Amphere Harrison
"Geez, totally! Wake up already!"
Airi's voice carried a palpable sense of worry as it reached my ears, pulling me out of the depths of slumber. As my heavy eyelids reluctantly began to open, I was met with the sight of her face hovering mere centimeters away from mine, her expression etched with anxiety. Her fingers tightly gripped the collar of my shirt, trembling as she shook my body with urgency, causing my vision to swim with disorientation. Curse this lingering drowsiness that clung to me stubbornly—it was far too early to be awake.
"I'm sorry, Amphy, but I have to do this! Totally!" Her voice rang out with a mixture of determination and regret, its intensity cutting through the air. And in an instant, before I could even react, her fist propelled forward, colliding forcefully with my face, delivering a direct and unexpected blow. The impact sent a jolt of pain shooting through me, leaving me momentarily stunned by the suddenness and forcefulness of her action.
"Uwahak!" I cried out, my hand instinctively reaching to cradle my aching nose, the pain pulsating through my senses. The abrupt assault had jolted me into full wakefulness, my previously drowsy state dissipating like a morning mist. Rising swiftly to my feet, my eyes narrowed with a mixture of anger and confusion as I fixed a furious gaze upon her. The adrenaline coursing through my veins heightened my senses, amplifying my voice as I demanded an explanation through gritted teeth, "W-What was that for!?"
As I found myself still enveloped within the confines of the cave, a shroud of darkness cloaked my surroundings. The once vibrant glow of the bonfire that had illuminated the cavernous space had been extinguished, leaving only a void of obscurity in its wake. My eyes strained, gradually adapting to the absence of light, allowing me to discern Airi's face before me with increasing clarity.
Taking a moment to survey my environment, I quickly observed the figures that stood alongside her. The student council president, an embodiment of authority and leadership, was present, their presence palpable despite the darkness. Not far off, my gaze fell upon the enigmatic figure known as the unmasked Black Phantom, an enforcer of mystery and intrigue. And there, amidst the dimness, Rudolf readied himself, his preparations suggesting an impending confrontation or challenge.
"Good thing you already woke up." Rudolf said. "We have to get away from here as soon as possible. We're under attack."
I turned to Airi then tried to scold her. "Was that punch necessary to wake me up? You could've just splashed some water in me!"
"I did it to save you, totally!" She angrily pushed her face towards mine as she held her hips. Her expression is rather cute.
In the midst of the unfolding scene, President Reina's hands skillfully guided her short sword, its blade emanating vibrant particles of yellow light. Murmurs, akin to an incantation, escaped her lips, a testament to her mastery of the mystical arts. It was unmistakably a Sword Spell, a fusion of sorcery and swordsmanship that only those versed in both could wield to such effect.
With an authoritative cry, "Lightsurge!" reverberating through the cave, the atmosphere crackled with an undeniable surge of power. In response, a radiant beam of golden energy erupted from the president's sword, piercing through the darkness with unwavering determination. Its path carved upward, obliterating everything unfortunate enough to stand in its way, until it finally breached the surface. As the laser's brilliance faded, a colossal passageway materialized before our eyes, unveiling a pathway of staggering proportions.
"Let's go!" Rudolf shouted.
Emerging onto the surface just in the nick of time, our eyes beheld a sight both awe-inspiring and treacherous. Despite the shroud of darkness that enshrouded the forest, the heavens above were ablaze with a surreal display. Arcing through the air with magnificent power, projectiles streaked across the night sky, leaving trails of dazzling light in their wake. Dragons, majestic and fearsome, clashed relentlessly, engaging in a fierce aerial combat that defied the constraints of day and night.
In this nocturnal battleground, the dragons unleashed their arsenal, each blast and explosion illuminating the surrounding darkness. The resounding echoes of their clashes reverberated through the forest, creating a symphony of chaos and destruction. It was a scene reminiscent of a bona fide battlefield, where adversaries fought with unyielding determination, unleashing every weapon at their disposal.
