Chapter 50 World of Cross Ange and Meeting with Salamandine

(A/N: I'm sorry. I wanted to write fast and upload but I was ill.😷 That's why I couldn't write faster.)

The countries in this world were more advanced than our modern era. Cars floated effortlessly as they moved, and the people lived in blissful contentment. It was a peaceful paradise on Earth, absent of beggars on the streets, and where the worries of food scarcity didn't exist. The population engaged in their work joyfully, and even the designs of their clothes could change with a simple thought, thanks to the abundance of mana—the Light of Mana—that filled the world with hope and happiness.

In this realm, individuals were born with the gift of mana, utilizing it as a convenient tool due to the ample supply of this mystical energy. However, this apparent abundance only scratched the surface. Mana was harnessed for daily necessities, but contrary to fantasy worlds, elemental magics were beyond their reach. Instead, people could manipulate mana by shaping it into various forms—a skill that had its limits.

Yet, where there is light, darkness inevitably follows. In this world of mana-born individuals, there existed those without this magical gift, referred to as 'Norma.' Incapable of wielding mana, Norma possessed the ability to nullify it with a mere touch. The rest of society viewed them as monstrous threats, believing Norma sought to destroy their blessings and unravel their world.

To prevent any perceived threat, whenever a Norma was born, they were promptly sent away to distant lands, often left to face peril in battles. Curiously, Norma were exclusively female, and no males fell into this category.

Regardless of how young or pitiful the Norma were, society harbored an intense hatred for them, an animosity that ran bone-deep, compelling a desire for their demise. Even infants who had yet to celebrate their first birthday were cast into a desolate, hellish place, left to fend for themselves. 

This nightmarish realm, known as 'Arzenal,' was a military island where brutal battles unfolded regularly, often against formidable dragons—creatures capable of controlling those who wielded mana. Only those without the gift of mana could escape the dragons' influence, making it the designated burial ground for the Norma, sentenced to fight and perish.

The supposed paradise, filled with joy and prosperity, was, in reality, constructed upon the countless bodies of young females. On Arzenal, the grass fields were dotted with graves, serving as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of preserving their utopian world.

In the midst of this somber landscape, a young girl gazed resolutely at the graves, her golden hair flowing behind her in the gentle breeze. She was none other than Angelise Ikaruga Misurugi, the once-beloved First Princess of the Empire of Misurugi. However, revelations about her Norma status by her older brother, Julio, led to her swift fall from grace. Stripped of her privileges, she found herself exiled to the unforgiving island of Arzenal, where she adopted the name 'Ange.

(Ange POV)

It felt like a waking nightmare. The dream I harbored of becoming a great ruler for my country shattered in the blink of an eye. I still couldn't grasp the reality of being labeled as a Norma, as something less than human. No, I refuse to accept it.

"You are Norma," echoed the commanding voice of Jill in my mind.

"No, I'm not."

"Then show me you can use mana," she demanded.

Silence hung in the air. Perhaps there was some mistake, a glitch waiting for me to unlock my latent abilities. There was no conceivable way I could be one of them. Even if I was no longer the first princess, I knew I wasn't reduced to the status of a Norma.

"Norma weren't human," I muttered to myself, the words escaping in a hushed tone.

My kind father, who always guided and corrected me, was absent. My mother, who showered me with love and care, had shielded me but was now gone. Even my brother misunderstood me as if I were one of the Norma. Sylvia, my little sister, must be in bed now.

Amidst these unsettling revelations, I couldn't afford to succumb to the despair that threatened to overwhelm me. Crying wouldn't solve anything. I had to live. I had to survive. I had stared death in the face and witnessed its cold embrace. I couldn't allow myself to die like this.

"Goodbye, Father, Mother, Brother, Sylvia."

I clutched at my once-long, beautiful hair – the very strands my mother used to delicately comb when I felt down, accompanied by the soothing hum of her songs. With a knife in hand, I severed those ties. I am no longer Angelise. 

'There is nothing left for me. There is nothing I need. No past, No name, nothing. I won't die easily as you all did.' I whispered my thoughts to the wind, my gaze fixed on the gravestones bearing the names of those I once saw a few days ago.

