Amphere Harrison
With a radiant display of power, the Fairy Dragon, Eva, summoned a cluster of vibrant green balls of light within her humanoid hand. Charged with arcane energy, she hurled them with precision and purpose toward her opponent—a majestic white-feathered dragon bearing talon-like arms and feet, reminiscent of the mythical griffons. This Avian Dragon possessed a striking blend of avian and draconic features, showcasing its unique heritage.
As the green balls of light soared through the air, they converged upon the Avian Dragon with a resolute determination. Upon impact, a dazzling explosion erupted, enveloping the dragon and its rider in a swirl of vibrant energies. The knight, who had once occupied the dragon's mighty head, found himself unseated, plummeting toward the ground in a dizzying descent.
Though the knight's Shield Plate had managed to withstand the assault, its defenses were significantly weakened, registering a mere 23% energy remaining. Sensing an opportunity, President Reina seized the moment, her short sword aglow with radiant energy. With a swift and decisive motion, she lunged forward, slashing at her disoriented adversary. The blade connected with a resounding clash, severing the last threads of the enemy's defense.
As the energy of the Shield Plate dwindled to zero, a triumphant wave surged through our ranks. Reina's display of skill and precision had rendered the enemy vulnerable, stripped of their protective barrier. In that crucial moment, the tides of battle shifted in our favor, bolstering our resolve and reaffirming our belief in the strength of our united front.
In this high-stakes tournament, the rules were unforgiving. Once a participant's Shield Plate reached 0%, their fate was sealed. Immediate elimination awaited them, as a specially designed transporter was dispatched to retrieve them from the battlefield. This formidable machine, resembling a crawling tank, boasted invulnerability to all manner of attacks, ensuring a swift and secure extraction.
As the relentless battle waged on, our team had managed to vanquish seven of the formidable dragons that stood in our path. However, the remaining nine adversaries presented a daunting challenge. Despite their individual strength being comparatively less formidable, the cumulative force they represented demanded our unwavering attention.
The passage of time had been relentless, and as the night waned, the first rays of dawn began to break through the darkened sky. Fatigue gnawed at our bones, and weariness weighed upon our souls. Hours of relentless combat had taken their toll, draining our energy and testing our resilience.
Amidst the chaos of battle, a swift and unexpected strike found its mark. A flying wooden spear, aimed with precision and malice, pierced through the air and struck Airi's left wing. The impact disrupted our flight, sending us hurtling towards the forest below. With a thunderous crash, we landed amidst the towering trees, the force of impact reverberating through our bodies.
The abrupt halt caused Airi to revert back to her humanoid form, her dragonic essence fading away. She landed on the forest floor, gasping for breath, her body covered in scrapes and bruises from the crash. Each ragged breath she took mirrored the exhaustion that weighed upon us all, a testament to the relentless physical and emotional toll of the tournament.
With a mix of frustration and concern, Airi examined her injuries, her hands trembling as she traced the marks left upon her body. The absence of Shield Plates for dragonoids, a protective measure provided to human participants, fueled a surge of resentment within us. It seemed unjust, an oversight that left dragonoids vulnerable to harm without proper safeguards.
Despite the pain and exhaustion that weighed heavily upon her, Airi's resilient spirit shone through. Observing my clenched fist and the anger that burned within me, she responded with a charming smile, her eyes filled with warmth and reassurance. With a gentle gesture, she raised her hand to my face, forming a peace sign as a symbol of her resilience and unwavering optimism.
"I'm okay, totally!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a hint of jollity that belied the physical strain she was enduring. Yet, beneath the cheerful facade, the wheezes that escaped her lips revealed the toll the crash had taken on her body. It was a bittersweet reminder of the resilience and determination that coursed through her veins, even in the face of adversity.
With our Shield Plate depleted to a precarious 23%, I couldn't help but contemplate the limited time we had left before its energy dissipated completely. It was a reminder of the fragility of our defenses, and the urgent need to find a momentary respite amidst the chaos that surrounded us.
My gaze swept across the tumultuous scene, my heart sinking at the sight that unfolded before me. The three dragons, our trusted comrades in this perilous journey, found themselves engulfed in a dire predicament. The crackling energy of electric balls surged towards the majestic form of the Chaos Dragon, striking with a ferocity that could not be ignored. In an instant, the formidable dragon faltered, its once indomitable presence crumbling under the relentless assault.
Witnessing this devastating blow, Kyrie, her form no longer that of a dragon but once again a vulnerable human, teetered on the brink of collapse. Her descent towards the unforgiving ground seemed inevitable, threatening to shatter her resolve and dreams of triumph. Yet, just as hope began to waver, Rudolf, ever vigilant and steadfast, leaped forward with lightning speed, catching her fragile frame in his strong arms.
