Amphere Harrison
Three hours had slipped away since the momentous encounter began...
Having left Rudolf and Kyrie behind, I embarked on a frantic pursuit of a familiar figure. The sight before me was inexplicable—none other than the legendary Black Phantom himself! Questions swirled in my mind, racing alongside my pounding heart. How was this possible? Who could be masquerading as him? Could Dragunov have bestowed a spare costume upon another individual? However, a peculiar air surrounded the enigmatic man, stirring a sense of unease within me.
I sprinted along the desolate highway, my steps echoing through the empty expanse. There, amidst the stillness, stood the enigma, as if the location had been carefully chosen to ensnare me. Supressing my instinctual spider-sense, I summoned every ounce of courage within me and ventured forward, determined to confront the specter before me.
"Alder... is it truly you?" I stammered, my voice betraying a hint of trepidation. His amber eyes bore into mine, his stance unwavering, and the golden rapier at his side. Deep down, I was almost certain that I stood face-to-face with Alder Windstrafe himself—the original Black Phantom.
The Black Phantom's lips moved, opening and closing as if engaged in some silent conversation. Yet, his words eluded me, their meaning obscured. My attention shifted to his left hand, where a ghastly sight awaited—a grotesque, pulsating mass of flesh. It took me a full three seconds to register the undeniable truth: it was a heart, a repulsive revelation that sent shivers down my spine.
My gaze swept across his wretched form, revealing a Black Phantom suit drenched in crimson. The pallor of his skin hinted at decay, and a gaping cavity marred his chest—an unmistakable mark of a zombie-like Alder. Was he reanimated by some wicked sorceress or some other sinister force?
"Surprised?" The voice sent a chill down my spine. I spun around, only to be confronted by the face of Kyle Leviticus. In his hand, he brandished a needle, its size comparable to that of a chili pepper. Swiftly, he thrust it into the side of my neck. Though devoid of pain, my vision swiftly grew hazy, the effects of the drug-laced needle taking hold in a mere instant.
My head throbbed, reminiscent of a hangover, before darkness enveloped me entirely.
Upon regaining consciousness, I found myself in an open field, the abandoned expressway stretching out before me. Confusion gnawed at me as I examined my surroundings. How had I come to be clad in the Black Phantom's attire? Did Kyle force me into this garb? The reasons behind his actions eluded me. All that mattered was finding my way back to Rudolf's group, to rejoin their ranks. A cluster of buildings beckoned from a distance of one hundred meters—a potential vantage point to assess the unfolding situation.
The lingering effects of the drug made each step a sluggish endeavor, my vision swimming with dizziness. Bereft of my trusty sword, a sense of vulnerability gnawed at me, urging haste as I sought refuge and cover from the unknown dangers that lurked nearby.
sudden gust of wind swept through the air, and before I could register what was happening, a searing pain erupted within my chest. Oddly, I remained numb, shielded by the lingering effects of the drug. Collapsing to the ground, crimson liquid gushed from the wound, staining the floor beneath me. Darkness once again encroached upon my vision, leaving only my sense of hearing intact.
Through the haze, I discerned Rudolf's urgent voice, piercing through the tumultuous backdrop. Another burst, another explosion reverberated, followed by the sound of bodies hitting the dry asphalt. Then, consciousness slipped away once more.
When I eventually regained awareness, I found myself in a stark white room, surrounded by a team of diligent nurses tending to my well-being. The incessant beeping of the heart rate monitor grated on my nerves, while one nurse assessed my eyesight with the aid of a flashlight. Glancing at the clock, I noted that only an hour had passed since my last blackout—daybreak still enveloped the outside world. My head throbbed persistently, and a burning sensation seared through my chest. It became increasingly evident that returning to the battlefield in my current state would be an insurmountable challenge.
I closed my eyes, seeking solace in sleep. The recurring pattern of blacking out thrice within three short hours was an ordeal I despised. Yet, as slumber claimed me once more, I found myself transported to an unfamiliar realm within a vivid dream.
I stood outside, surrounded by the weathered walls of an ancient, abandoned church. Vines crept and coiled around its maroon bricks, evoking an aura of mystery. Rays of sunlight pierced through the gaps in the autumn foliage, casting an ethereal glow upon my face. A powerful gust of wind stirred nearby, causing the leaves to dance and twirl in a captivating whirlwind.
