Amphere Harrison
As I lay in bed, the warm and radiant sunlight poured through my window and landed upon my face, causing me to stir and eventually open my eyes. As I turned my head to the left, my gaze fell upon a stunning sight: the clear, azure blue sky that stretched out before me, imbuing the room with a sense of serenity and peace.
Despite feeling comfortable and at ease in my bed, I knew that I couldn't stay there forever. Today marked the beginning of the registration period for the highly anticipated Dragon Knight's Tournament, and I had to make sure I was there bright and early to secure my place in the competition. As much as I wanted to sleep a little longer, the thought of missing out on the chance to participate in the tournament motivated me to get up and start my day
As I stirred, I shifted my body slightly to the left, and that was when I saw her - an angelic face with an alluring smile. Her eyes were like precious rubies, gleaming with an otherworldly beauty. Yet, at that moment, I couldn't help but notice the hint of desire in her gaze.
But as I took in my surroundings, confusion and alarm crept over me. Why was she in my bed? I struggled to remember how this had come to be, but my mind drew a blank. My heart raced as I tried to make sense of the situation, and I wondered if I had made a grave mistake.
"Good morning Amphy~"
In a split second, my reflexes kicked in, and I reacted instinctively. Without hesitation, I unleashed a powerful karate chop, channeling all my strength into the strike. The force of my blow landed squarely on her head, eliciting a sudden cry of pain from her lips.
As she crumpled to the ground, I watched as her body hit the carpeted floor with a soft thud. Writhing in agony, she rolled over and huddled in a fetal position, her arms protectively covering her forehead. I was filled with a sense of shock and disbelief at what had just happened, wondering how things had escalated so quickly. The room was filled with an uneasy silence as I stood there, still trying to process the events that had just transpired.
"Uwa! That's very rude, Amphy! Totally!"
"W-Why are you staying on my bed?" I glared at her coldly.
"That's my bed!" She immediately sat while still covering her steaming forehead. "You're the one who jumped unto my bed last night! Totally!"
As my eyes scanned the room, my gaze fell upon my bed, which was situated next to her. The sight of it made me realize how close we were, and it dawned on me that we must have spent the night together. The realization sent a wave of panic through me, and I wondered if something had happened that I couldn't remember.
The strong scent of beer on my body made me realize just how much I had consumed the night before. Memories of Estoff's emotional outburst came flooding back, and I could see how easily I might have lost myself in the moment, especially with the Pentagram Knight goading me on.
Despite my hazy recollection of the night, I couldn't help but feel relieved as I looked down at my outfit. I was still wearing my trusty 'Metal Rockz' t-shirt and jeans, while Airi was clad in her cute pink nightgown. It seemed that nothing had transpired between us, at least not physically.
"T-Then why didn't you switch beds?" I asked boorishly.
"Geez, you totally…" Then she mumbled on herself. "I wanted to watch you sleep because you're cute."
She didn't know but I overheard it.
Airi has a tendency of worsening the awkwardness, so I immediately tried to change the topic. Oh, that's right. We have to register for the Dragon Knights Tournament!
"Let's go, we have to register ourselves to the tournament."
"Totally!" She hyperactively raised her fist and stood up like nothing embarrassing happened.
With a sense of urgency, we quickly began to prepare for the day ahead. As I got dressed, I reached for my trusty white tuxedo uniform, which always made me feel confident and polished. However, I was forced to abandon my favorite shirt from the night before, as it had become imbued with the unmistakable scent of beer.
Feeling a twinge of regret, I rifled through my wardrobe, searching for something that would capture my personality and make a statement. Eventually, my eyes fell upon a sleek black shirt with intricate white patterns, which immediately caught my attention. I knew that it would serve as the perfect complement to my tuxedo, adding a touch of sophistication and boldness to my look.
With my outfit complete, I felt ready to face whatever challenges the day might bring.
As we stepped out of the hotel, the bright sunlight momentarily blinded us, but our eyes soon adjusted to the radiance of the day. Waiting for us at the curb was a sleek black limousine, its windows tinted to the point of opacity.
As we approached the vehicle, the window smoothly glided open, and a man with long blonde hair greeted us with a dazzling smile. It was Estoff, and as usual, he seemed to radiate an aura of excitement and enthusiasm, despite the fact that he had downed five pints of beer the previous night.
Though his cool and collected exterior never failed to impress, I couldn't help but shake my head at his overly dramatic behavior whenever alcohol was involved. But despite his flaws, I was grateful for Estoff's unwavering support, and I knew that I could always count on him to be there for me when I needed him most.
