As if responding to Azlan's words, suddenly from behind him, brilliant wings of light spread wide with a dazzling blue gleam.
The wing membranes were translucent blue, thin like morning mist swaying gently, while the wing bones appeared inorganically white, solid like crystal carved from eternal ice, and a faint yet oppressive dragon aura radiated from them.
"I grew wings...?"
Azlan muttered in disbelief, turning his head to look at his back. His eyes widened, his heart pounding hard as he realized the wings were no illusion—he could feel their weight, their energy vibrations flowing through his body like a subtle electric current.
[Ho~ you're my new host, human?]
A deep and authoritative voice sounded from those light wings, echoing directly in Azlan's mind, not through his ears.
"Who are you?" Azlan asked suspiciously, his hand instinctively reaching for the katana on the floor.
[Me? My name is the White Dragon Emperor Albion, one of the Two Heavenly Dragons.]
There was pride in Albion's voice as he introduced himself.
[You are fortunate to become the host of a Longinus-class Sacred Gear, Divine Dividing, which is me.]
"Sacred Gear? Divine Dividing? What are you talking about? Please give me an explanation."
The information he received when touching the ball of light was only the basics, Azlan wanted to know the details, though his heart was still filled with doubt and wonder.
[Hmmm... Based on your memory, you're just an ordinary person who doesn't know the hidden truth of the world. No wonder you don't know anything about Sacred Gears.]
Albion was somewhat disappointed not to see Azlan's joyful reaction at awakening a Longinus-class Sacred Gear.
"You looked at my memories?"
Hearing that, his brow furrowed, Azlan was displeased that his memories were viewed carelessly.
[Don't be angry, lad. Yes, your life is indeed sad, so it's no wonder you don't want others to know your past. But for me who has lived since ancient times, I have witnessed the life experiences of humans who were once my hosts, quite a few of them more unfortunate and suffering than you.]
In his calmness, Albion somewhat sympathized with him, his tone softening like a wise counselor. After all, they would be together until Azlan died, so he didn't want them to be enemies from the start.
"I'm not angry, just a bit uncomfortable, that's all. Without you telling me, I know out there, there are lives worse than mine. By the way, just call me Azlan."
[Alright, Azlan.]
Seeing Azlan's mature reaction, Albion was relieved his host wasn't a strange person.
"Oh yeah, Albion. You still haven't explained what Sacred Gear is. Can you tell me more specifically what Sacred Gear actually is?"
[Sure. Leave it to me.]
Reflecting for a moment, Albion thought of a Sacred Gear concept that would be easy for a layman like Azlan to understand. In less than five seconds, he began his explanation:
[Sacred Gears are weapons created by the God of the Bible to be used by humans as defense against supernatural forces. Everyone in the supernatural world knows what they are. They desire them, they covet them.]
[Among the many Sacred Gears, there are thirteen Sacred Gears that bear the title Longinus, Sacred Gears so powerful they can kill Gods if used correctly.]
[Telos Karma, Innovate Clear, Absolute Demise, Incinerate Anthem, Sephiroth Graal, Canis Lykaon, Regulus Nemea, Divine Dividing, Boosted Gear, Dimension Lost, Annihilation Maker, Zenith Tempest, and True Longinus. These are the names of the thirteen god-slaying weapons known to the supernatural world, each with terrifying power and reputation that even makes gods wary.]
[But where do Sacred Gears come from? It's common knowledge that Sacred Gears were created by the God of the Bible, but no one, not even the Angels closest to God, knows anything about their conception. They suddenly existed. They suddenly became part of the system.]
[No one knows how Sacred Gears were created. The only one who knows is the God of the Bible... and the being sealed within the first Sacred Gear.]
Azlan listened in silence, not interrupting Albion until he finished, his mind digesting the new world being revealed—supernatural, gods, dragons. This was crazier than zombies, but somehow, it felt like hope.
"So, Albion, you're the being sealed in the Sacred Gear, huh..."
[...]
Albion's silent response was the same as a yes answer.
[The Two Heavenly Dragons are Dragons with power that can kill Gods and Satans, and are considered one of the highest Dragon classes, superior to Dragon Kings, but inferior to Dragon Gods.]
[The Two Heavenly Dragons are the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig, and the White Dragon Emperor, Albion, which is me. We were both born in Britain with unique abilities that can destroy almost all enemies except each other and the Dragon Gods.]
[One of our battles disrupted the Great War between Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels, forcing the Three Factions to form a temporary ceasefire against me and Ddraig. Of course, we fought back angrily over their own interrupted battle.]
[In fact, even the combined Three Factions, and the Four Satans of the Devil Faction alone weren't enough to defeat us. But that God of the Bible was too strong, we lost in the end, our bodies were destroyed and our souls were sealed into two Sacred Gears: Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing, which the God of the Bible created right then and there.]
Although reluctant to tell his dark past, Albion chose to be honest. So that his host could grow strong, and not be defeated by this generation's Red Dragon Emperor, he wanted to gain Azlan's full trust.
"..."
Azlan fell silent for a moment, his gaze empty toward the dark sky that had now returned to calm after the earlier strange phenomenon.
The light wings on his back were still faintly spread, radiating a gentle blue aura, but his mind spun chaotically digesting Albion's story—dragons, gods, faction wars, and all things supernatural that sounded unreal to him.
"..."
Seeing him just silent, Albion misunderstood thinking Azlan still didn't understand, he simplified his explanation again, his voice echoing softer in his host's mind, like a patient teacher facing a new student.
[Think of Sacred Gears as extraordinary powers that exist within certain humans, unique artifacts with special abilities that evolve and grow stronger by feeding on their owner's will.]
[Many individuals who have made history or become prominent athletes often possess this ability, although they themselves are unaware of it. Only under certain conditions and with specific abilities can this power manifest fully.]
[Most Sacred Gears have effects that at most affect human society. However, there are some rare ones that have powers capable of threatening Devils and Fallen Angels.]
[The highest class Sacred Gears, Longinus, which have the power to threaten Satans and even gods—]
"Ah, enough, Albion. I understand. It's not that I don't get it, I'm just shocked to know that the existence of supernatural beings is actually real."
Azlan immediately stopped Albion's chatter, his voice calm, while shaking his head slowly.
[I see. Good that you understand quickly.]
Albion felt relaxed. At least his host this time wasn't a fool who only thought using muscles rather than brains. Having a smart and logical human would suit his preference very well.