In the midst of the chaotic battlefield, my gaze shifted to the two dragonoids that had transitioned back to their humanoid forms. Emy and Eva, once majestic dragons soaring through the skies, now lay exhausted on the ground, their breaths shallow and ragged. Fatigue had taken its toll on their weary bodies, leaving them vulnerable and gasping for precious moments of respite.
Their transformation back to human form was a telltale sign of their waning strength, their scaled armor replaced by tattered garments that clung to their sweat-drenched skin. They had fought valiantly, unleashing their elemental powers with breathtaking displays of ice and light, but now they found themselves drained, their bodies unable to sustain their formidable dragon forms any longer.
As Emy and Eva struggled to catch their breath, their comrades Alder and Reina leaped into action, wielding their swords with unwavering determination. With each swing and parry, they fought back the encroaching knights, their blades flashing like lightning in the dimly lit battlefield. Their resolve to protect their fallen dragonoid partners was palpable, their movements a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared.
In the midst of the chaotic battlefield, Alder stepped forward, his eyes ablaze with determination. He faced a group of four knights, their swords raised in unison, ready to strike. With unwavering confidence, Alder accepted their challenge, his grip firm on his gleaming blade.
As the clash of steel reverberated through the air, Alder's prowess became evident. His movements were swift and precise, his sword dancing through the air with an almost ethereal grace. Each strike he delivered was calculated, aimed with pinpoint accuracy to disarm and disable his opponents.
Rudolf finds himself confronted by two formidable dragons. The first is a vibrant yellow creature adorned with thunder-shaped whiskers, capable of unleashing powerful lightning orbs. The second dragon possesses a unique brown skin and a fearsome drill-shaped head, exuding an air of danger. Despite the relentless assault, Rudolf valiantly defends against their onslaught, steadfastly guarding his beloved Kyrie, who is weakened and unable to rise due to exhaustion. However, the dragons' relentless onslaught gradually chips away at Rudolf's Shield Plate, eroding it percentage by percentage, leaving him in a precarious situation.
"H-Help!"
A distressing cry for help shatters the air, emanating from a trembling, childlike voice that resonates with intense agony. The voice belongs to Eva, whose vulnerability and fear are palpable. A scene unfolds before our eyes as we witness her being ensnared within the grasp of a colossal, silver-hued dragon. The gravity of the situation becomes evident—will this menacing creature bring about Eva's untimely demise? The sense of impending danger hangs heavy in the air, leaving us anxiously questioning her fate.
With swift determination, Airi seizes one of my photon swords, her grasp firm and resolute. As if summoned by her will, a jetpack suddenly materializes upon her back, propelling her into the air with a breathtaking velocity. A blur of motion, she slashes through the dragon's arm, her actions driven by unwavering resolve, devoid of hesitation. The silver appendage crashes to the ground, severed by her unstoppable assault. Meanwhile, in a miraculous display of resilience, Eva conjures her wings just in time, averting a disastrous collision with the unforgiving earth.
Amidst the chaos, a question lingers: if Eva is present, then where is the president? Moments later, my eyes settle upon a cluster of individuals congregated mere meters away. It becomes apparent that they are none other than our adversaries, the enemy knights, aligning themselves with an enigmatic figure. Dread seeps into my core as the realization dawns upon me. Could it be... the president?
Driven by a surge of adrenaline, I propel myself forward, brandishing my sword with a fervent energy thrust. My glass-like saber illuminates with a vibrant blue glow, emanating an aura of power. My movements defy the limitations of a mere mortal as my speed quadruples, leaving behind a trail of golden streaks in my wake. Despite the knights' feeble attempts to impede my progress, I effortlessly slice through their defenses, clearing a path with unwavering determination.
As I carve a path through the enemy ranks, a flurry of adversaries takes to the skies, ascending with newfound flight. With each step forward, I create a safe passage for the weary president, who kneels before me, visibly drained by exhaustion. Her resilience wanes, evident in her weakened state. A mere shadow of her former self, her Shield Plate teeters precariously at a meager 4%, a testament to the toll this battle has exacted upon her.
"Watch out!"
As I divert my gaze, a harrowing sight unfolds before me—an immense orb of blinding light hurtling forth from the dragon's gaping maw. The sheer magnitude of this impending onslaught leaves me with an overwhelming sense of dread. There is no conceivable way to evade this devastating assault, nor can I maneuver the president to safety in time. The realization washes over me like a grim tide—this is the fateful culmination of my journey. The end of the line approaches, and my fate appears to be sealed.
Amidst the deafening cacophony, an impenetrable veil of smoke engulfs the surroundings, shrouding everything in obscurity. In the aftermath of the explosion, my Shield Plate seemingly depletes entirely, or so I thought. Yet, against all odds, a glimmer of hope emerges as I discover a sliver of resilience remaining—12% of my Shield Plate endures. A flicker of relief washes over me, albeit fleeting, for my focus swiftly shifts to the president. Her Shield Plate, once thought to be extinguished, holds onto a mere 1% of its protective strength. As the smoke begins to dissipate, an unsettling revelation dawns upon me, compelling me to cast my gaze backward.
