Melusine's determination solidified as she increased her speed, using her ability to fly to her advantage. She realized that Altria couldn't fly, and it was foolish to not exploit this advantage. Previously, she had been content to keep the battle on the ground, but now, as the tides were turning, she understood the need to capitalize on her aerial supremacy.
"Flying now, are we?" Altria remarked, watching Melusine dart back and forth in the sky. Her tone was calm, almost casual. Then, without hesitation, she raised Rhongomyniad, sending beams of light cascading across the sky in rapid succession.
Melusine was forced to land, the barrage of light cannons too intense for her to stay airborne. Altria seized the opportunity, charging forward with the Holy Spear held high, ready to strike Melusine as she touched the ground.
Seeing Altria's relentless approach, Melusine crossed her dual swords in front of her chest, assuming a defensive stance. A different aura emanated from her, a palpable shift in her power.
When they clashed, the impact was so immense that a brilliant flash of light exploded between them, forcing everyone to avert their gaze. When the light and dust settled, a massive mushroom cloud lingered in the air, obscuring the battlefield.
Who had won?
The question hung in the air, echoing in everyone's minds. Both sides—Camelot's knights and the fairies—held their breath, their attention fixed on the settling dust.
The tension was palpable as the dust cloud began to dissipate. Everyone, from Lott and Morgan to the Wind Clan fairies, was straining to see who had emerged victorious.
The patriarch of the Wind Clan watched anxiously, her eyes wide with fear and hope. This battle will decide everything, she thought, her heart pounding. It must be our victory!
But as the scene became clear, it wasn't a straightforward win for either side. Altria stood on the ground, Rhongomyniad pointed skyward. Melusine was in the air—but not as she was before. She had transformed.
Hovering above was not a fairy but a massive, menacing dragon. Her features were twisted and fierce, exuding a sense of dread that sent shivers down the spines of those who looked upon her.
"The Dragon of Albion…" Morgan whispered, her voice filled with both recognition and trepidation. Lott, beside her, tightened his grip on Vasilis.
Why is our luck so terrible? Lott thought, his mind racing. First Vortigern, now this… If only I had a dragon-slaying hero like Siegfried right now, this would be so much easier.
On the battlefield, Altria looked up at the dragon, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "So, you've taken on a new form? That just means I have a bigger target," she said confidently.
Without warning, Melusine unleashed a powerful beam of light from her mouth, aiming it directly at Altria. The ground shook as the energy blasted toward her, but Altria was unfazed. She lifted the Holy Spear and fired her own beam to counter the attack.
The two beams collided, the sheer force of the impact sending shockwaves across the battlefield. The sky lit up with brilliant flashes as they traded blow after blow, neither side giving an inch.
Watching from a distance, Lott turned to Morgan. "It's okay. I've got this too," he said, brandishing Vasilis with a determined look. "After all, I'm no stranger to a good light cannon fight."
Morgan glanced at him, concern evident in her eyes, but she nodded. "Just be careful," she warned.
With a smile, Lott sprinted forward and launched a barrage of light cannon blasts toward Melusine. "Alright, Vasilis, let's show them what we've got! We're not going to be outdone by Rhongomyniad!" he shouted, pouring more power into his attack.
The surge of energy from Vasilis shone brilliantly, forcing Melusine to dodge. The dragon twisted in the air, trying to avoid the dual assault from both Altria and Lott. But with the combined strength of Rhongomyniad and Vasilis, the pressure was immense.
Lott closed the distance to Altria, his eyes flicking to her as he moved. He was tense, unsure of what he would find. Was she still the Altria he knew, or had she changed?
When he finally reached her side, Altria turned to him, her eyes clear and full of resolve. "I'm still me," she said softly, her voice calm and steady. There was a fierce determination in her gaze, and Lott felt a wave of relief wash over him.
Good, she's still Altria, Lott thought, his heart easing. Morgan, seeing their interaction, smiled brightly, a weight lifting from her shoulders.
"Let's finish this," Altria said, her grip on Rhongomyniad tightening. Lott nodded, readying Vasilis once more.
Meanwhile, the battle between the knights and the fairies raged on. Morgan's magic empowered the knights, boosting their strength and resilience as they charged through the Wind Clan's ranks. The fairies, disorganized and panicked, were beginning to fall apart under the relentless assault.
The Wind Clan patriarch watched in horror as her forces crumbled. "Melusine! What are you doing? Defeat them!" she screamed, desperation clear in her voice.
But Melusine was struggling. The combined attacks from Altria, Lott, and now a third light cannon from Gawain, who had joined the fray, were overwhelming her.
"Don't hurt my father!" Gawain's voice echoed across the battlefield as she unleashed her own powerful beam from Galatine, the Sword of Revolving Victory. The three beams converged on Melusine, forcing her to release a massive burst of energy to counter them.
The clash was immense, the sky blazing with energy as Melusine roared in defiance. But the strain was evident—she was tiring, her movements slowing as the relentless attacks wore her down.
The patriarch of the Wind Clan, seeing that victory was slipping away, made a snap decision. "Melusine, hold them off! I'm retreating!" she called, panic lacing her words.
Without a second thought, she turned and began casting a spell to flee, abandoning her forces and Melusine without hesitation. As the magic enveloped her, she glanced back one last time.
You coward, Melusine thought bitterly, feeling the betrayal sting deep. She had fought with everything she had, only to be discarded when things got tough. What was the point of this battle if those she fought for would abandon her?
Her resolve faltered, and her movements slowed.
But Altria and Lott did not hesitate. They pressed their advantage, their combined attacks pushing Melusine further back. It was clear now who the victor would be.
Seeing that the Wind Clan's leader was escaping, Morgan narrowed her eyes and summoned her magic. She couldn't let the leader get away.
The patriarch's spell was almost complete when a shadow fell over her. She looked up, terror filling her eyes as a figure stepped into her path.