Chapter 74: Light and Dark Flame Arts

Rudolf Azregon

Hack, slash, and sidestep thrust—our movements were flawlessly synchronized as we launched a relentless assault on our common enemy, swords blazing in the air. Yet, the rainbow-eyed terrorist remained steadfast on the defensive, using his buster sword as a formidable shield against our blinding swordplay.

As we realized our attacks weren't dealing enough damage, I swiftly dashed backward, pointing my mechanical arm at the enemy. My palm revealed a cannon-like barrel, and I unleashed mana beams towards him, but they were once again thwarted by his massive sword.

Amphere followed suit and whispered, "Highteneded Clearance." Four golden swords of light materialized, hovering from his back. These new sword dynamos unleashed twenty-centimeter lasers, accurately hitting the enemy's left chest, right arm, and right leg, leaving faint burns on Nox's leather armor.

Stunned by Amphere's strategic move, the enemy became vulnerable, and it was my turn to act. Concentrating all my dark aura, I manifested a gigantic arm of blazing darkness using my left arm. Amphere wasted no time and mimicked my move, materializing a Deus Ex Machina arm covered in golden flames.

While we were momentarily taken aback by Amphere's newfound power, we knew he was tapping into Exceria's potential magic. The light and dark arms we projected combined to deliver a disruptive punch to the enemy's body, creating a weak shockwave that reverberated through the airship platform, causing it to tremble for a few seconds. In the aftermath, Nox was sent hurtling through the air like a bullet, penetrating each wall he collided with.

The ferocious impacts rained down upon the rainbow-eyed enemy, shattering him into multiple fractures. His once supple joints now twisted and contorted, and his chest resembled a horrific third-degree burn victim.

"That was awe-inspiring!" I exclaimed, my heart still pounding with excitement.

"Yeah!" Amphere cheered, but his elation soon gave way to melancholy. With a heavy sigh, he said, "Well, we overdid it. We killed him. I wanted to ask him something."

Then, an eerie chill crept down our spines.

"What would you want to know, Amphere Harrison?"

From the gaping holes that Nox's body had left, came cold, silent footsteps. To our astonishment, it was Nox himself, completely alive. Despite five broken ribs, a burnt hole in his chest, and torn ligaments, he managed to stand tall. It was as if he had never been injured in the first place, a sight that left us speechless.

His wounds began to heal before our eyes. His twisted foot miraculously rotated back to its original position, and the burn marks gradually faded away. Could it be that this guy possesses a formidable regeneration prowess? Opening portals, summoning zombies, and now a speedy healing factor – how many abilities does he possess?

"Stand back," I urgently advised my friend. "I'll use the Voice of the Emperor!"

Nox laughed hysterically, unfazed by the peril he faced. His sword lay abandoned, as he continued to approach us with an air of malevolence. "Playtime's over. I've witnessed your potentials. Now, I'm here to give you a hint about Dragunov's true objective."

"What the heck are you talking about?" I yelled in frustration. "Isn't this about money? Dragunov trades blood for cash – it's obvious!"

Nox clicked his tongue repeatedly, and with an air of mystery, he waved his index finger before our faces. "Wrong. I'll present you with a riddle, so you may understand the purpose of the dragonoid wars."

"We're listening," Amphere calmly replied.

"When the number of a million demons has been fulfilled, the blood of the poor souls will be sacrificed to return the wicked to the mortal world. And hell shall fall from the heavens."

A profound silence enveloped us, lasting almost a minute. Amphere and I were left awestruck by the enigmatic riddle. Its symbolism was so dense that we struggled to decipher any meaning from it.

"Amphere, Rudolf," General Holster's voice came through our earpieces. "We've successfully recovered Cleru Neos safe and sound, but the zombie Black Phantom and his dragonoid escaped. They vanished like true phantoms, you get it? Anyway, Richard will be opening a portal in a second. Stay frosty, guys. Don't let those zombies and terrorists give you cold feet! Hahahaha! Over!"

"The party's over," Nox declared, his smile grim. "Well, I shall let you go for this once."

Nox began to march away from us. Attacking him from behind crossed our minds, but the risks were too great. He possessed knowledge that could be catastrophic if it fell into the wrong hands. Besides, incapacitating a man with such potent regenerative abilities and the power to summon a horde of zombies, knights, and dragons was a daunting task. It would be a death sentence for us. Our sole objective was to rescue Cleru Neos, and that remained our focus.

"Tell me..." I posed a question to our seemingly calm opponent. "Why did you kidnap Cleru Neos?"

"It doesn't matter now. We've already obtained what we needed from his bloodline magic," Nox replied cryptically, pointing towards a dimensional rift behind us.

As soon as the portal opened, all members of the Chevalier Unit swiftly retreated from the scene.

Problems continued to mount. What could that "riddle" possibly signify? What had they done to Cleru Neos?

Five hours later, after the brutal fight, we found ourselves in the hospital, receiving treatment from doctors and nurses for our wounds. Thankfully, our shield plates had protected us from the worst of the energy attacks. We suffered only from minor scratches and bruises.

After receiving treatment, Duchess Corasell, Amphere, Airi, Kyrie, and I decided to visit Cleru Neos' room. Despite Amphere being on the receiving end of Cleru's bitterness, he chose to extend his forgiveness and concern. Amphere's golden heart always prevailed. As for me, I held no grudge against Cleru. As a member of the Chevalier Unit, it was my duty to check on the hostage's well-being after the rescue.

When we opened the door, we were greeted by a touching scene. Cleru lay asleep, connected to a dextrose, with his heart being carefully monitored. By his side sat Princess Serenity Elkyria, holding onto her precious guard's hand. The princess was in tears, clearly worried about her childhood friend.

"Every time you fight, it always ends like this," she cried to her unconscious knight. "But now, you'll never suffer from deadly wounds again. Because... we're now together... forever."

It took a while for the princess to regain her composure, her tears flowing freely.

Once she had composed herself, she turned to us and bowed once again. "Thank you, Sir Amphere Harrison and Sir Rudolf Azregon, for saving Cleru. I am eternally grateful to all of you. I can't express my gratitude enough." Then, the princess turned to Amphere. "Especially you, Sir Harrison. Thank you for upholding your side of the bargain."

"N-No, it's nothing," Amphere stammered, his face turning slightly red. He didn't want to admit that he had given in to Cleru during the fight. After all, he had fought with all his might. But there was no denying that Cleru's Martyrdom of the Plebeian ability was a formidable advantage, almost like a cheat in the tournament.

"With this, I shall grant your wish," the princess said, gracefully genuflecting. "I shall have the Dragonoid Rights Bill passed."

The shock was evident on everyone's faces. Duchess Corasell couldn't hold back her tears of joy as she tightly grasped Amphere's arms, expressing her overwhelming happiness.

"My parents' wishes will finally be fulfilled!" Duchess Corasell's eyes were brimming with tears. "Amphere! Estoff did not die in vain! It's all thanks to you! You're the real hero!"

"Y-Yeah!" Amphere beamed, displaying the most handsome and radiant smile he could muster. "This is the fruit of all our hard work!"

A wave of cheer and celebration erupted, filling Cleru's room with a joyous cacophony. It seemed like the ultimate victory, the long-awaited achievement we had all yearned for.

But little did we know, there was more to come...