CHAPTER 31 – PURE DRAGONS
LYSANDER FARADEISS
In the previous timeline, Doctor Voltaire unveiled an invention that captured our attention—an artificial heart meticulously designed to unleash a synthetic Vesryn Pulse. The fake Eye of Deus, though a pale imitation of the original, played a crucial role in orchestrating an artificial synchronization of heartbeats among the dragonoids within its sphere of influence.
This ingeniously crafted artificial heart held the power to trigger a simulated Vesryn Pulse, prompting a transformative reaction in all dragonoids within a radius of up to one hundred meters. The outcome of this pulsating phenomenon turned them into Pure Dragons, devoid of any special abilities. Recognizing the potential threat, I had earlier applied an anti-pulse magic to safeguard the three dragonoid girls, preventing them from succumbing to this unwanted transformation into adversaries.
The genesis of this artificial heart technology traced back to the exploits of a renowned dragonoid named Lothar Pendragon. He had harnessed the Vesryn Pulse of his deceased lover, becoming a legend in the process. Over the passing years, magical scientists endeavored to replicate this phenomenon, with only one succeeding—the notorious Dragon Knight, Doctor Pete Voltaire. His mastery in recreating the technology with synthetic alternatives marked him as a formidable ally to the Dragon Lords in the timelines that preceded ours.
My strategy unfolded with a straightforward premise: have those motherfuckers go against each other. My plan involved orchestrating the collaboration of the lovebirds, Hiraya and Alris, to apprehend or incapacitate the elusive Doctor Pete Voltaire. In this scenario, every outcome seemed to favor my agenda. If, by chance, the doctor managed to eliminate Hiraya and Alris, it would conveniently reduce the number of Dragon Lords on my elimination list.
To my surprise, Hiraya and Alris displayed a level of cooperation that exceeded my expectations. Recognizing their ongoing utility, I committed myself to supporting them wholeheartedly. Thus, when Doctor Voltaire presented the artificial heart, I wasted no time. My hand pointed decisively at the tall, enigmatic detective, and I invoked a precautionary spell.
“Anti-Pulse!”
In an instant, a swift sonar wave struck Alris discreetly on the back, unbeknownst to him. The magic subtly induced a millisecond delay in his heartbeats, a critical fraction of time sufficient to shield a dragonoid like him from the potential effects of the doctor's artificial heart. My intervention acted as a preemptive safeguard against any unforeseen consequences, ensuring that our collaborative pursuit remained on course.
The tranquility of the moment shattered in an instant as the car behind Doctor Pete Voltaire erupted into a cacophony of chaos. The explosion sent debris hurtling through the air—tires, shattered car parts, and discarded pipes from the surrounding junkyard were propelled in all directions, transforming the area into a chaotic spectacle of destruction.
Amidst the turmoil, Hiraya's cry rang out, a testament to the force of the blast that threatened to engulf her. However, Alris, swift and decisive, managed to intercept her mid-air, pulling her securely against his frame. In a display of both strength and resourcefulness, he conjured a buster sword, driving it into the ground as a makeshift anchor. The blade, firmly embedded, served as a steadfast point of resistance against the explosive shockwave.
"Hang on tight!" Alris commanded, his voice cutting through the tumult.
"Y-Yeah!" Hiraya responded, her grip tightening around Alris as they clung to each other amidst the upheaval. The duo braced themselves against the onslaught of chaos, finding solace and stability in the midst of the turbulent aftermath.
The explosive scene before me fueled a surge of emotions, and an unwelcome pang of jealousy took hold as I observed Hiraya and Alris, entwined by the threads of destiny. Despite knowing their connection transcended timelines, I couldn't suppress the ache that gripped my heart whenever their affectionate glances met.
In an effort to shield myself from the torment of these emotions, I clenched my fists, determined to maintain composure. Gaeun, attuned to the atmosphere, raised her wand, invoking a protective incantation.
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"Bubble Barrier!"
A magical forcefield, taking the form of a translucent bubble, materialized around me and the other two dragonoid girls in close proximity. The barrier expanded, enveloping Alris and Hiraya who were still locked in each other's embrace.
Realizing the need to overcome my internal struggle, I shook my head, attempting to dispel the feelings of jealousy that threatened to cloud my judgment. This emotional turbulence could compromise the mission, and I needed a clear mind to navigate the challenges ahead.
