Alright—here's Chapter 3 of Scarlet Dragon King. We're deepening the bonds with Rias, Akeno, and Koneko, teasing Grayfia's presence, and showing that Eric's power is beginning to shake the heavens.
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Scarlet Dragon King – Chapter 3: Velvet Flames and Ice Shadows
The morning sun filtered through the windows of the Occult Research Clubroom, casting a golden hue across the table where Rias sat, sipping tea with a contemplative gaze. The usual calm in the air was replaced with subtle tension—like the moment before a storm.
Eric Aivor leaned back in the armchair across from her, completely at ease. His eyes were half-lidded, golden irises glinting as if he saw more than what was in front of him.
"You're far too comfortable here," Rias said, setting her cup down.
"That's because I know I'm meant to be here," Eric replied smoothly. "Whether you've accepted that yet or not."
Rias raised an eyebrow, amused despite herself. "You're impossible."
Koneko sat on the sofa nearby, legs crossed, watching Eric with quiet intensity. "He's telling the truth again."
Akeno walked in with a tray of fresh tea, setting it between them with her usual elegant grace. "You make quite the claim, Eric," she said, pouring him a cup. "But I'm curious—how many people are you planning to charm into that little prophecy of yours?"
Eric smirked. "Ten. Only those fated to burn beside the Dragon King."
Koneko blinked. "Burn?"
"In power," Eric replied. "Not in flame. Though... the heat is real."
Rias shook her head, though her smile betrayed her interest. "So, who are the ten?"
"I won't name them yet," he said, taking a sip. "But one has eyes like rubies, another wears thunder like a second skin. One walks with silent steps... and three haven't yet seen the sky."
Akeno laughed softly. "You're poetic. Dangerous, too."
Eric stood, walking toward the window. "And soon... noticed."
As if on cue, a sharp chill rushed through the room. The temperature dropped several degrees.
Rias stood immediately, recognizing the aura that had just touched the clubroom.
Akeno's eyes narrowed. "That's not Ophis."
Koneko tensed. "Someone powerful."
The air shimmered, and a glowing magic circle flickered to life beside the desk—Lucifer family crest.
Rias' expression tightened. "Sirzechs…"
But it wasn't the Crimson Satan who stepped through.
It was Grayfia Lucifuge.
She emerged in a swirl of ice and silver, dressed in her formal maid uniform, but her eyes were sharper than blades. The room fell into silence under her cold presence.
"Rias," she greeted formally. "I was asked to check on the anomaly registered in Kuoh. Though... I see now this is no anomaly."
Her eyes turned to Eric—and didn't leave him.
"Eric Aivor," she said coolly. "You've stirred every measuring device across the Underworld. Who are you?"
Eric didn't flinch. "Would you believe me if I said a dragon with no chain?"
Grayfia stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "Dragons are never unchained. Even Ophis wears her silence like a collar."
Eric's aura flared briefly—just enough to force a gust of wind through the room and make the candles flicker.
"I don't wear chains," he said. "I burn them."
The silence that followed was thick with tension.
Then, unexpectedly, Grayfia's lips curved slightly. "Interesting."
Rias stepped between them. "Grayfia, I have him under control. He's... not a threat."
"Yet," Grayfia said. But her gaze lingered a second longer before she turned toward the portal.
"Warn your brother," she said to Rias. "If the Dragon King awakens fully—his crown may not be the only one threatened."
And with that, she vanished in a flurry of frost.
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Later that night, Eric stood once again atop the school rooftop. The stars above were clearer than usual—almost as if the universe itself was paying attention.
"You're drawing in more than you know," came Akeno's voice from behind.
"I was expecting you," Eric replied without turning.
She walked to his side, eyes shining in the starlight. "You didn't answer Grayfia."
"I didn't need to."
Akeno glanced at him. "And if she returns with orders to eliminate you?"
He smiled. "She won't."
"Confident?"
"Fated."
Akeno studied him. "You talk like you've already won."
Eric turned his gaze to her. "No. But I know who stands with me."
There was something in his voice that made Akeno's heart beat faster. Something ancient and real.
Below them, unseen by either of them, the shadows stretched unnaturally along the ground—and far beyond Kuoh, in a distant void between realms, Death opened her eyes.