Chapter 54: Love and Freedom

Estoff Wraith

Amphere's eyes glowed with an intense crimson hue, his sclera contrasting with a pitch-black darkness. His hand clutched his wounded chest, a testament to his endurance amidst the pain. It was his unwavering strength that had ensured the safety of both Airelina and me. I couldn't help but be awestruck by this remarkable young individual.

"Activating Vesryn Pulse!" Amphere and Airelina exclaimed simultaneously. In an instant, Airelina transformed into a colossal seven-meter platinum robotic dragon, a majestic creation of Futuretech. Amphere extended his hand towards me, and without hesitation, I reached out to accept it.

"Given my current condition, wielding a sword is beyond my capabilities. You shall ride atop Airelina's head, assuming the role of a dragon knight once again. Wield that sword to strike at Kyle, and I will support you with my dynamos," Amphere conveyed, though his strained facial expression betrayed the pain he was concealing.

Chuckling lightly, I retorted, "Don't you dare issue commands to me, kid." I revved my sword, preparing for the impending battle. "Observe and learn from your senpai, will you?"

Just as the Futuretech Dragon prepared to take flight, Kyle unleashed another astonishingly powerful spell. "DRACARYX!!! Activate Spear of Judgment!" Accompanied by Elumina's cry, a blazing lance of light materialized once more, hurtling towards us with a velocity that shattered the sound barrier.

Amphere had prepared for this crucial moment. With the skeletal arm of his mech, Deus Ex Machina, he positioned it strategically to intercept the incoming spear. It seemed like an audacious and desperate move, but we had no other options left. To our astonishment, the colossal mechanical arm successfully captured the radiant spear of light. However, the force exerted by the spear was overpowering, akin to an enraged bull charging relentlessly, even though it had been restrained.

Gradually, the massive arm began to disintegrate under the luminous energy emitted by the captured spear. Recognizing the impending danger, Amphere swiftly commanded the arm to redirect the spear a few degrees upward, away from our vulnerable position. Then, with a resounding whirl, he released his grip, the spear dissolving chunks of metal that were once part of Deus Ex Machina's right arm. Now, Amphere was left with only the remaining left mecha arm.

"H-How did you redirect it?!" Kyle's expression twisted into an expression of pure disbelief. Never before had I witnessed such a profound sense of astonishment on his face. He composed himself for a moment, locking his gaze with Amphere's intense eyes. "As expected from the kid who has inherited the Eye of Deus. I've been eagerly waiting to witness that gem once again. It was with that particular ability of yours that I was defeated for the first time, three years ago."

I glanced up at the glowing cross suspended above us. Elumina, still with closed eyes, was panting heavily, clearly pushed to her limits. "That Kyle... he's exploiting Elumina to his advantage," I muttered through clenched fists. The weight of concern tightened around my heart. One more Dracaryx, and it could cost Elumina her life.

"Amphere, I need to reach Elumina," I declared, determination coursing through my veins.

"Roger that, commander," Amphere replied promptly, displaying unwavering determination. Airelina soared into the air, propelling us towards the radiant cross with an astonishing velocity that surpassed any fighter planes known in this era.

In a sudden burst of speed, aided by his six divine wings, Kyle shot forward at light speed. His thrust was blinding, aimed directly at Amphere, but thankfully, Amphere skillfully wielded his sword to intercept the menacing strike. Despite his valiant efforts, the impact caused Amphere to lose his balance, hurtling down in a forty-meter free fall.

Airelina deftly rotated midair, ready to repel any attack from Kyle, and then swiftly descended to rescue Amphere. With her cybernetic dragon arms, she managed to catch her knight just in time. However, Kyle seized this opportunity to unleash another spell.

"Lightsurge!" Kyle thrust his hand into the air, and a colossal arrow of radiant light surged forth, piercing through the Futuretech Dragon's right wing. The impact sent Airelina crashing to the ground, leaving behind a small crater as evidence of the devastating force.

Exhaustion had overcome Airelina, forcing her to revert back to her human form. Amphere, still struggling to stand, fought against the excruciating pain in his chest, but it proved impossible. The wound had reopened, staining his pristine white uniform with blood. It became increasingly apparent that victory in this battle seemed almost unattainable for the two of them.

