Chapter 8: The Way of Freedom

Amphere Harrison

"The Guardian's Haven" is an extraordinary sight to behold, a floating island boasting a diameter of five kilometers. Perched atop the island is a magnificent castle, serving as the residence for the esteemed royal family, Pentagram Knights, government generals, and other high-ranking dukes. A plethora of amenities surround the castle, including sprawling malls, spacious barracks, grand theaters, and a colossal coliseum, which hosts the much-awaited Dragon Knight Tournament.

Despite the island's awe-inspiring nature, the mystery of its ability to soar through the skies remains unsolved. Some speculate that a mage once levitated a massive chunk of earth, while others suggest that it's due to the planet's unstable gravity. Nevertheless, the mere sight of this magnificent floating island is nothing short of breathtaking, leaving onlookers spellbound in its awe-inspiring beauty.

In this realm, the only mode of transportation available to reach the Guardian's Haven is via skyships, colossal wooden arks that bear a striking resemblance to wyverns, complete with mechanical wings. Powered by shimmering solar crystals, which harness the sun's energy through direct exposure, these skyships are the epitome of luxury travel.

However, embarking on one of these skyships does not come cheap, as their opulence and rarity make them a highly sought-after mode of transportation. Fortunately, the duchess, in her infinite generosity, has bestowed upon us the privilege of traveling on these skyships, providing us with the much-coveted tickets necessary to access this exclusive mode of travel. The sheer exhilaration of soaring through the clouds on these majestic flying vessels is a truly unforgettable experience, worth every penny of the cost.

"Wooooow!" The duchess' jaws dropped as she fell in love with the floating island. She was viewing in the windows with amazement like a twelve-year old child should be.

"This is amazing, totally!" Airi shouted jollily. "Look, Amphy, look!"

The Guardian's Haven is a place that I am intimately familiar with, having seen it before during the entrance examination of the illustrious Dragon Knight Academy. However, in the midst of preparing for the grueling exam, I never had the chance to explore the island's wondrous offerings. The vibrant energy and bustling activity of the place were all but a fleeting impression, overshadowed by my academic pursuits.

Regrettably, I left the island immediately after the exam was concluded, not pausing to appreciate the breathtaking scenery that lay before me. I neglected to take in the expansive and lush environment, complete with enchanting vistas, shimmering waterfalls, and verdant forests. The hustle and bustle of daily life on the island, complete with the busy markets, lively taverns, and grand theaters, went unnoticed as I busied myself with academic endeavors.

Looking back, I cannot help but feel a pang of regret for not taking the time to indulge in the beauty of this magical place.

n light of Sir Estoff Wraith's suggestion for enhanced security, Duchess Corasell has chosen to abandon her manor and relocate to the Guardian's Haven, a place that exudes a sense of utmost protection and safety. During her stay on the island, she plans to immerse herself in various studies, particularly in the development of the bill and in the art of supporting me during the upcoming tournament.

As the duchess prepares to embark on this journey of learning and training, she has left no stone unturned in ensuring that every aspect of her stay on the island is catered to with the utmost care and attention to detail. She has meticulously arranged for luxurious living quarters, complete with opulent furnishings and breathtaking views of the island's picturesque surroundings.

Moreover, she has engaged the services of esteemed tutors and mentors to guide her in her endeavors, ensuring that she is fully equipped to provide me with the best possible support in the tournament. With her unwavering commitment to my success, the duchess's stay on the Guardian's Haven promises to be one of intense focus and diligent preparation.

As our skyship glided into the terminal, we were greeted by the sight of a sleek, black limousine, which pulled up alongside us with precision and grace. As the windows of the vehicle slowly rolled down, revealing its occupants, I couldn't help but feel a sudden surge of irritation at the sight of the long-haired blonde man seated inside.

The man's face was one that I was all too familiar with, a sight that made my eyebrows furrow and my heart rate spike. Despite my reservations, however, he extended a warm smile and greeted us in a voice that dripped with insincerity and false charm.

"Bonjour, Duchess Corasell." He made a handsome charismatic smile. With sparkles.

