Rudolf Azregon
The morning unfolded in an eerie silence, devoid of the usual symphony of chirping birds that frequented the acacia tree just outside my window.
With a mountain of paperwork awaiting my attention, I had risen early. It had been two days since my ascension to the revered position of a Pentagram Knight, and the weight of responsibility seemed poised to surpass any previous expectations. Complaints, criminal cases, and profiles of Arcadia littered my desk, forming imposing piles that demanded my thorough perusal. I couldn't help but entertain the notion that Estoff Wraith's disdain for this role stemmed from its lack of excitement, leading him down the path of terrorism.
As a Pentagram Knight, participation in the Dragon Knight's Tournament became obligatory. This realization meant that my long-cherished desire to engage in combat with Amphere within the arena would forever remain unfulfilled. Despite my fervent longing to face him in battle, my duty to serve the greater good took precedence.
A faint knock disrupted the solitude, prompting me to respond, "Come in," as I temporarily set aside the stacks of folders. Amidst the array of priorities clamoring for my attention, this particular meeting stood paramount. I knew exactly what or rather, who to expect at this hour.
It was Amphere. Something seemed different about him, a subtle transformation. His spiky black hair now framed his face with several stylishly arranged bangs. Although seemingly inconsequential, the change suited him remarkably well. His shoulders appeared broader, his muscles more defined. Airelina would undoubtedly be captivated by this newfound allure, her heart stirred at the sight of her beloved Amphy's stunning transformation.
"What?" Amphere tilted his head, clearly aware that I was feigning ignorance. It was apparent to him that I was privy to his recent visit to a salon.
Suppressing my laughter, I shook my head playfully. The thought of Amphere and his dragonoid encountering his transformed appearance following his induction into the Chevalier Unit was amusing, to say the least. "Nothing. Please, have a seat."
Amphere promptly settled uncomfortably into the chair adjacent to my desk, his gaze fixed upon me as I organized the scattered items on the table. With a hint of hostility in his voice, he remarked, "The last time I was in this room, Estoff occupied that very chair."
Grinning mischievously, I responded, "Well, now that I'm a Pentagram Knight, things have changed." Retrieving the remote control for the room, I pressed a button. Instantly, all the windows closed, enveloping the space in an eternal pitch-black darkness. The room became concealed from prying eyes, ensuring our conversation remained hidden. "I've taken the liberty of ensuring this room is shielded from outsiders. No one will be able to hear our discussion here."
"What, you're going to rape me?" Amphere said jokingly.
"Fucker." I immediately replied. "I am here to have you confess."
The projector I had meticulously set up emitted a captivating glow, enveloping the room with a satisfying radiance. As the ethereal light danced upon the screen, the sigil of a majestic golden dragon's head, the emblem of the esteemed Pentagram Knight, dazzled with an otherworldly brilliance. It now adorned my computer, transforming into a vibrant wallpaper that breathed life into the dull digital canvas. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride coursing through my veins, for I had ascended to the prestigious rank of the new Pentagram Knight.
A hushed whisper escaped my lips as I addressed Amphere, my trusted confidant, knowing well the secret that lay concealed beneath the surface. "I am well aware, Amphere, that you are the true bearer of the title Black Phantom. The imposter who dared to enter the tournament grounds was but a hollow masquerade, a mere pretender attempting to bask in your shadow."
A palpable stillness settled in the air, the weight of my words reverberating through the space. It was as if I had struck the bull's eye with my declaration, my intuition guiding me unerringly. I had unwavering faith in my understanding of him—the way he fought, the nuances of every movement he executed, the enigmatic power he possessed, and even the intensity of his piercing gaze. I knew him intimately, as if I could peer into the depths of his very heart and soul. And deep down, I knew without a doubt that he was indeed the enigmatic Black Phantom.
A brief moment passed, heavy with unspoken acknowledgment, as Amphere, with a slight bow, confirmed the truth I had unearthed. However, his countenance transformed into a twisted smile, bearing an edge of determination. "Yes," he murmured, his voice laced with an eerie resolve. "And I shall make you confess as well. You are the one responsible for the torture and demise of Alder Windstrafe, are you not?" His gaze locked onto mine, his penetrating eyes probing my soul. "I have delved into the autopsy report, and that peculiar, bloodless burn etched upon his chest... only your Chaos Claws could have wrought such devastation."
In response, I couldn't help but let out a rueful chuckle, impressed by the astuteness he possessed. It was evident that he had been aware from the very beginning. After all, he, too, carried the mantle of the Black Phantom. "Ah, you see through me," I admitted, a glimmer of admiration tainting my voice. "Now that we both bear the weight of our sins, should either of us betray the other, the jail cells will become our inevitable destiny."
Amphere's expression morphed into a slight pout, and he shook his head in disagreement. "I won't betray you," he asserted. "My sole concern is to ensure that Airi can live in a world that is free and filled with happiness."
"If our goal aligns with passing the Dragonoid Rights Bill, spearheaded by Duchess Marieflorine Corasell, then I am willing to assist you," I replied, emphasizing my condition. "However, I cannot allow you to continue associating with your terrorist companions."
Amphere's fists clenched tightly, his inner turmoil evident as he struggled to contain his desire to unleash chaos within my office. "Is this all about Airi once again?" he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration. "What exactly do you want from Airi?"