'To survive, I will claw the ground, drink muddy water, and vomit blood. I will live on. I will kill and live.'

Turning away from the graves, I retraced my steps to the small, jail-like room that was now my abode. My eyes scanned the two beds with their meager offerings—simple bed sheets and pillows. The beds were too small for comfort, the sheets too thin to ward off the chill, and the pillows, a mere cushion for the head.

Returning to my room, I shed the layers of my uniform, peeling away the garments until only a thin rope connected to the wall restrained my modesty. Removing the Cloth Medical Tape from my cheek, I crumpled it up, preparing to toss it into a small iron bin. But then, my eyes caught sight of something unexpected—a discarded plastic cup holding a forgotten pudding.

I retrieved it from the bin, examining the pale yellow confection, a testament to its low quality. Perhaps it could offer a brief respite; at least it looked edible. Peeling back the cover, I took a hesitant bite, only to be met with a taste so wretched that tears welled in my eyes.

"Disgusting…"

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Lucia returned to Babylon after confirming that they had somehow found themselves inside the world of Cross Ange. The other girls had already awakened, and androids were busy preparing the surroundings for exploration. However, Lucia intervened, instructing them to halt their investigative efforts and focus on fortifying the base. 

They were about to encounter dragon people who were once ordinary humans, and the sight of the floating fortress and unidentified flying mechs might trigger an attack, mistaking them for enemies.

In the living room, Lucia found Popola and Devola engrossed in a zombie-shooting game, guided by Shizuka's enthusiastic instructions. Though the twins rarely showed expressions on the surface, it was evident they were enjoying the game, their concentration evident in their focused gazes on the screen. Meanwhile, Saeko and Esdeath remained in the dojo building, seemingly absorbed in their own activities.

Lucia didn't spot her other wives in the living room; they were likely occupied with their own pursuits or taking moments of relaxation.

[Lucia, they are here.] 

Rin's voice interrupted Lucia's movement towards the group.

"Okay, I will go and greet them for now," Lucia replied.

Exiting once more, Lucia took flight with magic, soaring up into the sky to observe the approaching black dots from a considerable distance. Closing in, she called out to Saeko through telepathy. Despite knowing that humans could transform into dragons, Lucia sought to confirm whether these dragon people were genuinely dragons. 

Additionally, she wondered if they might be influenced by the 'Divine Dragon' race, a transformation her wives had undergone. Drawing from the Wuxia novels she had read, there seemed to be indications of bloodline suppression or something like that. 

"Saeko, my love, are you in the dojo?" Lucia's voice echoed through their telepathic connection.

"Ah, Lucia. Yes. I was sparring with Esdeath earlier," Saeko replied.

"I see. Are you free now?"

"Yes, I was watching 2B and Esdeath spar for the time being."

"Okay. Then please come to me now. I'm outside of Babylon."

"Fufu… can't wait to reach nighttime?" Saeko teased.

"Truthfully, yes. I want to be with you now, including the others, but I didn't call you for that," Lucia replied, shaking her head with a smile.

"Haha… alright, I'm coming."

Moments later, Saeko appeared behind Lucia with a teleportation, wrapping her in a warm embrace. Soft curves pressed against Lucia's back as Saeko nuzzled and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"I miss you, Lucia."

"Didn't we just talk a while ago before I left?" Lucia replied, smiling.

"Even one second away from you feels like a year," Saeko said with a smile, and Lucia couldn't help but giggle.

Turning around, Lucia faced Saeko, reciprocating the hug, and planted a light kiss on her lips. As they shared this moment, the dragons drew closer until they were just a short distance away.

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In the sky, two colossal dragons and two para-mail units, resembling Gundam-like flying robots, soared towards the location where they had detected a survivor signal. They were skeptical, suspecting that these could be intruders from the false world. As far as they knew, there were no survivors in this realm other than themselves, and everyone had gathered in a unified sanctuary.

The ominous prospect of an encounter with inhabitants from the false world loomed large. In a previous skirmish, these interlopers were compelled to face a single formidable dragon with an arsenal of para-mails. Now, armed with two large dragons and two additional para-mails, victory against the false world's people seemed assured.