"Sir Estoff!" the duchess jumped in joy.

As we climbed aboard the sleek limousine, it was impossible not to notice the unlikely duo seated across from us. The pair, once known for their affiliation with an activist-terrorist alliance, now appeared more like a protective big brother and a chatty little sister.

The duchess wasted no time in engaging in conversation with Sir Estoff, and it soon became apparent that she had found a kindred spirit in the former rebel leader. As they exchanged stories and anecdotes, the duchess's infectious energy filled the car, and it seemed as though there was no topic too small or trivial for her to discuss.

From the type of food she fed her beloved goldfish to the various species of daisies she propagated in her garden, the duchess's stories flowed freely, drawing us all in with their charm and whimsy. And all the while, Sir Estoff listened with rapt attention, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as he indulged her every word.

As the limousine pulled away from the skyship terminal, I couldn't help but notice the driver's striking appearance. A young man with a large sword scar etched into his left cheek, he had an otherworldly look about him that immediately caught my attention. His piercing green eyes seemed to glint in the light, while his snow-white hair gave him an almost ethereal quality.

It was only when Sir Estoff mentioned his name that I realized the driver was Gilliard, his loyal Dragonoid. As we chatted and laughed, I couldn't help but steal the occasional glance at the stoic driver, who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. Despite his silent demeanor, there was a quiet strength and intensity about him that made me feel both in awe and a little uneasy.

As we drove deeper into the heart of the Guardian's Haven, I noticed that Gilliard had donned a pair of leafy contact lenses, presumably to better blend in with the human population. It was a small detail, but it spoke volumes about his commitment to his role as Sir Estoff's protector and ally.

As we continued on our journey through the Guardian's Haven, I couldn't help but notice the sudden quietness that had descended upon our group. At first, I assumed that perhaps Sir Estoff and the Duchess were deep in conversation, but then I realized that the source of the silence was much closer to me.

Glancing down at my shoulder, I saw the snoring form of my own Dragonoid, her small body curled up against me in a cozy little ball. Her snores were surprisingly loud, and I couldn't help but chuckle softly to myself as I watched her drool stain the fabric of my shirt.

Despite the slight inconvenience of having a sleeping Dragonoid on my shoulder, I found myself feeling strangely comforted by her presence. It was a reminder of the bond we shared, and the trust she had in me as her rider. And as we continued our journey through the floating island, I let myself drift off into a peaceful state of mind, lulled by the gentle rise and fall of my Dragonoid's breathing.

After what felt like a long and tiring journey, we finally arrived at our destination - a grand hotel in the heart of the Guardian's Haven. As we stepped out of the limousine, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The prospect of a comfortable bed and a warm shower was almost too good to resist.

Sir Estoff wasted no time in making arrangements for us. He had reserved two rooms - one for the Duchess and one for Airi and me. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt as I realized that my Dragonoid would be forced to stay with me in my room, like a mere pet. However, Airi didn't seem to mind. In fact, she was wagging her tail excitedly at the prospect of spending time with me.

As we made our way to our room, I couldn't help but take in the surroundings. The hotel was a grand building, with marble floors and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. The air was perfumed with the scent of fresh flowers, and the sound of soft music floated through the halls.

Once we arrived in our room, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a spacious and luxurious suite, complete with a king-sized bed and a large balcony that overlooked the breathtaking view of the Guardian's Haven. Airi wasted no time in exploring every nook and cranny of the room, and I couldn't help but smile at her childlike excitement.

The night was silent, except for the sound of the air conditioner humming and the soft breathing of Airi, who was now fast asleep. I was just about to doze off when a sudden knock echoed through the room. It was a loud and persistent knock, and it made me jump out of bed. My heart raced as I slowly made my way towards the door, wondering who could possibly be knocking at this late hour.

"Amphere?" It was Estoff's voice from the other side of the door. "I need to talk to you for a second. Meet me in my room."

After a few minutes of changing into my black "Metal Rockz" shirt, I made my way towards his room. As I walked down the dimly lit hallway, the faint sound of music from my shirt could be heard. The intricate design of the shirt perfectly captured the essence of my rebellious and edgy personality, and I was sure that Estoff would appreciate my fashion choice.

