The atmosphere in the field of consciousness turned silent.
The gentle breeze stopped blowing. The sky became clear, as if waiting for something grand to descend from the heavens.
Ddraig opened his mouth, his voice heavy yet dignified.
"Dragon Authority... is the manifestation of a dragon's existential dominance over territory, local laws, and the spirituality of the surrounding space."
Issei tilted his head. "...Dominance?"
Ddraig nodded. "Correct. Similar to the Divine Right held by the Gods. But this isn't a divine inheritance... this is the existential claim of the Dragon itself. Dragon Authority is territory, rule, and will embedded in the ground and air."
Issei raised his hand, curious.
"For example, if I'm in Asgard? The realm where the gods live?"
Ddraig smiled. "If you activate Dragon Authority there, part of that place will become yours. The Gods' area of authority will be pushed back. You can claim space—forcing its laws to submit to you."
Issei was shocked. "Seriously?"
"Of course. But it only works effectively on low to mid-level gods. If you try to claim Ophis' territory, your Authority will be reversed instead."
Issei shuddered.
"…Ophis… what exactly is her power?"
"Snake."
"…Snake?"
Ddraig looked up at the sky, letting out a long sigh.
"Ophis is the Infinite Dragon. Her power... is the never-ending existence, a spiritual eternity beyond measure. Even high-class gods can't fathom her depth. Her energy cannot be stolen, copied, or faked."
Issei swallowed. "So basically… cheat?"
"More than that. She is a dimension, not an ordinary power."
Then, without warning, Ddraig raised his claw, and from his paw, a surge of magic formed ancient dragon runes, radiating in all directions.
BOOOOMMMM
In an instant, the grassy field turned into a thorned battlefield and the sky darkened. Ddraig's Dragon Authority had activated. A blood-red aura hung in the air, every corner filled with invisible pressure.
Issei was stunned. "What would happen if I entered that as an enemy?"
"...Depends on the type of Authority you create," Ddraig answered flatly. "Some nullify magic. Some slow down time. Some even execute death instantly once the enemy steps inside."
"…Okay, that's terrifying," Issei exhaled. "So how do I do it…?"
Ddraig stared straight into Issei's eyes.
"Control your magic, don't release it. Construct your territory. Then, embed your 'Dragon's Will' into it... and CLAIM."
Issei tilted his head. "Claim?"
"Claim over reality. Claim over the very existence of that land. Like planting a flag in a spiritual world. Dragon Authority isn't just about power... it's about dominating the truth of that place. Your breath becomes law. Your steps become destiny."
Issei slowly nodded. "...Sounds like... a Tyrant."
Ddraig gave a faint smile.
"Not a Tyrant. But a King."
"And a true King… doesn't need to fight to be acknowledged. He merely stands… and the world kneels."
Issei was silent.
Then slowly closed his eyes.
He summoned the Boosted Gear. That familiar voice echoed in his mind.
[Boost!] 512x
Issei's body immediately jolted. Mana surged through his body like a tsunami wave. His dragon heart beat rapidly, every magic circuit within him blazing like red-hot wires.
Dragon scales appeared on his neck and shoulders, crystallizing into a shining red hue.
"Haah...!" Issei clenched his fists. His body trembled, but did not collapse.
He then stabilized that energy… forming a magical field in his mind.
"From this moment on... this place is my Authority."
CLAAANGG!!!
Immediately, the ground beneath him glowed red. New runes formed, shaping into dragon symbols. The air rippled. Issei's domain expanded several meters... but instantly, it collided with Ddraig's Authority.
CRASHHH!!!
The air pressure intensified. The sky suddenly cracked like glass. The two Domains clashed.
Issei gritted his teeth, trying to maintain control. But...
KRAAAAKK—
Issei's Domain fractured. His body trembled violently. The red aura faded. His body collapsed into the grass.
"Haah... Haaaahh... Why... canceled... Boost 512x… almost exploded!"
Ddraig approached, lounging as if nothing had happened.
"First, your Authority is too shallow. You only embedded magic, not full will. Reality has yet to recognize your dragon's dominion."
"Second, you rushed. Boost 512x without a shield is enough to incinerate a normal human. Even... your real-world self also experienced the pressure, so I had to cut the connection just now."
Issei looked up at the sky. His eyes half-open.
"So… Dragon Authority is better done in the real world?"
"Correct. But it's dangerous. If you use it in the real world, all entities—Gods, Dragons, even Ophis herself—will begin to watch."
Issei closed his eyes and let out a small, tired laugh.
"Good grief… even raising my hand is hard... I'm sleeping now…"
Ddraig looked at Issei lying down, breathing heavily. In his heart, Ddraig smiled slightly.
"...Sleep. A Dragon grows not only through strength... but through understanding."
"Tomorrow we start again. Test all your magic. No chants. Only with Will."
"…Ugh... Chants are slow, huh?"
"Of course, Idiot. Dragon's Will is much faster. Magic appears in less than 0.1 seconds."
Soon, the sound of snoring was heard.
"Zzz…"
Issei had fallen asleep. His eyes closed, his body on the artificial green grass that still swayed in the breeze of consciousness.
Ddraig also closed his eyes, and laid down his massive dragon body again, waiting for him to awaken once more.
Training was not over.