Ch 22: Evolution?

Surrounded in darkness, Sharon slowly opened his eyes and began to look around. 

"Albion, where am I?" He asked as he continued looking around.

"Within the Sacred Gear lies a world where the spirit of the Sacred Gear, if there is one, slumbers. You are within the world of the Vanishing Gear, young dragon." Albion explained as Sharon nodded.

"I see ... how interesting. So, Albion, I have a few questions." Sharon said as Albion laughed loudly.

"You are a friend of Vali's, as such, I will allow you to ask. However, do not ask of things beyond what you should know." Albion said with a calm tone.

"How do I evolve? I am at the peak of a High-Class Dragon, I don't know how to evolve into a Dragon King class." Sharon said as he glanced at Albion.

Before Sharon was an enormous white dragon that radiated power, he could feel the deep-blue eyes peer into him as he slowly approached it. Unlike other dragons Sharon had heard of, Albion had feathery wings, giving him an almost angelic look.

"Evolve to Dragon King? How old are you, boy?" Albion asked as he gazed straight into Sharon's unwavering golden eyes.

"I turned 18 today," Sharon replied as Albion's eyes slightly widened before nodding.

"Incredible, I've never heard of a Dragon King that's not even a century old. You're something else, kid." Albion said as he moved a claw towards Sharon.

Sharon immediately took a defensive stance, as his arms covered his vitals, after gaining dragon scales for extra protection.

"I can't hurt you within this world, boy. Besides ... I would rather not upset the Dragon God of the Infinite." Albion said as Sharon was a bit shocked.

'I never told anyone about Ophis ... how does Albion know?' He wondered.

"You're wondering how I knew about Ophis, right?" Albion asked as Sharon hesitated before nodding.

"She's left a mark on you. One that shows her claim over you. Don't worry, it can only be felt by dragons and those stronger than you. You don't need to worry about your ... harem from finding out about her."

"Ahahaha, no need to worry about that ... I was going to let them know sooner or later. It would be awkward if they met Ophis one day ... and they don't know about her." Sharon said as he sighed a bit.

"I'm just scared ... what if they leave me?" Sharon muttered as Albion placed his feathery wing on Sharon's head.

"Raise your head, young one. As a dragon, do not let your gaze falter. Do you understand? You bear the essence of a dragon within. So what, if they depart? In my centuries, I've seen numerous beings of immense promise stumble astray, often swayed by matters of the heart. Your affection for them is a wellspring of power, undeniable, but it could also lead you into vulnerability," Albion said.

"I know ... but ... you know what? You're right. Thanks, Albion." Sharon said with a smile as he nodded.

"Of course, I'm always right, hahaha," Albion said with a burst of thunderous laughter before returning to the point at hand ... or claw.

"The evolution to becoming a Dragon King, and the ascent that follows, is an exceptionally formidable journey to undertake. Many who tread this path shall grapple with the enigma of what it truly means to be a Dragon King. You will need to select a concept that you wish to master, and then begin condensing the essence of your aura. If you succeed, you will hold a minuscule yet intensely concentrated sphere of energy within your being. Once this stage is reached, you must craft techniques, or 'moves' as you might call them, that harmonize with the concept you have chosen. Remember, the concept you pick will determine your path in the future, so select wisely." Albion said as he backed away from Sharon.

"It seems your time here has expired. Seek out Vali should you need my assistance." Albion said as he peered into Sharon's eyes.

"Boy ... Sharon ... Should you successfully evolve into a Dragon King, take the role of being the Dragon Faction leader." Albion said as Sharon had a shocked expression.

"What? Faction Leader? I mean ... I want to ... but wouldn't the Dragon Kings or the Dragon Gods be better options?" Sharon asked as he wanted to know why Albion chose him.