As we gazed upon this spectacle, it became undeniably clear that we had stepped into a realm where the fantastical and the perilous intertwined, where the boundary between reality and myth blurred. The forest transformed into an arena where ferocious dragons clashed, their powerful exchanges painting the night sky with both wonder and danger.
"We…We're surrounded." The president clicked her tongue.
As we stood on the surface, our presence did not go unnoticed. Dark figures, emerging from the depths of the surrounding forest, encircled our position with calculated precision. One by one, they materialized, their numbers multiplying until they surpassed twenty, and continued to grow. Above thirty menacing shadows now loomed before us, their intent unclear yet undeniably ominous.
Within their ranks, some figures brandished an array of swords, each blade distinct in shape and design, glinting malevolently in the dim light. The sight sent a chill down our spines, a silent reminder of the imminent threat that loomed before us. Other shadowy forms, their eyes glowing a haunting crimson, fixated their gaze upon our souls, emanating a sinister aura that instilled within us a deep sense of despair.
The air grew heavy with tension, as if time itself held its breath in anticipation of what would transpire next. It was a harrowing moment, a clash between the forces of light and the encroaching darkness. With every passing second, the shadows tightened their grip, their presence casting an overwhelming sense of foreboding over our small band of defenders.
Undeterred by the encircling shadows and their overwhelming presence, our resolve remained unbroken. Alder, with a confident smirk adorning his face, swiftly unsheathed his glistening golden rapier, its blade catching the scant rays of light that pierced through the darkness. Emy, in a display of her mastery over elemental forces, conjured sharp ice shards that glittered menacingly in her hands, ready to be unleashed upon their adversaries.
Rudolf, a paragon of unwavering strength, assumed a kendo stance, his sturdy broadsword held firmly in anticipation of the impending clash. With focused determination etched upon his features, he emanated an aura of readiness, prepared to engage in battle with all his might. Meanwhile, Kyrie, a sorceress well-versed in both the light and dark arts, commanded the forces of obscurity as an orb of darkness coalesced within her palms, a potent testament to her command over forbidden energies.
Not to be outdone, the president herself joined the fray, drawing her own blade to complement her formidable magical abilities. However, it was her trusted companion, the dragonoid named Eva, who added another layer of formidable power to the mix. Eva, in possession of a mighty magical staff, stood tall and resolute, her presence dispelling any doubt of her authenticity, proving that she was more than just a mere cosplayer.
With a sense of caution and a desire to keep a low profile in this tumultuous setting, I handed Airi my second photon sword, ensuring that we were both armed and prepared for what lay ahead. The option of employing the formidable Vesryn Pulse, a devastating technique, remained on standby, reserved as a last resort should circumstances demand it. Our primary objective, however, was to navigate this chaos and confront our adversaries while still in our dragonoids in human forms, minimizing unnecessary attention and potential complications.
"Here they come!"
As if on cue, a resounding cry from Eva alerted us to the imminent threat. Without a moment's hesitation, several knights leaped into the air, their figures silhouetted against the darkened sky. In a synchronized display of skill and unwavering focus, our group of sword-wielders swiftly moved into action, intercepting the knights' aerial assault with deftly executed blocks.
The clash of weapons reverberated through the air, a harmonious symphony of steel meeting steel. With each resounding impact, we pushed back the attackers, disrupting their momentum and forcing them to retreat. The precision of our synchronized defense proved formidable, as we deflected the knights' sword strikes with calculated movements and unwavering resolve.
Amidst the chaos, our united front demonstrated its effectiveness. Some of the knights found themselves disarmed, their weapons sent flying, while others stumbled and fell under the sheer force of our counterattacks. Yet, a few of the adversaries, possessing exceptional skill and resilience, managed to evade immediate defeat, stepping back and avoiding injury as they adjusted their strategy.
The battlefield became a dance of blades, where our synchronized block showcased the strength and prowess of our collective effort. Despite the intense confrontation, we held firm, resolute in our goal to overcome the encroaching darkness and emerge victorious.
"Activating Vesryn Pulse!" Several voices mixed that broke the silence of the night.