(Naga POV)

We received a survivor signal emanating from the old capital shelter and were en route to investigate the identity of the people there. Our orders were clear: bring them back to our country and ascertain how they arrived, especially since we hadn't opened the singularity portal.

Assigned with this task, my partner Kaname and I approached the signal's location. However, as we drew near, an unsettling aura enveloped us, a presence both terrifying and superior to our own. My instincts urged me to approach with respect, as if we had entered the territory of a divine being.

(A/N: Naga and Kaname picture were under comment section.)

It wasn't just Kaname and me; even the two Black Dragons flying alongside us seemed affected. Their usual grace faltered, tumbling in the air—a sight entirely unprecedented.

In our field of vision appeared a floating island, a phenomenon that defied explanation. Despite its peculiarity, our mission was clear: investigate and bring back the individuals responsible.

As we drew closer, my eyes fell upon two young women, suspended in the air in front of the floating island.

"...Too...beautiful..." I couldn't fathom the surreal beauty before me; it was almost overwhelming.

Silent and entranced, both Kaname and I stood with mouths agape, frozen like statues. Two beings, or perhaps goddesses, graced our presence, unlike anything I had ever witnessed.

One had long white hair tied into a flowing ponytail, adorned in a black military coat with intricate golden designs. The other, with dark-purple hair also fashioned into a ponytail, wore a black and white hakama, a long katana held gracefully in her hand as if she had just stepped out of a dojo.

The young woman with white hair fixed her piercing red and light-grey eyes on us, as if she could peer into the very core of our beings, housed within the Para-mail.

"Have you seen enough?" she inquired with an air of authority.

"Ah! Yes. We apologize," I responded, an apology offered instinctively. Kaname and I simultaneously opened the chest area of our para-mail, the cockpit where we controlled the mechanized units, and bowed at a 90-degree angle. It felt like a necessary display of respect, as if disobedience might result in instant consequences.

"It's okay. I'm not angry. Why are you here?" the white-haired girl questioned, her demeanor surprisingly calm.

"We received a signal from the old capital shelter. We came to check if there were people from the false world," I explained respectfully, sensing the need to address her with deference.

"Hmm? False world?" the girl with purple hair chimed in, appearing perplexed.

"They must be referring to another world, a parallel existence," the white-haired girl clarified, and the girl with purple hair nodded in comprehension.

"Oh... I see,"

"Umm... We are from the Dragon Clan. My name is Naga, and this is my partner Kaname. These black dragons are Kenji and Kaito," Naga introduced, gesturing towards the dragons.

"I am Lucia Kurayami, and this is my wife, Saeko Kurayami. By the way, we are not from the false world, so don't worry," Lucia reassured.

"Then, Lucia-sama, Saeko-sama, we were ordered to bring the one who activated the shelter signal. We will guide you to the Dragon Clan. I hope you don't take offense..." Naga explained.

"Sure. Lead the way," Lucia-sama agreed.

Lucia-sama and Saeko-sama took flight, landing on Kenji's (Black dragon) head and settling in with each other as we began the journey back to the palace. Meanwhile, I connected to HQ, reporting that we had brought two unknown beings with the appearance of human girls.

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(General POV)

From the sky descended two black dragons and two para-mails, their synchronized flight drawing the attention of those below. On the dragon's head, Lucia and Saeko engaged in a conversation, their words carried by the wind.

Before embarking on this journey, Lucia had communicated with Yuriko and the others telepathically, informing them of her destination.

"Do you know them, Lucia?" Saeko inquired, her curiosity evident.

"Yes, well, they refer to themselves as dragons now, but they were once human," Lucia explained.

"How did you come to know this?"

"Well, we find ourselves inside the world of Cross Ange, an anime," Lucia replied.

"Haha... So, we're in another anime?"

"Yes."

As they traversed the skies, Lucia narrated the storylines of Cross Ange, detailing the characters and events. Saeko expressed her disdain for the main villain, Embryo. The exchange continued until they arrived at the dwelling place of the Dragon Clan.

