CHAPTER 48 – BOUNTIFUL REUNION
LYSANDER FARADEISS
In the sacred silence of the cathedral, Gaeun and I exchanged whispers, our voices echoing softly off the ancient stones. A sense of sanctity surrounded us, which made it wrong to gossip further in this holy place. But as we prepared to depart, the solemnity was broken by the vibrant presence of Kate and Charlotte. Their eyes, a deep shade of crimson, sparkled with mischief as they approached.
"Look who's here, alive and kicking! Lysander!" Kate exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine delight. With a swift, unexpected gesture, she lightly tapped my chest, a playful punch that left a tingling sensation.
In contrast, Charlotte's gaze met mine with a subtle flicker of emotion, her brown locks dancing as she tilted her head. "Oh. You're alive. Why?" she remarked, her voice carrying a mixture of surprise and a hint of something unresolved.
A sharp retort escaped my lips. "Fuck off, Charlotte," I said, my tone laced with irritation.
Yet, in a swift change of mood, Charlotte's lips curved into a mischievous grin. With a playful slap on my shoulder, she matched Kate's earlier gesture. Laughter bubbled up among us, the shared moment weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and warmth. Despite the stinging sensation on my shoulder, a smile tugged at my lips. Their presence was a reminder of life's simple joys. I’m just happy that these stooges are alive.
Shifting the focus, Kate's eyes narrowed curiously. "Where's Prez?" she inquired.
"At the Dragon Knight Academy," I responded, meeting her gaze. "We had plans to convene there later, but if you're eager, we can head there now."
Charlotte twirled a strand of her brown hair between her fingers, her eyes reflecting a longing. "I wonder what our President is up to right now," she mused aloud, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Gaeun nodded, her expression mirroring Charlotte's sentiment. "I feel the same," she admitted softly.
Kate's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her enthusiasm palpable. "Then let's not waste any time! I'm eager to see her. And that intriguing junior detective— he's accompanying her, isn't he?" she asked, her voice tinged with playful curiosity.
A shared glance between Gaeun and me spoke volumes, our eyes meeting briefly before lowering in shared understanding. A heavy silence settled among us, laden with unspoken truths. As we embarked on our journey to the Dragon Knight Academy, I realized the moment had come to unveil the reality that lay ahead.
As the tale of our confrontation with Neo Arcadia and the heartbreaking loss of Alris unfolded from my lips, the imposing silhouette of the Dragon Knight Academy loomed before us. Its majestic facade, reminiscent of a medieval fortress, stood in stark juxtaposition to the era's cutting-edge magic and machinery.
The entrance was marked by an expansive brick gate, hinting at the academy's formidable history. Five soaring towers surrounded the central castle, each crowned with a striking statue: a fusion of dragon and knight, representing the legendary Pentagram Knights. These iconic figures had once been the Empire of Alterra's mightiest protectors. Yet, a decade had passed since Emperor Syrius Elkyria's reign, leading to the dissolution of this revered order.
Contemplating Empress Serenity Elkyria's choice to disband the Pentagram Knights, I grappled with the weight of the decision. In the looming shadow of an impending conflict with the Dragon Lords, their formidable prowess would have been invaluable. However, the looming threat of Gazelle wielding control over the dragonoids within the order added a layer of complexity, forcing a delicate balance on a knife's edge.
My contemplation was abruptly interrupted as we approached the castle's entrance, greeted by a sight that caught us off guard. Emerging from the grand doors was Hiraya, our elven president. Her eyes, glistening with tears, illuminated with pure joy upon spotting us, a poignant moment of reunion unfolding before the towering walls of the academy.
“Kate! Charlotte! Gaeun!” Hiraya's voice echoed with relief and joy as she dashed toward the trio, her eyes shining with tears. Their faces lit up, mirroring her elation.
“Prez!” Their voices harmonized, the shared emotion evident, pulling Hiraya into a tight embrace that spoke volumes of their bond.
As they hugged, laughter bubbled up from the trio, their giggles muffled by the warmth they found pressed against them – a pair of bountiful elven watermelons. The trio's expressions hinted at a deep connection, their smiles radiating genuine happiness. Hiraya's attire added a touch of allure to the moment, making the atmosphere electric.
Caught in their emotional whirlwind, I felt a warm blush creep up my cheeks, my eyes darting between them. Should I laugh along or look away? My hesitation hung heavy in the air.