In a startling turn of events, our adversaries clutched their chests, causing a faint glow to emanate from within. As their dragonoid counterparts absorbed the luminous energy, their bodies pulsated with radiant light, undergoing a transformative process that shaped them into a diverse array of vibrant-colored lizards. Their numbers swelled to sixteen, encircling us completely, effectively trapping us within their midst.
A surge of trepidation coursed through our veins, the realization of the overwhelming odds we faced weighing heavily upon us. Surrounded on all sides, the enormity of the task ahead seemed insurmountable, threatening to extinguish our hopes. Doubt and uncertainty gnawed at our resolve, as the imminent threat loomed large.
"All of you run!" Reina shouted seriously. "They are all after me, so you don't have to get eliminated."
Indeed, Reina Fleuret's reputation as the student council president and her remarkable abilities had garnered widespread recognition throughout the world. Her mastery of both magic and combat had solidified her position as a formidable force to be reckoned with. In this dangerous game, the dragon knights, recognizing her as their most formidable adversary, would undoubtedly prioritize eliminating her as their primary target, seeking to remove the greatest obstacle to their victory in the tournament.
"Don't make me laugh." Alder said with a smirk. Then he grabbed his chest. "Activating Vesryn Pulse!"
"I will never leave a fellow Chevalier Unit member behind." Rudolf said in a composed tone. "Activating Vesryn Pulse!"
As Emy and Kyrie's bodies were enveloped in a radiant golden light, a breathtaking transformation took place. The very essence of their beings merged with their dragon heritage, granting them formidable power and majesty. The shimmering radiance unveiled Kyrie's dragon form, a magnificent creature measuring an impressive seven meters in length. Adorned in resplendent golden armor, she exuded an air of regal authority.
A magnificent golden helmet, adorned with dark feathers, encased Kyrie's head, serving as a symbol of her power and valor. The intricate craftsmanship of her armor, from the gleaming gauntlets to the resolute plate mail, caught the moonlight and reflected it with an ethereal glow. Her wings, a captivating blend of black and white, retained their original appearance, now expanded to an even grander scale. They stretched outward, emanating an aura of grace and strength.
In this dragon form, Kyrie revealed herself as a Chaos Dragon, embodying the duality of chaos and order. The juxtaposition of her golden armor against her wings' striking hues symbolized the harmonious balance she struck between opposing forces. Awe-inspiring and resolute, she became a beacon of power, ready to face the encroaching darkness with unwavering resolve.
As the ice dragon and Chaos dragon, embodying Emy and Kyrie respectively, asserted their dominion over the surroundings, their resounding roars pierced the air, echoing through the very depths of our souls. The raw power emanating from their colossal forms sent shivers down our spines, yet it also ignited an unyielding determination within us.
"What about you, Amphere?" Reina looked at me. Her eyes are showing off her blazing spirit.
"We'll do it, totally!" Airi jumped in our conversation before I could speak. So all I can do is nod with the beautiful lady in response.
"Activating Vesryn Pulse!" Reina and I shouted as we grabbed our glowing hearts.
In a mesmerizing transformation, Eva assumed her dragon form, revealing a truly unique and captivating appearance. Her once human-like physique melded with the essence of a dragon, resulting in a striking amalgamation of beauty and power. A radiant blue skin adorned her humanoid upper body, exuding an otherworldly aura.
Eva's lower body took the form of an elongated tail, extending up to an impressive length of five meters. It swayed with an elegant grace, serving as a testament to her agility and finesse. Above her golden head, a crimson horn rose proudly, accentuating her regal presence. Cascading down her form, a waterfall of bluish-silver hair cascaded to her hips, its lustrous strands shimmering in the moonlight.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Eva's dragon form were her wings, which bore an enchanting resemblance to those of a fairy. Delicate and ethereal, they exhibited an iridescent quality, appearing as if they were crafted from gossamer. The wings' intricate patterns and translucent hues added to her mystical allure, earning her the moniker of the Fairy Dragon.
