Chapter 78: The Most Awaited Battle

Rudolf Azregon

Curiosity must be gnawing at the minds of many, wondering how we can afford the luxury of free time amidst the chaos. Dragunov's ruthless massacres, cunningly placing the blame on the Alterran Empire, have ignited a blazing inferno of anger within dragonoid cities. Third-rate cities are engulfed in the flames of warfare, but the flames of suffering burn even fiercer in the slums. Amidst this turmoil, various dragonoid rights groups converge in the capital, some advocating for justice while others mobilize as a militia to avenge the five thousand lives lost in the recent festival massacre.

And in this tumultuous backdrop, here stand my closest friend, Amphere, and I, engaged in a battle of unparalleled intensity. The clash of our swords echoes with the resonance of a storied rivalry. Adhering to the rules of the revered Dragon Knights Tournament, both our bodies and our dragons are enveloped in protective shield plates. This duel marks a rare occasion when we can unleash our full power against each other. The longing to test our strengths has been deferred for so long that we find ourselves replicating the exact conditions of the arena.

Anticipation for this long-awaited showdown has been palpable, the battle's arrival delayed by circumstances beyond our control. Now, it materializes within this arena, a clandestine spectacle bereft of an audience.

Presently, our hands are tied by the Empire's dictates, forbidding us from intervening in the impending dragonoid rebellion. Obedience to the Empire's orders is our sole recourse. We bide our time, awaiting the directives of General Holster, suspended between duty and desire.

Amphere's onyx hair dances in the wind, a contrast to the fierce determination etched onto his features as he gracefully retreats from our initial clash of swords. The encounter has barely begun, and I sense an advantage in my favor. Flexing my mechanical arm, I manifest my Chaos Claws while simultaneously projecting them onto my opposite hand. In response, Amphere unleashes his Maximum Clearance, a surge of energy that unveils his Deus Ex Machina. The four arms it wields each brandish a photon sword, a testament to the escalating intensity of our battle.

"I don't have the luxury of time for frivolous dragon skirmishes!" I roared at him, the urgency in my voice cutting through the tension. "I'm unleashing everything I possess! DRACARYX!!! Activate Swords of Eternal Light!"

A determined grin played on Amphere's lips as he responded, mirroring my resolve. "I'm in complete agreement! DRACARYX!!! Activate Yggdrasil Fall!"

The mystery behind Airelina's role on the battlefield unraveled. She had been steadily intoning her Dracaryx throughout, a testament to her preparation and strategy. The air crackled with anticipation as nine celestial bodies materialized, descending like a cascade of colossal meteor showers, hurtling toward our location. In an orchestrated display, my wife Kyrie soared into action, her outstretched hand channeling immense power. Gigantic swords of incandescent light erupted forth, their purpose to pierce through and obliterate the approaching planets.

The clash was spectacular. Swords clashed against celestial bodies, annihilating their cores and triggering cataclysmic explosions. My own Swords of Eternal Light intercepted the debris, shattering them into obscurity. Despite our valiant efforts, the cosmic onslaught proved insurmountable. Amidst the battle's crescendo, a sudden eruption occurred, akin to the apocalypse itself. We found ourselves engulfed in a maelstrom of fire, water, and viscous mud, a tumultuous symphony of elements colliding in chaos.

My consciousness faded into oblivion as the cataclysmic display overwhelmed my senses. When awareness resurfaced, the arena had been transformed, the aftermath a mystifying enigma. I could only perceive Kyrie and myself, both lying unharmed yet drained on the arena's floor, our protective shield plates rendered null.

Not only us, but also Amphere and Airelina, bore the marks of depleted shield plates, each of us resembling scientists caught in the aftermath of a failed nuclear experiment. Our appearances mirrored the chaos we had just experienced—disheveled, disoriented, and utterly entangled in a web of disaster.

"That seems rather counterproductive," Amphere exhaled in exasperation, his frustration palpable. His gaze shifted to Airi, a mix of reproach and amusement in his eyes. "Our Dracaryx might be a bit too effective, considering it can take all of us down."

Airi's cheeks reddened as she responded defensively, albeit with a hint of playfulness. "Hey now, it's not all on me! Our love has amped up the Dracaryx's power, turning Yggdrasil Fall into an ultimate one-hit-K.O. move. But well, yeah, that includes us too... Oops."

Amphere extended his hand to help me regain my footing, his forced smile masking the lingering adrenaline from our battle. "Another round would be ideal, though sadly without the Vesryn Pulse. Unlike you, I can only tap into my strength through Airi's technological magic. A straight sword fight wouldn't be in my favor."

