(Ken POV)
The power that I felt was breathtaking, to say the least. Its raging energy flowed endlessly through my veins.
Anastasia kept looking at me like I have grown a second head.
"That's impossible!!! There are no other living pure-blooded Dragons apart from my family and I!!!"
I heard some gasps coming from the crowd when I heard what she just said.
So now I'm a Dragon? Well... This is shocking and also kind of awkward.
But wait a fucking minute, how in the Seven Gods' name have I managed to accomplish it? And here I thought copying spells is only what I'm capable of.
It appears that there is more to this magic of Infinity than I thought.
Anyways, there's still the issue of this Magicka and defeating the Dragon Lady took precedence over questions that I can't answer for now.
While Anastasia was perplexed by this newfound revelation, I took advantage of her disoriented state and begun my assault on her.
The Half-Dragon transformation indeed increased my Mana, and physical prowess, speed included. Thus, it was not long before I was able to approach Anastasia and swipe her with my claws.
To her credit, Anastasia quickly recovered from her momentary daze and avenged back with her barrage of attacks.
For the onlookers, perhaps this was no longer a Magicka, but merely a battle between legendary beasts striving for dominion.
We also utilized our Dragonfire to burn one another to smithereens in various ways.
Eventually, we have reached an impasse when our hands locked against one another while the ground shattered at the strength of our Draconic blood.
"I never would have imagined that a mongrel like you is capable enough to provide me with an outstanding challenge."
"I feel the same way, Dragon Lady."
With that said, I seemed to have gained Anastasia's respect the moment when she grinned madly and started to enjoy the battle rather than harboring any resentment.
Anastasia imbued her claws with flames and attempted to slash my torso. With quick reflexes, I was able to dodge it and swiftly delivered a punch to her face, knocking her down to the ground as a result.
She may have the advantage over magic due to her experience, but if it's a good old fashion brawl, then I'm quite confident with my fists and body.
When I told Anastasia earlier that I was weak and untrained when she challenged me, let's just say that the latter was a lie. The former, well, I did not completely know the magic of Infinity until then and I was also unsure of it, so I technically did not lie about that.
My grandfather, Robert Bruce, was a former Knight of the kingdom who retired from service to live a quiet and peaceful life in the countryside as a farmer. In addition to the labors of farm work, he was the one who trained and disciplined me physically, mentally, and spiritually.
As such, I knew my way in physical combat since I was tutored vigorously by a veteran Knight.
Going back to the fight, even if the enemy has fallen, one should not pause for a moment and be complacent. On the battlefield, one can't afford to relax and make sure that the enemy has truly fallen.
Therefore, I continued my onslaught by preparing a spell to finally finish her off.
"Brine Fury."
I could have sworn that I heard some shouts of disapproval coming from the spectators above. They were most likely disgusted by how dishonorable I'm displaying myself currently.
Like I care about their opinions. The lady is a damn Dragon with self-healing capabilities, so she won't simply just die with this spell...
Probably.
A powerful wave of seawater was conjured from my right hand and was sent flying at Anastasia
In perfect timing, she instantly recovered and managed to get away from the water spell's impact.
"You think that I'll fall easily, just like that?"
"Uhm... Yes?"
"Wrong answer."
Anastasia infused her right fist with her Dragonfire and suddenly punched the ground, much to my utter confusion.
"Hell Dragon's Wrath."
My confusion did not take long when I heard the chaotic quaking of the ground as a violent surge of Dragonfire erupted from below and released its unrestraint fury at where I stand.
"Arrghhhh!!!"
The direct heat and pressure of the attack were undeniably painful as I took it all directly.
Since it happened so fast, I was not able to get away from it unharmed.
"Crap, you're quite nasty, Dragon Lady."
Even if I did not manage to dodge on time, there are still ways to offset some of the attack's effect at the very least.
Due to my cautious nature, I prepared this spell in advance during the moment when Anastasia bored a hole to the ground.
Golem Mode sure worked in this kind of situation.
And combined with the durable scales of my Half-Dragon mode, I can say that my defense is capable of withstanding most tough blows or spells.
Perhaps I'll call this one, "Dragon Golem Mode", a unique fusion between Golem Mode and the Half-Dragon transformation to provide me with a formidable defense and strength in one go. Of course, my speed is yet to be desired, but Half-Dragon Mode slightly negated the issue, so there's not much of a problem.
Anastasia clicked her tongue in annoyance at how I'm still in a good condition while she herself is still on the ground.
"You!!!!"
Ugh, what now? She seemed to be angrier than before.
Sure, I punched the living crap out of her, but this is a match, so it is to be expected to get injured in the process.
And here I thought that we reached an understanding, from one combatant to another.
Was it all just a ploy to let my guard down then?
No, I believe that such dishonorable characteristic is beyond her even when I just met her today.
She seemed to be a dignified lady despite her display of arrogance.
And the smile that she expressed when we locked fists is genuine without a doubt.
So yes, something is not right.
I could feel intense and unnatural malice coming from her.
That, and a violet aura appeared out of nowhere and started to engulf her as she screamed in pain and agony.
And that is definitely not one of my spells.
"Crap, are you alright, Dragon Lady?!!"
"No, stay away!!! Aaarrggghhhh!!!!!"
I'm not sure what to do in this situation, so I simply prepared myself for whatever is going to happen right here.
As the aura fully engulfed her every being, I could only stare in both awe and dread at the aftermath of this dark magic.
Anastasia Dragonheart...
Transformed into a Full Red Dragon.
"Well... Shit."
(Alex POV)
"No, it can't be!!"
I stared in complete alarm upon witnessing my sister turning into a full-sized Dragon.