As the knights swiftly mounted their dragon steeds, a sense of urgency permeated the air, signaling the commencement of the impending dragon battle royale. The odds stacked against us, with a formidable force of sixteen adversaries facing our small group of four. It was an imbalanced confrontation, a David-and-Goliath scenario that demanded every ounce of our skill, strategy, and luck.
Yet, amidst the daunting odds, a glimmer of hope ignited within me. Casting a glance at my comrades, I witnessed their unwavering determination and unwavering expertise. The Black Phantom, a force to be reckoned with, possessed unparalleled power and mastery. The President, Reina, stood as a beacon of strength and intelligence, her abilities renowned throughout the world. And Rudolf, a dragon knight of unmatched prowess, emanated an aura of sheer might.
The revelation that they were part of the esteemed Chevalier Unit further bolstered my confidence. If their claims held true, then their inclusion in this elite group was a testament to their exceptional skills and the victories they had achieved. In their presence, I found reassurance that victory was indeed within our grasp.
Responding swiftly to my telepathic command, Airi propelled herself into the air, gracefully taking to the skies. Aerial combat was her specialty in dragon form, and she embraced this advantage with skill and finesse. In our meticulously planned lure tactic, three dragons pursued us, their knights firmly perched upon their mighty heads. This was the moment for our aerial strike to unfold.
In a breathtaking display of firepower, Airi's dragon claws seamlessly transformed into formidable chain gatling guns, unleashing a torrent of bullets upon the enemy dragons. The air erupted with the deafening roar of gunfire as she unleashed a relentless barrage upon her targets. The impact was immediate, as one of the knights found himself overwhelmed by the unyielding assault, his Shield Plate rendered useless.
Unfortunately, the other two adversaries proved to be more agile and adept at evading and defending against Airi's onslaught. They skillfully maneuvered through the storm of bullets, employing evasive maneuvers and utilizing their own defensive measures to shield themselves from harm.
As the two remaining dragons closed in on us, their determination unyielding, a sudden intervention altered the course of the battle. From above, a colossal ice ball and a sinister dark ball descended, hurtling toward our pursuers with a tremendous force. The combined power of the Ice Dragon and the Chaos Dragon had come to our aid.
The ice ball, conjured by the Ice Dragon, struck one of the dragons with a bone-chilling impact. Frost spread rapidly across its body, encasing it in a frozen prison as it plummeted towards the ground. Meanwhile, the dark ball, unleashed by the Chaos Dragon, enveloped the other dragon in a shroud of malevolent energy. The sheer darkness and chaos contained within the orb overwhelmed its target, leaving it powerless and defeated.
Witnessing this timely intervention, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I understood that without the assistance of the Ice Dragon and the Chaos Dragon, our situation would have been dire, and the tournament could have spelled our elimination. Their selfless actions had saved us from certain defeat.
As my mind processed the recent events, a seed of doubt began to take root. Alder, with his enigmatic persona and masked visage, had proven himself to be a formidable ally thus far. However, a nagging suspicion tugged at the corners of my consciousness. Was his apparent goodwill genuine, or was he merely masquerading as a friend, intending to sow seeds of discord within our ranks?
I recognized the importance of vigilance in such uncertain times. Trust was a fragile commodity, easily shattered by deception and betrayal. Alder's actions and intentions needed to be scrutinized carefully, with a discerning eye and a guarded heart. While it was tempting to readily accept him as a comrade, I could not afford to let my guard down completely.
The very ice ball that had decimated our adversaries served as a poignant reminder. It was a display of power, a testament to the Ice Dragon's might. Yet, in the midst of gratitude, a small voice urged caution, reminding me that the line between friend and foe could blur when the stakes were high.
With this realization, I resolved to maintain a sense of wariness in my interactions with Alder. I would observe his actions, assess his motives, and keep a vigilant watch over any signs of ulterior motives. True loyalty lay with Estoff and Airi, those who had stood by my side through thick and thin, and I would not easily be swayed from their side.
In this treacherous landscape of uncertainty, I would tread carefully, guarding my loyalty and trust until I had absolute certainty in those who claimed to be allies.
[Dragon Knight's Tournament Participants = 112 > 99]