Rudolf Azregon
Inside a classroom at Dragon Knight Academy, the air was heavy with a mixture of anticipation and lingering scholarly energy. The professor had just dismissed the class, yet a handful of students chose to remain seated, their curiosity or desire for further discussion compelling them to stay.
The room was adorned with maps, charts, and illustrations that showcased the vast realm of dragon lore and knightly combat. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the desks and the eager faces of the students who lingered. Some leaned forward, engaged in passionate conversations, their animated gestures punctuating their words. Others were lost in their own thoughts, their eyes fixed on the horizon of knowledge, seeking to unravel the mysteries that lay before them.
Whispers of speculation and excitement filled the space, creating an atmosphere brimming with intellectual curiosity. This post-class gathering became a sanctuary of shared enthusiasm, where minds hungry for knowledge united in their quest for deeper understanding. The faint rustling of pages turning and the occasional soft laughter underscored the vibrant energy that pervaded the room.
For those who remained, the allure of learning and the bonds forged within the hallowed halls of the academy were too compelling to leave behind. It was a testament to the insatiable hunger for knowledge and the camaraderie that blossomed within this esteemed institution, where the pursuit of wisdom continued even beyond the confines of structured lectures.
Amphere sat in his seat, a facade of nonchalance carefully crafted upon his features. Leaning his face on his right hand, he sought to maintain an air of cool composure, masking the true emotions swirling within him. The memory of the Duchess Corasell's resounding slap from the previous day lingered, the echo of pain etched in his mind, even though no visible bruise marred his cheek. The reddish hue that remained, like a forgotten blush-on on one side of his face, betrayed the aftermath of the powerful impact.
With a heavy sigh, Amphere reached under the desk, retrieving his bag and preparing to leave the classroom. As our gazes met, I mustered a forced smile, attempting to brighten the atmosphere. However, Amphere remained locked in his characteristic state of grumpy stoicism, his emotions hidden behind a veil of impassivity. Airelina's assessment of his demeanor as bland and uninteresting held some truth, yet my long-standing connection with Amphere granted me a unique insight into the subtle nuances of his emotional landscape.
"Maybe you should stay away from Duchess Corasell from now on." I said. "Your assignment for her is long over."
"I can't." He said with a bitter smile. "As much as I wanted to run away, I can't. I need to protect her."
"You know that the Black Phantom is after her, right? It's dangerous." I said with a caring tone. Of course I lied. I already took the Black Phantom's life.
"I know. But someone is more dangerous." He stared on the floor for a couple of seconds. Then he made a long silence as he was engulfed in deep thought.
From my understanding, it appears that the individuals you are associated with, namely Estoff Wraith, Marieflorine Corasell, and the notable figure of your dragonoid, the Crimson Dragonfly, comprise an extraordinarily perilous crew in our world. Abundant evidence interlinks them with the notorious terrorist organization known as Arcadia. Alas, it seems that you have been ensnared within their devious machinations, completely oblivious to their true intentions. Beware, for they manipulate your trust, utilizing you as a pawn in their self-serving pursuits!
Regrettably, I cannot assert with absolute certainty. Engaging in a contentious discourse regarding this matter may inadvertently strengthen his affinity for those vile miscreants and engender animosity towards both myself and the esteemed Chevalier Unit. According to Kyle's counsel, it is imperative that I expedite his induction into the esteemed ranks of the Chevalier Unit. Time is of the essence; I must intervene swiftly to rescue him from the impending perils before the window of opportunity slams shut.
Reina strode towards us, her arms firmly crossed. Her countenance, eternally serious and stern, exuded an aura of coolness and unwavering resolve. It was evident that she carried news of utmost importance, poised to enlighten us with the latest developments.
With a relieved tone, Reina disclosed, "Emy has been securely transported to the Dragonoid Facility nestled within the sanctuary of Guardian's Haven. Rest assured, she is now under the guardianship of capable hands." As her gaze drifted towards the ceiling, a mix of concern and apprehension shadowed her expression. "The infamous Black Phantom," she muttered, "truly poses a grave threat. This individual has mercilessly claimed the lives of four accomplished Dragon Knights, showcasing their formidable prowess."
Unbeknownst to Reina, the intricate details surrounding the enigmatic Black Phantom and the terrifying Crimson Dragonfly remained concealed. Limited to the inner circle, comprising Kyle, myself, and our revered dragonoids, the knowledge remained tightly guarded. Aware of the potential ramifications, if Reina were to gain access to this classified information, her actions could become unpredictable and uncontrollable. Nevertheless, we acknowledged the indispensable value of her expertise as a skilled leader and a formidable Dragon Knight. Striking a delicate balance, we grappled with the necessity of involving her while navigating the inherent risks that accompanied such disclosure.
Contemplating the fate of Emy, uncertainty clouded my judgment. While Kyle advocated for her elimination, my inclination was to preserve her life. Deep down, I acknowledged Emy's innocence, unaware of the identities of Alder's murderer or her tormentors. However, there remained a glimmer of hope that she could serve as a crucial link, leading us to the enigmatic Duke Dragunov, the mastermind orchestrating the malevolent designs of the Black Phantom. Both the Duke and Arcadia represented a comparable level of peril to our empire, making their eradication imperative. Striking the right balance between mercy and strategic advantage weighed heavily on my conscience.
Reina's piercing frown zeroed in on Amphere and me, as if she sensed that we held some elusive knowledge. "You two seem to know something that I don't."