Hiraya's eyes met mine, a playful spark in them. She beckoned, extending an invisible invitation. “Lysander, join us!” her voice carried a hint of mischief.
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "I think... I'll sit this one out," I managed, a shy smile tugging at my lips. The thought of diving into their world, surrounded by their energy, overwhelmed me, making my heart race with mixed emotions.
“Prez! How have you been?” Kate's eyes widened with genuine surprise, her voice carrying a note of urgency. “You look... shaken. Are you alright?”
Charlotte's brows furrowed, concern evident in her tone as she leaned in closer. “We've all heard whispers about Alris. Tell us you're alright, Prez.”
Gaeun's fingers lightly touched Hiraya's arm, her eyes searching her friend's face. “We're here for you, Prez. Whatever you need to share.”
Hiraya took a deep breath, her eyes misty with gratitude. “I won't lie, it's been tough,” she admitted, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her sleeve. A blush painted her cheeks, but her smile remained resilient. “But knowing you're all here makes it easier. Thank you.”
As their voices intertwined in heartfelt conversations, I felt the need to retreat, giving them the solace of their reunion. Stepping back, my eyes traced the intricate arches and tapestries of the Dragon Knight Academy, each detail echoing tales of valor and tragedy. The hall whispered of battles past, memories of a night when heroes fell and history was rewritten.
In a timeline that once existed, the spark that ignited the devastating war between Dragonoids and Humans was the catastrophic division of the Guardian’s Haven. A sight that still haunted many was the Alientech Dragon cleaving the floating continent in two, reducing the Royal Castle to ruins. Amidst the wreckage, only remnants stood defiantly: the Dragon Knights Academy and the Cathedral Exa, transformed into the foreboding realm known as the Dragon’s Fortress.
Abruptly, a chilling sensation swept over me, a vivid memory slicing through the fabric of my present consciousness. It wasn't a mere fleeting thought; it was a visceral flashback from a different time, a vision I either suppressed or dismissed as a mere figment of imagination.
In that haunting recollection, I stood amidst a harrowing tableau of devastation—a grotesque mosaic of fallen humans and dragonoids. The acrid scent of smoke and death choked the air, mingling with the haunting silence that enveloped the battlefield. A river of crimson snaked its way through the lifeless terrain, painting a grim testament to the ferocity of the battle.
Each breath I took was a testament to sheer willpower; my body bore the marks of countless skirmishes—scorched flesh, deep gashes, and contusions painting a vivid tapestry of pain. My once-vibrant aura now flickered weakly, a mere echo of its former brilliance. A searing pain emanated from a grievous wound on my chest, each heartbeat a grim reminder of my mortality. I lay flat in the ground, bathing in my own puddle of blood.
Yet, amidst the desolation, one figure stood out—Alris Vortigern, his eyes ablaze with an unsettling crimson glow, towering over me with a buster sword wreathed in flames. His gaze bore into mine, a silent testament to the twisted pleasure he derived from my impending demise, prolonging the inevitable with a chilling sense of satisfaction.
A soft rustle of fabric and a rhythmic echo of footsteps drew my attention. My eyes darted leftward, capturing the sight of an ethereal figure. The golden strands of an elf's hair cascaded like liquid sunbeams, framing piercing eyes that shimmered with arcane power. Her form was mesmerizing, draped in a robe that hinted at her celestial lineage, and she wielded a staff that pulsed with an otherworldly energy.
Alris's deep voice, a stark contrast to the eerie silence, broke the tension. "Do you recognize this man?" he inquired, curiosity laced with suspicion.
With a subtle nod, Hiraya's eyes betrayed a torrent of emotions—grief, remembrance, and a haunting familiarity. She gracefully descended beside me, her fingers brushing against my chilled skin with a tenderness that belied the gravity of the moment.
"Lysander," her voice quivered, laden with a poignant blend of sorrow and recognition, echoing a shared history between us.
As her tears began to fall, each droplet seemed to carry the weight of unspoken regrets and memories. They traced a path down my face, a solemn testament to our intertwined fates. In a swift, decisive motion, her gloved hand pierced my chest, retrieving my faltering heart with a determination that sent shivers down my spine.
The searing pain was all-encompassing, a visceral onslaught that threatened to pull me into oblivion. Yet, just as darkness threatened to claim me, the Oracle's magic interceded. With a gesture imbued with ancient power, she replaced my failing heart with a pulsating organ, reigniting the flames of life within me. The raw agony of the transformation resonated in guttural screams, each sound a testament to a destiny reshaped.
