C2

Alright—here comes Chapter 2 of Scarlet Dragon King. We'll deepen Eric's connection with Rias, Akeno, and Koneko, tease the looming presence of Ophis, and hint at Eric's true power drawing attention from beyond the known realms.

---

Scarlet Dragon King – Chapter 2: Crimson and Shadows

The bell rang, signaling the end of another school day at Kuoh Academy. Students flooded the halls, chatting, laughing, and racing for the gates. But for Eric Aivor, the day was just beginning.

He leaned against the windowsill in the now-empty classroom, staring out at the setting sun. The light bathed the schoolyard in a warm orange glow, but the Dragon King inside him stirred—not with peace, but with hunger. Something ancient whispered in the wind. Something watching.

"Still here?" came a familiar voice.

He turned to find Rias Gremory standing in the doorway, her arms folded under her chest, crimson hair glowing in the fading light. Behind her, Akeno appeared with a graceful smile, and just beside the desks, Koneko perched quietly with a popsicle.

Eric didn't answer right away. His gaze lingered on Rias, her power unmistakable even when masked. "You're not just here for a chat, are you?"

"You're dangerous," Rias said plainly, stepping into the room. "Powerful. And you've disrupted the balance in this city just by breathing."

"I haven't done anything."

"Exactly," Akeno said with a grin. "And yet you feel like a storm that hasn't hit yet."

Eric's eyes flashed gold. "You all sense it. The dragon inside me."

"It's not just any dragon," Rias said, her tone serious. "It feels… older than Albion or Ddraig. More... regal. But it's not Sacred Gear-based. So what are you?"

Eric stood up slowly, his presence stretching over the room like invisible wings. "I am the Scarlet Dragon King. Not born. Not made. Awakened."

Koneko's voice broke the silence. "You're not lying."

Akeno raised an eyebrow. "You believe him that easily?"

Koneko looked up at Eric. "His heartbeat never changed."

Rias narrowed her eyes. "Why come here?"

Eric met her gaze without hesitation. "Because this city sits on a faultline of fate. Ten stars will rise. And when they do, war won't just knock—it'll kick down the door."

A tense silence followed. Then Akeno stepped closer, eyes curious. "Ten stars?"

"I'm looking for them. Guiding them. Protecting them—until the end."

"Let me guess," Rias said. "You think I'm one of them."

Eric stepped forward until they were inches apart. "I don't think. I know."

For a heartbeat, Rias didn't move. Then, surprisingly, she smiled—soft, amused, intrigued. "Cocky."

"Confident," he replied.

—

Later that night, the school's Occult Research Club was silent. Candlelight flickered along the edges of the summoning circle drawn on the floor.

"I'm telling you, Rias," Akeno whispered. "His aura—it's like it wants to consume the world, but it's holding back."

Rias stood at the center of the circle, arms crossed. "He's not just strong. He's drawing attention. And not the good kind."

Suddenly, the candles flickered violently. The air chilled. The windows frosted over.

A voice echoed, though no one spoke.

"He has awakened."

Rias spun. "Who's there?!"

A shadow moved in the flame. A pair of glowing, silver reptilian eyes blinked open within the darkness.

"Scarlet and Infinite... must never meet."

Then the room fell silent again.

Akeno swallowed. "What was that?"

Rias whispered, "Something... old. Something that knows him."

—

Meanwhile, Eric stood alone beneath the moonlight on the school rooftop, his coat fluttering in the wind.

"She's close," he murmured.

The Dragon stirred in his chest.

"Yes. The girl of infinity watches. She fears you. Or... what you might become."

He closed his eyes. "Let her watch. I'm not here to destroy."

"No... but you will. When the time comes."

A ripple of space shimmered behind him. A pair of bare feet touched the rooftop tiles soundlessly. He didn't turn.

"I was wondering when you'd show yourself," Eric said.

The voice that replied was calm, soft, but chilling.

"You're different from the others. You don't bow to fear. Or power. That's dangerous."

Eric turned slowly to meet Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God. She looked exactly as the legends described—childlike in form, yet timeless in presence. Her eyes held galaxies.

"You came to test me?" Eric asked.

"No," she said. "I came to see if you're worth watching."

The wind howled between them.

Ophis tilted her head. "You are."

Then, without another word, she vanished, leaving only silence.

Eric looked up at the stars. "One down... nine to go."