And thus... the training montage began.
Two years had passed since the funeral.
Arthur Pendragon, now thirteen years old, bore no resemblance to the child he used to be.
His mind was sharper, his physique hardened, and his spirit burned with the air around him, though quiet, pulsed with growing power.
Every single morning, Arthur rose before the sun, even when the wind bit his skin or the storms threatened to sweep him away, he never missed a day.
Before the dawn touched the sky, he was outside the estate in the fields and hills, wearing 100-pound wrist and ankle weights and a custom-made weighted vest strapped tightly against his chest.
And then, he began his daily routine, which the readers could already tell what it is.
1,000 push-ups, 1,000 sit-ups, 1,000 squats, and 100 kilometers run nonstop.
Not even when his arms trembled or his legs screamed from overuse, not even when blood seeped into the ground beneath him.
When he stumbled, he got back up. When he fell unconscious, he awoke with more vigor.
He only allows himself breaks during special occasions and meals, which consist of high-quality dishes such as meat.
Kay had once tried to keep up with him, but even he had to tap out after the second week.
"You're insane, you know that?"
Kay said once as he collapsed to the side, panting.
Arthur just stared ahead, sweat dripping from his hair, his expression calm but intense.
"Then I guess I'll be the strongest lunatic alive."
By the tenth month, his body no longer felt like a child, it was now a weapon.
Lean muscle forged through agony, endurance honed through sacrifice.
He could uproot trees, crush boulders with a single strike, and sprint faster than bullets.
Every movement was precise, controlled, and calculated.
But it still wasn't enough.
Every afternoon, once the grueling physical regimen ended, Arthur would enter the Pendragon courtyard where he met with Kay.
The two would spar for hours, blades ringing and fists colliding.
Kay was stronger in terms of technique and precision, but Arthur was catching up frighteningly fast.
He studied every move, every pattern, and improved day after day.
No mistake was made twice.
They didn't just spar, they learned.
Various martial arts from around the world were drilled into them by various masters.
Muay Thai, Chinese Kenpo, Jiujitsu, Eskrima, Taekwondo, Capoeira, and others.
Each style added a new weapon to Arthur's growing arsenal.
And then came the Excalibur Ruler.
The sword his mother once wielded now rested in Arthur's grip.
He studied it religiously, practiced its swings and properties until they became second nature.
Uther personally oversaw the training, explaining its unique ability: the manipulation of all organic material and life.
Uther had said to him one day as Arthur swung the sword into the ground, causing the grass to rise and wrap around a tree.
"Excalibur Ruler chooses a wielder not for their strength, but their will. Your mother used it to protect all innocent life. Tell me, how will you use it, Arthur?"
Arthur looked at the sword, silent, and replied.
"To destroy those who threaten what I protect."
Evenings were no time for rest either.
Arthur's had turned the library into his second room.
Dozens of books lay on the table, texts on magic theory, battlefield tactics, psychology, and more.
He even read The Art of War every night as if it were a bedtime story.
Memorized every page, scribbled in the margins, drew parallels between modern warfare and historical conflicts.
Gabriel had once visited him on his birthday and gifted him tomes and scrolls.
From them, he learned spells of healing, barriers, and light-based purification.
He tested them quietly and alone, etching runes into objects and chanting softly under his breath.
All the while, he tried to master the Power of Destruction.
That part was the hardest.
There was no one to guide him, only learning from what he saw Rias and Sirzechs did in the anime.
He began by meditating with his hand stretched before him, imagining the concept of destruction.
He experimented, focusing on breaking down atoms, canceling out magical constructs.
He would later learned to create levitating blades of destruction that disintegrated anything they touched.
But he didn't stop there.
He took inspiration from the shows and games he once knew, characters who could shape destructive power into beams, waves, and forms.
He recreated them one by one, especially Beerus' Hakai but an incomplete version which he still needs practice.
His Dragon Heart pulsed stronger with each passing day, strengthening not only his stamina and recovery but enhancing his growth rate beyond the realm of normal.
His body absorbed everything like a sponge, his reflexes sharpened, and his abilities matured faster than anyone his age.
By the time Arthur reached the second year of his relentless training, he was already a force to be reckoned with.
His body had adapted to the unthinkable toll he demanded from it, and his mind had grown razor-sharp from the endless cycles of study and combat.
But physical power alone wasn't enough, not when the Khaos Brigade, the Old Satan Faction, and Rizevim still loomed in the darkness.
Arthur knew that one of the most dangerous tools in his arsenal had yet to be mastered.
The Boosted Gear.
For months, he had resisted relying on it as Ddraig encouraged him to build his own foundation first.
But now that he stood tall, unwavering, and hardened, it was finally time to turn his attention to the god-killing artifact within his soul.
In the inner world, Ddraig looked at him, nodding slowly.
"You've come far, boy. But now you're ready for the next step."
Arthur stood in front of him, dressed in his training gear, and his gauntlets active.
"Then teach me everything."
And so Ddraig began with the history of those who came before him.