"Everybody okay?" I called out, my voice projecting over the chaotic aftermath. I scanned the surroundings, quickly assessing the well-being of everyone. Kate, Charlotte, and Gaeun stood ready, their weapons poised. Then, my gaze lingered on Hiraya, still clinging to Alris, a sight that tested the boundaries of my self-control.
The blonde elf's realization that she was still entwined with her future husband prompted a swift withdrawal, her face ablaze with embarrassment. "W-We're fine!" she stammered, attempting to diffuse the awkwardness.
I feigned indifference to the scene, masking the twinge in my chest. Despite my efforts, the sight of Hiraya and Alris in their tender moment tugged at the strings of my emotions. It was evident that Hiraya had fallen deeply for Alris, and I suspected the sentiment was mutual, given Alris's apparent delight in being embraced by her.
In the midst of my internal struggle, Kate, fueled by anger, forcefully stabbed her sword into the ground. "What the hell!? What was that?" she demanded, her frustration palpable.
"It's an Artificial Vesryn Pulse. The explosion is just a side effect of the transformation," I explained, my tone low and measured.
Alris, grappling with confusion, sought clarification. "Vesryn Pulse? With that artificial heart?" he inquired, trying to make sense of the unfolding situation.
"It's a technology that remains shrouded in secrecy to this day, so don't dwell on it," I reassured, my response intended to assuage his confusion. "And you dragonoids should express your gratitude. Thanks to the Anti-Pulse spell I used on you idiots earlier, you're all safe from its effects. You’re all welcome."
Gaeun, ever inquisitive, pressed for more details. "But what about the explosion? If there was an explosion, surely, a dragonoid just transformed, right?"
Hiraya's revelation pierced the air. "There are dragonoids hiding inside his car!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization.
As the echoes of the explosion subsided and the dissipating smoke revealed the aftermath, a colossal crater marked the blast radius. Emerging from the wreckage were three imposing dragons, each standing at a towering seven meters. Clad in pristine white scales, these were Pure Dragons—devoid of special abilities beyond flight and the ability to unleash fiery breath. The sight of these formidable creatures signaled a new phase in our encounter with Doctor Pete Voltaire and his enigmatic artificial technology.
Atop the central Pure Dragon stood Doctor Pete Voltaire, an aura of arrogance radiating from him. His eyeglasses glowed, accentuating a mischievous devilish smirk that hinted at his cunning nature.
"If you think I would be foolish enough to have no backup plan, then I am afraid that you lot are mistaken," the doctor declared, his voice dripping with confidence. With a casual flick of his hand, a long sword materialized, suspended in the air by magical means.
Alris shot me a glance of amazement. "So your intel is true in every detail. He really is a Dragon Knight."
"Correction. An artificial Dragon Knight," Kate interjected, her anger palpable as she raised her sword. "This method of controlling the dragonoids is blasphemy! Doc should be brought down!"
"I know talk is cheap, but..." Charlotte responded with sass. "How are we going to take down three dragons?"
The daunting reality hung in the air, challenging us to formulate a strategy against the overwhelming force Doctor Pete Voltaire had unleashed.
Doctor Pete Voltaire's voice thundered through the field, his command crackling with fervor. Flames danced in his eyes as he stretched out a hand, fingers curling into a commanding fist. "Burn them, my Pure Dragons!" he bellowed, the words igniting the air with urgency and power, echoing off the stone walls with a primal intensity.
As the fiery onslaught of the Pure Dragons threatened to engulf us, Gaeun reacted swiftly, wielding her magical wand to conjure yet another protective Bubble Barrier force field. The flames licked against the transparent shield, leaving us unscathed in its wake.
Hiraya's gaze held a certain intensity as she turned toward me, but the meaning behind her look eluded me. Soon, she assumed the role of a decisive leader, issuing orders with unwavering authority.
"Kate, Charlotte, Gaeun, work together and take down one dragon. Alris and I will handle the doctor and the dragon at the center. And Lysander..." she hesitated for a moment, her eyes locking onto mine, "I trust your abilities. I believe you can take down one of the dragons on your own."
I shrugged, masking any hint of disappointment with a casual smile. The assignment left me standing alone, an unexpected twist that heightened my sense of isolation. To compound matters, Hiraya had aligned herself with Alris. A momentary wave of frustration washed over me, but I quickly brushed it aside, focusing on the imminent challenge that lay ahead.