"A plan? Let's just wing it!" Zhang Fan had no specific strategy in mind. Facing these enemies, they had no choice but to engage head-on. The princess was trapped in the castle ahead, resembling a level in an RPG game. They had to defeat one challenge after another, ultimately conquer the boss, rescue the princess, and then live happily ever after.
Sadly, Princess Mishiore was too young... What was he thinking? Such thoughts were rather sinister! Regardless, the priority was to defeat the foes at hand.
Overcoming these challenges seemed daunting. If only reinforcements were available. Wait, reinforcements?
At that moment, a dazzling light of yellow and pink hues burst through the sky.
"Combined Emblem Technique—Kaleidoscope: Hundred Flowers!" As the two girls' voices echoed, countless shells rained down from above. These were no ordinary shells, but rather a spectacular pyrotechnic display of hundreds of blossoms, thanks to the girls' emblem powers. The explosive bombardment left everyone with nowhere to hide. Even Zhang Fan, Holo, and Eclair had to swiftly move to the sidelines to avoid getting hit.
"Hero! Eclair! We're here!" From above, the voice belonged to Ligota, accompanied by a golden-haired girl in purple ninja attire. Her green eyes and fair skin suggested a mixed heritage, adding to her striking beauty.
Reinforcements had indeed arrived, not just Ligota but also the golden-haired girl. On the castle rooftop, a figure in a conical hat appeared. Eclair's face flushed with admiration upon seeing the newcomer.
"Briouxiux Dalkion!" Eclair's veneration was evident. Such admiration was unexpected from someone like her.
"Please excuse my bold intrusion. I am Briouxiux Dalkion, a freelance knight of the Biscoe Knight Order and leader of its covert unit, answering the call of Knight Commander Roland to assist." The newcomer removed her hat, revealing a mature and stunning visage, with long brown hair braided and draped over her shoulder. She carried a massive longsword on her back and a rapier at her waist. Her formidable aura suggested she was even more powerful than Princess Leong Mishuri.
"Dalkion?" The lion-man frowned. The legendary Briouxiux Dalkion was known for her unparalleled strength, rumored to have charged through armies single-handedly, akin to Florinelde's own Zhao Yun. The lion-man understood that with Dalkion's involvement, Galo's plan was doomed.
"I apologize for my presumption, but I have come to aid you. Let's fight with honor," Briouxiux said with a smile before leaping into the fray. Her legendary status deterred anyone from engaging her directly.
"Honor? That's hardly honorable!" Jonu Clavati, the tiger-girl, protested, clearly dismayed.
"Quite the predicament, these fools have put us in," the rabbit-eared Veil grumbled.
"Hero, proceed. We will handle things here," Briouxiux said, disregarding the trio's complaints and smiling warmly at Zhang Fan. She had witnessed his combat prowess and held him in high regard.
"Pleased to meet you, Lady Dalkion. We'll leave this to you. Holo, with me!" Zhang Fan nodded, aware of the urgency. He grabbed Holo, transformed his sword into a surfboard, and sped towards the castle, leaving the aftermath to Briouxiux.
"Hold on, are you sure about this? Aren't you worried about ambushes?" Holo clung to Zhang Fan as they raced forward, skeptical of his rash approach.
"Don't worry, it's like an RPG game. After clearing the levels, only the final boss remains," Zhang Fan reassured her with a smile. He was familiar with the storyline and confident in the path ahead.
"RPG? What's that?" Holo asked, unfamiliar with gaming terminology.
"A type of game. You'll understand in time. Hold tight, we're accelerating!" Zhang Fan increased their speed, leaving Holo speechless and clinging tightly to avoid falling.
They quickly reached the castle entrance, where they were greeted by a silver-haired youth – Galo, the brother of Princess Leong Mishuri and prince of the Galat Lion Regiment. His resemblance to his sister was uncanny.
"I've been waiting for you!" Galo laughed as Zhang Fan arrived.
"You're the Biscoe hero? I am Galo Galat de Rova of the Galat Lion Regiment. This time—"
"My name is Zhang Fan. Let's skip the formalities and get straight to business," Zhang Fan interrupted, wanting to avoid prolonged introductions.
"Very well, let's see whose skills prevail," Galo said, unbothered by the interruption. He readied his lance and mounted his gray steed.
"Finally, the last boss. Time for some fun," Zhang Fan smirked, ready for the climax of his adventure. The game was nearing its end, and he was determined to make a grand finale worthy of his heroic status.
"Are you sure about this? Don't you fear hidden enemies?" Holo asked as they rushed forward, Zhang Fan's speed making it difficult for her to speak.
"Trust me, it's like an RPG game. After the levels, only the final boss remains," Zhang Fan reassured her, confident in the unfolding storyline.
"RPG? What is that?" Holo inquired, unfamiliar with gaming.
"It's a kind of game. You'll understand eventually. Hold on, I'm speeding up again!" Zhang Fan increased their velocity, prompting Holo to cling tighter to avoid falling off.
Arriving at the castle entrance, they were met by a silver-haired youth – Galo, Princess Leong Mishuri's brother, and a prince of the Galat Lion Regiment, bearing a striking resemblance to his sister.
"I've been eagerly awaiting you," Galo declared as Zhang Fan approached.
"So you are the Biscoe hero? I am Galo Galat de Rova, of the Galat Lion Regiment. This time—"
"I am Zhang Fan. Let's forgo the pleasantries and proceed directly to the matter at hand," Zhang Fan interjected, keen on avoiding lengthy introductions.
"Alright then, let's demonstrate our prowess through battle," Galo responded, unfazed by the interruption. He prepared his lance and mounted his gray steed, ready for the final showdown.
"The ultimate boss awaits. Let's make this entertaining," Zhang Fan mused, poised for the final act of his heroic journey. He was determined to make the concluding battle as magnificent as his role demanded.