Belzard, who fought and defeated two White Dragon Emperors during his lifetime, which earned him the title of the strongest Red Dragon Emperor, Elsha, regarded as the strongest female Red Dragon Emperor and the second strongest after Belzard, and other previous Red Dragon Emperors with notable feats in history.
"But you are different, Arthur."
Ddraig explained.
"You are not just a Red Dragon Emperor. You are a Cambion and a Pendragon, gifting you a greater advantage than the others. Use that information to your advantage."
Arthur listened closely as Ddraig described the three primary abilities of the Boosted Gear.
[Boost] The ability to double your current power every 10 seconds.
[Transfer] The ability to transfer the multiplied power to anyone or anything.
[Penetrate] The ability to bypass any and all defenses, magical or physical.
Arthur tested each ability in battle simulations within his inner world and outside during sparring.
The feeling of using Boost was addictive, a sudden surge of raw force coursing through his body like lightning, pressure building up like a water balloon.
Transfer was more complex, but he learned how to channel it into his sword, into Kay during training, even into his magic spells.
Penetrate was the most satisfying, delivering a single punch through reinforced steel walls was the first moment he felt truly invincible.
But then came the surprise.
Ddraig paused one day during their session, his voice rumbling with a mix of pride and curiosity.
"I forgot to mention. Your Boosted Gear is not in the standard form of a singular gauntlet, but two gauntlets. Which means it's now a Sub-Species Longinus."
Arthur blinked.
He had completely forgotten about it due to his mental and emotional state back then.
"What, what?"
"It means it has been mutated. Evolved in response to your will, desires, and your resolve."
That's when he introduced the new ability.
[Double!]
Arthur stared as his body flashed crimson for a split second.
Then two perfect copies of Arthur stood next to him, equally surprised, just like him.
"Hmph. It seems that Double allows you to make clones of yourself."
Arthur's mouth parted in shock.
(It's just like Naruto's Shadow Clone Jutsu.)
"Holy crap."
The first clone reacted.
"Indeed. But more than that. Your clone carries a share of your power, split evenly depending on how many you create. One clone at full strength. Ten clones at a tenth each. And all of them seem to be able to use the Boosted Gear, your Power of Destruction, and even Excalibur Ruler."
Arthur was intrigued as it has similar functions to Meliodas' Physical Clones.
"And when the clone is destroyed?"
The second clone asked.
Ddraig smirked.
"Then the original retains all of its memories. Everything it learns, the original learns. Every technique it practices, every spell it perfects, it becomes Arthur's."
From that day on, Arthur abused this power like it were a gift from the gods.
His training reached an entirely new dimension.
Each morning, he would summon 10 to 20 clones depending on the intensity of his tasks.
While some clones performed the usual physical training, some would spar with Kay or train with Uther, some would delve into magic experiments and study light-based magic, and some would test the Power of Destruction through raw trial and error.
When the clones vanished at the end of their sessions, Arthur would gasp as knowledge and experience flooded back into his mind.
His body didn't instantly improve, but his technique, his understanding, and his intuition grew exponentially.
He learned spells in days that would take magicians years.
He mimicked movements after seeing them only once, like it was second nature.
Even Kay noticed the difference.
"Arthur… you're learning faster than anyone I've ever seen. It's like you're everywhere at once."
Arthur simply smiled.
"I kind of am."
Sometimes, Gabriel herself would visit to check on his progress.
She was always kind and patient, offering insight into refining his Light Magic.
Her gaze would linger on Arthur when he trained hard, quietly marveling at how efficiently he had changed his fate to his will.
On one particular dawn, as Arthur sat on a cliff overlooking the estate, the morning breeze ruffling his hair, Ddraig's voice echoed inside his mind.
(You've done well, Arthur. Better than most of the hosts I've ever known. You haven't just equipped the Boosted Gear, you've made it your own.)
Arthur clenched his clad fists, feeling the smooth red scales on his wrist.
(I'm not done yet. This is just the beginning.)
He whispered as he stood up and proceeded with his training.
But he never once forgot the promise he made.
Though he barely rested, he found moments of peace when he spent time within the household.
Kay would sometimes ask him for any ideas on getting closer to Elaine, though it was odd that he was asking a guy who had yet to get a girlfriend for relationship advice.
Morgan would cheer either him or Kay when he trained, or just joined him when he was studying magic.
Uther often offered guidance and simple words of encouragement.
These moments reminded Arthur of what he still had to protect.
This was the life Arthur had chosen.
He wanted strength, not for glory, not for power.
But because when the time came, and it would come again, he would never be powerless and lose another person in his life.
So, every day, Arthur Pendragon walked the path of pain, blood, and resolve.
And this time, he'd be ready to burn it all down.
DxD
Some time later.
Sweat still clung to Arthur's body as he finished the last of his thousand pushups, his arms shaking slightly beneath him before he finally stood up.
The weight on his limbs barely fazed him anymore.
What once pushed him to exhaustion now only served as a warm-up.