With every step, I could feel the cool tiles of the floor under my bare feet, sending a chill up my spine. The silence was deafening, broken only by the occasional creak of the floorboards. Finally, I reached his door and took a deep breath before knocking softly, hoping not to wake anyone else in the hotel.

As I entered the room, I was immediately struck by the vibrant shade of yellow that enveloped the walls. It was a warm and inviting color, and it made me feel at ease. The room was spacious, with a couple of cushiony sofas arranged neatly in the center. Estoff was lounging on one of them, his long legs stretched out in front of him, as he held a glass of pint in his hand. The drink was adorned with small chunks of ice that clinked together softly as he took a sip.

As I walked towards him, I noticed that his expression suddenly changed. His eyebrows shot up in surprise and his mouth formed a small "o" as he took in my new shirt. It was a black "Metal Rockz" shirt, adorned with intricate designs of skulls and flames. I could tell that he was taken aback by my choice of attire, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had caught him off guard.

"What's with that weird T-shirt?" He asked, obliging himself not to laugh.

"…So this won't add personality in me at all?" I scratched my head.

"You're not that boring. You're just silent." He said. Then he filled another glass of beer and reached it to me. "Here, drink."

took the glass from Estoff's outstretched hand, feeling the condensation on the chilled surface as I did so. I didn't particularly care for beer, but I knew that it was something he enjoyed. I took a sip, cringing at the bitter taste that flooded my mouth. It was a far cry from the sweet taste of the fruit juices I normally preferred, but I forced myself to take another sip, out of respect for my comrade.

I knew that he had something on his mind, something he wanted to talk about. He was always like this, seeking out a man who would listen to him without judgment. And I was happy to oblige, even if it meant drinking something I didn't like.

"You know, Airelina used to serve me this kind of drinks every Saturday night in her inn. That's three years ago. Before you joined us."

"…"

I opened my mouth to speak, ready to explain my reasons for joining the Dragon Knights, but Estoff raised his hand, silencing me. He looked at me with a serious expression and gestured for me to remain quiet and listen.

"I know that bombing a lot of government facilities won't give Airelina and her fellow dragonoids a bright future. I just don't know how to find a better way. I just wanted to save them from the abusive humans. But I don't have the power…But you…I know you will have the best opportunity to lead them to their way to freedom. You will have to win the Dragon Knight's Tournament for me. Win it for Airelina. Win it for the dragonoids who has been oppressed for centuries."

"…"

I was eager to respond, ready to accept the challenge presented to me. But before I could even utter a word, he silenced me with a gesture, his hand raised in a commanding manner. He looked at me intently, indicating that he had something important to say, and that I needed to listen carefully. It was clear that he wanted to finish what he had to say before I could speak, and so I waited patiently, my mind racing with anticipation.

"I once had a lover. She was very beautiful. She has beautiful ruby eyes like those of Airelina. She swore to me that she will be my dragon, and I will be her knight. That is why I had myself enter a military academy, to study hard dreaming to be drafted into the Dragon Knight Academy. Of course, I won. I succeeded in becoming a dragon knight. But I failed to win her. She was bought by an obnoxious rich noble that disguises as a hero. That bastard was known for sexually violating dragonoids he owns. Whenever I meet her again, I would see bruises and scratches on her face…And I…I can't do anything for her! I'm so powerless!"

Estoff's normally stylish bangs were ruined as he buried his face in his hands, tears streaming down his face. I knew how much he loved that specific unnamed woman and how hard it was for him to deal with the chaos happening around her. It was a painful sight to see. If something like that were to happen to Airi, my own dragonoid, I don't think I could hold back from inflicting the same kind of pain on the person responsible. But I pushed that thought aside and focused on being there for Estoff in that moment.

Immediately, the knight who was visibly distressed, tapped both of my shoulders with a painful impact and then gripped them so hard that I winced in pain.

"That is why you have to win. Winning the tournament will ensure the bill to be accepted by the government. And that bill will free them all."