Next Day
As the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, Artoria stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open to the dimly lit room. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she slowly became aware of her surroundings, her gaze falling upon the figure beside her.
To her surprise, she found herself nestled against Natsu's side, his warmth enveloping her in a comforting embrace. In her sleep, she had unconsciously sought out his heat, seeking solace in his presence.
Blushing furiously, Artoria quickly pulled away, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to quell the sudden rush of embarrassment. She couldn't believe she had let herself get so close to Natsu while they slept.
Careful not to wake him, she slipped out of bed, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. As she moved to the other side of the room, she couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that lingered from their shared embrace.
Taking a moment to compose herself, Artoria took a deep breath, willing her racing heart to calm. She knew that sharing a bed with Natsu had been purely out of necessity, but she couldn't deny the strange fluttering sensation in her chest at the memory of their closeness.
Artoria suddenly realized the implications of her close proximity to Natsu, her dragon instincts kicking in and sending her mind reeling with possibilities. As she glanced back towards the bed she had just vacated, her thoughts raced.
"We're... we're compatible? Could it be... could it be that Father's jest about marriage was actually a possibility?" she pondered, her mind whirling with the implications. "Well, he is nice, not like others. Anyone else would have tried to get in bed with me... But he offered to sleep on the floor, and he is very... handsome, and his potential... he would be a splendid King."
Artoria gently slapped herself, trying to shake herself out of her rapid train of thought. "It's only been a day, Artoria. You're thinking way too fast. He probably does not feel this... he's not a dragon... yet?" she reasoned, trying to quell the fluttering in her chest.
Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, Natsu entered the room, still half asleep and clad only in a pair of pants. Artoria's gaze involuntarily drifted to his muscular physique, and she quickly averted her eyes, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"Morning," Natsu greeted with a yawn, oblivious to the effect his appearance had on Artoria.
"Good morning, Natsu," she replied, her voice slightly strained as she tried to maintain her composure.
Sensing her unease, Natsu furrowed his brow in confusion. "Something wrong?" he asked, his tone filled with concern.
Artoria quickly composed herself, turning away to hide her blush. "N-no, nothing's wrong," she stammered. "Let's prepare to eat breakfast. We're meeting Mother and Father for breakfast."
As they sat down at the table with Igneel and Eliza, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of familial warmth and comfort. Natsu made small talk with Igneel and Eliza, exchanging stories and laughter as they enjoyed their meal together.
Artoria remained relatively quiet, her thoughts still lingering on the events of the morning. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest, her mind consumed with questions and doubts.
Sensing Artoria's subdued demeanor, Natsu cast a concerned glance her way, silently offering his support. Despite their earlier banter and camaraderie, he could tell that something was weighing heavily on her mind.
Artoria offered him a small smile in return, grateful for his silent understanding. She knew that she could confide in Natsu if she chose to, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to confront her feelings just yet.
As breakfast came to an end and they began to make plans for the day ahead, Artoria felt a sense of determination wash over her.
"Later in the day, we will get to unsealing your power. Until then, you and Artoria have the day for yourselves," Igneel announced.
Artoria's eyes lit up with excitement as an idea struck her. "Perfect! Natsu, we're going to change your attire!" she exclaimed.
Natsu blinked in surprise. "What? Why? What's wrong with my clothes?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
Artoria exchanged a knowing glance with her mother before responding. "Natsu, in here, you are a prince. You should dress like one," she explained gently.
Natsu's expression shifted to one of reluctance. "What? I won't wear some ridiculous outfit. As long as it's cool and practical for battle, then I am willing to give it a shot," he countered.
Artoria couldn't help but smile at his response. "I promise you're not going to regret it," she assured him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, Natsu agreed to let Artoria and her mother dress him in more princely attire. Little did he know, this simple wardrobe change would lead to a whole new adventure, one that would challenge his preconceptions and open his eyes to new possibilities. And as they set off to find suitable attire for Natsu, Artoria couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the transformation that lay ahead.
Entering the room designated for clothing, Natsu found himself surrounded by racks of elaborate garments fit for royalty. Artoria and Eliza wasted no time in perusing the selection, their eyes scanning the array of fabrics and designs with practiced ease.
