Chapter 50: Blood Brothers

Rudolf Azregon

Two hours prior...

We finally arrived in Twilight City, our feet touching the ground with purpose. As Dragon Knights, we possessed the authority to command troops and provide them with deceptive information to avoid clashes with the Arcadians. Our communications were significantly enhanced thanks to Amphere's ingenious creation, the Futuretech Dragon. In her dragon form, Airelina distributed wireless earpieces with built-in microphones that intercepted and replaced radio waves. These earpieces even had the capability to alter voices, revealing the secrets behind the Neo Black Phantom and Arcadia's stealth operations. Airelina was truly the linchpin of their covert endeavors.

"Charlie six, we have multiple hostiles clearing the northern area. We strongly advise you to take a detour to evade an impending threat. Baseplate out," Amphere relayed, though he struggled to mask the discomfort caused by the odorous surroundings. He had successfully misled fifteen platoons, keeping them out of battle, but his olfactory ordeal was of no concern to me. He didn't need to cover his nose to alter his voice.

"You seem to be enjoying that role a little too much, totally…" Airelina remarked, a hint of embarrassment coloring her words. "It's time to transition to the second phase of our plan. Remove that earpiece!"

Right. Our initial objective was to divert government troops away from engaging the Arcadians, allowing them to focus on apprehending Duke Dragunov, whom we intended to transfer into our custody. The second phase involved dividing our teams: the first team would lead the government troops on the field, gathering intelligence on the duke's whereabouts, while the second team would track down the elusive figures known as Another Black Phantom and Emy the Ice Dragon, as reported earlier by an Arcadian informant.

The first team consisted of myself, Kyrie, and Amphere, while the second team comprised Airelina, Reina, Richard, and the young Arcadian recruit. We deliberately separated Amphere and Airelina to ensure emergency communication, as the radio signals in this war-torn zone were heavily jammed. Thanks to the mystical power of the Vesryn Pulse, Amphere and Airelina possessed the ability to communicate telepathically. Their unique status as both Arcadians and Chevalier Unit members made them valuable mediators between the opposing factions.

Admittedly, our plan was chaotic, given that we were uncertain which faction we were truly aiding. Our primary objective was to extract information from Duke Dragunov. With both Arcadian and military units searching for us, we anticipated having him in our custody within the hour.

As expected, an unarmed Duke Dragunov presented himself to the military, seeking protection against Estoff Wraith and the Arcadians. With General Kyle engaged in his battle against Estoff Wraith, I assumed command over the entire Twilight City Troops. I ordered them to escort Duke Dragunov promptly upon taking him into custody.

Everything proceeded according to plan.

As the door to the commanding office swung open, Dragunov's face contorted into a bewildered expression. Before he could attempt to flee, the soldiers swiftly handcuffed him, firmly grasping both of his arms.

"It was your plan all along, huh, Amphere Harrison!" Duke Dragunov's voice reverberated through the room. "Unfortunately for you, I have a plan to counter your plan."

In a sudden and explosive display, the walls of the office were torn apart by crystalline white claws. The roof shattered into a chaotic mix of wood and cement fragments. It was Emy, once again in her formidable Ice Dragon form. How many times had this unpredictable woman made such dramatic and unexpected entrances? With her icy crystal hand, she seized the duke and swiftly ascended, making her escape. The soldiers of the empire futilely fired their rifles, their bullets proving ineffective against Emy's impenetrable ice scales.

"Rudolf, take charge here! I must pursue the 'other one'!" Amphere declared, rushing away without waiting for my response. Who was this 'other one' he referred to? It seemed like a matter of utmost urgency.

"Activating the Vesryn Pulse!" Kyrie transformed into the resplendent golden Chaos Dragon, and I leapt onto her back, embarking on the most breathtaking and thrilling dragon chase ever witnessed.

Our exhilarating pursuit led us through a treacherous obstacle course of towering skyscrapers, incoming tank shells, volleys of bullets, and exploding projectiles. Kyrie demonstrated her remarkable speed, effortlessly keeping pace with Emy. However, I couldn't help but wonder: If Emy was in her dragon form, who had performed the Vesryn Pulse with her? Could it be true that another Black Phantom had emerged? How many Black Phantoms were there, exactly? The mysteries continued to deepen, adding a layer of complexity to our already perilous mission.

