Chapter 47: The Mastermind
Estoff Wraith
"I'll be back for you," I declared to Elumina when Amphere orchestrated our meeting, hoping to reassure her of my return. Her tearful smile reflected the emotional distance that had grown between us over time. The rare opportunity for a heartfelt and lengthy conversation had eluded us, all thanks to Amphere and his intricate schemes.
Amphere's continued assistance to me and Airelina puzzled me deeply. I had known him for years, and it seemed unlikely that he could forgive our transgressions in such a short span of time. Doubts swirled in my mind, questioning his loyalty, especially considering how he meticulously orchestrated a staged trial to absolve Airelina of guilt. The sheer dedication he had invested in that endeavor was undeniable.
Yet, one undeniable fact remained—Amphere's information regarding Duke Yuri Dragunov was accurate. Marieflorine herself corroborated the claims, sharing her own chilling encounter where the duke had attempted to take her life. Skepticism battled within me, but my skepticism waned as I laid eyes upon the incriminating Crimson Dragonfly files retrieved from the duke's briefcase. It was imperative that I bring him to justice without delay.
On the S.S. Victoria, a majestic airship belonging to Arcadia, an aura of tranquility enveloped our journey. Inside the captain's cabin, we gathered to witness the captivating Dragon Knight's Tournament through a television feed. As the final bout concluded, I issued a command to two guards, instructing them to secure the sole exit, effectively trapping the cunning duke within our midst.
"What's the matter, Estoff?" Yuri Dragunov inquired, his fingers gently caressing his snowy white beard as an artificial chuckle escaped his lips.
A revelation struck me with a jolt, causing me to realize that Yuri belonged to an entirely different faction, one separate from Arcadia. Gripping my crimson broadsword tightly, I aimed its sharp tip menacingly at his throat, the threat of violence hanging heavily in the air. "You're more than just an investor to Arcadia, aren't you? You're... someone else entirely. Tell me everything you know," I demanded, my voice laced with a mixture of determination and suspicion.
Yuri emitted a raspy, coughing chuckle, his amusement evident despite the precarious situation. "That little runt should have enlightened you," he replied, his voice tinged with a sardonic undertone. "Corasells can be quite bothersome."
"Rest assured, I only need one question answered to settle this matter," I declared, my grin widening with a touch of sadistic satisfaction. "And once I have the answer, I'll swiftly end your life by slitting your throat." The threat hung palpably in the air as my eyes locked onto his, unyielding in their intensity. "How did you come to possess such intimate knowledge about the Crimson Dragonfly?"
The query I posed carried a weighty significance. Only three individuals were privy to the intricate details of our plot to decimate Vanilla City: Airelina Frembell, myself (Estoff Wraith), and Zac Schneider. We had shared this plan exclusively among the founding members of Arcadia, keeping it shrouded in secrecy. Unless my hypothesis held true...
Yuri settled himself, his demeanor calming, as he leisurely consumed the final remnants of his wine. With a contemplative air, he began to unveil a tale that reached back to the depths of the Second Dragonoid War. "It all traces back to that conflict," he began, his voice carrying a trace of nostalgia. "In the aftermath, amidst a mountain of corpses, I stumbled upon three abandoned boys, their innocence shattered by the brutality surrounding them. I took them under my wing, offering them sustenance, shelter, and protection. From the ashes, I molded them into men capable of perceiving the darkness that permeates our world. I shared with them my vast knowledge and wealth, nurturing them as agents to bring my grand design to fruition."
The confirmation of my hypothesis transformed into an undeniable truth, sending a surge of adrenaline through my veins. Eager to connect the dots and complete the narrative, I interjected, filling in the missing pieces of the puzzle. "Those three boys... They were Alder Windstrafe, Nox, and... Zac Schneider," I stated with conviction, my voice filled with a mix of accusation and revelation. "You purposely concealed their true identities, ensuring that no one could trace their connection back to you. Your grand scheme revolves around waging war and profiting from the chaos. You hold the title of the foremost arms dealer and investor, maintaining influential ties with the government, the disavowed Dragonoid Liberation Army, and even my own faction, Arcadia. You view the dragonoid wars as opportunities to elevate your financial standing."
To my astonishment, Yuri Dragunov acknowledged the accuracy of my deductions. "I never anticipated that you would uncover all of this, Estoff Wraith," he remarked, a touch of amusement tainting his words. The sound grated on my nerves, causing my fists to clench tightly, knuckles turning white. Sensing my growing agitation, Dragunov met my enraged expression with a mocking laughter. "Just as expected from the disavowed Pentagram Knight and the leader of the most formidable terrorist group known to exist."
