Amphere Harrison
Gently, I immersed Airi's lifeless body into the tranquil waters of the spring, following the solemn command of the enigmatic silver-haired woman. The moment I withdrew my own body from the water's embrace, a mesmerizing display unfolded before my eyes. Swirling particles of light, akin to a swarm of ethereal fireflies, gravitated towards Airi's form. They danced and swirled around her, transforming her into a radiant spectacle as if she were composed of stardust, and magnetic iron filings drawn irresistibly to their core.
Encircling the spring, five resplendent shrine priestesses commenced their otherworldly song in Latin, invoking an eerie yet awe-inspiring aura. Their harmonious voices sent shivers down my spine, as if carrying the weight of ancient secrets. Strangely, the priestesses shared a peculiar resemblance to the silver-haired woman standing before me, with crimson eyes and dark, mysterious sclera.
A wry smile played on the lips of the silver-haired woman, seemingly privy to the unspoken questions haunting my mind. Her words dripped with a sarcastic charm as she revealed her title, "The Holy Guardian of the Cathedral Exa," or H.G., for short.
Yet, her introduction did little to quell my curiosity about her true identity. I couldn't help but voice my skepticism, which earned me a stern jab from my companion Richard, urging me to mind my manners. Richard whispered, revealing that the silver-haired woman held the highest position in the cathedral, shrouded in an enigma that even her real name remained unknown. More astonishingly, Richard disclosed that she was biologically immortal, boasting an existence that spanned an unimaginable ten millennia.
Such revelation left me dumbfounded. How could such beings exist? I couldn't help but ponder the mysterious nature of these individuals, who possessed the power to resurrect even the deceased, just as they had done with Richard when he fell to Kyle's wrath three years prior. What in the world were these enigmatic beings, and what was their true purpose?
"It's alright, young Richard," the holy guardian H.G. reassured, her laughter filling the air with an air of warmth. "The boy is free to inquire as much as he desires."
Brimming with curiosity, I couldn't help but question the peculiar process behind Airi's revival. My report on the Dragonoid Revival revolved around the priests utilizing sacred magical items to resurrect a dragonoid, but the methods being employed now appeared mysterious and unconventional.
"No, the boy is mistaken," H.G. clarified, her tone calm and patient. "Our prayers merely guide the soul back to its rightful place within the heart. The healing spring, however, possesses unparalleled regenerative properties, magnifying the body's restoration manifold. You must wait twenty-four hours to see if our efforts bear fruit. The success rate of our prayers stands at one hundred percent, provided certain conditions are met..."
She continued with a lengthy explanation of the requirements, outlining the intricacies of the process. My knowledge was firm on the first two conditions, but the third one perplexed me. I hadn't checked our compatibility rates in weeks, and uncertainty clouded my mind as I recalled the last recorded value of 99%. Moreover, the concept of Dracaryx and compatibility rates intertwined, leaving me unsure about the implications.
Shifting the focus, I broached another intriguing topic – my inexplicable connection with H.G. during moments of dire danger. Her image would appear in my mind, and her influence offered protection, for which I was immensely grateful. But the reasons behind this connection remained an enigma. Why had she chosen me?
H.G.'s laughter echoed with a tinge of sarcasm, adding an air of mystery to her response. "Once again, the boy's assumptions miss the mark. The incredible battle prowess is not a gift of mine. It is the Eye of Deus within you, a power that belongs to you and you alone. I am but an instrument that activates it. Cherish your eyes, for they are a gracious gift from God."
Two hours later, lost in deep contemplation, I strolled along the cathedral's echoing hallway. H.G.'s answers had offered some clarity, but much remained shrouded in ambiguity. The revelation that my eye, the Eye of Deus, was supposedly a gift from the heavens intrigued me deeply. Yet, beyond its known abilities to control Vesryn Pulses and enhance my reflexes, its true potential remained elusive. Were there other hidden powers it possessed? Perhaps the singing priestesses also bore the Eye of Deus, evident from their matching crimson eyes, though their complete control of it intrigued me.
