MARVEL I AM DRAGON GOD

The Sector 5 Mako Reactor mission was set for the following night.

Cloudia, true to her word, had joined their ranks, though her presence cast a strange shadow over the hideout.

While she contributed to the planning with sharp insights and tactical knowledge, she seemed to have a particular focus – Arthur.

From the moment she arrived, Cloudia's eyes often lingered on Arthur, a scrutinizing, almost challenging look in them.

During discussions, she'd frequently question his suggestions, not outright dismissing them, but poking holes, testing his reasoning, and subtly undermining his authority in front of the others.

It wasn't outright hostility, but a persistent, low-level probing that made Arthur feel constantly under a microscope.

He understood. Cloudia was used to being the top dog, the most powerful. Now, someone new had shown up, someone Tifa and Barret seemed to be placing increasing trust in, and it clearly didn't sit well with her.

Arthur, for his part, remained calm. He answered her questions directly, defended his points logically, and never showed any outward sign of annoyance.

He knew what she was doing. She was testing him, trying to gauge his abilities and his resolve. What she didn't know was just how outmatched she was.

He was at Level 6 with an array of formidable Skills and Powers, while her Level 4 status, impressive for this world, was still far below his.

He just smiled inwardly, waiting for the right moment.

Aerith, however, wasn't as patient. Her gentle nature hid a fierce loyalty, and she quickly picked up on Cloudia's thinly veiled jabs at Arthur.

During one of their planning sessions, when Cloudia dismissively waved off one of Arthur's detailed proposals for a diversion, Aerith finally spoke up.

"That's not fair, Cloudia!"

Aerith's voice, usually soft, held a surprising edge.

"Arthur's ideas are really good! He thinks about everything!"

Cloudia turned her sharp gaze on Aerith, a hint of disdain in her blue eyes.

"Stay out of this, flower girl. This is about strategy, not pretty words."

Aerith flinched slightly, but her chin remained stubbornly high.

"It is a strategy! And Arthur knows a lot!"

Arthur gently placed a hand on Aerith's arm.

"It's okay, Aerith,"

He murmured, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

"I can handle it."

He sent her a look that silently communicated 'trust me on this.' Aerith, though still upset, seemed to understand, though she continued to glare at Cloudia.

Barret and Tifa, sensing the growing tension, exchanged a glance. They were undoubtedly aware of the friction, but seemed content to let it play out, perhaps as a way to truly see what Arthur was made of.

The sparring sessions, which were a regular part of Avalanche's training, became the perfect arena for Cloudia's continued scrutiny.

She would often observe Arthur intently, and then, during her own turns, perform elaborate moves, clearly trying to impress or outshine him.

Arthur just watched, absorbing her fighting style, her weaknesses, and her strengths.

He noted her incredible speed and power, her mastery of the Buster Sword. She was formidable, no doubt. But she was still human.

Then came the day of the final pre-mission briefing. Everyone was gathered, the air thick with anticipation for the night's operation.

Barret was giving a rousing speech about their commitment to the Planet when Cloudia interrupted him.

"Barret,"

Cloudia cut in, her voice clear and calm, drawing everyone's attention.

"Before we go out there, I think we need to settle something."

Her gaze immediately fixed on Arthur.

"There's a lot of talk about how 'helpful' some people are, but talk is cheap. I want to see what this 'Arthur' can really do. I challenge him to a spar. Right now."

A hush fell over the hideout. Barret looked stunned, Tifa's eyes narrowed, and Aerith gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. This wasn't a friendly challenge; this was a gauntlet thrown down, an open assertion of dominance.

Arthur met Cloudia's gaze, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. This was it. The moment he had been waiting for.

"I accept,"

Arthur said, his voice calm and even. He saw the flicker of surprise in Cloudia's eyes. She had expected him to hesitate, perhaps to refuse.

"Good,"

Cloudia said, a faint smirk returning. She unstrapped her massive Buster Sword, its polished blade reflecting the dim lights.

"Let's see if you're all talk."

The Avalanche members quickly cleared a space in the center of the hideout, forming a makeshift arena.

Barret and Tifa stood on opposite sides, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

Aerith stood close to Arthur, her hand still clutched to her chest, her eyes wide with worry.

"Arthur, be careful!"

She whispered.

"Don't worry, Aerith,"

Arthur replied, patting her hand.

"It's going to be fine."

Cloudia took her stance, the Buster Sword held at the ready, radiating an aura of raw power.

She looked every inch the legendary SOLDIER, confident and ready for battle.

Arthur simply stood there for a moment, observing her. Then, slowly, he reached behind his back.

The air around him shimmered, and from what seemed like nowhere, a weapon materialized in his hand.

It was a long crimson masamune, its blade wickedly sharp and glowing with an eerie red light.

