Kyle Leviticus
Today marks the eagerly awaited second round of the Dragon Knight's Tournament.
In a notable departure from previous iterations, this once-disregarded tournament now takes place within the prestigious confines of Guardian's Haven Coliseum. As the proceedings unfold, intricate details are being imparted to the participants, while the twelve esteemed generals and the princess herself luxuriate in their seats upon the elevated stage. From this vantage point, we command an unobstructed panorama of the diminutive contenders below.
The coliseum brims with a bustling crowd of uninformed civilians and dimwitted nobles, assembled to witness the impending battles of this grand event. Their incessant clamor pervades the air, a cacophony I find insufferable. Were it not for the fact that Rudolf and Reina, my stalwart companions, partake in this very tournament, I would have readily retreated to the solace of my abode, indulging in delightful moments with my cherished Elumina.
Nevertheless, enduring the present circumstances becomes a necessity, for it is within this crucible that my plans shall come to fruition.
"Good morning, esteemed and formidable Dragon Knights of the academy!" boomed the emcee's voice, capturing the attention of all present. "Today heralds the commencement of the eagerly anticipated second round of the Dragon Knight's Tournament! As you are well aware, this phase shall be conducted in a bracket elimination format, pitting each contestant against one another in thrilling one-on-one clashes! It is worth noting that our time-honored tradition of utilizing the Shield Plates to determine the victor shall remain unchanged throughout the entirety of this tournament. Once a participant's Shield Plates have been depleted, the battle will draw to its conclusive end. Without further ado, let us unveil the enthralling pairings destined to engage in combat!"
Dominating the opposite side of the stage towered a colossal electronic board, its expansive surface adorned with the names and countenances of the sixty-four participants. With a surge of electric energy, the board initiated a mesmerizing shuffle, rearranging the profile pictures in a captivating display. As this captivating spectacle unfolded, a collective unease settled upon the contestants, their expressions betraying a mixture of trepidation and hope. Each individual harbored a genuine concern, desperately yearning to avoid being pitted against a formidable adversary in their initial clash.
Personally, I harbor an ardent desire to shield both Rudolf and Reina from the daunting prospect of contending against not one, but three adversaries.
First on the list is Mark Anthony Octavius, renowned as the Vesryn Pulse Canceler. His formidable reputation precedes him, having vanquished nearly fifty Dragon Knights during the preliminary rounds. Whispers circulate that his mastery over the halberd enables him to effortlessly revert a dragon to its human form with a mere stroke. Personally witnessing his battles, I can attest that his strength rivals that of even the esteemed generals themselves.
Next in line is the plebeian prodigy, Cleru Neos. His mastery of the sword is unparalleled, surpassing even the most skilled swordsmen of his time. Furthermore, his expertise in the realm of magical evocation stands unrivaled, outshining even the most formidable wizards of our era. What further elevates his status is the magnificent creature he commands—an epic and exceedingly rare Rainbow Dragon, a sight that graces our world only once in a billion instances.
Lastly, we have Amphere Harrison, the trusted companion of Rudolf. While his sword skills may be considered average at best, it is essential not to underestimate him. Despite consistently securing a lower ranking, he conceals an immense reservoir of untapped potential, comparable to that of Rudolf himself. I can vividly recall the visage of the man who bested me years ago, leaving an indelible impression of his capabilities. Notably, his dragonoid counterpart is the awe-inspiring Crimson Dragonfly. In a display of remarkable ingenuity and skill, he successfully fused three dragons together, summoning forth a nightmarish entity during the elimination rounds.
He and his dragonoid are the biggest threat I could think of.
Finally, the computer screen revealed the fateful pairings of combatants. Fortunately, fortune smiled upon Rudolf and Reina, sparing them from direct confrontation with the formidable trio we discussed earlier.
In an exhilarating opening match, the stage was set for an epic confrontation between the esteemed student council president, the enchanting Reina Stephanie Fleuret, and her formidable adversary, Raeghar Thornes.
