Amphere Harrison
"If Reina's legal dragonoid is Richard, what happened to Eva?" I wondered, my curiosity piqued.
And then, as if summoned by my thoughts, there she was. Eva appeared before us, wearing a guilty smile that betrayed her surprise. Taking a seat beside Airi, she greeted us with a nonchalant "Yo!"
"Don't 'Yo' us, totally!" Airi exclaimed, clearly bewildered. "What happened? Why weren't you there? Why is Richard there? And why are you here?"
Eva paused, her gaze drifting upwards as if searching for the right words. Finally, she began to explain, "Ummm... actually, I decided to voluntarily step down as Reina's dragonoid partner. I came to this decision because I learned that Reina and my cousin are, in fact, lovers."
"Cousins?" Airi and I exclaimed in unison, our minds struggling to comprehend this new revelation. It seemed that the "Totally Syndrome" was contagious, as we found ourselves caught up in its grasp once again.
As I sat there, my mind drifting in the midst of Eva's revelation, a sudden rush of memories flooded my consciousness. It was as if a wave of recollection crashed upon me, reminding me of that fateful night at the Hyperion Inc. Research Facility. Images of the intense battle we fought against all odds, struggling to escape, flashed vividly before my eyes.
In that chaotic and desperate moment, it was Richard, the very same dragonoid who now stood by Reina's side, who had guided us through the treacherous depths of the facility. Yet, he remained silent about the identity of the one responsible for unleashing the Vesryn Pulse upon him. All he had divulged was that a mysterious "neutral party" had aided our daring escape. It dawned on me then that Reina perfectly fit the description of this enigmatic benefactor, someone who seemed indifferent to the acts of terrorism and the oath she had taken in the Chevalier Unit.
It was clear to me that Reina's true interest lay solely in the elusive Crimson Dragonfly, disregarding the consequences or moral dilemmas that her pursuit might entail. Lost in my contemplation, I turned my gaze toward Airi, who was now completely engrossed in Reina's ongoing fight. Deep within my heart, I knew that a time would come when someone or something would unveil Airi's closely guarded secret to Reina, potentially leading to a clash of wills, perhaps even a fight to the death between them.
Yet, despite the uncertain future that lay ahead, one thing remained steadfast in my resolve—I would stand by Airi's side and protect her, even if it meant sacrificing my own life. Even if I had to unsheathe my sword against the very man I had once vowed to safeguard Airi alongside. The bonds of loyalty and duty bound me to her, and I was prepared to face whatever challenges lay in our path, resolute in my commitment to defend her with all my strength.
"DRACARYX!!!" Reina's voice pierced through the air, filled with determination. "Activate Hyperspace Fury!"
In an instant, the arena was transformed into a spectacle of awe and chaos. As if summoned by Reina's command, a multitude of portals materialized above, unleashing a torrential downpour of radiant beams upon the enemy knight and his formidable Boulder Dragon. The resounding echoes of explosive impacts reverberated throughout the entire arena, shrouding it in a deafening symphony of destruction.
Lost in my distracted thoughts, I suddenly realized that I had missed the entirety of their intense battle. I hadn't paid attention, and now I was left with a void of knowledge, unable to grasp the unfolding events. My curiosity piqued, I yearned to know the intricate details of their clash, to witness the dance of blades and the clash of elemental forces. Yet, it seemed fate had conspired against me, robbing me of this opportunity.
Speaking of Boulder Dragons, they bore a striking resemblance to their Earth Dragon counterparts, with one significant distinction—while they lacked wings, their elongated arms resembled those of a powerful gorilla. Their scales, fashioned from solid rock, boasted a darker blue complexion, setting them apart from the usual desert brown hue of an Earth Dragon.
As the lingering smoke and debris gradually dispersed, the sight before me revealed the swift and decisive outcome of the battle. Reina's adversaries, both knight and dragon, now lay motionless and defeated upon the ground. It had all transpired in such rapid succession that I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for having missed the thrilling spectacle. I realized then that I needed to be cautious around Reina and Richard, for they had unlocked the formidable power of the Dracaryx.