As the smoke clears, a heart-wrenching sight reveals itself—a selfless figure standing before us with outstretched arms. It is Alder, his Shield Plate stripped bare, reduced to a resolute 0%. In a staggering act of sacrifice, he intercepted the full force of the projectile meant for us, shielding us from certain doom. His unwavering bravery and unwavering resolve to protect us are etched upon his face. The weight of his sacrifice settles heavily upon our hearts, leaving us in awe of his heroism.
"…I told you to watch out…" Alder made a smirk. Then he fell on his knees.
"Why you…" I muttered. I approached him and held his shoulders.
"…Win this tournament, Amphere Harrison. Win for what you believe. Win…for dragonoid's freedom… Win this tournament because you wanted to, and not because they want you too…"
As I prepared to respond to Alder's enigmatic riddles, a sudden change in the situation halted my words. He slumped into my arms, unconscious from the toll of his selfless act. Just as uncertainty clouded the air, a transporter glided toward us, accompanied by two steampunk-inspired humanoid robots. With gentle care, they carried Alder into the transporter, whisking him away for medical attention. Emy, filled with deep concern and affection for her beloved knight, trailed closely behind, her worry etched across her face. Love and devotion bound them together, making her unwavering support for Alder evident in every step she took.
Bewilderment floods my thoughts as I grapple with the reason behind Alder's selfless act of saving me. The abrupt shift in his demeanor leaves me questioning the motivations that spurred such a courageous sacrifice. Why did he put himself in harm's way to protect me? What led to this unexpected change of heart? The answers elude me, shrouded in uncertainty, leaving me to wonder and contemplate the depths of Alder's actions. The "why" remains a haunting question, echoing through my mind, demanding understanding and resolution.
Driven by a desperate need to unravel the true motives behind the Black Phantom's actions, I strain my mind, attempting to make sense of the alliance, the unexpected ceasefire, and Alder's heroic sacrifice. However, an unsettling sensation washes over me, causing my vision to blur and cloud with an impenetrable haze. I blink repeatedly in a futile attempt to clear my sight, but the haze persists, refusing to relent. Frustration and urgency surge within me as the reality sinks in—we are still encircled by enemies, with no time to spare for this impediment. I must find a way to regain focus and confront the looming threats that surround us.
In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, an apparition materializes before me—a silver-haired woman, her age seemingly around twenty-five, adorned in a traditional kimono. Her crimson eyes, stark against the contrasting black sclera, exude an eerie and formidable aura. Her voice resonates within my mind, addressing me directly, speaking my name with an air of authority.
"Amphere Harrison," she utters, her words penetrating deep into my consciousness. "The boy possesses the essential power required to emerge victorious in this battle. I shall undertake the task of guiding him, teaching him to harness and control his latent abilities."
As the image of the mysterious woman dissipates into the ether, an electrifying surge courses through my veins, infusing me with newfound strength. A faint glow emanates from my chest, its gentle radiance illuminating the surrounding darkness. Without conscious control, my right hand instinctively grasps at my left chest, as if drawn by an unseen force. My lips begin to move of their own accord, uttering words that escape my control, their meaning and significance reverberating through the air. In this extraordinary moment, I become a vessel for forces beyond my comprehension, swept up in a destiny that unfolds before me.
"Overloading Vesryn Pulse!"
Amidst the fierce battle between Airi and the enemy dragon, a sudden interruption occurs as a radiant golden light envelops her form. Simultaneously, Eva and Kyrie undergo a similar transformation, their bodies morphing into ethereal human-shaped illuminations. Three brilliant lights, emanating from the dragonoids, ascend skyward, piercing through the atmosphere with a mesmerizing display. Spiraling and swirling, the lights continue their ascent, transcending the earthly realm until they reach the lofty heights of the stratosphere. Their purpose and destination remain shrouded in mystery, leaving us in awe of the extraordinary phenomenon unfolding before our eyes.
As the three lights converge, an extraordinary resonance occurs—the hearts of the dragons harmonizing with the beat of a singular human heart. In a breathtaking collision, the lights merge into one, radiating a brilliant luminosity that pierces through the fabric of the heavens.
A celestial gateway manifests, unveiling a divine presence descending from above. With graceful serenity, the being of divine origin descends, its presence commanding and awe-inspiring. As it reaches the earthly realm, a resounding roar reverberates through the air—an anthem heralding the arrival of true power. The majestic three-headed white dragon, its form resplendent and majestic, stands as a harbinger of the imminent dawn, a beacon of unparalleled strength and potential.
[Dragon Knight's Tournament Participants = 99 > 80]