As the anticipation reached its crescendo, the first two Dragon Knights, destined to captivate the audience, strode purposefully onto the center stage of the sandy arena. With regal poise, they were accompanied by their loyal dragonoids, whose imposing presence added to the spectacle unfolding before the enthralled spectators.
Raeghar Thornes, a relatively unfamiliar figure within the academy, possessed distinguishing features that set him apart. His untamed brown hair stood spiked, reminiscent of the iconic Wolverine. Thick eyebrows adorned his countenance, lending him a striking resemblance to a formidable lion. A burnt tan complexion further accentuated his rugged appearance, while a prominent anchor tattoo adorned his right arm, serving as a testament to his steadfastness. Unconventionally, Raeghar opted to engage in battle shirtless, thereby revealing his chiseled six-pack abs, a testament to his physical prowess. His dragonoid counterpart, a resplendent woman with cascading waves of navy hair and dressed in pristine white, hinted at the likely type of his dragon, a conclusion I readily drew based on her appearance alone.
With a sense of solemnity, the two combatants affixed their Shield Plates to their left chests, preparing for the imminent clash. The colossal screen overhead displayed their portraits, each accompanied by a numerical representation of their astral shield's power. These numbers, displayed as percentages, indicated the extent of their remaining "lives" within the tournament. It was a stark reminder that once a participant's Shield Plate reached zero, their journey within the competition would come to a swift and final end.
"Ready?" The air crackled with anticipation as the participants poised themselves for the impending clash. Reina assumed a graceful fencing stance, her gaze burning with unwavering determination, while Raeghar wielded a formidable trident, exuding an aura of strength.
"Fight!" The command echoed through the arena, instantly igniting a flurry of action. Without a moment's hesitation, both combatants unleashed their chosen techniques. "Activating Vesryn Pulse!" they bellowed in unison, each fully committed to seizing any advantage that presented itself.
As the battle intensified, Raeghar's blue maiden dragonoid underwent a mesmerizing transformation. Its ethereal form shifted into that of a majestic sapphire serpent, devoid of limbs but adorned with five sets of fins. With two pairs of wings adorning its powerful frame, it possessed the ability to gracefully navigate the vast expanse of the arena through flight. Its menacing crimson teeth, capable of gnawing through various metals, stood as a testament to its fearsome prowess. The unmistakable shark-like tail that adorned its rear only confirmed my suspicions: it was indeed a formidable Deep Sea Dragon, ready to unleash its aquatic might.
In response to the escalating intensity of the battle, Reina's Fairy Dragon took flight, ascending higher into the sky above. With a resounding roar that echoed through the arena, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, their voices rising in an uproarious cheer. The presence of the fairy dragon ignited a sense of wonder and anticipation among the spectators, further elevating the spectacle unfolding before their eyes.
With a determined gaze, Reina brandished her sword and invoked her incantation, "Ball of light, illuminate my enemy!" As if in response to her command, shimmering particles of light began to coalesce at the tip of her short sword. The gathering energy, charged with radiant brilliance, surged forth, transferring its luminous power to Reina's faithful fairy dragon, Eva. The transferral of this potent light energy served as a testament to the deep bond between Reina and her dragon companion, setting the stage for a dazzling display of their combined might.
In a breathtaking exchange, the fairy dragon released a formidable ball of radiant light towards its adversary. However, the deep sea dragon swiftly retaliated, unleashing a torrential hydro pump from its formidable throat. The sheer force and water pressure behind the attack were rumored to be capable of drilling caves into mountains, yet, surprisingly, it failed to diminish the impact of the fairy dragon's assault. The ball of light persevered, continuing its trajectory undeterred, showcasing the resilience and potency of Reina's skillful command.
In a stunning display of power and precision, the consecutive balls of radiant light pierced through the onslaught of the hydro pump. Their unyielding trajectory found their mark, striking the Deep Sea Dragon squarely on its head and body. Overwhelmed by the impact, the mighty creature crumpled to the ground, unable to withstand the force of Reina's relentless assault. As the Deep Sea Dragon succumbed to unconsciousness, its formidable form faded away, leaving behind a defeated and incapacitated humanoid figure. The battle had reached its decisive conclusion, with Reina emerging victorious, her skill and strategy prevailing over her formidable opponent.
