Chapter 17: The Dragon's Resolve
[Training Evolution]
Location: Gremory Private Dimension
Focus: Emotional and Power Integration
Time: One Week After Initial Training
[Issei Hyoudou - Updated Status]
Level: 14
Sacred Gear: Boosted Gear
Current Condition: Stabilising
Emotional Development: Critical Phase
[Morning Briefing]
Ddraig's voice resonated through the training area. "Today, we address more than just physical power."
Rias stood before Issei, her analytical skills probing deeper than ever before.
[Psychological Assessment]
Current State:
Motivation: Uncertain Self-Worth: Low Potential: Massive (Untapped) Emotional Barriers: Significant
"Tell me, Issei," Rias began, her Leadership skill creating a supportive atmosphere, "why do you want to become stronger?"
[Critical Moment Detection]
Emotional Resonance Opportunity
Success Rate: 75%
Potential Breakthrough: High
Issei hesitated, the Boosted Gear pulsing with unspoken emotions.
[Sacred Gear Interaction]
Emotional State: Conflicted
Gear Resonance: 60%
Hidden Potential: Approaching Trigger
"I... I want to protect people," he finally said, his voice barely a whisper.
[Breakthrough Detected!]
Emotional Barrier: Cracking
Sacred Gear Response: Intensifying
Potential Unlock: Imminent
[BOOST!]
The gauntlet responded differently this time - not just with power, but with a deep, resonant energy.
[Skill Evolution]
"Protective Instinct"
Level: Emerging
Effect: Power Amplification through Emotional Resolve
Boosted Gear Synergy: 90%
"Akeno," Rias called, "scenario training."
[Combat Simulation]
Scenario: Protect Vulnerable Targets
Difficulty: SS-Rank
Objective: Develop Protective Instincts
Multiple holographic targets appeared - civilians, wounded fighters, children.
[Target Analysis]
Protect Criteria:
Minimize DamageMaximum EfficiencyEmotional Engagement
Issei's first attempts were clumsy. His power multiplied, but his technique failed.
[Combat Performance]
Strength: High
Technique: Low
Emotional Control: Minimal
"Again," Ddraig's voice urged. "Feel the connection."
[Sacred Gear Communication]
Dragon Mentality Activating
Effect: Emotional Synchronization
Potential: Unlocking
Kiba demonstrated advanced defensive techniques, his blades creating protective patterns.
[Skill Observation]
Knight's Defensive Mastery
Technique Level: Advanced
Potential Transfer: Possible
By the tenth attempt, something changed.
[BOOST!]
This time, the power felt different. Controlled. Purposeful.
[Breakthrough Moment]
Emotional Resonance: Maximum
Sacred Gear Synchronization: 95%
New Ability: Emerging
"Protect..." Issei whispered, and the entire training dimension shifted.
[Reality Manipulation]
Boosted Gear Resonance
Effect: Localized Power Field
Protective Radius: Expanding
The holographic targets now found themselves surrounded by an invisible but tangible shield of dragon energy.
[New Skill Created]
"Dragon's Aegis"
Level: 1
Effect: Protective Energy Field
Range: 10 meters
Power Cost: Moderate
"Incredible," Akeno breathed, her lightning dancing around the edges of the protective field.
[Team Response]
Amazement: High
Recognition: Growing
Potential Assessment: Exceptional
"The key," Ddraig explained, "is not just power, but purpose. Your strength comes from what you protect."
Multiple notifications filled Rias's view:
[Training Results]
Experience Gained: 7,500
New Skills:
Protective Instinct (Level 2)Dragon's Aegis (Level 1)Emotional Power Control (Level 1)
[Level Up!]
Issei: Level 16
New Abilities Unlocked
Emotional Potential: Significant
But as the training concluded, a new alert caught Rias's attention:
[Emergency Detection]
Incoming Threat
Location: Nearby Dimensional Boundary
Power Level: Unknown
Potential Conflict: High
"Everyone," Rias called, her voice cutting through the training's calm, "we may have a situation."
[System Message]
Training Phase 2: Complete
New Threat Approaching
Prepare for the next challenge...