6 The Scarlet Feast [3]

The Battle of Man Vs. Wyvern was a short-lived battle, with Malzeno fighting in the skies. His newly tamed Wyvern was a force to be reckoned with when used to its fullest under Malzeno's skill. Every time Malzeno tore through the scales of the Wyverns, his companion would finish them off with a quick, decisive fireball. 

Although Malzeno was not with his Qurio, this Wyvern remained a formidable substitute. However, Malzeno continued gazing over Jeanne, who was fighting a few buildings away. Her strikes were lethal like viper but graceful as a dancer. He had sent a Qurio over to restore some of her strength, giving her a second wind among the storm of Wyverns surrounding her.

Mash was also fighting valiantly. A newfound determination was lit ablaze within her. Her strong bashes and quick movements were tearing apart the Wyverns. Meanwhile, Ritsuka was busy helping people get to safety, which was all she could do now. 

The battle raged on for a couple of minutes before the last of the Wyverns were lifeless on the ground, small mountains riddled with their body, and the heavy, nauseous stench of their blood was enough to suck away the vigor of the soldiers as they all collapsed like a tired horse that ran for days.

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Jeanne was amazed. She couldn't find the right words to express how grateful she was to the group of three that helped the soldiers. She was sure that the Rider possessed some Charisma Skill at EX if it could affect normal Humans to such a degree, or perhaps he was just that encouraging? 

"You alright there?" 

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"EEEK!" 

Jeanne shrieked like a frightened cat as she literally attached herself to the nearest pole, her body shaking for a minute. 

"Umm…well that just happened."

"Yes, it seems Malzeno needs to work on his manners."

Jeanne looked bashfully at the group. Her violet irises trickled with curiosity as she looked at Malzeno. The air around him was extremely regal, but that sense of malice also mixed in. It was like two storms crashing against each other, creating a maelstrom of chaos and order. 

"Hmm, I didn't expect her to jump up like those Felynes," Malzeno scratched his nose as a deep frown marred his face. "It's best for us to be on our way. I'm sure if anyone sees her, they'll take up arms and kill her." (AN: Felynes - Feline in Monster Hunter terms.) 

Ritsuka frowned at this, and a surge of anger rushed to her face. "But she risked her life for them."

Malzeno looked between the crestfallen look on Jeanne's face before returning to Ritsuka. "That's true. However, take me for example. The Kingdom I once protected now sees everyone else of my species as problematic and a bane of their existence. All it takes is one rumor or action to change your reception for generations."

"Sorry, but this isn't the place to speak about this. We should find a place to camp and settle for the night. The sun is beginning to set," Mash's voice cut through the melancholy feeling in the air.

"I have a camp not too far off. I want to speak more there if that is okay with you."

With no further delay, everyone made their way to Jeanne's camp. However, there was one problem.

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"The Wyvern doesn't want to leave?" 

Located in the middle of the rich forest, Jeanne's camp was now calmly lit by the pale silver light of the moon, casting a tranquil shine on the group of five. The air crackled with the sound of the campfire and the large snores of the pink Wyvern that continued to follow the group.

"It seems I need to work on that skill a bit more," Malzeno, despite only needing the Wyvern for the battle, felt a bit ashamed that the Wyvern decided to stick with them. 

It wasn't because he didn't wish to be bothered with it, but because it'll disappear when the Singularity is cleared. It also left him feeling a bit itchy, as if this skill would cause problems down the line, something he didn't want resting on his mind like an annoying pimple.

"Sorry! I didn't properly introduce myself," Jeanne removed the cloak hiding her face. Her bright blonde hair was tied delicately into a braid. Her violet eyes were as pure as one can get. It was almost unreal. "I'm Jeanne D'Arc, Ruler class. You must be in the Rider Class, yes?"

Malzeno shook his head. He could feel the weariness of Ritsuka and Mash, as they didn't know whether this was the Dragon Witch.

"My name is Malzeno, and I was also put in the Ruler Class. I would've originally been Foreigner, but I'm…a bit complicated."

Jeanne's face conveyed surprise as her eyes widened. She felt a bit embarrassed, realizing she had mistaken Malzeno's class, but what caught her attention was his proclamation that he was originally supposed to be placed in the Foreigner Class. 

"It seems Malzeno trusts you enough to give away details," Romani spoke through the transmission, which got a yelp from Jeanne again.

"Interesting, is that Magecraft?" 

"Something like that. We're from Chaldea, an organization from the Future, sent here to correct a deviation that shouldn't exist. As you may have noticed, this isn't a Holy Grail War."

"That's troubling."

Jeanne cupped her chin. There was so much going on. "It's also bothersome that I can't seem to access some of my skills and abilities. Otherwise, I would've been notified of everything. It's embarrassing."

"However, despite that, I can't turn a blind eye to this senseless destruction and death. I will stop the Dragon Witch!"

Malzeno remained silent as his crimson eyes hid his amusement. He already knew why her powers were most likely halved, thanks to his link with the Qurio. He was quite interested in meeting this "Dragon Witch."

She had the power to tame Dragons, something Malzeno wanted to test, to see if this other Jeanne was worthy of having a power like he did. His heartbeat pounded silently against his chest under the night sky as his sights were on the Dragon Witch, someone who may push him to the brink. 

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AN: This was extremely late and may have been rushed. I was busier than normal and couldn't upload at the time I would've liked, but nonetheless got this out. 

Not much to go on here. Let me know your thoughts on the chapter. Yeah, Jalter pretty much has to go through a Trail to see if she truly deserves that title. The next chapter may be longer.