-Dazai stood before Aelthyria once more, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he lifted the crimson dragon dagger, using its edge to shatter the chains that bound her. As the last link fell, he scooped her up with ease, carrying her out of the cave. Outside, Deadmourne was waiting, leaning against a tree.
Aelthyria: "Hngh… I can walk just fine, young human."
-A slight blush crept onto her face, though she masked it quickly. Deadmourne, however, wasted no time, rushing toward them as Dazai gently set Aelthyria down.-
Dazai: "Well, your dear mother is safe and sound—happy ending and all that. Now… about our deal"
-Aelthyria's eyes narrowed with caution, but before she could speak, Deadmourne stepped forward and, to Dazai's mild surprise, knelt before him-
Deadmourne: "Yes, of course… anything you desire, as agreed upon in our deal. I am in your debt, huma— no… Master Dazai."
-Dazai chuckled slightly, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips as he clapped his hands together.-
Dazai: "Yeah, yeah… let's not get too dramatic. What I want is simple—an alliance. You and your mother will form a pact with me. I don't need slaves. I need long-term investments. And what better investment than a dragon? Of course, if you doubt my sincerity, we can solidify it with a pact… though I'm not exactly sure how your kind forms one—"
-Before he could finish, Deadmourne seized his scarf pulling him and crashed her lips against his in a deep, passionate kiss. His eyes widened slightly in shock before he shoved her back.-
Dazai: "You really have to stop doing that! And what the hell was that for?!"
-Deadmourne chuckled, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she exposed the glowing mark now imprinted on her chest. A similar mark burned faintly against Dazai's neck-
Deadmourne: "You wanted a pact, didn't you? Dragons don't form pacts like demons or summoned beasts. Our method is… more direct."
-Dazai exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples, but before he could get another word out, another pair of lips crashed against his. This time, it was deeper—unyielding. Aelthyria's face burned red as she pulled away, her breath uneven. The mark of the pact glowed against her chest, and another identical one appeared on Dazai's neck. She took a quick step back, her voice shaky-
Aelthyria: "T-there… Dazai… I am forever in your debt. M-my daughter will remain with you to maintain our alliance. G-goodbye."
-As if fleeing from her own emotions, she swiftly transformed into her dragon form and took to the skies, vanishing beyond the moonlit horizon. Dazai ran a hand down his face and sighed before turning to Deadmourne.-
Dazai: "...I really need to find another method to form pacts with dragons."
-Deadmourne simply chuckled, tilting her head at him.-
Deadmourne: "I don't see the problem."
-Dazai ignored her teasing as his mind shifted gears. His gaze dropped to the crimson dragon dagger strapped to his side, and his smirk returned-
Dazai: "Now then… tell me, Deadmourne. How could a one-star fighter put up that kind of fight? I assume you saw or at least sensed my battle."
-Deadmourne tilted her head slightly, considering his words.-
Deadmourne: "Star ranking is important, yes, but it doesn't determine physical prowess. Humans can use enchanted items to enhance their physical and magical abilities. Some are simply trained to surpass their limits."
-Dazai tapped his finger against the hilt of the dagger, a realization forming in his mind. He chuckled-
Dazai: "So that's how he fought so well… Good. At least my theory was right."
Deadmourne: "Theory?"
Dazai: "When I used Authority on you, I used an 8-rank level. On him? I only used 2. But it didn't work. That means one's spirit must be strong or broken enough for me to enforce my will. He had no idea what fear was… until I crushed his hopes and dreams. Only then did it work."
-Deadmourne's expression stiffened as a chill ran down her spine. She swallowed hard.-
Deadmourne: "Wait… Authority? That's a power spoken of only in ancient myths. It was said that in the age of the Crimson Skies, there were those who could enforce their will upon reality itself…"
-Dazai stretched his arms and let out a deep sigh-
Dazai: "Tch. That damn goddess left out that little detail. I had a feeling something was off… when I got hit with this dagger, I thought about stopping the poison—and it did. Like a cheat code… but I'll use it only when necessary."
-He turned his gaze toward Deadmourne and smirked-
Dazai: "Now then… transform."
-Without hesitation, Deadmourne shifted into her dragon form. Towering, magnificent, her black scales shimmered under the moonlight. Dazai wasted no time, leaping onto a nearby tree and onto her back, standing atop her-
Dazai: "Now then… take me into the night sky."
-With a powerful growl, Deadmourne spread her wings and soared into the heavens. The winds howled as they ascended, the land below shrinking into a vast, living tapestry. Dazai's eyes scanned the breathtaking world beneath him-
-Astria was a realm of unparalleled beauty, a land of medieval grandeur infused with celestial wonder. The sky stretched endlessly, two moons—one silver, one crimson—casting an ethereal glow upon the kingdom below. Towering castles and floating citadels punctuated the horizon, symbols of noble houses that wielded both political and magical might. Rolling emerald fields sprawled beyond fortified cities, while ancient forests pulsed with hidden power
At night, the heavens became a canvas of shifting constellations, their celestial dance said to dictate the fate of nations. Ancient ruins whispered of civilizations long forgotten. And somewhere, beyond mortal comprehension, the Celestial Gates shimmered—a realm only accessible to the highest-ranked Star beings-
-Dazai took a deep breath, the wind whipping through his crimson-tipped hair. A smirk ghosted his lips-
Dazai: "The beauty of the night… truly breathtaking."