"Agreed. Let's give it another shot tomorrow," I responded, shaking his hand firmly. Kyrie and Airelina exchanged the same gesture, underlining our camaraderie with friendly smiles.

General Holster, who had been an observer throughout, broke into an enthusiastic applause, accompanied by his subtly mischievous wife Iris, whose eyes sparkled with wonder. General Holster, known for his quirky humor, couldn't resist cracking a joke, likening our battle to the apocalyptic Ragnarok and drawing parallels to Yggdrasil Fall. Despite the awkward humor, his genuine smile shone through, and we exchanged muted reactions. The silence returned, punctuated only by the soft rush of sand carried by the wind, evoking a Wild West ambiance. Iris's sarcastic expression spoke volumes, hinting at her husband's antics and her own exasperation.

Breaking the stillness, General Holster's smile remained as he shared the news. "Well... I've just received orders from none other than Princess Serenity Elkyria herself. She's commanded the formation of a task force to capture Dragunov. Naturally, all members of the Chevalier Unit will be part of this effort, along with some additional recruits. And, we'd be wise to include the other shrine maiden in our ranks. Her abilities are not to be underestimated."

"If you're referring to Exceria, well..." Amphere's fingers grazed his cheek thoughtfully. "I need to discuss this with the Cathedral Exa first."

"But I have a strong feeling Exceria will be on board, without a doubt!" Airelina's optimism reverberated, adding a touch of encouragement to the conversation.

General Holster's announcement was met with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Libera?" Kyrie's voice chimed, accompanied by a playful tilt of her head.

"Indeed, Task Force Libera," General Holster affirmed with a hearty chuckle. "The name signifies freedom, something we're all striving for. After all, we're united in the pursuit of liberty."

It was evident that General Holster was an ardent supporter of the Dragonoid Rights Bill. The legislation held particular significance for Iris, his dragonoid partner. If this bill were to become law, it would erase the boundaries constraining Iris, Richard, Airelina, and Kyrie. The prospect of such a future kindled a shared yearning for an existence devoid of strife and prejudice, where peace could finally flourish.

With the option of Vesryn Pulse off the table, our attention shifted to finding Richard, who possessed the ability to create portals. Opting against public transportation due to its inconvenience and costs, we sought the convenience of Richard's unique gift. My mind remained preoccupied with concerns about the budget, a consequence of the recent wedding expenses that had depleted our resources.

Speaking of the wedding, Amphere stood by my side as the best man, while Reina took on the role of the maid of honor. The ceremony went off without a hitch, a success largely attributed to my avoidance of any misadventures involving hot springs. With that chapter of my life concluded, I embraced the transition into married life. Goodbye, singlehood, and hello to a new chapter filled with shared joys and challenges.

Without encountering any hitches, we reached the underground Cathedral Exa. There, an elegant silver-clad woman sat gracefully atop the spring's waters. Her smile seemed to hold a knowing quality, as if she understood the purpose of Amphere's visit.

"Good afternoon, H.G.," Amphere greeted with a warm smile. "I've come to request permission to have Exceria join us for the upcoming operations in the following weeks."

"The decision rests solely with Exceria," H.G. responded, her tone measured. "She holds the agency to determine whether she'll embrace her destiny."

"I most certainly will!" The words cut through the air with conviction, voiced by a striking woman who materialized behind us. A radiant blue moonstone adorned her forehead, marking her as Exceria—the epitome of dragonoid power. Having personally witnessed her awe-inspiring might, I can attest that her reputation as the most potent dragonoid is far from an exaggeration.

"Ho?" H.G. responded, her eerie red eyes with black sclera narrowing slightly. "After a millennium spent in hiding, you've mustered the resolve to finally face and confront Him?"

"Yes," Exceria affirmed, her gaze now infused with unyielding determination. "The years of fleeing and evading have left too much devastation in their wake due to my own cowardice. But now, armed with the ability to embrace my true form and wield Dracaryx, I've found the courage needed. These ceaseless wars must be put to an end, and I believe I can halt Him!"

The enigmatic identity of this 'Him' remained elusive to me, Amphere, and Airelina, who seemed equally puzzled.

"The girl should follow the path her heart directs," H.G. replied, her smile imbued with a profound sense of happiness. "Go forth, Cathedral Exa Saint, and fulfill your destiny."

Exceria gracefully genuflected and bowed, her demeanor a blend of reverence and gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Vesryn."

The revelation hung heavily in the air, leaving us all stunned and our jaws agape in the face of this unexpected revelation.