Amphere Harrison
Estoff's office retained its characteristic minimalist style, much like before. The room exuded an aura of simplicity and functionality. Positioned at the center was a sleek, pitch-black table, adorned with only a solitary ashtray. Its purpose seemed more ornamental than practical, hinting at a possible pastime of its occupant.
A couple of bookshelves nestled in the corners of the room, housing a curated selection of texts. Their presence added a touch of intellectual ambiance to the otherwise unadorned space. Adjacent to the bookshelves, a window devoid of curtains beckoned one to lean in and observe the various facilities that dotted the landscape of the Dragon Knight Academy. Through this unobstructed view, glimpses of the bustling activities within the academy could be glimpsed, further connecting Estoff's office to the larger tapestry of dragon knight life.
Estoff maintained his characteristic smug expression as he took a sip of his beer, his feet casually resting atop his pristine desk. Leaning back in his comfortable chair, he greeted me with a hint of curiosity in his voice. "So, what brings you to my humble abode here at the academy?" he asked, his tone tinged with a touch of amusement. "It's not often that you grace my office with your presence."
"…I would like to ask you something." I said coldly.
"I also wanted to ask you something. Why are you still wearing that trash?" Estoff pointed at my favorite Metal Rockz shirt. "That makes you look a lot more like an idiot."
Okay, I was hurt. I'll donate it to the beggars of the streets later.
My gaze shifted momentarily, until Estoff seized my attention.
"What would you like to know again?"
"…It's about the Crimson Dragonfly…again."
"I told you to ask Airelina about that crap." Estoff snorted. "But I'm pretty sure that what happened in the elimination round has nothing to do with Crimsond Dragonfly, or Airelina."
"…How can you be so sure?" I tilted my head.
Estoff savored the final remnants of beer in his glass before placing it on the table. The room fell into a profound silence, accentuated by the resounding chime produced by the two solitary ice cubes within the glass. Breaking the silence, he finally spoke with a mix of awe and trepidation, "Throughout history, no one has witnessed the fusion of three dragonoids into a singular, supreme dragon. You are the inaugural and sole possessor of such a power. And I must admit, your ability surpasses the terror instilled by the legendary Crimson Dragonfly itself."
A shiver coursed down my spine as I gazed down at my trembling hands. My body felt immobilized, gripped by an icy chill. How could I possess such unfathomable power? After all, I am unequivocally human. Throughout the lineage of my ancestors, there is no trace of knowledge or inclination towards magic or witchcraft. I stand alone as the inaugural member of my clan to unleash the enigmatic forces of the Vesryn Pulse.
A sudden recollection flooded my mind. The image of the white-haired kimono girl with her crimson red eyes and unnervingly dark sclera seared itself into my consciousness. "...B-But that wasn't me. Someone...bestowed power upon me..." I stammered, my lips quivering with each word.
Estoff crossed his arms, his expression displaying a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "You truly are an enigma. So, who is this mysterious individual?"
I hesitated for a moment before responding, "She is a silver-haired kimono girl with captivating red eyes. I cannot comprehend the how or the why, but she...she communicated with me through my thoughts."
Estoff dismissed the notion, suggesting, "Perhaps you were merely half-awake during that encounter. Or maybe your unwavering determination to save your friends pushed you to the brink... much like when you faced General Leviticus to rescue Airelina."
Deep within, I knew that wasn't the case.
Lost in contemplation, I made my way back to the dormitory. My mind was consumed by a multitude of unsolved mysteries, with the identity of the Black Phantom being the sole revelation thus far. The sheer perplexity of it all weighed heavily on my thoughts, causing a throbbing ache in my head. Perhaps I was overanalyzing everything, but nothing seemed to make any sense. And amidst the chaos, I still had to maintain my focus for the impending tournament.
As I swung open the door to my room, I absentmindedly discarded my Metal Rockz T-shirt into the laundry basket. However, my attention swiftly shifted as I noticed that the room lights were inexplicably switched on. To my astonishment, Airi and the president, Reina, sat comfortably on the carpet, their eyes fixated on me with evident disdain. What on earth were they doing in my room?
