Story of Rudolf Azregon

Rudolf Azregon

During my childhood, the idea of becoming a Dragon Knight held no allure for me. Unlike my best friend, who harbored a deep-seated aversion towards dragonoids, I found them fascinating and harbored a genuine fondness for these magnificent creatures. To me, they were not repulsive but rather captivating beings, worthy of respect and treated as equals.

What truly deterred me from pursuing the path of a Dragon Knight was the inherent nature of the job itself. A Dragon Knight's presence was required on nearly every battlefield, tasked with the responsibility of upholding the empire's military might. It meant being directly or indirectly involved in the taking of lives, a heavy burden that each Dragon Knight must bear. The weight of every life lost, whether through my strategic decisions or even my own hands, would become an enduring burden on my conscience.

Little did I know that fate had a twisted plan in store for me. Just before I could step foot into the Dragon Knight Academy, I found myself confronted with a situation where I had no choice but to take another's life. The weight of this unintended act weighed heavily on my soul, casting a shadow of doubt and remorse over my journey to become a Dragon Knight.

It was a fateful day when Amphere and I found ourselves in Goldcliffe City, three months after the devastating power plant explosion orchestrated by the notorious terrorist group, Arcadia. While Amphere had his own business to attend to in the slums, I had the privilege of attending a seminar held at a luxurious five-star hotel in the heart of the city. As the former school president, I was representing my high school at this prestigious gathering.

The grandeur of the hotel was awe-inspiring, as it played host to student council members from various educational institutions across the empire. The seminar revolved around proposed changes to school rules and charters, encompassing both human and dragonoid schools alike. It was an important event, shaping the future of education for years to come.

Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary seminar would introduce me to someone who would forever alter the course of my life. In a room filled with aspiring leaders, my attention was captivated by her presence. Her lustrous platinum-black hair cascaded down her back, contrasting beautifully against her creamy-white complexion. But it was her crimson eyes that held an undeniable allure, piercing through my heart with every glance.

She was petite, yet radiated an undeniable beauty and confidence. My heart raced as she greeted me with a friendly "Hi" and a wave of her delicate hand. In that very moment, my world seemed to quadruple in intensity, as her enchanting presence stirred emotions within me that I had never experienced before.

She embodied the name Kyrie Fenrir, a vibrant figure donning the role of student council secretary in a dragonoid school nestled amidst the gritty slums of Goldcliffe City. Beyond her striking appearance, I discovered her unwavering dedication to her studies and her unwavering compassion for her fellow officers. Kyrie was a tireless force, exuding both hard work and a natural magnetism that drew people in.

Caught in the throes of a recent breakup, I found myself grappling with a jumble of emotions. It became increasingly difficult to untangle my lingering feelings for my ex from the growing attraction I felt towards this captivating woman. Seeking guidance and solace, I reached out to my best friend, Amphere, and suggested we meet for a drink at a local pub. The weight of my heartache required an outlet, and I longed for Amphere's sage advice.

Amphere selected an inn tucked away in the heart of the slums, its charm and character resonating with our surroundings. As we settled into the dimly lit establishment, our eyes were met by the sight of Airelina, a delightful and fiery-haired bartender. With a welcoming smile, she served us glasses filled with a strong brew, the specific brand eluding my novice palate. Despite our youth and the minor technicalities, we set aside any concerns, knowing that tonight was about releasing the pent-up steam that had accumulated within my troubled heart.

In the midst of our drinking session, my emotions overwhelmed me, and tears streamed down my face like a vulnerable puppy seeking comfort. Amphere, with a flushed face, spoke up, his words blunt and tinged with frustration. "Dude, you've got to move on. Those hoes ain't loyal."

Airelina, the bartender with her captivating crimson eyes, shot Amphere a sharp glare in response to his choice of words. Yet, Amphere remained unperturbed, as if he and Airelina shared some unspoken connection. Regardless, my focus shifted back to our conversation.

"Perhaps, if we sift through your contacts, we might find a girl we both fancy," Amphere suggested, his tone hopeful.

I retrieved my tablet, unveiling a digital world brimming with beautiful girls on social media and various dating sites. The possibilities seemed endless as I navigated through profiles, jotting down the numbers of potential girlfriends who matched my preferences. Amphere, too, delved into his own search, revealing his desire to find companionship. I couldn't help but sense that Amphere was a complete novice in the realm of romantic relationships, yearning for his first love story to unfold.

Excitement brimming in my voice, I displayed the profile of Kyrie, who happened to be among my friends. "Hey, check her out, she's cute too," I exclaimed, showing Amphere her captivating pictures. Without hesitation, Amphere swiftly obtained her number and added it to his contacts.

As the night wore on and our indulgence in alcohol intensified, we eventually succumbed to the effects of our excessive drinking. We found ourselves in a state of intoxication, seeking refuge within the comforting walls of the inn.

Morning greeted me with a punishing hangover, making every step a struggle as I attempted to navigate my way back to my room in the hotel. Fatigue weighed heavily upon me, but as I finally reached my door, an unexpected sight awaited me—a stunning maiden, adorned with a radiant smile, stood before me.