Artoria's keen eye caught sight of a sleek black trench coat, its fabric adorned with subtle red accents and intricate white stitching. "What do you think of this, Natsu?" she asked, holding up the garment for his inspection.
Natsu's gaze lit up with interest as he examined the coat. Its design struck a perfect balance between style and practicality, with the long sleeves folded up at the elbows to allow for freedom of movement. "That looks perfect," he remarked, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.
Eliza nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with approval. "Indeed, it suits you well," she added, already envisioning the completed ensemble.
Next, they turned their attention to the accessories. Artoria selected a pair of black, fingerless gloves for Natsu, the knuckles being reinforced.
For footwear, they chose a pair of sturdy knee high black boots, designed to provide both style and practicality.
As they finalized the outfit, Natsu couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. He was eager to see how the new attire would complement his appearance and reflect his newfound status as a prince.
With Artoria and Eliza's guidance, Natsu donned the new ensemble, adjusting each piece until it fit perfectly. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at the transformation before him.
"Wow, I look... different," he remarked, his voice filled with awe.
Artoria beamed with delight, her eyes shining with approval. "You look like a true prince, Natsu," she declared, her voice tinged with admiration.
The centerpiece of Natsu's new outfit was a sleek black trench coat, tailored to perfection. Its design struck a perfect balance between style and practicality, with long sleeves folded up at the elbows to allow for freedom of movement. The coat featured subtle red accents along the seams and intricate white stitching, adding depth and texture to the garment. Its length reached just below his knees, exuding an air of regal elegance. The coat remained open, its lapels framing his torso with an air of casual sophistication. Over the coat's sleeves above his elbows, he wore thick gold rings as accents, adding a touch of refinement to his ensemble.
Natsu's hands were adorned with fingerless gloves, crafted from supple leather that provided both comfort and flexibility. The fabric extended gracefully beyond his wrists, offering protection and warmth.
For footwear, they chose a pair of sturdy black knee high boots designed to provide both style and practicality.
Completing the ensemble were form-fitting black pants, reinforced with durable fabric for added protection. Paired with a lightweight shirt in crisp white, the pants provided both comfort and functionality, allowing Natsu to move with ease during battle. The stark contrast between the black pants and white shirt added visual interest to the outfit, further enhancing its overall appeal.
As Natsu donned his sleek black trench coat, there was one more unique addition that truly set his outfit apart: his white scaled scarf, ingeniously implemented into his coat as a sort of shoulder cape.
Natsu smirked, a hint of satisfaction evident in his expression. "Not bad," he remarked, nodding in approval at his reflection.
Artoria beamed with pride, her eyes shining with delight. "Why, of course, both practicality for battle and the looks of a royal," she chimed in, a playful glint in her eyes.
Eliza couldn't help but chuckle at their banter, her heart warmed by the sight of her children bonding. "Well, aren't you two just adorable? Come on, let me take a photo of you," she insisted, reaching for her camera and preparing to capture the moment.
Natsu and Artoria exchanged a glance, sharing a silent understanding. With a shared grin, they struck a pose, standing side by side in their new attire. As Eliza snapped the photo, capturing the moment for posterity, Natsu couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his newfound family.
After the photo session, they headed to meet Igneel. He was waiting for them in a special room filled with rune magic, the air buzzing with arcane energy. Ancient symbols glowed softly on the walls, casting a mystical light over the chamber.
Igneel looked up as they entered and smirked. "Well, look at you... nice," he remarked, clearly impressed by Natsu's new look.
"Thanks, Dad," Natsu responded, feeling a surge of pride.
Igneel's expression turned serious as he gestured to a large, intricate circle inscribed on the floor. "Well, let's get to it. Step into the circle. I will start the unsealing process. Tell me if you feel anything."
Natsu nodded, stepping into the center of the rune circle. The symbols on the ground began to glow brighter as Igneel chanted in a language that seemed older than time itself. The air around Natsu grew heavy with magic, and he felt a tingling sensation spread through his body.