"Sir Estoff!" The duchess exclaimed. Apparently, she has to go with us for better security.
As we climbed into the limousine, I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. The familiar sight of Duchess eagerly chatting away, Estoff calmly maintaining his cool demeanor and flashing that same enigmatic smile, and Airi soundly sleeping and drooling on my shoulder - it was all a repeat of the previous day.
As we began the twenty-minute ride to the castle, I found myself lost in thought, my mind drifting over the challenges that awaited me at the tournament. Despite my nerves, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me.
Finally, as the limousine came to a halt and I stepped out onto the courtyard, I felt a wave of renewed energy coursing through me. The sight of the grand castle before me, with its towering spires and intricate stonework, was nothing short of breathtaking.
With each step I took, I felt more and more invigorated, my senses heightened by the sheer magnitude of the event unfolding before me. I was ready to take on whatever challenges awaited me in the Dragon Knight's Tournament.
"Oh, Amphere!" A familiar guy waved at me. He was wielding a smile as he grabbed my attention.
"…Rudolf."
I caught sight of my best friend, Rudolf Azregon, as I made my way through the courtyard. We had been friends since grade three, and even now, he was still my classmate at the Dragon Knight Academy.
Rudolf was an impressive sight to behold, with his curly brown hair framing his chiseled face and his piercing blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. Despite wearing the standard academy uniform, his impressive physique was still apparent, a testament to the countless hours he had spent honing his strength and agility.
As we locked eyes, a grin spread across Rudolf's face, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over me. We had been through so much together, from our early days as mischievous young boys to our current roles as aspiring dragon knights.
Despite the occasional teasing and joking around, there was a deep bond of trust and loyalty between us that had only grown stronger over the years. We knew each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we always had each other's backs, no matter what. That, to me, was the true essence of what it meant to be best friends.
I noticed Rudolf's pretty dragonoid, Kyrie, by his side. She was a shy and gentle creature with flowing hair that shimmered in the sunlight. Even though she was timid, there was an undeniable charm about her that made her impossible not to love.
Kyrie was dressed in the standard academy uniform for female dragonoids - a business casual shirt tucked into a smart blazer, paired with a short black skirt that showed off her slender legs. The outfit was both practical and stylish, with just enough sophistication to fit in with the academy's rigorous and demanding atmosphere.
As I approached them, Kyrie looked up at me with a soft smile and a shy wave. Her eyes were filled with warmth and kindness, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and calmness wash over me in her presence.
Kyrie was definitely a unique dragonoid, unlike any I had seen before. Her inability to hide her wings and tail set her apart from the rest of her kind, but it was the colors of her wings that truly made her stand out. One wing was a pristine white, shimmering in the sunlight like freshly fallen snow, while the other was an inky black, dark and mysterious like the depths of the ocean.
Her tail, too, was a striking contrast against her pale skin. A glossy black that glimmered in the light, it was long and tapered, with a delicate tip that quivered with every movement. As she moved, her wings and tail unfurled in a graceful dance, making her seem almost ethereal in her beauty.
Despite her differences, Kyrie seemed content with her place in the world. She carried herself with a quiet dignity, her head held high and her gaze unwavering. It was clear that she was proud to be who she was, even if it meant standing out from the crowd.
"Kyrie!" , "…A-Airi!?"
Airi and Kyrie's interaction was a heartwarming sight to behold. Airi, always the cheerful one, greeted Kyrie with an infectious smile that spread to the dragonoid's face. Kyrie, in turn, returned the greeting with a shy nod and a gentle smile.
It was clear that the two had a special bond, one that went beyond their time at the academy. They had grown up together in the slums, facing the harsh realities of life side by side. Despite their different species, they had become the closest of friends, sharing secrets, dreams, and fears with each other. But Kyrie didn't know anything about the Arcadia or their group members.
"I knew you're going to sign up for the tournament! I am sure we could see awesome dragons in this event!" Rudolf energetically said. Rudolf is really fond of dragons, and unlike some other dragon knights or dragon maniacs, he treats his dragonoid with extreme care.
"Hm!" I nodded with a smile. "Let's fight until we get to the finals!"
"Oh yeah! I'll be waiting for you at the top!"
As Rudolf and I faced each other, a fierce determination burned in our eyes. Our arms were crossed, and our bodies were tense with anticipation. It was as if we were preparing for battle, even though we were just standing in the courtyard of the academy.