With a burst of energy and determination, Kyrie and I put an end to the airborne pursuit. "DRACARYX! Activate Swords of Eternal Light!" I commanded, and the heavens themselves illuminated as our Dracaryx unleashed its power. Eight colossal swords of radiant light materialized and relentlessly tore through Emy, severing her wings, tail, arms, and legs. The Ice Dragon hurtled toward a nearby five-story building, crashing into it with a thunderous impact. Taking on her semi-human form, Kyrie carried me as we descended, carefully flapping her wings to ensure a safe landing near where Dragunov was being held.

Despite his handcuffs, Dragunov attempted to flee once more, dashing downstairs. However, his efforts were in vain against my athletic prowess. Swiftly navigating the surroundings with a skillful display of parkour, I managed to intercept him, delivering a powerful stomp to his face as he collided with the ground. I then lifted him up, still bound by his restraints. Kyrie had effectively shackled Emy's hands, rendering her unable to escape. With our primary objectives accomplished, it was time to vacate the building. However, before we could proceed, a message crackled through my radio.

"Rudolf, are you still there?" It was the voice of General Kyle, his heavy panting audible over the transmission. "The Black Phantom has been sighted a hundred meters north of your location."

Something felt amiss. How did the general possess knowledge of my precise whereabouts? Was he observing me from above?

Nevertheless, the immediate concern was the proximity of the Black Phantom. It appeared that he was closing in, likely intent on retrieving Emy and Dragunov. I had to take swift and decisive action.

With the sniper rifle in hand, I seized the opportunity provided by the abandoned weapons strewn about the area. Three rifles lay within reach, along with pistols and grenades—a testament to the recent presence of Arcadians. Utilizing the scope of the sniper rifle, I carefully surveyed the surroundings, searching for any sign of the approaching Black Phantom.

Just as General Kyle had indicated, I spotted the figure of the Black Phantom, slowly making his way toward our location. His movements appeared sluggish, resembling that of a zombie. Knowing he would be ill-prepared to defend against a surprise attack, I loaded the rifle and took aim at his chest. Taking a deep breath to steady my aim, I squeezed the trigger, and the gunshot reverberated through the air. The Black Phantom crumpled to the ground, a deep puncture marking his chest.

Now remained the final task—to uncover the true identity hidden beneath the Black Phantom's mask. Perhaps the empire would dub me the "Black Phantom Unmasker" when I received a medal of valor. With Kyrie at my side, I cautiously approached the fallen figure, our captives in tow. However, it was at that moment I noticed a sinister smile curling upon the duke's face.

"What's with that smug expression?" I questioned, taken aback by his unsettling gaze. His glare seemed to penetrate deep into my soul, as though attempting to drag me into the depths of hell.

"I warned you," he hissed, the words laden with malicious satisfaction. "You have all been unwittingly playing into my hands."

The realization struck me like a thunderbolt, sending shivers down my spine. It was an impossible notion, an unfathomable twist that gripped my mind with fear. Could it be...?

Without hesitation, I hurried to the fallen form of the Black Phantom. Despite his critical condition, he still drew breath, though his lifeblood spilled relentlessly. As I removed the white mask, a wave of horror washed over me as I recognized the unconscious face that lay beneath.

"A-Amphere!" I cried out, my voice trembling with disbelief. "H-How did you...?" My words trailed off, cut short by a sudden shout that rang out from behind.

"DRACARYX!!! Activate Spear of Judgment!"

In an instant, a blinding flash of light engulfed the scene. When my senses returned, I found myself sprawled on the asphalt, my right shoulder, arm, and leg obliterated. Blood gushed forth from the mangled remnants of my limb, and a searing, indescribable pain seized hold of my entire being, rendering me incapable of even uttering a scream.

As I turned towards the source of the malicious voice, my eyes met with the figure of General Kyle Leviticus. A sinister smile twisted his lips as he raised his sword and plunged it into Kyrie's chest. My heart shattered as I witnessed my beloved dragon, my partner in this battle, fall unconscious several meters away from me. A torrent of crimson spilled from her wounded chest, staining the ground beneath her.

Disbelief coursed through my veins. I had been deceived. Betrayed by Kyle Leviticus, the very person I had once trusted. And now, he stood there, reveling in his treachery alongside the duke.

"Rest eternally, Sir Rudolf Azregon," Duke Dragunov proclaimed with an air of arrogance. Then, with callous disregard, he brought his foot down upon my face, crushing me beneath his heel.

Darkness consumed my consciousness as I succumbed to the agony and despair that enveloped me.