As the ritual continued, Natsu's eyes widened. He could feel something awakening within him, a power that had been dormant, now stirring to life. His hands started to glow with a faint, crimson light, and he could sense the energy coursing through his veins, potent and wild.
"Do you feel anything?" Igneel asked, his voice steady but filled with anticipation.
"Yeah," Natsu replied, his voice tinged with awe. "I can feel it... it's like a fire inside me, but different. Stronger. More... chaotic."
Artoria watched from the sidelines, her eyes fixed on Natsu, her heart pounding with excitement and a hint of concern. Eliza stood beside her, her expression one of pride and curiosity.
The glow around Natsu intensified, and for a moment, it seemed as if the entire room was filled with the blaze of his newfound power. Then, just as suddenly, the light dimmed, leaving Natsu standing in the circle, breathing heavily but feeling more alive than ever.
Igneel nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Good. The unsealing was successful. How do you feel?"
Natsu took a deep breath, clenching and unclenching his fists as he tested his newfound strength. "I feel... incredible. Like I could take on anything."
Igneel's smile widened. "That's the spirit. Let's go to the training grounds and see what you can do now. I have a scan of your magic power level from before the unsealing, and we'll compare it to your new magic power level."
Natsu's eyes sparkled with excitement as they made their way to the training grounds. The area was vast, with open spaces perfect for practicing combat and testing magical abilities. Stone targets and training dummies were scattered around, ready to endure the brunt of Natsu's newfound power.
Artoria walked beside Natsu, her eyes filled with curiosity and support. "This is going to be interesting," she said with a grin. "I've always wondered what kind of power you truly possess."
Natsu smirked. "Well, you're about to find out."
Igneel approached and showed a projection. "This was your power level when we arrived at the castle."
Natsu Dragneel - Full Power - 653,000 Power Level
"Is that high here? In the human world, I was on par with wizard saints and high S-Class wizards," Natsu said, recalling Makarov mentioning that Jose had a power level of 120,000, Jellal around 400,000, and Laxus at about 550,000 when they fought.
Igneel nodded. "It's a good level considering you trained by yourself with just base dragon magic until now. Very advanced in the human world''
Natsu's eyes gleamed with determination. "Well, let's get to it. I wanna know what I can do now."
"Alright," Igneel said, "first, start with a roar. Aim it towards that mountain. Full power, don't hold back anything."
Natsu stepped towards the mountain and took a deep breath. Suddenly, he launched a massive beam of fire ten times his size. But he wasn't done there. The fire suddenly turned crimson and increased in size, encompassing not only the mountain before him but also the following three mountains, completely destroying them.
Igneel's eyes widened, and a wide smirk made its way onto his face as he began to laugh. "Natsu, my boy, you outdid yourself!"
Even Eliza and Artoria were speechless. While this level of power was not uncommon among them, such a massive jump in power in literally minutes was completely baffling. Eliza joined her husband, giggling to herself.
Artoria remained silent for a moment. "Th-that's incredible, Natsu! Such a jump in power!"
Natsu himself looked at the destruction with wide eyes. "That's miles of land I just destroyed! Was anyone on the path of my attack?"
Eliza reassured him, petting his head amusedly. "No, no one comes here. Beyond the castle for about 300 miles, everything is just nature. No one lives there."
Natsu sighed in relief, a mixture of awe and excitement coursing through him. "This power... it's unbelievable."
Igneel placed a hand on Natsu's shoulder. "You have immense potential, Natsu. But this is still just the start."
Eliza nodded in agreement. "We need to find out what other abilities you've unlocked with the unsealing. Your flames have already shown a significant boost in power."
Natsu grinned. "Alright, what's next?"
Artoria stepped forward, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Let's test your other abilities. Father, do you think he might have developed new techniques or enhancements to his existing ones?"
Igneel pondered for a moment. "It's possible. The unsealing process can amplify existing abilities and sometimes unlock entirely new ones. Natsu, try channeling your magic differently. Focus on your senses, speed, and strength."