I could sense Rudolf's eagerness to challenge me in an official tournament. He was a skilled fighter, and I knew that he would give me a tough time in the ring. But I was just as eager to take him on. We were both passionate about becoming the best dragon knights we could be, and we knew that the only way to achieve that was through rigorous training and intense competition.
Despite our shared goal, there was a sense of rivalry between us. We were both determined to be the best, and we knew that only one of us could come out on top. But even in the midst of our fierce competition, there was a deep bond of friendship between us. We had been through so much together, and we knew that our shared experiences had made us stronger.
As we continued to stare at each other with blazing will, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I knew that our battle would be intense and challenging, but I was ready to face it head-on. After all, that's what being a dragon knight was all about - pushing yourself to the limit and never backing down from a challenge.
"…Um…I prefer not to fight but I'll do my best for Rudolf!" Kyrie said to Airi.
"Yoooosh! I will not lose to you guys! Totally!" Airi fistpumped with composed resolve.
As we walked through the castle, I couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, and the floor was made of polished marble. The air was filled with the scent of expensive perfume, and I felt like I was walking through a palace. We passed by several guards, all dressed in regal armor, who nodded their heads in acknowledgement as we walked past.
Finally, we arrived at the main hall. It was a massive chamber, with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers that sparkled in the light. The walls were lined with banners bearing the emblem of the Dragon Knight Academy, and the floor was covered with a plush red carpet. At the center of the hall was a large stage, where the battles would take place.
The other participants were already there, and I could feel the tension in the air as they sized each other up. Some were chatting with their dragonoids, others were stretching and warming up. The excitement was palpable, and I couldn't wait to get started.
As I stepped into the hall, my eyes widened in amazement. I never imagined that it would be this grand. The space was wide and vast, with golden accents adorning every corner. The entrance was marked with a long red carpet leading towards a raised platform at the far end. This was the stage where the tournament would take place. The hall was filled with prestigious Dragon Knights from all over, some looked extremely powerful, while others were just average. I could feel the tension in the air, as everyone eagerly awaited the start of the tournament.
As we made our way towards the table filled with lavish cakes, Airi's eyes gleamed with excitement. She couldn't resist the temptation and dashed towards the plates, chomping on the delectable treats with gusto. "Mmmm~, this cake is lavishly sweet, but the texture is so cushy that melts in your mouth! Totally!" she exclaimed, surprising me with her unexpected food critic skills.
Kyrie couldn't resist the enticing aroma of the white cake and drooled as she followed Airi to the table. I couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm, as I picked up a piece of the chocolate cake and savored its rich flavor.
I looked around nervously, feeling a bit self-conscious about their behavior. But then Rudolf, my best friend, also joined in, gnawing down on a slice of cake as he looked on enviously. Those three were acting like complete barbarians, drawing the attention of the other knights in the room. I just stood there, dumbstruck, not quite sure what to do. I wanted to make it clear that I didn't know these guys, but it was too late for that now.
"So these are the disgusting Dragon Knights."
Duchess Corasell muttered under her breath, her face contorted with a mixture of frustration and disdain. She seemed to harbor a deep-seated animosity towards every Dragon Knight in the room, except for Estoff, whom she appeared to hold in high regard. Her eyes scanned the room, and her lips curled into a sneer as they settled on each knight in turn, sizing them up and finding them lacking.
"But that kid is not 'that' disgusting." Estoff, who was beside the duchess said. He is certainly pertaining to Rudolf. "That boy has a powerful bond with his dragonoid. They have a compatibility of a hundred percent."
The duchess' jaws hanged. "H-How is that possible?"
"Simple." Estoff crossed his arms. "A knight loves his dragonoid, and his dragonoid loves his knight."
I was skeptical about the idea of a hundred percent compatibility between a knight and a dragonoid just because they loved each other. I didn't believe that affection alone could influence compatibility rates, and there was no scientific evidence to support such a claim. I found the notion amusing, but Estoff appeared to take it seriously. I stared at him intently, expecting him to break into laughter and reveal it was all a joke, but he remained resolute. This made me wonder if there was some truth to his claim after all.
Above Estoff's head was a magnificent golden vase, its surface glimmering and reflecting light to the upper aisle of the hall. However, my attention was quickly diverted to the reflection of a cloaked, masked man who had appeared out of nowhere. He was wearing a magician's hat and holding a pistol, which was ominously pointed in our direction. The air grew heavy with tension as we all froze in shock. Suddenly, a deafening gunshot rang out, echoing through the hall and causing everyone to scream and scramble for cover.