Chapter 38: Dragon Emperor
As Issei stepped onto the stage, a surge of fiery energy surrounded him. His Pyro Vision flared to life, and the heat in the air became palpable. The crowd grew silent, sensing something extraordinary about to happen.
Issei's voice boomed across the arena as he declared, "I am the Red Dragon Emperor! The one who took the Rule of Domination from Celestia! I am the one who will bring fire to this world!"
Aether, standing beside Luminis and the others, narrowed his eyes, feeling the intensity of Issei's aura. "This energy... it's unlike anything I've seen before," Aether muttered, keeping a close watch on the newcomer.
Eula crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on the stage. "He's serious about showing his power. I've never heard of a burst like this."
Amber leaned in closer, whispering to Aether, "Do you think he's got what it takes to make it through the exams?"
Aether didn't answer right away, still focused on the stage. "We'll see."
With a roar, Issei clenched his fist, and a fiery crimson aura enveloped him. The ground beneath his feet began to crack as flames erupted around him. His voice rose even higher as he activated his burst.
"Boosted Break!"
A massive shockwave of fire and heat radiated outward, causing the audience to gasp in awe. The flames swirled around Issei, forming the shape of a massive dragon that loomed over the arena, roaring with pure, unrestrained power.
Luminis's eyes widened in amazement. "Papa, look! He's so strong!"
Aether's hand instinctively moved toward his weapon, ready for anything. "Yeah, he is. But we'll see if that strength is enough to control that kind of power."
Issei's burst was not just a display of raw strength—it was a declaration. His flames danced wildly, as if alive, and the sheer force of his presence was enough to make even seasoned knights feel uneasy.
"Let's see if Mondstadt is ready for the fire I bring!" Issei shouted as he slammed his fist into the ground. The stage exploded with fire, and the dragon form above him surged forward, crashing into the far end of the arena.
The crowd was stunned into silence for a moment before erupting into cheers and gasps of astonishment. Issei stood tall, his Pyro Vision still glowing fiercely as the flames dissipated around him. He looked up at the audience, a smirk on his face, clearly pleased with his performance.
Back in the viewing area, Kaeya chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Looks like we've got quite the showman on our hands."
Jean, sitting beside him, nodded slowly. "He's strong. But strength alone won't get him through these exams. He'll need discipline, control, and the ability to work as part of a team."
Aether remained silent, deep in thought as he watched Issei's display. Something about the power Issei wielded felt familiar, yet different. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Issei than what he was showing.
As Issei stepped down from the stage, his flames finally extinguished, he glanced toward Aether. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, there was an unspoken understanding between them. Aether could tell that this was only the beginning—that Issei was someone who would challenge him, not just in strength, but in the way he viewed the world.
With the first part of the Knight Exams coming to a close, the excitement in the air was palpable. Everyone knew that the real challenges were still to come, and as Aether looked toward the horizon, he couldn't help but wonder what trials lay ahead for him, his friends, and this mysterious new contender.
As the dust settled from Issei's explosive demonstration, the crowd continued to buzz with excitement. The Knight Exams were in full swing, but the atmosphere had shifted. Issei's performance left an impression, and it was clear he was here to make a statement.
Aether turned to Luminis, who was still excitedly cheering. "Alright, Luminis, settle down. The exam isn't over yet."
Eula smirked, nudging Aether. "You know, if you keep reacting like this, people are going to think you're getting worried about competition."
Aether sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not worried. Just… curious."
Amber chuckled. "Curious, huh? Well, he did call himself the Red Dragon Emperor. I wonder if he's got more surprises up his sleeve."
Back in the arena, the next round of the exams began. The remaining participants stepped forward, each determined to prove their worth. Knights of Favonius representatives observed closely, their critical eyes scanning every move.
Among the participants, Noelle stood tall, her determination unwavering. Aether spotted her and felt a surge of pride. He had no doubt in her abilities. Even if she hadn't passed yet, today felt different. Today, she looked ready.
As Noelle took her position, Aether called out to her, "You've got this, Noelle! Just remember what I told you!"