"The winner is Reina Fleuret!" the emcee's voice boomed triumphantly, eliciting an explosive wave of noise from the exuberant audience. The entire arena erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause, celebrating Reina's victory and the incredible display of power that had unfolded before their eyes.
With the upcoming fight being mine, I knew I had to regain my focus. In an attempt to shake off any lingering distractions, I slapped both of my cheeks lightly, a jolt of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Determined, I swiftly made my way toward the backstage area. However, in my haste, I misjudged my steps and stumbled, clumsily tumbling down the stairs. The unfortunate display drew the attention of several onlookers, including esteemed 1st Class Dragon Knights and even celebrity dukes and duchesses. The embarrassment washed over me, leaving me feeling self-conscious and vulnerable.
Before I could dwell on my mishap, Airi, always the pillar of support, landed gracefully in front of me, her face determined and encouraging. "Amphy, let's go! Totally!" she exclaimed, urging me forward.
"Yes," I replied, quickly gathering myself and pushing aside any lingering embarrassment. I hurriedly made my way towards the arena, my mind now focused on the impending duel that awaited me.
Awaiting me in the arena were my next opponents—Vladimir and Brixter Mysticpeak. They were undoubtedly the most intriguing and enigmatic dragon-knight partners I had encountered thus far. A shroud of mystery surrounded their identities, as no one could ascertain who was the dragon knight and who was the dragonoid. All that was known about them was that they were identical twins, though their complexions were stark contrasts of each other. Vladimir possessed an ethereal white complexion, while Brixter had a commanding black hue.
Further adding to the mystique, Vladimir bore a single red dragonoid eye on his left, while his other eye remained a typical black. On the other hand, Brixter's red dragonoid eye resided on his right. Both twins sported the same distinctive mushroom-shaped hairdo and wielded short swords, though the colors of their weapons varied. Vladimir's short sword gleamed in shades of vibrant red, while Brixter's mirrored the intensity of deep blue.
As I prepared myself mentally for the upcoming clash, the twins' enigmatic presence only heightened the intrigue and anticipation. It was a battle that promised to be unforgettable, not only for its intensity but also for the enigmatic nature of the Mysticpeak twins.
As I faced off against Vlad and Brix, a realization dawned upon me—I possessed some insider information about the twins, thanks to the occasional homework assistance I had borrowed from them. It appeared that their identical appearances hid a complex history, as both had experienced medical complications that resulted in the loss of certain body parts. Vladimir lacked a left eye, while Brixter had no right eye, and astonishingly, they shared the same heart. To address this unique situation, their parents had acquired a set of eyes and an identical pair of hearts from the black market.
However, a shocking revelation came to light—the body parts obtained turned out to be from dragonoids. The specifics of what transpired during the operation remained a mystery to me, but the end result seemed to be a success. Remarkably, the twins now possessed the ability to wield the Vesryn Pulse, owing to their possession of dragonoid hearts.
"Amphere Harrison versus Vlad and Brix! Let the battle begin!" The announcement reverberated throughout the arena, marking the commencement of our duel. Without hesitation, the twins charged forward in unison as the buzzer resounded.
Their attack began with a synchronized onslaught, but fortunately, Airi and I managed to execute a perfectly synchronized block using our photon sabers. It was as if our movements were choreographed, seamlessly countering their assault. In response, we swiftly retaliated with a well-coordinated high thrust and a sweeping side swipe, executing a harmonious dance of offense. The calculated maneuver forced the twins to retreat, creating a substantial distance between us.
Airi couldn't help but display a mischievous smile as she remarked, "See? You may be twins with identical hearts, but we are husband and wife, sharing the same heart through our love! Totally!" Her words carried a sense of confidence and playfulness, emphasizing the unique bond we shared and drawing strength from it.
With my attempt to clarify our relationship falling flat, Vlad and Brix erupted into laughter, thoroughly amused by the confusion I inadvertently caused. However, I swiftly redirected their attention as they combined the hilts of their swords, forging a formidable double-edged weapon. Their grip on the newly formed blade was tight, indicating their readiness for a truly intense confrontation. Although unfamiliar with this particular style of swordplay, I sensed that the stakes were about to escalate drastically.