"The other dragons... have largely succumbed. Jormungandr remains indifferent, and Yu-Long... too playful to bear such responsibility. Tiamat has withdrawn since the war that claimed the lives of both myself and Ddraig. The Dragon Gods... are indifferent to mortal affairs like factions and the like,"  Albion said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"I see ... and you think I would be a good substitute?" Sharon asked as Albion shook his head.

"You are destined for a fine role as a faction leader. Even if mightier dragons emerge, the mantle shall rest upon your shoulders. I, Albion, will give my unwavering support to you," Albion said as Sharon felt an enormous amount of pride gush within his body.

"I will live up to those hopes, Albion. I promise." Sharon said as his vision faded and he was back to standing before the girls, Vali, and Vali's group.

"So, I take it the meeting went well?" Vali asked as Sharon nodded.

"Very well, Albion had quite a bit to say, for which I am grateful. Thanks, Vali." Sharon said as Vali smirked.

"No need for thanks, Sharon. Why don't you join my team instead?" Vali asked as Sharon chuckled.

"Vali, I said it before, beat me and I'll join," Sharon said with a battle-thirsty grin.

"Not again." "Is he at it again?" "Ah, he's so hot when he wants to fight!" "Ara? A fight?" Suzaku, Shirone, Kuroka, and Akeno said as they watched, while Grayfia calmly obersved. 

"Huh? Fight? You're gonna fight?" Bikou asked as Arthur had a curious expression.

"It's definitely been a while since our last fight, hasn't it, Sharon?" Vali said as Sharon chuckled.

"That was before you awakened Albion, Vali. I want to see how much you've grown." Sharon said as the two nodded at each other.

"Shall we head to the Grigori, where we fought last time?" Vali asked as Sharon shook his head.

"There's a forest nearby, we'll fight there," Sharon said as he grew dragon wings and took off. He was followed by Grayfia, Kuroka, Shirone, Akeno and Suzaku. Who were followed by Vali and his group.

"Damn! He's got such cool wings, and the girls too!" Bikou said with a grin as he had his staff in his hands.

"Are you planning on interrupting the fight, Bikou?" Vali asked with a glare which only caused Bikou to laugh.

"Not at all. It ... it's for my protection?" Bikou said with a sarcastic grin.

They all headed to the forest as Sharon was deep in thought. 

'A concept ... I can't rush this, it chooses my path in the future.' Sharon thought as he noticed the forest approaching.

Vali and Sharon went over to the clearing and stood across from each other. Le Fay and Grayfia stood in front of their respective groups, ready to make a barrier if necessary. Meanwhile, Kuroka and Shirone along with Bikou and Arthur were ready to interrupt if it got too dangerous.

"Vali ... hold nothing back," Sharon said as Vali continued.

"and bring everything you have, Sharon." Vali finished as they both nodded to each other.

  A faint blue aura surged from Vali, as he was covered in a silvery-white armor.

'Balance Breaker, he's already achieved it?' Sharon wondered as he found his grin growing wider. Dragon scales covered his body as his eyes glowed brightly before his pupils contracted into slits.

They both turned their eyes to a leaf falling and nodded. The moment it made contact with the ground, they both launched towards each other.

They both reeled their arms back and unleashed a powerful punch.

"Divide!" Albion's voice resonated through the field as Sharon felt his aura weaken.

'Shit! I forgot Albion has the power to divide.' Sharon thought as he rapidly retreated and observed Vali.

'How do I overpower him? What do I do?' Sharon thought as he glanced at the environment and back at Vali.

Sharon shook his head off unnecessary thoughts and launched himself back into the fight, trying to identify the limits and restrictions of the Vanishing Gear.

They exchanged blows over and over, and Sharon could feel his aura slowly diminishing within him. He was going to run out of steam and would lose.

'Lose? Me? No, I will not lose. I cannot lose!' Sharon roared in his head as he started to rapidly absorb the aura around him.

"I will not lose." He said with a cold voice as his eyes slowly widened. 

'That's it! The concept!' 

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