Amid my musings, a beautiful priestess from the cathedral approached, offering me a healing tea made from the waters of the spring. I gratefully accepted, and to my astonishment, my wounded cells underwent a miraculous regeneration, healing five hundred times faster than usual. The previously gaping hole in my chest closed effortlessly, leaving me in awe of the spring's remarkable powers. Yet, my right eye remained unaltered, still unable to see.
Delving into my family's history, I found no mention of the enigmatic crimson eyes. It wasn't a trait passed down through my bloodline's magic, which was supposed to grant me slow-motion vision. Interestingly, my bloodline magic only triggered when the Eye of Deus activated. In contrast, my father possessed the ability to activate it at will, making me feel truly unique.
Using Richard's portal, we returned to the Dragon Knight Academy, where the funeral of Kyle Leviticus was underway. Clad in somber black attire, we joined the assembly with a sense of restraint. My thoughts lingered on Airi, whom I had entrusted to the care of my dragonoid companions until tomorrow.
The funeral ceremony commenced with solemnity, with Kyle's coffin adorned in elegant white porcelain, embellished with intricate golden medieval designs. The sound of gun and sword salutes filled the air, accompanied by the Empire's Anthem, as the medal of valor was bestowed upon the fallen general. A hero's tale, praising his exploits and contributions during the Third Dragonoid War, had been published. However, such a narrative held no deception for us adults; the truth about Kyle's dark side, his history of sexual abuse, was well-known to all, even among his colleagues and fellow generals.
As General Holster stepped onto the stage, an air of self-importance radiated from him. "Henceforth, I will assume command of the esteemed Chevalier Unit, continuing the arduous work initiated by General Leviticus and ensuring his aspirations come to fruition." His sudden roll call interrupted the somber atmosphere. "Amphere Harrison, please come forward."
Overwhelmed with nervousness, I found myself standing before the gathering, utterly clueless about the proceedings. I regretted attending this funeral, realizing the unfamiliar territory I had ventured into.
Finally, General Holster spoke again, recognizing my gallantry and fervent efforts during the Twilight City Incident. "In light of your chivalry and unwavering dedication, I hereby promote you to the rank of Dragon Knight 1st Class." With a flourish, he extended a platinum sword badge, a symbol of those who had surpassed the trials of fate in our order.
"Thank you, sir," I saluted, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort. The applause resounded throughout the room, and I glimpsed smiles from Reina, Richard, Kyrie, and Rudolf, their support and pride evident.
Yet, as I held the coveted badge in my hands, I couldn't shake the profound emptiness that engulfed me. I had dedicated years of hard work to attain this promotion, but now, it felt hollow. Happiness eluded me. I would rather remain a 2nd or 3rd class Dragon Knight than revel in the title of a hero in 1st class if it meant Airi continued to suffer. I felt like a counterfeit hero, celebrating an illusory glory, much like Kyle had done.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted once more. General Holster's voice boomed through the microphone, heralding the arrival of our very own princess, set to bestow further honors upon the hero of Twilight City.
The sound of triumphant trumpets filled the air, announcing the arrival of the young princess. To my astonishment, she was none other than Princess Serenity Elkyria herself, her resplendent golden hair swaying gracefully as she made her way to the platform. My heart quickened, realizing the significance of her presence. I immediately genuflected, humbled by the honor of being in her royal presence. Bowing my head and closing my eyes, I awaited her proclamation.
"Sir Amphere Harrison, 1st Class of the Dragon Knights. I bestow upon you the replica of the legendary relic, the Twilight Sword," the princess declared, her voice as sweet as a melody.
The Twilight Sword was a marvel gifted by the royal house, a breathtaking sight with its white blade adorned with golden flame ornaments that shimmered and sparkled in the light. Though majestic, it served as a mere trophy, unfit for actual use in battle, as the fragility of its structure resembled delicate glass.
Gently placing the magnificent sword in my hands, she then graced me with her palms on my forehead, offering her blessing. However, her soft murmurings startled me, hinting at an unexpected request.
"...I know I'm asking too much... But please, lose your next battle in the tournament."