CHAPTER 48 – BOUNTIFUL REUNION
LYSANDER FARADEISS
In the sacred silence of the cathedral, Gaeun and I exchanged whispers, our voices echoing softly off the ancient stones. A sense of sanctity surrounded us, which made it wrong to gossip further in this holy place. But as we prepared to depart, the solemnity was broken by the vibrant presence of Kate and Charlotte. Their eyes, a deep shade of crimson, sparkled with mischief as they approached.
"Look who's here, alive and kicking! Lysander!" Kate exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine delight. With a swift, unexpected gesture, she lightly tapped my chest, a playful punch that left a tingling sensation.
In contrast, Charlotte's gaze met mine with a subtle flicker of emotion, her brown locks dancing as she tilted her head. "Oh. You're alive. Why?" she remarked, her voice carrying a mixture of surprise and a hint of something unresolved.
A sharp retort escaped my lips. "Fuck off, Charlotte," I said, my tone laced with irritation.
Yet, in a swift change of mood, Charlotte's lips curved into a mischievous grin. With a playful slap on my shoulder, she matched Kate's earlier gesture. Laughter bubbled up among us, the shared moment weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and warmth. Despite the stinging sensation on my shoulder, a smile tugged at my lips. Their presence was a reminder of life's simple joys. I’m just happy that these stooges are alive.
Shifting the focus, Kate's eyes narrowed curiously. "Where's Prez?" she inquired.
"At the Dragon Knight Academy," I responded, meeting her gaze. "We had plans to convene there later, but if you're eager, we can head there now."
Charlotte twirled a strand of her brown hair between her fingers, her eyes reflecting a longing. "I wonder what our President is up to right now," she mused aloud, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Gaeun nodded, her expression mirroring Charlotte's sentiment. "I feel the same," she admitted softly.
Kate's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her enthusiasm palpable. "Then let's not waste any time! I'm eager to see her. And that intriguing junior detective— he's accompanying her, isn't he?" she asked, her voice tinged with playful curiosity.
A shared glance between Gaeun and me spoke volumes, our eyes meeting briefly before lowering in shared understanding. A heavy silence settled among us, laden with unspoken truths. As we embarked on our journey to the Dragon Knight Academy, I realized the moment had come to unveil the reality that lay ahead.
As the tale of our confrontation with Neo Arcadia and the heartbreaking loss of Alris unfolded from my lips, the imposing silhouette of the Dragon Knight Academy loomed before us. Its majestic facade, reminiscent of a medieval fortress, stood in stark juxtaposition to the era's cutting-edge magic and machinery.
The entrance was marked by an expansive brick gate, hinting at the academy's formidable history. Five soaring towers surrounded the central castle, each crowned with a striking statue: a fusion of dragon and knight, representing the legendary Pentagram Knights. These iconic figures had once been the Empire of Alterra's mightiest protectors. Yet, a decade had passed since Emperor Syrius Elkyria's reign, leading to the dissolution of this revered order.
Contemplating Empress Serenity Elkyria's choice to disband the Pentagram Knights, I grappled with the weight of the decision. In the looming shadow of an impending conflict with the Dragon Lords, their formidable prowess would have been invaluable. However, the looming threat of Gazelle wielding control over the dragonoids within the order added a layer of complexity, forcing a delicate balance on a knife's edge.
My contemplation was abruptly interrupted as we approached the castle's entrance, greeted by a sight that caught us off guard. Emerging from the grand doors was Hiraya, our elven president. Her eyes, glistening with tears, illuminated with pure joy upon spotting us, a poignant moment of reunion unfolding before the towering walls of the academy.
“Kate! Charlotte! Gaeun!” Hiraya's voice echoed with relief and joy as she dashed toward the trio, her eyes shining with tears. Their faces lit up, mirroring her elation.
“Prez!” Their voices harmonized, the shared emotion evident, pulling Hiraya into a tight embrace that spoke volumes of their bond.
As they hugged, laughter bubbled up from the trio, their giggles muffled by the warmth they found pressed against them – a pair of bountiful elven watermelons. The trio's expressions hinted at a deep connection, their smiles radiating genuine happiness. Hiraya's attire added a touch of allure to the moment, making the atmosphere electric.
Caught in their emotional whirlwind, I felt a warm blush creep up my cheeks, my eyes darting between them. Should I laugh along or look away? My hesitation hung heavy in the air.
