Chapter 7 School Festival Chaos
The halls of Kuromiya Academy were alive with excitement.
Posters hung on every wall, music blared from speakers, and students ran around in elaborate costumes. The annual school festival had arrived, bringing chaos, fun, and opportunities for pranks.
Ren Asakura walked beside Riasha, still adjusting to life as a devil with a dragon-arm capable of leveling the city if he misstepped.
"I don't get it," Ren muttered, dodging a student carrying a massive fake cake. "How is this supposed to be a festival? It's just… chaos."
Riasha smirked. "It's a test of your control as much as your endurance. You can't destroy everything while having fun. Besides… it's tradition."
> "Fun is overrated," Ren grumbled, trying not to knock over a stand with his tail of red flames brushing against it.
Peerage Hijinks
Lena grinned from atop a float decorated with fake flames. "Come on, Ren! Help us with the haunted house booth! You can scare people with your real fire!"
"Uh… I don't think that's allowed…" Ren said nervously.
Kuro rolled his eyes. "Nonsense. If anyone can make this festival unforgettable, it's the Crimson Dragon Emperor."
Takuya, lounging on the roof with wings spread, called down: "Try not to burn the entire class. Remember… subtlety."
Mina adjusted her glasses. "Subtlety is overrated. Show them your controlled chaos."
Ren groaned, realizing he'd been dragged into festival chaos training.
Unexpected Visitor
As Ren carefully channeled small bursts of flame to animate the haunted house props, a cold wind swept through the festival.
"Ren Asakura…" a familiar voice hissed.
Airi Tenshima appeared, floating above the crowd. Black feathers spiraled around her, spear of light glowing ominously.
"I see your little devil festival isn't going as smoothly as you thought," she said, smirking.
Ren stiffened. "Airi… why are you here? This is… a school event!"
"I can't let you grow too strong," she replied. "Consider this… a warning."
The crowd screamed as shadows of Fallen Angels began to descend.
"Finally… some action," Ddraegon purred inside Ren's mind. "Time to show them what the Red Dragon Emperor can do."
Controlled Chaos
Ren leapt into action. Flames danced along his arm, forming dragon claws and wings of fire, but this time he focused on control — avoiding civilians, dodging debris, and creating precise bursts of energy to counter the Fallen Angels.
"Ha! You've improved, Ren!" Lena shouted from the haunted house. She swung her twin blades to slice apart enemies.
"I'll handle the big one!" Takuya swooped down, shadows and blades colliding with the attackers.
Even Mina used her magic to trap groups of Fallen Angels in silver runes, ensuring no one got hurt.
Airi's spear clashed with Ren's gauntlet. Sparks and flames erupted, illuminating the night sky.
"Not bad," Airi said, eyes narrowing. "But you still rely too much on brute strength."
Ren gritted his teeth. "Then I'll show you refined strength."
He channeled Ddraegon's energy more subtly this time, flames coiling like serpents around Airi's spear. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a precise blast that knocked her off balance without harming the festival grounds.
"Perfect! That's control!" Ddraegon purred.
Airi floated away, black feathers dissipating in the night sky. "You've grown… but this isn't over, Crimson Dragon Emperor."
Ren's chest heaved, red flames slowly fading. He looked around at the chaos none of the students were harmed, and the festival would still continue, though slightly scorched.
Riasha landed beside him, smiling. "Impressive, Ren. Not only did you protect the students, but you controlled Ddraegon's power in a real-world scenario. That's a milestone."
Ren flexed his gauntlet, flames flickering softly. "Yeah… and I didn't even break anything too badly."
Lena nudged him. "You've officially passed first real test, human. Now… time to enjoy the festival before the next fight comes."
Ren smiled faintly, looking at Riasha and his peerage. Despite all the danger, the chaos, and the teasing, he realized:
"Yeah… being the Red Dragon Emperor isn't so bad… as long as I've got these idiots by my side."
The night sky sparkled with lanterns and magic, a calm before the storm. Somewhere in the shadows, Airi's next move was already being planned…