To fortify my defenses, I activated my Heightened Clearance, triggering the emergence of six dynamos from my back. Positioned strategically, they served as a protective barrier, ready to shield me from harm. The dynamos, adaptable and responsive like extensions of my own limbs, wasted no time in forming a hexagram formation. Through telepathic commands, I directed them to project a photon barrier, fortifying our defense against the oncoming onslaught.
As the twins gracefully waltzed, their double blade whirling through the air, a mesmerizing display unfolded. Sparks and lightning effects reminiscent of apocalyptic CGI engulfed the spinning vortex they created. With each powerful stroke, the typhoon-like wheel surged toward our location, its destructive force threatening to engulf us entirely.
My dynamos, synchronized with my thoughts, moved with precision and agility, successfully intercepting the oncoming hurricane wheel with their projected photon barriers. I managed to hold my ground, focused on blocking the imminent danger. In the midst of our defense, Airi revealed her concealed metallic black wings, a sign that she was preparing for a swift and decisive counterattack against the twins.
But before Airi could fully unleash her assault, an unforeseen interruption occurred, leaving us momentarily frozen in surprise.
"Activating Double Vesryn Pulse!" The resounding declaration echoed through the arena, signaling the twins' next move. A radiant golden-white light enveloped their bodies, merging them together into a single entity. The convergence released a weak shockwave, causing Airi to stumble and tumble to the ground. As the luminous glow dissipated, an astonishing sight unfolded before our eyes.
Standing before us was a colossal nine-meter tall dragon with two heads—an utterly astonishing and unprecedented sight. What struck us even more profoundly was the dragon's unique attribute of being immune to racism. Its left side gleamed in pristine white, while the other half exuded an intense ebony hue. Muscular arms and legs supported its massive frame, and it boasted the presence of standard bat-like wings, reminiscent of Kyrie's. However, the key distinction lay in its dual-headed nature—a Gemini Dragon.
Gemini Dragons typically consist of a dragon knight and two identical twin dragonoids, their roles distinctly defined. However, in the case of Vlad and Brix, their roles transcended conventional boundaries. They embodied both dragon knight and dragonoid within themselves, seamlessly merged into a singular entity. I couldn't help but wonder how society viewed and treated them, considering the ongoing debate surrounding Dragonoid Rights. The passage of the Dragonoid Rights Bill remained uncertain, leaving many dragonoids marginalized and fighting for their recognition and equality. However, being the sons of a duke and a duchess, it was likely that Vlad and Brix enjoyed a more privileged existence compared to other dragonoids participating in the tournament.
The revelation of their unique form left me in awe, my mind racing with questions about the dynamics of their existence and the privileges they might have been afforded. Yet, amidst the wonder, a sense of urgency and determination welled up within me. This formidable opponent required our undivided attention and the full extent of our abilities.
"Activating Vesryn Pulse!" I bellowed, my voice filled with determination. In response to my command, my trusted Futuretech Dragon soared into the heat of battle, ready to face the formidable Gemini Dragon.
With an imposing gesture, the Gemini Dragon raised its hands, and an electrifying surge of particles took shape before our eyes. To our astonishment, the particles solidified into two gleaming swords, emanating a potent aura. The twins continued to unveil layers of awe-inspiring abilities, captivating us with their remarkable display. Could it be possible that they possessed a Dracaryx as well? However, a fleeting thought crossed my mind—Dracaryx could only be activated if the dragon-knight partners were of opposite sexes, and that didn't apply to Vlad and Brix.
"Let's reveal our true power, Amphy! Shout 'Dracaryx!'" Airi's voice resonated through our telepathic connection, urging me to unleash this mythical ability.
"That's absurd!" I exclaimed, taken aback by the suggestion. "We haven't unlocked it yet!"
"Nobody knows how to unlock it, totally! Just give it a try, geez!" Airi retorted, her words carrying a sense of playful exasperation.
She did have a point. If there was even a chance that we had unlocked the elusive power of Dracaryx, it was worth exploring. With a deep breath, I drew in the surrounding energy, gathering my strength. I mustered every ounce of my being and let out a resounding cry.
"DRACARYX!"