With a hint of concern lacing her voice, the maiden cautiously inquired, "Um, excuse me, are you Rudolf Azregon?"

Nervously, I confirmed, "Y-Yes, that's me. Why do you ask?" My heart sank as I wished desperately that the lingering scent of alcohol would dissipate.

In a slightly hurried manner, she relayed, "The house speaker informed me that the seminar has been rescheduled from 7 PM to 9 PM." She rummaged through the papers in her hands, searching for the exact details.

I managed to muster a grateful response, "Oh, thank you for letting me know." Yet, an awkward silence descended upon us, intensifying as she stood firmly in front of the door, making no move to step aside.

Struggling to break the tension, she averted her gaze and stammered, her face blushing a delicate shade of crimson, "Um... you messaged me last night, didn't you?"

Surprised and mortified by her revelation, I blurted out, "W-What?!" It suddenly dawned on me that I may have sent a drunken, half-asleep message, and the thought filled me with profound embarrassment.

With an embarrassed smile, she replied, her own cheeks flushed, "T-Thank you for that." And with those words, she hastily retreated, leaving me standing there, grappling with a mixture of confusion, regret, and a hint of hope.

Settling onto my bed, I reached for my phone, curiosity gnawing at me. As I perused my messages, Kyrie's words proved true. There it was, plain as day: "Good evening. I am just here to say that you're astoundingly gorgeous." It all came flooding back to me—the memory of crafting that text message with Amphere's assistance. Though I had initially considered it embarrassing, it now took on a new light.

To my surprise and relief, Kyrie had been genuinely flattered by the message.

With a renewed sense of vigor and a clear mind, I smoothly attended the seminar, leaving behind the remnants of my hangover. I felt a newfound determination, confident that I could face any challenge without the crutch of another glass of beer. The love problem that had once consumed my thoughts now seemed like a distant memory. I was ready to forge ahead and embrace a new world.

As the meeting drew to a close, my attention was drawn to a distressing scene unfolding before me when I passed by a dark creepy alley outside the building. Kyrie, surrounded by three other student officials, was being harassed. All four were dragonoids like her, but their intentions appeared nefarious. Although my instincts urged me to intervene and defend Kyrie, I hesitated, recognizing that they were her schoolmates. I didn't want to intrude in their affairs without proper justification.

However, my stance shifted entirely when their actions took a dark turn, veering into illegal territory.

They forcibly dragged Kyrie out of the hotel, her resistance evident but her voice restrained. It was clear that she didn't want any harm to come to these three crimson-eyed men. Struggling to break free, Kyrie fought valiantly, but their strength overwhelmed her.

A sinister smile etched across one of the men's faces as he produced an injection, the caramel-colored liquid swirling within its container. In one swift motion, he plunged the needle into Kyrie's delicate neck. With a trembling descent, she collapsed to her knees, held captive by the effects of the drug. It was then that her true form began to emerge—a pair of black and white wings unfurled from her back, accompanied by the appearance of a dark, serpentine tail.

"What a rare specimen we have here!" one of the men gloated, his tone filled with sinister delight. "A Chaos Dragon! You, Miss Secretary, will fetch a high price in the capital!"

Unable to bear witness to such a horrific scene any longer, I could no longer remain hidden. "Let go of her!" I commanded, revealing myself. The revulsion stirred within me upon hearing that they planned to sell one of their own kind. It was utterly repugnant.

"R-Rudolf," Kyrie managed to utter, her voice strained as she struggled to take even a single step closer to me. The drug had paralyzed her muscles, its effects forcing her wings and tail to emerge, leaving her helpless.

The three dragonoids, driven by their malicious intentions, retrieved their Swiss knives from their pockets, readying themselves for a confrontation. Despite the perilous situation that loomed before me, I knew I couldn't simply abandon Kyrie in this desperate hour.

In a swift motion, I deflected the first man's stabbing arm and delivered a powerful elbow strike to his jaw, rendering him unconscious. The second and third assailants charged at me, but a single forceful punch to the nose incapacitated the second attacker. However, the third managed to land a devastating blow to my stomach.

Blood pooled on the floor as my vision dimmed, but my determination remained unwavering. Letting out a fierce roar that reverberated through the streets, I summoned the last vestiges of my strength.

The next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital room, Kyrie peacefully asleep by my bedside. My injury was relatively minor—a stab to my right stomach that mercifully missed any vital organs. However, Kyrie had endured a far greater suffering. Due to the effects of the drug injected into her, she would never be able to conceal her wings and tail again.

According to the news reports, I had unintentionally taken the lives of all three assailants. They had each received a fatal stab to the heart—a price they paid for the unspeakable acts they had committed against Kyrie.

Despite the circumstances, I was never held guilty of murder. The law of the empire explicitly stated, "No man shall ever go to prison for taking a dragonoid's life." After all, humans were deemed the superior race within the confines of the legal system.