Before me stood a woman, her age appearing to be around twenty-five. As the wind weaved through her silver tresses, they swirled and danced in the breeze. Her attire, a daring white kimono, set her apart from any ordinary being. But what truly captivated my gaze were her eyes—a striking crimson hue against a backdrop of jet-black sclera. She was the enigmatic figure who had consistently appeared whenever I tapped into my extraordinary abilities.
"Boy, you have cheated death and found your way to my sanctuary," she spoke, her voice carrying an otherworldly quality. "And now, you seek my aid."
Curiosity brimming within me, I inquired, "Who are you? And why do you offer your assistance?"
"The answers you seek, young one, are not yet within your grasp," she replied cryptically. "Fear not, for we shall meet face-to-face in due time. For now, focus your energies on the pressing matter at hand. Your friends and loved ones are in peril."
In an instant, vivid images flooded my mind—Estoff, Rudolf, Kyrie, Richard, and Reina. Yet, it was Airi's radiant smile that lingered, etching itself into my consciousness. With tightened fists, I acknowledged the insatiable hunger for power dwelling deep within my heart.
"I shall aid in unlocking the boy's true potential once more," she declared, her presence drawing near. With a gentle touch, her lips met my right eye, sending a surge of warmth coursing through my being. Overwhelmed by the unexpected intimacy, a blush adorned my cheeks, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.
In an instant, a brilliant flash of light shattered the dreamlike encounter, jolting me back to reality.
As my eyes flickered open, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins, tripling my resolve. The nurses, astonished by my swift recovery, watched as I promptly removed the wires and tubes that had been attached to my body. My gaze fell upon the bandages adorning my chest—evidence of the care I had received. With newfound determination, I located my uniform, still pristine and intact, and donned the Black Phantom's cloak. Employing my Heightened Clearance, I summoned my floating dynamos, which obediently aligned themselves to create a metallic platform for me to land upon as I leapt through the window. Thus, the "Dynamo Airboard" came into being.
A palpable connection surged within me, my heartbeat resonating with Airi's essence. Utilizing the rhythmic pulsations of my own heart, I employed them as a sonar-like pulse, enabling me to detect the echoes of a similar heartbeat pattern. With this method, I could effortlessly locate Airi, guided by the synchrony of our heartbeats.
In the sky above, a radiant golden cross shimmered, catching my attention. Through the power of my crimson right eye, I discerned the cross's true identity—it was Elumina. Simultaneously, Airi's heartbeat pulsed within me, her presence a few hundred meters away.
Two luminous entities engaged in a mesmerizing aerial dance, their clashes echoing through the air. It was evident that a fierce battle raged between these humanoid beings. Accelerating toward the spectacle, my eyes widened in recognition—it was Airelina! Engaged in a fierce swordfight, she confronted none other than Kyle Leviticus.
With a resounding cry, Kyle Leviticus bellowed, "DRACARYX! Activate Spear of Judgment!" In response, a brilliant beam of light surged forth from the distant glowing cross.
The impact struck Airi, causing her to plummet to the ground. Grateful that she remained unscathed, albeit visibly injured, I watched as Estoff rushed to her side, prepared to face the angelic devil general. It seemed they engaged in a brief exchange, but before their conversation could continue, Kyle Leviticus roared once more.
"DRACARYX!" His words sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Determined to protect them, I vowed not to allow him to harm them again. Not on my watch.
With Maximum Clearance activated, I summoned the towering half-body of a colossal skeleton robot—Deus Ex Machina! Its skull parted, revealing a laser gun that unleashed a powerful beam of light, aimed directly at the six-winged knight. The resulting explosion reverberated through the skies, shaking the very foundation of the battle.
Airi and Estoff turned their attention towards the source of the brilliant blue beam, their eyes widening in astonishment. "I apologize for my tardiness!" I exclaimed confidently, offering them a salute. "It appears you've encountered quite the predicament."
"Amphy..." Airi's voice trembled with relief. It was a heartening sight to see her once again.
Estoff responded with a wry grin. "You cheeky wanker."
Hurrying to Airi's side, I extended my hand, helping the scarlet-haired dragonoid back onto her feet. In a gesture of trust, she passed me her photon sword. At that moment, a radiant blue light emitted from her chest, a symbol of her unwavering spirit.
Meanwhile, General Kyle Leviticus remained unscathed, his Shield Plate having reached its limit, now discarded. A fierce glint in his eyes, he directed a lethal gaze towards our trio. But Airi, with her characteristic audacity, swiftly quelled the tension.
"Now that Amphy is here, the three of us will give you a proper thrashing!" she declared, her voice filled with determination. "Totally!"