But I can.

While Kyle was preoccupied with his ongoing battle, Amphere utilized his dynamos as a makeshift flying raft, swiftly transporting me towards the ethereal, floating golden cross where Elumina was bound. As I reached her side, I delicately touched her soft right cheek, a sensation I hadn't experienced in ten long years. The warmth of my hand brought her back to consciousness.

"Estoff," she murmured, tears streaming down her face. "Save me, Estoff. I... I don't want to endure this suffering any longer."

"I am here now, Elumina. I am fulfilling the promise I made to you. From this moment on, you shall be free, my love!"

Elumina and I, overwhelmed with emotions, wept tears that flowed like rivers as we gently bumped our foreheads together. I tenderly caressed her golden hair, our noses softly colliding. And finally, in a moment filled with profound love, a sweet kiss shared between us dissipated all the agony that resided within our hearts, consumed by the radiant brilliance of our affection for one another.

Her lips remained as smooth and tender as ever. Each time our lips met, I felt as if I were transported to heaven itself.

Images of our shared childhood flooded my mind, a slideshow of cherished memories. The moment we first encountered each other in the vineyard, the instance when I presented her with a paper crane, the afternoon we enjoyed a picnic amidst the gardens of the ruined cathedral, the time she prepared a burnt meal with unwavering dedication. Memories of our first mutual confession of love, the euphoria of our inaugural kiss—all of them replayed before my eyes, encapsulating the beauty and depth of our journey together.

For years, I had existed in the shadows, concealed from the world's gaze. During that time, Elumina endured the torment inflicted upon her by her merciless captor. We had both weathered numerous hardships, overcoming countless trials. And now, at long last, the seeds we sowed together, the enduring bond we shared, were bearing the sweetest fruit. The joy of our hearts, once divided, finding their way back to each other, was more delectable than the most succulent star berry in existence.

Our chests radiated a shared glow as we intertwined our hands, solidifying our connection.

When Kyle finally became aware of the luminous spectacle, he turned his attention towards us, hurtling in our direction with unmatched speed. His screams of "NOOOOOOO!!!" reverberated through the air. However, fate had already dealt him a cruel blow, for he was too late. Three radiant light rings enveloped us, revolving in a protective dance, shielding us from any harm. Upon contact with one of these rings, Kyle was instantly expelled, hurtling towards a nearby building where he crashed with a resounding impact.

Elumina commenced our eternal chant, an incantation that embodied the boundless power of our love.

"I rescind my contract with Kyle Leviticus, and form a new one with my love Estoff Wraith,

I pledge myself to be his healing light, and proof of his might,

Aid him in an everlasting fight,

And keep him away from endless night!

Activating Vesryn Pulse!"

As the shackles that bound Elumina to the cross shattered, her body was engulfed in a resplendent cascade of golden light. My eyes beheld a sight of unparalleled beauty as I witnessed her transformation. Though I had seen her dragon form before, this time it was entirely different, infused with a radiant power that could only arise from the harmony of our hearts.

I reminisced about a promise we had made during our time in high school.

"I've always longed to perform Vesryn Pulse with you, even just once. But I've heard that only dragon knights can accomplish such a feat," Elumina murmured wistfully.

A playful smile graced my lips as I replied, "Then I shall become a knight! We will perform Vesryn Pulse together so that I may witness the breathtaking splendor of your dragon form."

And now, that dream had become our reality.

Eight ethereal wings, reminiscent of celestial beings, unfurled gracefully from the back of her slender, dragonic body. Her violet-white scales gleamed with the moonlight's gentle touch, reflecting its beams with exquisite clarity. A divine aura pulsed from the depths of her heart, while a golden halo hovered above her head. This dragon, the Seraph Dragon, embodied a magnificence that surpassed all comprehension. She stood as the epitome of beauty, the most resplendent creature in the vast expanse of the universe.

In that moment, the sweetness of love and freedom intertwined within us, encompassing our beings. It was an unparalleled sensation, the greatest feeling in the world.