Algernon had expected this. A Heavenly Dragon, one of the most powerful beings in existence, would naturally perceive something unusual about him—the system's influence, perhaps even traces of his reincarnation.
"I'm someone who refuses to accept limitations," Algernon answered carefully. "My potential isn't bound by this world's rules because I don't intend to play by them. I aim to transcend everything—Great Red, Ophis, even the gods themselves."
Albion's eyes gleamed with something between amusement and genuine interest. "A lofty ambition. Many have claimed such goals. All have failed."
"They failed because they accepted the ceiling as absolute," Algernon countered. "I don't. This world's power structure—Satans, Gods, Dragons—it's all just a starting point. Beyond it lie countless other worlds, other dimensions, other forms of power. I intend to conquer them all."
The dragon was silent for a long moment, studying him. "You speak with conviction, not arrogance. That's... rare. Most who make such claims are drunk on borrowed power or delusional about their capabilities. You seem neither."
"Because I'm not claiming I can do it now," Algernon said honestly. "I'm saying I will do it eventually, through training, strategy, and gathering allies who share my vision. Including your host, if you'll allow it."
"My host makes his own choices," Albion rumbled. "But I influence those choices through our bond. If I deemed you unworthy, I would convince Vali to reject your offer, regardless of how impressive you find your little speech."
"Then what will it take to prove my worth to you?"
Albion leaned closer, his massive head nearly filling Algernon's vision. "Show me that your resolve matches your words. I've seen countless generations of hosts, watched empires rise and fall, witnessed gods and demons wage eternal wars. Ambition alone means nothing—only results matter."
"Walk your path," the dragon continued. "Grow stronger. Build your peerage. Challenge the powers that rule this world. If you can actually back up these grand claims, if you can push Vali beyond the limits even I believed possible... then perhaps you truly are worthy of the title you seek."
Algernon met that ancient gaze without flinching. "I will. Watch closely, Albion. I'm going to show you what true conquest looks like."
The dragon's laughter boomed through the crystalline space. "Such confidence! Very well, conqueror. I will observe your journey with great interest. Do not disappoint me."
The soul space began to dissolve, Algernon's consciousness returning to the physical world.
Back in the cave, Algernon opened his eyes to find Vali watching him intently.
"What did Albion want?" Vali asked, curiosity evident despite his attempt at casual tone.
"To take my measure," Algernon replied, finally allowing himself to sit down as exhaustion reasserted itself. "And apparently, I passed whatever test he had in mind."
"He doesn't usually take interest in anyone," Vali said thoughtfully. "The fact that he wanted to speak with you directly... that's significant."
"Good to know I made an impression on both of you, then." Algernon managed a tired grin as he produced the case of mutation pieces from his inventory. "Ready to make this official?"
Vali nodded, stepping forward.
Algernon opened the case and carefully removed four pawn pieces—half of the full set. "Four mutation pawns. This will grant you significant enhancement while maintaining the flexibility pawns are known for."
"Only four?" Vali raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly." Algernon gathered what remained of his demonic energy, channeling it into the four pawn pieces. They began to glow with that distinctive crimson-black light, pulsing with power.
He pressed them against Vali's chest.
The moment the four pawn pieces sank into Vali's body, power erupted like a contained nuclear explosion.
Blue-black lightning crackled wildly around him, so intense that Algernon had to step back to avoid being caught in the discharge. The cave walls trembled, loose rocks falling as the raw energy output threatened the structural integrity of the entire system.
Vali's body lifted off the ground, suspended by the sheer force of the transformation. His aura, already formidable, began to shift and expand in ways that defied normal devil reincarnation.
His two devil wings—marks of his Lucifer bloodline—extended fully, crackling with energy. Then something unprecedented happened.
A third pair of wings began to manifest.
But these weren't normal devil wings. They emerged with a metallic sheen, their structure more draconic than demonic. Blue-black lightning coursed across their surface, and as they fully materialized, all six wings transformed—becoming something that existed between devil and dragon, a perfect fusion of both natures.
The lightning intensified, and Vali's scream echoed through the cave—not of pain, but of overwhelming power flooding every cell of his being.
Algernon watched with a mixture of awe and concern. This was beyond what he'd expected. The mutation pieces were doing more than just elevating Vali's class—they were fundamentally altering his very nature.
'His Lucifer bloodline and Albion's draconic essence are merging,' Algernon realized. 'The mutation is catalyzing a transformation that would normally take centuries, if it happened at all.'
Inside the Sacred Gear, Albion's voice rang out, tinged with genuine shock. "This is... impossible! Vali, your very essence is changing! The traces of my power that flow through you as my host—they're not just strengthening, they're integrating with your devil bloodline at a fundamental level!"
The transformation continued for what felt like hours but was probably only minutes. Finally, the lightning began to subside, and Vali slowly descended back to the cave floor.
He landed on his knees, breathing heavily, his entire body trembling from the exertion. When he looked up, his eyes glowed with an otherworldly blue-black light.
"What..." he panted, staring at his hands as arcs of lightning danced between his fingers. "What did you do to me?"
Algernon approached carefully, his analytical mind already processing what he was seeing through their newly formed peerage bond.