Natsu nodded and took a deep breath, focusing inward. He felt the familiar warmth of his flames but now, there was an additional layer, a raw, chaotic energy coursing through him. His senses sharpened, and he could hear the faint rustle of leaves from miles away, smell the distinct scent of each person around him, and see even the smallest details in the landscape.
He turned to a nearby boulder and, with a burst of speed, shattered it into pieces with a single punch. The impact left a deep crater, and the force of the blow sent shockwaves through the ground.
Artoria clapped her hands in amazement. "Incredible! Your strength and speed have increased dramatically."
Natsu grinned, feeling the power surging through him. "This is awesome! What else can I do?"
Eliza suggested, "Try focusing your magic into different forms. You mentioned being able to burn magic before. See if you can enhance that ability."
Natsu nodded and concentrated, flames igniting around his hands. He visualized burning through magic itself, focusing on a defensive spell Eliza cast in front of him. His flames turned crimson, and as he touched the barrier, it disintegrated, leaving only sparks behind.
Igneel's eyes widened in approval. "Excellent, Natsu. Your Flames of Destruction are potent. You can now disrupt and destroy magical constructs with ease."
Natsu flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power at his command. "I can't wait to see what else I can do."
Igneel smiled. "We'll continue to test your limits. For now, let's focus on control and precision. Power is useful, but being able to wield it with finesse is even more important."
Artoria added, "And I'll help you train."
Natsu nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, all of you. Let's see what else I'm capable of."
As the training continued, Natsu and Artoria found themselves face to face in a spar. Artoria smiled at him. "Let's see what you can do," she said as she was enveloped in light.
Natsu took a fighting stance as Artoria mirrored his stance. Suddenly, she was in front of him. "Light Dragon's Divine Fist!" Her fist closed in on his face, and Natsu managed to block it but was sent back with great force.
"What the hell? That was so hard," Natsu thought, focusing on his magic sensory ability to read her power level.
Artoria - Dovakin Suppressed - 5,000,000
Natsu's eyes widened. "5 million?"
Artoria giggled. "Oh, don't be surprised. You yourself are close to this level."
Natsu was taken aback, reading his own power level. His eyes widened once more.
Natsu Dragneel - Dovakin - 4,800,000
"Wait, Dovakin? Since when?" he asked again.
Artoria's own eyes widened a bit as she read his power. ''Is he a dragon already? Wait, there's more, part Dragon?'' she thought, her mind then went back to the events in the morning, to her realizing they are compatible. ''Will he feel it too? Damn it, Artoria, get your head straight. This is not the time!'' she mentally screamed at herself. ''What is wrong with me? I am acting like a schoolgirl.'' She sighed, both amused and exasperated at their own thoughts.
Natsu shook off the surprise of his newfound power level, focusing on the spar at hand. As Artoria's attack had pushed him back, he steadied himself, determination burning in his eyes. "Alright, let's see what I can do," he muttered under his breath.
"Fire Dragon's Talons!" Natsu attempted to conjure his signature spell, but to his confusion, the flames fizzled out almost immediately. He tried three more times, each attempt ending in failure.
"What's going on?" he asked himself, frustration creeping into his voice.
"You are likely using the wrong name for the spell," Artoria replied calmly, her eyes focused on Natsu.
"I've been using that name for years, and it always worked. Why would it change now?" Natsu questioned, bewildered by the sudden shift.
Igneel, observing from the sidelines, interjected, "Your magic has evolved, so your spells have too. Try incorporating 'King' into the spell."
"Fire Dragon King's Talons!" Natsu followed Igneel's suggestion, and this time, his feet were engulfed in vibrant crimson flames, crackling with newfound power.
Natsu chargers at high speed towards Artoria , but she manages to evade, ''Great Speed Natsu.'' she compliments.
As Artoria gracefully landed on the ground she faced Natsu.
With a nod of mutual respect, they lunged forward simultaneously, their movements fluid and calculated as they closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye. Natsu led with a swift jab aimed at Artoria's midsection, but she effortlessly sidestepped his attack, her agility unmatched as she danced out of reach.
Undeterred, Natsu pivoted on his heel, his momentum carrying him into a sweeping roundhouse kick aimed at Artoria's head. But she was ready for him, her reflexes lightning-fast as she ducked beneath his strike, her golden aura shimmering with divine energy.