The Dragon Clan, known as the People of Aura, traced their roots to the first dragons on Earth. This unique group possessed the ability to transform into dragon forms; females into small, pink-colored dragons, while males assumed the shape of large dragons.

Perched on elevated grounds, the Dragon Palace was an impressive structure reminiscent of a Japanese palace. Behind it, a towering cliff hosted another Japanese-style palace connected by a long, ascending stairway to the front palace below. The backdrop featured a precipitous cliff adorned with cascading waterfalls, offering an ethereal and breathtaking sight.

Beneath the towering cliffs sprawled a city-like expanse adorned with green trees and leaves, creating a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity. Bridges spanned over rivers, and buildings, intricately arranged, formed a lively urban landscape. Amidst the vibrant scene, a broken tower stood on the grassy field, evoking a sense of mystery and history.

Inside the temple, perched on the highest cliff, a gathering of shadowy figures conversed behind the veiled curtains, their voices hushed with secrecy.

"Is it really true?" inquired one silhouette.

"Yes, according to Naga's report," replied a woman with small bat wings and tail, kneeling on a crimson carpet.

"From another world, aside from the false world?" queried another silhouette.

"And what did she mean by feeling a superiority and danger just by looking at them?" added a different voice.

"I don't know, but Naga reported that we might experience those sensations when we meet them. Currently, she has brought them here," explained the woman on the red carpet.

The murmurs behind the curtains escalated into a cacophony of voices.

"Should we bring them here, then?" inquired the silhouette positioned at the head, immediately silencing the room.

"I believe we should engage them in conversation at a more welcoming location. If Naga's words hold truth, our current approach might turn them into adversaries. Furthermore, if their mere gaze can subdue dragons, we may find ourselves overpowered," suggested the silhouette on the right.

"I see... then, what is your counsel, Second Guardian Salamandine?" queried the leader of the group.

"I believe their assistance could help us restore Aura. Allow me to handle our guests," Salamandine responded, prompting a resurgence of noise in the hall.

"Very well. That shall be our course for now. You are all dismissed," declared the leader, and once again, the room fell into obedient silence.

"Understood, High Priestess."

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As the two Para-mails and dragons touched down near the Japanese-style palace, Lucia and Saeko surveyed the surroundings with refreshing smiles.

"Well, it's truly a beautiful place," Lucia remarked.

"Indeed." Saeko agree.

While not as grand as Babylon's garden, the scenery held its unique beauty. From the dragon's head, Lucia gazed down at the people below. Among them stood Salamandine, a heroine from Cross Ange, alongside Naga and Kaname, seemingly welcoming their arrival.

Salamandine, a striking young girl with black, flowing hair and light-blue eyes, adorned a pink, alluring upper garment paired with red hakama pants, a red gemstone on her forehead.

The dragon lowered its head as Lucia and Saeko gracefully descended. As they landed, the onlookers gazed at them with amazement, treating them as if they were royalty. Salamandine, too, comprehended Naga's sentiment about feeling the presence of someone superior. The dark-purple-haired girl emitted an energy akin to Aura, their god and the first dragon. No, she exuded an even greater divinity than Aura.

Salamandine, too, was astonished by the energy radiating from Lucia and Saeko. The sense of kinship ran deep, especially since the humans in this world had undergone a transformation into dragons. Meeting beings of superior essence from the dragon race brought her a sense of ease. Salamandine couldn't shake the feeling that with the help of the two individuals before her, Aura's rescue was imminent.

"Greetings, Lucia-sama, Saeko-sama. I am the direct descendant of the progenitor Aura and princess of the Freyja family, Second Guardian Salamandine," Salamandine greeted with a respectful tone, bowing slightly in reverence.

"Greetings to you too, Salamandine. It seems you already know our names," Lucia responded.

"Yes, Naga explained about Lucia-sama's group situation. We should talk in a more comfortable place. Please follow me."

"Okay."

Salamandine led them to a Japanese-style house built with wood. Upon entering, Lucia and Saeko found a simple yet welcoming abode. They sat on thick bamboo tatami as they began discussing how Lucia's group had accidentally ended up in this world.

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