Hiraya's eyes met mine, a playful spark in them. She beckoned, extending an invisible invitation. “Lysander, join us!” her voice carried a hint of mischief.
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "I think... I'll sit this one out," I managed, a shy smile tugging at my lips. The thought of diving into their world, surrounded by their energy, overwhelmed me, making my heart race with mixed emotions.
“Prez! How have you been?” Kate's eyes widened with genuine surprise, her voice carrying a note of urgency. “You look... shaken. Are you alright?”
Charlotte's brows furrowed, concern evident in her tone as she leaned in closer. “We've all heard whispers about Alris. Tell us you're alright, Prez.”
Gaeun's fingers lightly touched Hiraya's arm, her eyes searching her friend's face. “We're here for you, Prez. Whatever you need to share.”
Hiraya took a deep breath, her eyes misty with gratitude. “I won't lie, it's been tough,” she admitted, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her sleeve. A blush painted her cheeks, but her smile remained resilient. “But knowing you're all here makes it easier. Thank you.”
As their voices intertwined in heartfelt conversations, I felt the need to retreat, giving them the solace of their reunion. Stepping back, my eyes traced the intricate arches and tapestries of the Dragon Knight Academy, each detail echoing tales of valor and tragedy. The hall whispered of battles past, memories of a night when heroes fell and history was rewritten.
In a timeline that once existed, the spark that ignited the devastating war between Dragonoids and Humans was the catastrophic division of the Guardian’s Haven. A sight that still haunted many was the Alientech Dragon cleaving the floating continent in two, reducing the Royal Castle to ruins. Amidst the wreckage, only remnants stood defiantly: the Dragon Knights Academy and the Cathedral Exa, transformed into the foreboding realm known as the Dragon’s Fortress.
Abruptly, a chilling sensation swept over me, a vivid memory slicing through the fabric of my present consciousness. It wasn't a mere fleeting thought; it was a visceral flashback from a different time, a vision I either suppressed or dismissed as a mere figment of imagination.
In that haunting recollection, I stood amidst a harrowing tableau of devastation—a grotesque mosaic of fallen humans and dragonoids. The acrid scent of smoke and death choked the air, mingling with the haunting silence that enveloped the battlefield. A river of crimson snaked its way through the lifeless terrain, painting a grim testament to the ferocity of the battle.
Each breath I took was a testament to sheer willpower; my body bore the marks of countless skirmishes—scorched flesh, deep gashes, and contusions painting a vivid tapestry of pain. My once-vibrant aura now flickered weakly, a mere echo of its former brilliance. A searing pain emanated from a grievous wound on my chest, each heartbeat a grim reminder of my mortality. I lay flat in the ground, bathing in my own puddle of blood.
Yet, amidst the desolation, one figure stood out—Alris Vortigern, his eyes ablaze with an unsettling crimson glow, towering over me with a buster sword wreathed in flames. His gaze bore into mine, a silent testament to the twisted pleasure he derived from my impending demise, prolonging the inevitable with a chilling sense of satisfaction.
A soft rustle of fabric and a rhythmic echo of footsteps drew my attention. My eyes darted leftward, capturing the sight of an ethereal figure. The golden strands of an elf's hair cascaded like liquid sunbeams, framing piercing eyes that shimmered with arcane power. Her form was mesmerizing, draped in a robe that hinted at her celestial lineage, and she wielded a staff that pulsed with an otherworldly energy.
Alris's deep voice, a stark contrast to the eerie silence, broke the tension. "Do you recognize this man?" he inquired, curiosity laced with suspicion.
With a subtle nod, Hiraya's eyes betrayed a torrent of emotions—grief, remembrance, and a haunting familiarity. She gracefully descended beside me, her fingers brushing against my chilled skin with a tenderness that belied the gravity of the moment.
"Lysander," her voice quivered, laden with a poignant blend of sorrow and recognition, echoing a shared history between us.
As her tears began to fall, each droplet seemed to carry the weight of unspoken regrets and memories. They traced a path down my face, a solemn testament to our intertwined fates. In a swift, decisive motion, her gloved hand pierced my chest, retrieving my faltering heart with a determination that sent shivers down my spine.
The searing pain was all-encompassing, a visceral onslaught that threatened to pull me into oblivion. Yet, just as darkness threatened to claim me, the Oracle's magic interceded. With a gesture imbued with ancient power, she replaced my failing heart with a pulsating organ, reigniting the flames of life within me. The raw agony of the transformation resonated in guttural screams, each sound a testament to a destiny reshaped.