Anger surged within me, fueled by the revelations of Zac Schneider's manipulated involvement and ultimate sacrifice for monetary gain. Through gritted teeth, I seethed, "You were the one who implanted the idea of mass slaughter in Zac Schneider's mind. He laid down his life for your wealth." The words escaped me with a mixture of anguish and fury. "Your extensive knowledge in manipulating human emotions is a perilous weapon."
Dragunov retorted callously, attempting to absolve himself of guilt. "Hey, both you and that red-haired dragonoid shared the same twisted vision. It is the two of you who should bear the blame. Zac sacrificed himself for you two as well. I am innocent in that regard!"
"SHUT UP!!!" I exploded, my temper slipping from my grasp. In a moment of uncontrollable rage, I exerted pressure on my sword, piercing the flesh of the duke's neck by a fraction. A centimeter of crimson stained his skin as I continued, my voice trembling with fury. "You brainwashed Zac! You manipulated his emotions, harnessing his anger and directing it towards me and Airelina! You are the catalyst behind all these wars! You bear the responsibility for the countless lives lost in the never-ending conflicts between humans and dragonoids! You are the ultimate mastermind, orchestrating this chaotic mess!"
Amidst the escalating tension, a series of sudden gunshots reverberated through the room, startling both myself and the bewildered guards. Confusion etched across our faces as the realization dawned that the events unfolding before us were all part of Duke Dragunov's insidious plan. A smug expression adorned his face, silently conveying his satisfaction at the seamless execution of his scheme. Just how diabolically brilliant was this devil?
"It seems one of my loyal associates will be providing me with a timely escape," the duke remarked casually, his voice laced with a perverse amusement.
In the midst of our escalating confrontation, an explosion reverberated from above. Startled, we looked up, reminded that our current location was an airship docked near the expansive Ultima Ocean, devoid of any nearby settlements for miles. The source of the disturbance couldn't be attributed to the government's Dragon Knights. As the roof of the office was violently ripped apart, an enormous, lizard-like arm extended towards the duke, dispelling any lingering doubts.
The hand, with its shimmering scales resembling reflective shards of ice, undoubtedly belonged to an Ice Dragon. To be more precise, it belonged to Ice Dragon Emy, a creature whose texture I had come to intimately know. Yet, what added a layer of perplexity to the unfolding scene was the presence of a mysterious figure shrouded in a black cloak and donning a magician's mask atop the enemy dragon.
Black Phantom? However, this couldn't be attributed to Amphere, as he did not possess control over Emy or any other Ice Dragon. The person concealed behind the mask was an entirely different individual, evident from their pale, malnourished complexion and the bloodstains adorning their long-sleeved polo shirt and slacks. A gaping hole marred their chest, while their right hand gripped a slender golden rapier. In their left hand, a pale violet object pulsed rhythmically—was it a heart?
With a casual wave of his hand, Duke Dragunov bid us farewell, settling comfortably on the Ice Dragon's neck. The magnificent creature propelled itself into the air, soaring away with incredible speed, leaving a trail of glistening snowflakes in its wake.
Just as I was about to summon the captain and crew of the airship, a sense of awe overwhelmed me as an enormous shadow cast its shadow upon me, blocking the direct rays of the sun. I realized that it was a dragon, adorned with six majestic angelic wings. Its scales gleamed pure white, while its crimson eyes lacked the intent to kill. However, my attention quickly shifted to the figure perched upon the dragon's head, the person I despised the most.
"Long time no see, my dear best friend," the man taunted, grinning in the most infuriating manner imaginable.
"Kyle Leviticus!" I growled, my grip on my broadsword tightening.
In that moment, I activated the distress signal, hoping that Gilliard would swiftly come to my aid. The time had come for me to confront Kyle and Elumina head-on. I needed to fight my way out of this predicament and capture Duke Dragunov as quickly as possible. That vile man held all the crucial information capable of toppling Arcadia entirely.
As a surge of determination coursed through me, my hand instinctively reached for my chest, where a vibrant navy blue glow emanated. Summoning every ounce of courage within me, I prepared to confront the person I once loved and the one I had grown to despise. "Activating Vesryn Pulse!" I declared, channeling the power within.
In an instant, the surface of the airship shattered, sending wooden debris and shards of metal cascading down like a violent rainstorm. Gilliard, my loyal companion and the Magma Dragon, made his grand entrance, transforming into an imposing figure that stretched a colossal eight meters in height. His powerful arms resembled those of a gorilla, fortified with razor-sharp claws. Magnificent wings, drenched in a fiery crimson hue, completed his formidable appearance.
Amusingly, Gilliard's telepathic voice teased me, "Are you absolutely certain we are going to face your beloved?" I couldn't help but smirk at my partner, emphasizing the gravity of my warning. "Make sure not to harm her, or you'll experience my wrath. Our objective remains unchanged. Reduce Kyle to a pile of ash."