Attempting to deflect her suspicions, we hurriedly replied in unison, "Oh, no, absolutely nothing at all!" The synchrony of our response should have been a clear giveaway, but I attempted to reason my way out of the situation. "You see, many of the Dragon Knights have ties to the Dragonoid Rights Bill or the esteemed Duchess Corasell. It's possible that Alder simply found himself in an unexpected position."
Amphere, always astute, interjected, adding fuel to the already tense atmosphere. "Or perhaps Alder possessed valuable information," he suggested, his words hanging in the air with an air of knowing.
Reina's gaze intensified, her tone laced with caution. "You've been getting a little too close to the young Duchess lately. That slap you received yesterday might just be a warning sign that you should keep your distance," she warned, hinting at a potential threat lurking beneath the surface.
Amphere's expression transformed into a comically bewildered visage, a mix of surprise and embarrassment evident on his face. Clearly, he was caught off guard by Reina's reference to the slap incident. It was a moment that had garnered significant attention, witnessed by a multitude of individuals in the backstage. The resounding impact and the subsequent dramatic sermon that followed had been nothing short of entertaining. In hindsight, I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation, contemplating how amusing it would have been to have some popcorn on hand to fully savor the spectacle.
"It's impossible!" Amphere said. "There's no way that the Black Phantom would come after me."
As Amphere sensed my scowl and observed my keen scrutiny, he hastened to defend himself, undoubtedly aware of the suspicion I held towards him.
Attempting to lighten the tension, he remarked, "Hey, remember my power during the elimination round? I bet even the notorious Black Phantom would cower in fear!" His forced laughter echoed in the air, betraying the facade he attempted to maintain.
The legend of the three-headed white dragon and Amphere's remarkable feat of utilizing the Vesryn Pulse to simultaneously bind three dragonoids together into a single entity sent shivers down my spine. It was a power that surpassed the boundaries of conventional understanding, instilling fear even within the ranks of the empire. This enigmatic ability remained an unsolved mystery, puzzling the minds of all who encountered it.
Contemplating the circumstances surrounding Amphere's selection as Airelina's knight, a seed of suspicion took root within me. Did Airelina possess prior knowledge of Amphere's extraordinary capabilities? The logical deduction prompted a growing disdain for Airelina, as I delved deeper into the need for further investigation. Determined to unravel the truth, I resolved to embark on a quest for answers, peeling back the layers of secrecy surrounding Airelina's motivations and Amphere's hidden potential.
As dusk settled and the sun dipped below the horizon, my determination to uncover the truth propelled me into the depths of the Chevalier Unit Office. Night after night, I immersed myself in the wealth of information displayed on the bulletin board, diligently studying and analyzing the plethora of data and documents at my disposal. The enigmatic connections between Estoff, Airelina, and Arcadia lingered in my mind like an unsolvable puzzle, demanding a concrete proof that would confirm my suspicions.
Frustration boiled within me, leading to a moment of frustration where I slammed my head onto the desk. My brain strained under the weight of piecing together the elusive motives of the Arcadia concerning Amphere. The knowledge I possessed regarding Dragunov's sinister plot and the secret surrounding the Crimson Dragonfly offered little assistance in unraveling this particular mystery. None of the existing information seemed to establish a direct link between Amphere and Airelina's contract as dragon and knight, leading me to question if it was all merely a coincidence. However, a nagging intuition persisted, suggesting that Estoff played a significant role in their initial encounter. Amphere's claim of Airelina being purchased at a fair price in Goldcliffe City appeared to be a blatant falsehood, strengthening my conviction of Estoff's involvement.
The pieces of the puzzle began to align, revealing a clearer picture of Arcadia's motive: the liberation of dragonoids. The support Duchess Corasell received from Arcadia became evident, given her authorship of the Dragonoid Rights Bill. Furthermore, Amphere's unexpected participation in the tournament raised suspicions, as it seemed to serve as a stepping stone for Arcadia's grand scheme.
As I delved deeper into the intricacies of the situation, one certainty emerged: if Amphere emerged victorious in the tournament, Arcadia's plans would be set in motion. While I did not oppose the concept of dragonoid freedom, I harbored doubts regarding the true intentions and objectives of Arcadia following their accomplishment. With the formidable Crimson Dragonfly and an army of liberated dragonoids at their disposal, the empire faced the looming threat of overthrow.
Faced with this revelation, a resolute determination welled within me. To safeguard the empire and prevent Arcadia's ascendancy, I realized that defeating Amphere in the tournament became an imperative. It was a daunting task, but I understood that the stakes were too high to ignore. I would marshal all my skills, strength, and strategy to ensure that the empire would prevail against the imminent peril that Arcadia represented.
As I glanced at my watch, the late hour became apparent; it was well past midnight. The toll of sleep deprivation over the past three days weighed heavily on me, but I found solace in the progress made during my relentless pursuit of answers. Despite the fatigue, the journey seemed worthwhile. I had arrived at a conclusion, yet the veil of mystery still shrouded many aspects of the unfolding events.
However, in an instant, the tranquil atmosphere shattered. A peculiar reflection caught my eye, originating from my watch. My heart skipped a beat as I turned my gaze towards the window. There, a chilling apparition materialized before me. A man adorned in a black magician's hat, donning a white mask, and draped in a flowing platinum cloak stood defiantly. A ghostly figure that should not exist within this realm. I instinctively rubbed my eyes, questioning the validity of the sight before me. But the undeniable reality confronted me—the Black Phantom stood there, in all his eerie presence, signaling the onset of an ominous encounter.