Rudolf Azregon
Slash. Sidestep and thrust.
This is the culmination of my efforts. Finally, I have succeeded in recruiting Amphere into the ranks of the Chevalier Unit. Now, he can delve into the depths of knowledge, uncovering the truth about Arcadia and Airelina's transgressions. All I need is the perfect moment to reveal it all to him. Patience is key.
Hack, thrust, and thrust. The clash of metal reverberates within the training hall.
However, now is not the time for revelations. Presently, Kyle is putting Amphere's sword skills to the test. It's evident that neither of them is unleashing their full power. It almost feels like a charade to me. Kyle and Amphere exchange blows while seemingly engaged in conversation. Reina and I observe from a distance, silently witnessing this spectacle.
"This is not what I wanted to see," Kyle expressed his disappointment. "I wanted to witness your crimson eyes, the ones you activated when we first clashed swords. I wanted to witness the fury and fire that arise when you protect your loved ones."
"So my crimson eyes were present when I saved Airi?" Amphere forced a fake smile. "I apologize, but I have no idea how to activate them."
Kyle's frustration boiled over, and he swiftly retaliated. He launched a powerful uppercut slash with his slender sword, which Amphere managed to block with his saber. However, the force behind the attack was so immense that it sent the photon saber flying. It spun in the air for two thousand degrees before finally embedding itself into the ground.
"In that case, this swordplay serves no purpose," Kyle remarked, pointing his sword towards Amphere's unarmed throat. Yet, Amphere appeared unfazed, seemingly more focused on playing around than paying attention.
Kyle retreated, visibly angered, and stormed off with a frustrated click of his tongue. Observing this, Amphere wore a triumphant smile, as if he had finally overcome his greatest adversary. He approached me, and I tossed him a bottle of water. Surprisingly, he wasn't even drenched in sweat, as if the exertion had barely affected him.
"Are you really going to stay with a boss like that?" Amphere gazed at me and Reina, his curiosity evident. "That guy is a reckless and unpredictable lunatic. And, if rumors are to be believed, a deviant towards his dragonoid. Why do you choose to stick by him?"
"Perhaps because we believe we are on the right side," I replied with conviction. "Our boss may be eccentric, but it doesn't mean we are aligned with darkness."
"Oh, so you're still accusing me of being part of Arcadia?" Amphere's voice rose, a hint of frustration seeping through.
"No. I've been trying to tell you that Airelina is using you. Estoff, Arcadia... they are the enemies you should be wary of."
Despite my suspicions that he may be the new Black Phantom, I still regard Amphere as my closest friend. I am determined to rescue him from the clutches of that malevolent dragonoid, even if it means he may grow to despise me.
In an attempt to clear my mind, I headed to the school cafeteria and ordered an iced tea. Seeking solace, I made my way to the rooftop and found a spot to relax. Kyrie, observant as ever, followed me and settled down beside me, munching on her chicken sandwich.
"You and Amphere used to have lunch here, didn't you?" Kyrie broke the silence, offering a sense of comfort.
"Yes. We've been friends for as long as I can remember, and we never missed a lunch together throughout our school years. It goes all the way back to grade school," I replied, feeling a pang of nostalgia. The bitter taste of the last sip of iced tea mirrored the bitterness that had seeped into our friendship.
"I believe there will come a time when Amphere will understand everything you've done," Kyrie said reassuringly, cupping my face gently with her hands before planting a soft kiss on my lips. Her tender touch brought me a sense of peace. She continued, her voice filled with encouragement, "Just stay true to your beliefs and keep fighting, my love."
"Yeah, that's exactly what I'll do!" Fueled by Kyrie's love and support, my energy was restored, and my stress began to fade away. "Even though he's distanced himself from me and become more attached to Airelina and Estoff, I'll never give up on saving him! I know in my heart what is right."
Amphere's dislike for General Kyle is justified as he consistently oppresses the poor Elumina, subjecting her to humiliation that would haunt her for a lifetime. It bewilders me how Elumina continues to tolerate such treatment. Kyle's dragonoid is nothing more than a punching bag to him, and whenever I lay eyes on Elumina, I'm confronted with the countless bruises and scars that mar her body. It becomes increasingly evident that his portrayal as a hero is nothing more than a myth.
Despite my aversion to Kyle's methods, I find myself in need of his assistance to separate Amphere from the Arcadia.
"By the way…" Kyrie raised her delicate index finger, capturing my attention. "You must prepare for your promotion tonight."
As the hours pass in the Dragon Knight Academy, time seems to glide effortlessly. It is only when I take notice of the sun's descent that I realize it is already afternoon. I stand in the dressing room of the Academy's grand celebration hall, where the culmination of my dragon knight career will be commemorated.
Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo adorned with silver shoulder armors and knee steel plates, I feel an undeniable sense of pride. It was Kyrie, my beloved, who meticulously outfitted me and ensured my necktie was perfectly aligned. Speaking of Kyrie, she is a vision herself, donning a resplendent white gown that would only require a hair ornament to transform it into a wedding ensemble. Each time my gaze meets hers, I envision her gracefully walking down the aisle, drawing nearer to me as we solemnly utter our sacred vows.
I must set aside my fantasies; this is not a wedding but a night of promotion.
The triumphant sound of trumpets fills the air as the spirits of the planet join in a joyous dance. With utmost grandeur, I step onto the stage, welcomed by the applause of dukes, duchesses, generals, and fellow dragon knights who have been invited to this illustrious gathering. However, two figures, Amphere and Airelina, fix their determined gazes upon me, their expressions hinting at a reluctance to accept my promotion at this moment.
With the microphone in his hands, General Kyle proudly announces, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present Rudolf Azregon, the esteemed 1st Class Dragon Knight of the Dragon Knight's Academy."
In a symbolic gesture, General Kyle presents me with a golden sword. As I grasp the hilt, I execute the royal salute, unsheathing the blade and raising it high, pointing it towards the ceiling.
Continuing the ceremony, General Kyle's voice resonates through the hall. "In accordance with the Empire's law, it is within the General's authority to appoint a Pentagram Knight. I hereby bestow upon Rudolf Azregon the esteemed position of the Fifth Pentagram Knight of the Empire of Alterra, in lieu of Estoff Wraith, who violated his sacred vows to the empire."
The resounding trumpets now carried an unfathomable yet regal melody, filling the hall with an orchestral theme befitting the occasion. Adorning my tuxedo was a golden dragon badge, a striking symbol representing the Pentagram Knight. As I stood before the assembly, I placed my right hand upon my heart, while my left hand raised the gleaming ceremonial sword, its golden hue captivating the eyes of all present.
With a firm yet reverent voice, I began to recite the sacred oath: "I, Rudolf Azregon, solemnly swear to uphold unwavering loyalty to the Empire of Alterra. I shall faithfully adhere to the laws and legal orders issued by the duly constituted authorities. In the pursuit of justice, I shall conduct myself with integrity and prudence, utilizing the wisdom at my disposal. I pledge to protect the Empire at any cost, even at the expense of my own life and that of my trusted dragonoid. This voluntary obligation I undertake without reservation or intent to evade. May the divine powers aid me in fulfilling this solemn vow."
As I concluded the last sentence of my oath, a wave of jubilation swept through the hall. Dukes and duchesses, their spirits elated, celebrated the momentous occasion with fervor.
Yet, my personal oath extended beyond the confines of this ceremony.
I vowed to embark on a perilous quest to rescue my dearest friend from the clutches of eternal darkness, which lurked, eager to consume his very being. Even if it meant sacrificing my own life, I pledged to thwart this impending doom and preserve the light within him.