As Natsu's foot sailed past her, Artoria seized the opportunity to counter, launching a flurry of rapid punches aimed at his exposed flank. Each blow was imbued with the power of light her fists moving with blinding speed as she sought to exploit any weakness in his defense.
But Natsu was no stranger to adversity, his instincts honed through years of training and combat experience. With a deft twist of his body, he evaded Artoria's onslaught, his movements fluid and precise as he danced out of harm's way.
In the blink of an eye, Natsu closed the distance between them once more, his fists ablaze with crimson flames as he unleashed a barrage of punches aimed at Artoria's defenses. She met his assault head-on, her own fists moving in a blur of motion as she deflected his blows with grace and precision.
Their clash was a symphony of motion and power, each strike resonating with the force of their conviction and the intensity of their rivalry.
As the battle raged on, Natsu and Artoria found themselves locked in a fierce exchange of blows, their movements blending seamlessly as they danced across the training grounds. Each strike was met with a counter, each block countered with a feint, as they sought to outmaneuver and outwit one another in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
As they separated, they both launched spells.
"Fire Dragon King's Infernal Roar!" Natsu roared, unleashing a torrent of scorching flames.
"Darkness Dragon's Abyssal Roar!" Artoria countered, conjuring a beam of dark energy.
The attacks collided with a thunderous roar, canceling each other out in a dazzling display of power.
Natsu, still caught up in the intensity of their exchange, voiced his surprise. "You have both Light and Darkness magic? Dragons aren't supposed to possess opposing magics."
Artoria responded with a playful smirk. "You're not the only special one here, Natsu."
Chuckling, Natsu replied, "I guess… I still wonder how you got this."
"Light Dragon's Luminous Stakes!" Artoria swiftly conjured spears of light and hurled them towards Natsu.
Initially, Natsu prepared to dodge the incoming attack, but then his eyes glowed as new information flooded his mind about magic.
Raising his arm towards the incoming spears, Natsu shouted, his eyes still aglow. "Lightning Dragon King's Bolt Strike!"
With newfound resolve, Natsu summoned a concentrated bolt of lightning to strike directly at the spears of light. The collision caused both attacks to collapse in on themselves, dissipating into the air.
Igneel and Eliza watched in astonishment, realizing the extent of Natsu's abilities. "So, he's capable of awakening completely new magics and having them at the KING stage immediately?" Eliza whispered in awe.
Igneel chuckled proudly, "That's my boy."
Even Artoria couldn't hide her surprise at Natsu's display. "Lightning Dragon Magic? On the King stage?"
As the glow in Natsu's eyes faded, he too came to terms with the magnitude of his newfound powers. "I… have no idea how I did that," he admitted, still processing the incredible feat he had just accomplished.
As the realization of his newfound abilities settled in, Natsu couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and bewilderment. His mind raced with questions, but for now, he pushed them aside, focusing on the present moment.
Artoria regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and admiration, her golden eyes alight with intrigue. "Impressive," she remarked, her tone tinged with genuine respect. "You truly are a force to be reckoned with, Natsu."
Natsu scratched the back of his head sheepishly, a bashful grin spreading across his face. "Thanks, Artoria. But I have to admit, I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this."
Artoria chuckled softly, her demeanor warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, Natsu. You'll figure it out. You have a natural talent for magic, and with time and practice, you'll become even stronger."
Igneel, who had been observing the exchange with a proud smile, stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of both Natsu and Artoria. "Indeed," he agreed, his voice rumbling with authority. "But for now, let's focus on honing your newfound abilities. There's much to learn and even more to discover."
Natsu nodded in agreement, his determination renewed. "Right. Let's get back to training."
And with that, Natsu and Artoria resumed their spar, their movements fluid and precise as they tested the limits of their magic and pushed each other to new heights. With every clash of fists and every burst of magic, they grew stronger, their bond forged in the heat of battle and their resolve unwavering.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds, Natsu and Artoria continued their training under the watchful gaze of Igneel and Eliza.