A startled scream escaped my lips as I instinctively shielded my chest with crossed arms. "W-W-What are you doing in my room?!" I stammered, my voice trembling with shock. However, my words fell silent as my gaze shifted to my bed, where Emy lay peacefully, completely unaware of the situation. Horrifyingly, her face bore multiple bruises, marring her once pristine features.
"Shhhh!" Airi exclaimed as she lunged towards me, her face inches away from mine. "For now, cut the comedy! There's something chaotic going on, totally…"
Once I managed to regain my composure, Airi proceeded to reveal the harrowing tale of Emy's ordeal. According to her account, Emy had been abducted following the elimination round. After two days of unconsciousness, she awoke in a grimy alley, her body marked with bruises. Lost and unsure of what to do, Emy eventually made her way to the city center, where she stumbled upon news of her valiant knight, Alder, who had tragically fallen victim to the enigmatic "Black Phantom." Without delay, Emy sought refuge and assistance from Reina, who, due to racial tensions within her family, couldn't provide a haven at her mansion. As a result, Airi had been entrusted with the responsibility of sheltering Emy for the night.
"I apologize for any inconvenience caused, Mister Harrison," Reina expressed with sincere politeness, acknowledging the substantial debt incurred by both the student council and the Chevalier Unit. "Rest assured, we are fully committed to repaying you."
"No need to worry," I responded with a reassuring smile, instinctively running my hand through my hair. However, inwardly, I couldn't help but ponder how I would manage to find sleep tonight now that my bed is occupied.
"Don't worry about it, Amphy!" Airi grinned. Then she poked my stomach with her elbow. "I can still share my bed with you, if you like! Totally! Just don't do anything weird or I'll kill you!"
"Not a possibility," I retorted, my tone devoid of warmth. How could she casually mention taking someone's life while wearing such an adorable smile?
As Reina prepared to exit the room, her movements halted abruptly, and she swiftly redirected her attention towards me, transitioning into a more grave and earnest tone.
"Mr. Harrison, if I may inquire, what prompted your decision to become a Dragon Knight?" Reina questioned with a genuine curiosity, her eyes fixed upon me.
"Um... well, I suppose... to accumulate wealth, perhaps?" I hesitated, scratching my cheek uneasily. Obviously, it was a fabricated response.
"I see... such a superficial motive, then," she sighed, her disappointment palpable as she seemed let down by my answer.
"...And what about you?" I inquired, genuinely curious.
"I became a Dragon Knight with the sole purpose of eliminating a particular individual," she declared, her gaze intensifying, ablaze with a fervor that sent shivers down my spine. It was a chilling sight to behold.
With that said, she departed, leaving me in an eerie aftermath. Well, that was certainly unsettling.
Observing Airi as she tenderly replaced the damp cloth on Emy's forehead, I couldn't help but be struck by the immense care she exuded, resembling a mother attending to her ailing child. Emy, oblivious to the truth surrounding the fate of the real Black Phantom, seemed bereft of any answers herself.
Yet, perhaps she possessed some knowledge. Yes, that was it. I needed to inquire about the Crimson Dragonfly from her.
"Amphy?" Airi's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention.
I didn't immediately respond, instead fixing her with a playful yet serious gaze, maintaining an air of solemnity.
"I am aware that you harbor doubts about my loyalty towards you... totally," Airi confessed, her voice laced with sincerity as she humbly lowered herself into a bow. "Is it because of the Crimson Dragonfly?"
Silence enveloped the space between us as I chose not to offer a verbal response. Was she somehow able to delve into my thoughts?
Airi let out a heavy sigh, her hand resting upon her chest. Taking a step closer to us, she peered deeply into my eyes, as though trying to connect with the very essence of my being. Then, she sank to her knees in despair.
"I understand that your skepticism stems from the fact that I harbor countless secrets, withholding vital information from you. You yearn for answers, but I must confess... I cannot provide you with what you seek," she admitted, tears streaming down her cheeks. "The Crimson Dragonfly, or rather, myself... I... I am frightened."
Her voice trembled with vulnerability.
"I do not wish for you to know that which holds no value... so please... Please, Amphy, trust me."