"The mutation pieces didn't just reincarnate you," he explained, genuinely fascinated. "They catalyzed something deeper. Your Lucifer bloodline—already one of the purest in the underworld—and Albion's draconic essence... they've merged. You're not just a devil hosting a dragon anymore, Vali. You've become something new entirely."
Vali stood slowly, his six wings—each one a masterwork of draconic and demonic design—flexing experimentally. He could feel it, the change in his very being. His demonic power had always been substantial, but now it flowed differently, enhanced by and intertwined with draconic might.
"Devil Dragon," Albion's voice rumbled from within the Sacred Gear. "In all my millennia of existence, I've never witnessed a host undergo such a transformation. Vali, you've transcended the normal boundaries between species."
Vali clenched his fists, and the blue-black lightning responded to his will, dancing across his arms in intricate patterns. "High-Class," he muttered, sensing his new power level. "In one transformation, you pushed me from Mid-Class to High-Class."
He looked at Algernon with newfound respect and perhaps a hint of wariness. "Your mutation pieces... they're not normal, are they? This level of enhancement—this fundamental alteration of bloodline—that's not standard evil piece function."
"No," Algernon admitted. "They're not. These pieces are unique, tied to my path toward supremacy. They don't just grant devil powers—they unlock and enhance whatever potential already exists within the person. In your case, that meant bringing your Lucifer blood and Albion's draconic essence into perfect harmony."
A notification appeared before Algernon's eyes, invisible to Vali:
[New Peerage Member Added: Vali Lucifer (Pawn)*4]
[Status Overview Available]
______________________________________________________
Vali Lucifer - Pawn
Age: 12
Race: Devil Dragon
Class: Tier 1(High Class)
Sacred Gear: Divine Dividing [Current State: Balance Breaker(locked)]
Wings: Three Pairs (Blue-Black)
Abilities:
from lucifer blood: Dark Light (locked), Immense Demonic Power
from Albion's blood: Juggernaut Drive (locked), Reduce, Reflect (locked), Dragon Aura
______________________________________________
Vali was still examining his transformation when he suddenly tensed. "Someone's approaching. Fast."
Algernon sensed it too—a powerful presence moving toward their location with purpose. Not hostile, but definitely interested.
"That would be Azazel," Algernon said calmly, though internally he was calculating exit strategies. "The Governor of the Fallen Angels. He's been tracking Sacred Gear wielders, and your display just now probably lit up whatever detection systems he has."
Vali's expression sharpened. "Should I deal with him?"
"No." Algernon pulled his mask back on, concealing his identity once more. "Actually, this works in our favor. Azazel is one of the foremost experts on Sacred Gears in any faction. His research could help you master Divine Dividing faster than you could on your own."
"You want me to work with a Fallen Angel?" Vali's tone was skeptical but not outright refusing.
"Not work for—work with. Temporarily." Algernon's mind was already forming the plan. "Azazel isn't interested in controlling you; he's genuinely fascinated by Sacred Gears as research subjects. Let him study Divine Dividing. Learn from his knowledge. But don't reveal anything about me or the peerage yet."
"Why not?"
"Because the time isn't right. We're still building our foundation, gathering our pieces. The less the major factions know about us, the better." Algernon moved toward the cave entrance. "Play along with whatever offer he makes. Train, grow stronger, master your new abilities. When the time comes for us to act openly, I'll contact you."
Vali considered this, then nodded slowly. "A strategic retreat. Fine. But how will you contact me?"
Algernon tapped his temple. "We're connected through the peerage bond now. I can reach you mentally across any distance within this dimension. When I need you, you'll know."
The approaching presence was getting closer—less than a minute out now.
Vali's grin was sharp and confident. "Using a Fallen Angel Governor as my personal training partner. I like it."
"That's the spirit." Algernon activated his teleportation circle, the magic array glowing beneath his feet. "Oh, and Vali? Try not to destroy too much of Grigori's facilities during your training. We might need them later."
"No promises," Vali called back as Algernon's form began to fade.
The last thing Algernon saw before the teleportation completed was a figure entering the cave—tall, with distinctive black wings and a casual demeanor that belied immense power.
Azazel had arrived.
Back at Branch House Manor
Algernon materialized in his private chambers, immediately collapsing into the nearest chair as exhaustion finally overwhelmed his adrenaline.
Every muscle ached. His demonic energy reserves were at maybe ten percent. His ribs—where Vali had landed that first strike—were definitely cracked if not broken.
But he was smiling.
'I need to reach High-Class soon,' he thought, healing magic already working on his cracked ribs. 'Can't have my own peerage members outclassing me too dramatically.'
But that was a problem for tomorrow. Tonight, he needed rest.
(END OF CHAPTER)
chapters are released early and uncut on Patreon, ahead of public publication along with exclusive NSFW works.
If you wish to walk ahead of the world…If you want to see the Empire rise before history records it—
You know where to stand.
patreon.com/xxSUPxx
Or you can buy me a coffee at:
buymeacoffee.com/xxSUPxx
Special thanks to all my EPIC members and,
MYTH: Asaf Montgomery
MYTH: Dutchviking
MYTH: Robert Hernandez
MYTH: Kevin Boutte jr.