Strange, the full Dragon transformation, or "Ancient Dragon Mode" to be exact, is a complicated transformation that can only be utilized solely by my father, the Dragonheart head, in this era.
Not even I am capable of such a remarkable feat. I still have a lot to learn before I can assume its legendary form.
My sister and I only knew Half-Dragon Mode at best. Father told us that we should focus on mastering that form first before he's going to teach us how to properly fully awaken the Dragon blood within us.
Now, here came the question: How in Aldous' flames was she able to do it? Did she finally learn the skill successfully?
I've trained with her my whole life for as long as I can remember. So I'm fully aware of her capabilities and limits.
As her concerned brother and heir to the Dragonia Dukedom, it's also one of my responsibility to watch over and witness her growth.
So, no. I can say without reservation that my twin sister, Anastasia Dragonheart, is incapable of assuming the "Ancient Dragon Mode".
If such was the case, then I can only think of one conclusion behind this strange predicament of hers.
A forced transformation then.
A third party forced my sister to suffer in agony for her to transform. I can only assume that she's being manipulated as well as evident by that dark demonic aura flooding her every being.
A Dark Mage or a Warlock, then.
I could not help but clenched my fist in pure fury at the prospect of my sister getting hurt.
Such infraction is utterly unforgivable and shall not go unpunished!!!
But I need to set aside my anger and focused exclusively on how to eradicate this issue.
Hence, I quickly approached the Headmaster and said-
"Stop this match, this instant!! My sister is being controlled by a Warlock!!"
The Headmaster with the child's body did not even react in the slightest and merely looked at me as if I was the fool here.
"I urge you to keep yourself calm, Mr. Dragonheart. I assure you, you've got nothing to worry about.."
"Calm!!?? Are you fucking daft?! This is my sister being manipulated we are talking about!!! Or perhaps your brain also turned small alongside that body of yours to even notice?!"
I could see the Headmaster twitched in response at my last insulting remark but he chose to be the epitome of calm regardless.
"I understand your deep concern for your sister, but there's really nothing to fear and my intervention is still unneeded."
I roared in anger as my Dragon blood took over.
"Gaahhh!!!! If you don't want to act, then I'll fucking do so!!"
"I said... CALM yourself."
In an instant, an outside force seemed to have invaded my mind, like a parasite taking delight in feasting my inner essence.
I grunted in pain and I was forced to submit to the ground and looked below, being at the mercy of this... Vile pretender in a child's flesh.
"Allow me to impart my first lesson to you, Mr. Dragonheart..."
When I turned my gaze above to meet his eyes, I was completely stunned at what I have just witnessed.
The Headmaster's demeanor turned a complete 180. It was like the sinister abyss peering right at your very soul, looking for flaws for it to exploit.
As much as I hate to admit it, this man, Grayford Moon Lunaria, is someone who should not be trifled with.
His moniker as the Headmaster of Moonlight Magi Academy and Illusion Demon is apparently of no show.
I, a proud and noble Dragon, was forced into this humiliating position.
When the Headmaster deemed that I was no longer vexed by the current situation, he continued what he was going to say.
"One should not be extremely rash, no matter what the situation is. A Mage must be an embodiment of tranquility for even the slightest amount of panic may disrupt your own magic, and at worst, may even turn it against you. Magic overall is a process that requires a calm mind and body for one to achieve successfully. What you are displaying Mr. Dragonheart, contradicts the very essence of what a proper Mage should be."
"I... Am... Calm!! I'm simply mad at your idleness!!"
"Really? I find that hard to believe. You were about to rush into the fray without giving much thought."
The Headmaster sighed and paused for a moment before continuing our conversation.
"Being calm and furious is not necessarily exclusive towards one another. For even a Mage can be enraged yet still possess an untroubled mind to utilize their magic and adapt to the shifting situation effectively. What you are exhibiting though is merely pure anger that's quite unbefitting of your Noble status, young Lord."
I have no words to retaliate further as I grunted in annoyance at his statement.
As much as I loathe to concede his argument, the man-child was right. My state of thinking is currently muddled and all that I can think of is saving my sister from the Dark Magic controlling her.
"Are you feeling calm now, Mr. Dragonheart?"
I nodded softly in agreement and the Headmaster smiled at my response. As a result, he then released his Illusion Magic that was holding me.
"So, what are we going to do then? Are we just going to leave things as it is?"
Despite now regaining my composure, I asked the Headmaster what action we must partake. My sister's life and sanity are on the line here.
"As I said earlier, you've got nothing to worry about and I'll intervene if I believed it necessary. After all, your sister's opponent is a capable individual with a unique form of magic at his disposal."
"Unique? Yes, it's obvious that he has the Dragon blood like mine, but unless he can perform the same feat without losing himself, I'm uncertain if he is capable of withstanding a Dragon in her full transformation."
"Ah, Mr. Dragonheart, you are mistaken."
"Mistaken?"
"Carrying the Dragon blood is not the only thing that makes him unique, especially when he just most likely recently acquired it from this Magicka. His excellent display of spells like Brine Fury, Breathless Water, and Golem Mode, spells that are also distinct to the original owners if I may add. I'm sure you already realized the other implication behind it."
Not the only thing that makes him unique, and possessing spells that are exactly the same as that Rain and Davis fellow.
And recently acquired it? What in Aldous's name did he mean? A Dragon blood cannot be acquired by any means except through birth. Many tried to experiment and imitate our magic but all of them failed.
Wait... No... No way...
My eyes widened with extreme astonishment when I considered the other conclusion of Ken Bruce's true nature.
"You mean... He's the one? The legendary Mage from history with the ability to comprehend any form of magic by mere look alone?"
"Bingo, Mr. Dragonheart. The Magus of Infinity himself in the flesh, the inheritor of the great Hero, Vivian Algrande's magic herself."