It wasn't a katana, but a much longer, more elegant, and terrifyingly potent sword, almost identical to the legendary blade wielded by Sephiroth.

A collective gasp went through the room. Even Cloudia's eyes widened, a genuine shock spreading across her face.

"Ready?"

Arthur asked, his voice softer than usual, yet carrying an undeniable weight.

Cloudia, momentarily unnerved by the appearance of the masamune, quickly regained her composure. Her grip tightened on the Buster Sword.

"As I'll ever be."

The first move was Cloudia's. With a burst of speed that truly impressed Arthur, she launched herself forward, the Buster Sword whistling through the air in a powerful overhead cleave. Her strike was fast, precise, and aimed to end the fight quickly.

But Arthur was faster.

He didn't block. He didn't parry in the traditional sense. Instead, using his Dragonic Hand power, he moved with impossible fluidity.

The crimson masamune became a blur, weaving through Cloudia's attack with effortless grace.

He didn't just dodge; he flowed around her, as if the air itself bent to his will.

Cloudia, surprised by his speed, tried to adjust, pivoting to bring the Buster Sword around for a horizontal swing. But Arthur was already there.

He moved in so close that she had no space to maneuver her massive weapon. He spun, the crimson masamune flicking out, not to cut, but to disarm.

A soft clink echoed through the hideout as the blade of the masamune tapped the flat of the Buster Sword with surprising force, sending a jolt up Cloudia's arm.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. She felt a strange, unseen force push against her, and before she could even register what was happening, the Buster Sword was wrenched from her grasp.

It flew through the air, spinning end over end, and embedded itself with a thud into a wooden support beam.

The hideout was silent. Absolutely silent. Everyone stared, their mouths agape. Barret's gun-arm was slack, Tifa's eyes were wide with shock, and Aerith was beaming, a triumphant smile on her face.

Cloudia stood frozen, her hand still extended as if grasping for her weapon. She stared at Arthur, then at her sword impaled in the beam, then back at Arthur.

Her carefully constructed facade of cool confidence had shattered. Her face was a mask of pure astonishment.

Arthur lowered the crimson masamune, its faint red glow softening. He hadn't even used his full strength, hadn't even touched his higher-tier Skills or Powers like Reality Blending or Soul Magic.

A simple application of Dragonic Hand enhanced Dex and AGI was enough. He simply wanted to make a point, and he had.

"Is that enough, Cloudia?"

Arthur asked, his voice calm, but with an underlying current of authority she couldn't ignore.

He held the crimson masamune loosely in his hand, its presence a stark reminder of the power he possessed.

Cloudia just stared, speechless. The air around her seemed to crackle with her shock and disbelief. She, the formidable SOLDIER, had been disarmed in less than two seconds, by someone she had dismissed as just "helpful."

"I... I don't understand,"

Cloudia finally managed to stammer, her voice barely a whisper.

"How...?"

Arthur just offered a faint smile. He wasn't going to reveal the full extent of his reality-bending, cosmic true dragon powers just yet.

This was enough for now.

He had gained their respect, and Cloudia's. The mission was about to become much smoother.

With Cloudia's shocking defeat, the atmosphere in the Avalanche hideout transformed. Her previous arrogance had been replaced by a quiet, almost respectful demeanor.

She no longer questioned Arthur's every move, instead observing him with a new, intense curiosity.

The other Avalanche members, initially stunned, now looked at Arthur with a mixture of awe and newfound trust. He had proven himself in a way no amount of words ever could.

The rest of the preparations for the Sector 5 Mako Reactor mission proceeded with a newfound efficiency.

Cloudia, though still somewhat reserved, actively contributed, sharing her detailed knowledge of Shinra security protocols and even suggesting ways to leverage Arthur's… unique abilities, though she clearly didn't understand the full scope of them.

Tifa and Barret's trust in Arthur solidified completely. Tifa, who had always been perceptive, gave him knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment of the hidden depths she suspected he possessed.

Barret, ever the pragmatist, was simply thrilled to have such a powerful individual on their side. He even started calling him "Dragon Kid," much to Arthur's amusement.

Aerith, of course, was delighted. She often walked by Arthur's side, a cheerful skip in her step, occasionally whispering,

"You were amazing, Arthur! Cloudia didn't know what hit her!"

Arthur would just smile, glad that his actions had reassured her.

As the hour of the mission approached, the tension in the hideout was palpable, but it was now laced with a strong undercurrent of confidence.

Arthur felt the hum of the Lifestream beneath their feet, a subtle resonance with his Soul Magic and his budding connection to the Planet.

He knew this was just the beginning. The fight against Shinra was long and arduous, but now, with his powers revealed and the trust of Avalanche earned, they stood a much stronger chance.

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