"Airi is a murderer, Amphere," I declared, my tone heavy with accusation. "A vile entity responsible for the loss of countless lives."
Amphere's voice rose significantly, his frustration reaching new heights. "Is this about the Crimson Dragonfly incident again?" he questioned. "I've told you before—it was all an unfortunate accident-"
"It was never an accident!" I interjected sharply, cutting him off. "The destruction of Vanilla City was meticulously planned by Estoff, Zac, and Airelina—the three original members of the Arcadia!"
As Amphere rose to his feet, a visible tremor coursed through his body, causing him to stagger backward. His voice quivered with disbelief, uttering a string of denials in a desperate refrain, "No. no. no. no. no." His eyes widened in shock as the weight of the revelation crashed upon him. It pained me to witness his struggle to accept the truth, even though we were best friends. But I knew that providing him with undeniable proof was necessary.
In a swift motion, the projector sprang to life, casting a flickering glow across the room. The video screen materialized, unveiling a harrowing sight—a naked man, tightly restrained upon an electric chair. His eyes were blindfolded, and his body bore the marks of countless grazes and wounds. Amphere's gaze fixated upon the scene before him, and a flicker of recognition crossed his face. It was the interrogation of Alder Windstrafe—the very same scene etched into his memory.
The room was filled with a heavy silence as the significance of the evidence seeped into Amphere's consciousness. The truth began to penetrate the walls of denial he had erected, challenging his deepest convictions.
The interrogator, their voice tinged with a cold, cybernetic quality, pressed on with their inquiries. "Tell us more about the Crimson Dragonfly," they demanded.
Alder, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, mustered the strength to respond. "The Crimson Dragonfly is the Dracaryx—a powerful fusion of Zac Schneider and his dragonoid, Aleria Turner," he explained, his voice laced with weariness. "However, Aleria Turner is merely a fabricated alias assumed by Airelina Frembell, a name she used to shield herself from detection. She had been adopting various aliases up until she encountered her new legal knight, Amphere Harrison."
The interrogator leaned in, their tone unyielding. "How does the Crimson Dragonfly function?" they pressed further.
Alder, his body trembling with fatigue, continued to divulge the intricacies of the sinister creation. "The Crimson Dragonfly compels any other dragonoid to merge with Airelina Frembell, much like the process of fusing two dragonoids through the use of Dragon Splicers," he elucidated. "However, this fusion results in a far more stable combination. Airelina Frembell's consciousness takes dominance in this amalgamation, granting her unparalleled control."
"What transpired in Vanilla City?" inquired the interrogator, their tone sharp and relentless.
Alder took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "Airelina Frembell fused with her enigmatic dragonoid companion, who was later revealed to be a Titanus Dragon," he recounted, his voice heavy with the weight of the tragedy. "Through their fusion, a monstrous entity known as the Monolith Dragon was born. This devastating creature possessed formidable photon blasters that wreaked havoc upon Vanilla City, ultimately leading to its complete destruction."
The interrogator's next question struck at the heart of the matter. "The Crimson Dragonfly incident predates the formation of the Arcadia, yet you claim that it was the fault of the Arcadia. Explain this contradiction."
Alder's laughter echoed through the room, filled with bitter irony. "It was all an elaborate performance," he explained, his voice tinged with a mix of derision and revelation. "Airelina Frembell orchestrated the slaughter of thousands of humans and dragonoids to manipulate the dragonoid populace into blaming the government. They framed the empire for the annihilation of the only Dragonoid-Friendly City. If you were to ask any Arcadian Dragonoid the same question, they would undoubtedly answer, 'The government is responsible for wiping out our only sanctuary.' Airelina and Estoff were cunning enough to exploit the dragonoids' hatred toward the government, leading to the eventual formation of Arcadia. They played their cards masterfully."
The interrogator's gaze remained fixed on Alder as they sought further clarification. "And what about Zac Schneider?" they probed.
Alder's expression softened, tinged with a touch of sadness. "Zac Schneider was merely a pawn in Airelina Frembell's grand scheme," he revealed. "She used him, exploiting his deep affection for Aleria Turner, who was, in reality, Airelina herself. Zac believed that his dragonoid loved him, and his love for her blinded him to the true intentions behind her actions. Zac became entangled in this web of deception due to his unwavering devotion."
Sensing Amphere's overwhelming disbelief, I swiftly halted the video, bringing the disturbing imagery to an abrupt halt. Amphere, visibly shaken, stood there in a state of utter astonishment. He muttered to himself, desperately clinging to the hope that the revelations were untrue. "No, that can't be true," he repeated, his voice filled with denial.
With a gentle yet firm tone, I addressed Amphere, striving to provide reassurance amidst the turmoil. "Amphere, you are a remarkable and virtuous individual," I assured him, my voice radiating sincerity. "I know this more deeply than anyone else. But now, I implore you to answer my question. Why does Airi react with such fierce suppression whenever she hears the words 'Crimson Dragonfly'? Why does she go to great lengths to shield you from any attempts at blackmail or exposure?"
Amphere, his head bowed low, continued to shake it in disbelief. "No," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "You must be lying, right? Please tell me that all of this is just a fabrication."
A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I met Amphere's gaze with a sorrowful expression. "Oh, how I wish that were the case," I replied, my voice laden with regret.