Noelle glanced back at Aether, her cheeks flushing slightly before she quickly nodded. "I won't let you down, Sir Aether!"
Luminis grinned, waving excitedly. "Go, Mama Noelle!"
Aether's face turned bright red, and he shot Luminis a look. "Luminis, we've been over this…"
Eula stifled a laugh. "He's just being honest."
Noelle blushed even harder, clearly overhearing Luminis, but she quickly refocused on the task at hand. The examiner, a stern-faced Knight of Favonius veteran, raised his hand. "Noelle, you may begin."
Taking a deep breath, Noelle readied her Geo Vision. With a graceful swing of her claymore, she activated her burst: Sweeping Time. The massive sword she conjured from her Geo power cleaved through the air, creating a protective barrier around her while simultaneously increasing her strength.
The crowd watched in awe as Noelle's movements were precise and powerful. She effortlessly dispatched the training dummies set up for the exam, each strike resonating with controlled force. Her Geo powers enhanced her defense, making her look like an impenetrable fortress as she advanced through the trial.
Aether smiled, impressed. "She's doing great."
Amber nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "She's really grown. All that hard work is paying off."
The other contestants watched in awe as Noelle completed her exam with ease. When the dust settled, she stood in the center of the arena, unscathed and victorious. The crowd erupted into cheers, and Noelle's face lit up with joy.
Luminis cheered loudly, "Mama Noelle is amazing!"
Aether couldn't help but smile proudly. "She did it."
Eula looked at him with a teasing grin. "Looks like you've got another one for your so-called 'harem,' Aether."
Aether groaned, rubbing his temples. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"
Amber laughed, patting him on the shoulder. "You should just accept it, Aether. It's not like anyone's complaining."
As Noelle returned to the sidelines, she was met with congratulations from her fellow knights. Her eyes found Aether's, and she beamed with pride. "Thank you for believing in me, Sir Aether."
Aether gave her a warm smile. "You earned it, Noelle. You're one of the best knights I know."
Just as Noelle was about to respond, Issei approached them, his arms crossed and a confident smirk on his face. "Not bad, Noelle. You've got some real talent. But don't think I'm going to let you steal the spotlight."
Noelle blinked, surprised by Issei's sudden approach, but she smiled politely. "Thank you, Issei. I'm just happy I passed."
Issei grinned, his fiery aura still simmering. "Oh, you did more than just pass. You're impressive. But next time, let's see if you can keep up with the Red Dragon Emperor."
Aether raised an eyebrow, stepping in between them. "Alright, calm down, Issei. There's no need to make this a competition."
Issei's grin widened. "Oh, but isn't that what this is all about? I'm here to prove myself, Aether. And from what I hear, you're the one to beat in Mondstadt."
Aether crossed his arms, meeting Issei's gaze head-on. "I'm not here to compete with you, Issei. We're both just doing what we can for our people."
Issei's eyes gleamed with challenge. "That's exactly why I'm here. To show what Inazuma's got. And maybe give Mondstadt a little wake-up call."
Luminis tugged on Aether's sleeve. "Papa, are you going to fight him?"
Aether shook his head, chuckling. "Not today, Luminis. We've got more important things to focus on."
Issei smirked, stepping back. "Fair enough. But someday, Aether, we'll see who's stronger."
With that, Issei turned and walked away, leaving Aether and the others watching him with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. The Knight Exams had only just begun, but it was clear that the road ahead would be filled with new challenges—and new allies.
As the day continued, Aether couldn't shake the feeling that Issei's arrival marked the beginning of something much bigger. And whatever it was, Aether knew he had to be ready.
In the end Both Issei and Noelle were conferenced to be new knight, as Jean stepped to the stage
Jean looked at all them. "I welcome all of you too the knight of Favonius, now pick one join"
As then multiple flags fall down each with there own marks, as all the new knight looked at all of them
As Jean's words echoed across the stage, the new knights of Favonius stood in awe, their eyes darting between the various flags and leaders who had stepped forward. The gravity of the moment settled in, as they realized the path ahead would be defined by the choices they made today.