With unwavering determination, Reina propelled herself forward, engaging in a fierce clash with the muscular Deep Sea Dragon Knight. Raeghar valiantly attempted to block Reina's rapid and relentless attacks, managing to deflect some of her swift hacks and thrusts. However, with each successful strike, Raeghar's shield steadily diminished in strength. The resolute assault gradually chipped away at his defenses: 80%... 65%... 43%. Finally, under the weight of Reina's latest decisive stab, Raeghar's shield crumbled, plummeting to a perilously low 12%. Overwhelmed by the impact, he collapsed onto the ground, his strength depleted and his battle halted. Reina's prowess had proven too formidable, and her victory was secured with a triumphant final blow.
Summoning every ounce of his remaining strength, Raeghar rose defiantly from the ground, emitting a fierce battle cry that echoed through the arena. With unwavering determination, he charged towards the blonde maiden, Reina, his heart ablaze with a final surge of adrenaline. However, unbeknownst to Raeghar, his opponent possessed an unwavering confidence, already aware of the inevitable outcome. Reina, armed with her skill, strategy, and unyielding resolve, knew that victory was within her grasp.
With a swift and decisive strike, Reina delivered the final blow, sealing the fate of the battle. The crowd, despite the outcome, erupted into a frenzy of excitement and applause, reveling in the spectacle that had unfolded before their eyes. Though there may have been a tinge of disappointment for some, the electrifying atmosphere and the display of skill and courage from both combatants kept the audience enthralled, their enthusiasm unabated. It was a testament to the enduring allure and captivating nature of the Dragon Knight's Tournament.
"The winner is President Reina Stephanie Fleuret!" The announcer's voice resonated through the arena, brimming with enthusiasm and admiration for Reina's remarkable victory. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their cheers echoing throughout the coliseum. Reina's triumph was acknowledged and celebrated, marking her as a formidable force to be reckoned with in the Dragon Knight's Tournament.
It is evident that Reina's prowess in one-on-one battles is unmatched within the tournament. Her ability to navigate such encounters with ease, as demonstrated by her unscathed victory in the first round, highlights her exceptional battle prowess. While she may face challenges when confronted by multiple opponents, her focused and strategic approach to individual duels sets her apart. Many spectators, like yourself, have recognized Reina as a strong contender for victory in the tournament, placing their bets on the student council president as a formidable force to be reckoned with, even in comparison to Rudolf.
It seems that the majority of the other fights have been rather one-sided or lacking in strategic depth, with occasional instances of two knights engaging in an extended and seemingly futile clash. The repetitive nature of these encounters can indeed be frustrating, especially when you had anticipated a more captivating and engaging tournament. The desire to spend time with Elumina and engage in more meaningful activities is understandable, and it can be difficult to endure prolonged moments of disappointment. However, it may be worth staying a bit longer, as there is always the possibility of unexpected surprises or exceptional battles that could captivate your attention and make the experience more worthwhile.
In the arena, Rudolf faced his next opponent, a blonde and charming young man with captivating green eyes. There was an undeniable aura of seductiveness that surrounded him, seemingly drawing the attention of those who longed for passionate encounters. If one were to find a descriptor for this man, it would be "Little Estoff," as there was a resemblance to the infamous terrorist, evoking a sense of unease and discomfort.
The next battle was set to commence, pitting Rudolf Azregon against his adversary, Sherman De Froulle. As the two knights prepared themselves, Sherman's dragonoid came into view. A young girl, merely twelve years of age, with striking black hair and eyes, stood beside him. She was dressed in a black maid outfit, adding an air of mystery to her presence. It seemed that this petite and enigmatic figure was closely associated with the charismatic Sherman, perhaps serving as his loyal companion in this tournament. With the stage set, the anticipation for the clash between Rudolf and Sherman reached its peak as the announcer called their names, igniting the excitement of the crowd once again.
"Next battle! Rudolf Azregon versus Sherman De Froulle"