He rolled his neck, exhaling slowly as he walked back toward the estate, wiping his face with a towel.
A butler approached him from the walkway.
"Young Master Arthur. Lord Uther requests your presence in his study."
Arthur raised an eyebrow but simply nodded.
"Got it. Tell Uncle I'll clean up first."
After a quick shower and changing into a casual set of ablack shirt, pants, boots, and a red hoodie, Arthur headed down the hall toward his uncle's study.
As he rounded a corner, he spotted Kay approaching from the opposite direction.
"Hey, Goldilocks. You got in trouble or something?"
Kay adjusted his glasses.
"What is this? A sentient piece of feces in the halls? How am I not surprised?"
Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Well, fuck you too, Sir Simps-a-Lot."
They reached the ornate wooden door, and Kay knocked once before pushing it open.
Inside, Lord Uther sat at his desk, papers scattered across the polished mahogany surface.
His posture was rigid, and he barely looked up as he gestured toward the chairs in front of him.
"Sit down, children."
Uther said simply.
The two boys obeyed.
Arthur leaned forward.
"So uncle, what's this about?"
Uther sighed and folded his hands on the desk.
"I'll keep this brief. A week ago, I received a letter from the Church."
Arthur immediately narrowed his eyes.
"...What did they say?"
Uther didn't answer immediately.
He stared at the letter for a long moment before speaking.
"They've come to learn of Excalibur Ruler's whereabouts... And they're demanding its return."
The sound of wood cracking echoed through the room as Arthur slammed his fist into the armrest of his chair.
"Bullshit! Who the fuck do they think they are?! Are those old prunes dying from dementia or something?!"
Kay winced slightly but nodded.
"I might not agree with the way he says it... but Arthur's right. The Excalibur Ruler was discovered by Auntie Artoria and is now rightfully belonged to Arthur. How exactly have they come across such information, father?"
Uther pressed his fingers to his forehead and sighed again.
"The priest who officiated your mother's funeral… let something slip. That information found its way back to the Vatican. Naturally, they didn't take kindly to it."
Arthur's voice was laced with venom.
"So some gossiping old geezer couldn't keep his mouth shut, and now they think they can just take it?"
"I tried to reason with them at first."
Uther said.
"I've told them numerous times it was your birthright. That Artoria recovered the blade first. That her son was the only rightful successor to it. But…"
Arthur stared.
"...But?"
"We reached an impasse. So a compromise was made."
Uther muttered.
"You may keep Excalibur Ruler… but in return, the Church demands that you join their ranks. As an Exorcist."
Silence fell in the room, and Kay looked at Arthur with concern.
Arthur leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on the ground in silence.
Becoming an exorcist… it was something he had considered years ago, back when his mother still lived and he was a different boy entirely.
Back when he wanted to fight the villains, get the girl, and be the hero.
But now?
After his mother's death, he wasn't sure anymore.
(You should accept this deal, partner.)
Ddraig's voice in his mind spoke, low and steady.
Arthur blinked.
(Huh? You want me to what? You do realize you're siding with the Church, right?)
(No. I still loathe the God who sealed me. I loathe the system and hypocrisy. But this isn't about loyalty to Heaven. It's about opportunity.)
Arthur didn't respond, just listened as Ddraig continued.
(This is your chance to walk into the world, Arthur. To gather experience, allies, power, and a political foothold. You think training here has made you strong? Imagine the enemies you'll face in the field. Real battles. Real threats. And when the time comes… you'll have a faction behind you, especially Gabriel. Someone who won't turn on you the moment the wind shifts.)
(But… Isn't that the same system that killed people like me?)
Arthur hesitated.
(Yes... But it's also a system you can abuse. And when the time comes, if they ever cross you… well. You'll remind them why dragons aren't to be messed with.)
Ddraig said simply.
Arthur looked down at his hands.
They were calloused, scarred, nd steady.
He'd spent the last two years preparing for war.
And this path, while not what he expected, might just be the first step into it.
He looked up at Uther.
"...Fine. I'll agree to their little deal. But I'm not handing over Excalibur Ruler. I won't let those greasy old bastards put their hands on it."
Uther's eyes met his, and a small nod.
"Understood, we will talk more about the details later. For now, you're dismissed."
Arthur stood up, patting Kay's shoulder briefly on the way out.
As the door began to close behind him, he heard Uther speak again.
"Kay. We need to discuss your responsibilities as my heir..."
Arthur shut the door before he could hear more.
He walked down the hall, expression unreadable, steps quiet.
Only when he reached the far end of the corridor did his mood shift.
"...Ddraig."
(Yes?)
"You wanna see those holier-than-thou pricks put in their place?"
A loud, echoing laugh rang out in Arthur's head like the roar of thunder.
(Oh, hell yes! Let's remind the world who the Red Dragon Emperor really is.)
Arthur smirked as his eyes flickered brightly for a brief moment.
"Good. Because I'm done playing nice."
DxD
Hello readers!
Power Stones, please!
Thank you everyone and see you later!