Issei, standing tall and proud, scanned each leader with interest, his gaze lingering on Tristan and Aether. Noelle, meanwhile, looked uncertain, her eyes flickering between Amber, Eula, and Aether.
Kaeya, ever the charismatic figure, stepped forward with a playful grin. "Cavalry Division's always looking for knights with sharp instincts and swift feet. We've got the finest horses in Mondstadt, and the quickest routes across the city. Join us, and you'll see Mondstadt like never before."
Tristan, exuding nobility and discipline, gave a curt nod. "The 7th Company Combined Arms seeks warriors who are not just skilled with a sword or vision, but those who can lead. If you're looking to test your strength and strategy in battle, we welcome you."
Amber smiled brightly, a little nervously, but kept her enthusiasm. "The Investigation Division is small… well, it's just me! But if you love adventure, exploring the unknown, and keeping Mondstadt safe, we could use someone like you."
When Eula stepped forward, some in the crowd started to murmur, their eyes lingering on the Lawrence crest she bore. However, the cheers from the citizens who had witnessed her bravery during the Abyss Order's attack drowned out any negativity. Eula met the crowd with a smile that was both confident and humble. "The Reconnaissance Division is not for the faint-hearted. We operate on the fringes, scouting deep into enemy territory, tracking movements, and acting before threats become disasters. If you have the courage, I look forward to working with you."
Hertha, ever pragmatic, followed next. "Logistics may not sound glamorous, but without us, none of these divisions would function. We keep the supplies flowing, the records straight, and ensure that every knight has what they need to do their job."
Finally, all eyes fell on Aether. He hesitated, knowing he had been chosen to represent the Shadow Guard, a branch that operated in Mondstadt's shadows, far from the noble ideals of chivalry many of these knights would expect. "The Shadow Guard isn't like the rest of the Knights of Favonius," Aether began, his voice steady. "We deal with threats before they become public knowledge, operate behind enemy lines, and handle missions that require discretion. It's not for everyone, and I won't hold it against anyone who decides it's not for them. But for those who join, know that your loyalty, bravery, and resolve will be tested every day."
Noelle stood there, clutching her claymore, her heart racing. This was the moment she'd dreamed of for so long. She had always wanted to be a knight, but the choice of which division to join weighed heavily on her. She glanced at Amber, remembering all the times she'd helped her out, and at Eula, who had been an inspiration in her own right. And then, there was Aether—the one who believed in her even when she doubted herself.
Issei, meanwhile, was still brimming with excitement. "Aether," he called out, stepping closer. "Your Shadow Guard sounds like a real challenge, but I came here to prove something. The Red Dragon Emperor doesn't shy away from any fight, and I'm ready to test my limits." He pointed his thumb towards his chest. "Count me in."
Aether raised an eyebrow but nodded with respect. "Welcome aboard, Issei. You'll fit right in."
Noelle, still contemplating her options, glanced at Aether, then at Amber, and finally at Eula. After a moment, she took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Sir Aether, I've always wanted to be a knight, and I know the Shadow Guard is dangerous. But I trust you, and I want to protect Mondstadt, no matter the risk."
Aether smiled warmly, proud of her decision. "Noelle, you're already one of the bravest people I know. Welcome to the Shadow Guard."
With that, the crowd cheered as Jean raised her hand, officially inducting the new knights. "To all the new knights who have chosen their path, welcome to the Knights of Favonius! May you serve Mondstadt with honor, courage, and dedication."
As the flags waved, and the cheers filled the air, Aether couldn't help but feel a sense of pride—not just for Noelle and Issei, but for all of them. The future of Mondstadt looked brighter, and with the new knights ready to take up the mantle, Aether knew they were in good hands.
And as the sun set on the horizon, the new chapter of the Knights of Favonius began.
To be continued
So it has been enough Ch, and two voting times
Who should get the first R18
1. Eula
2. Amber
3. Lisa
4. Noelle
Second vote which harem is Rosaria joining
1. Aether
2. Issei
Give me power stones
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone