CHAPTER 64 – THE BELL TOWER

JOHNNY WOLVESBANE

In the heart of the slums, a breathtaking panorama unfolded—a vast field painted in a riot of colors, where vibrant flowers bathed in the generous embrace of the sun's brilliance and warmth. Standing prominently amidst this natural spectacle, a dilapidated cathedral bore witness to the paradox of beauty and decay.

Meike, her spirit effervescent, joyfully hopped and skipped toward the Cathedral Exa of Scrap Town, a scene I absorbed with delight as I strolled in her wake. Unable to contain my awe, I whispered, "This seems like a glimpse of paradise in the midst of despair."

A radiant smile played on Meike's lips as she replied, "Isn't it just that? This is the only haven here in Scrap Town where flowers bloom. I believe it's infused with a divine energy, being a Cathedral Exa and all."

Cathedral Exas, sacred places devoted to the worship of the Goddess Exceria, whispered tales of ancient sanctity. Gazelle had once shared with me that these sanctuaries remained sealed for tens of thousands of years until the enactment of the Dragonoid Rights Law. Since its revival, more than sixty-three Cathedral Exas had been rediscovered across the planet, each a testament to the rekindled connection with the divine.

The cathedral's entrance stood open, devoid of doors, revealing its interior even from a mere three meters away. The scene inside was one of desolation: shattered pews strewn haphazardly, fragmented stained-glass windows casting fractured rainbows across the floor, and the once revered cross of Exceria now lay forsaken on the ground. An unsettling aura permeated the air, compelling us to retreat without venturing further.

My gaze shifted upward to the aging bell tower, its posture slightly askew, perhaps succumbing to the whims of a fragile foundation. Yet, despite its apparent frailty, it emanated a resolute crimson beam of light, piercing the sky with an undiminished vigor.

Pausing, Meike retraced her steps to stand beside me, her head tilting inquisitively. "Doesn't the bell tower intrigue you?" she asked.

A playful smile curved my lips as I responded, "It does hold a certain mystique, but Gazelle once enlightened me on its secrets."

Eyes alight with curiosity, Meike implored, "Do share! I'm all ears."

Chuckling softly, I countered, "First, enlighten me. What have you heard?"

A thoughtful expression crossed Meike's face as she folded her arms. "All I've gathered is that these towers serve as broadcast stations for the Supreme Commander's declaration of war against humanity. And they're also the catalyst for dragonoids' transformations, bypassing the need for a Vesryn Pulse."

"Exactly," I affirmed, nodding. "Each bell tower houses an artificial heart designed to emit an Artificial Vesryn Pulse within a five-kilometer radius. This triggers the transformation of dragonoids, like you, into your formidable dragon forms. The radiant crimson light enveloping the towers signifies the activation of his Dragon Lord Commandment and the Eye of Deus."

Meike raised an eyebrow, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "Quite daring of you to reveal such classified information."

Smiling wryly, I replied, "Given that we're allies, I feel comfortable sharing what Gazelle imparted to me."

Meike hesitated, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "Well, about that..."

Concern creased my brow as I prompted, "What's troubling you, Meike?"

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"I may be a dragonoid, aligned by nature, but I've chosen not to engage directly in this war. Violence doesn't sit well with me," Meike confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Grasping her hand gently, I whispered reassuringly, "That's understandable." Drawing closer, I felt the warmth of her fingers, which made her cheeks flush a shade of crimson. "Your hands are crafted not for harm but for salvation."

"Johnny..." Meike's eyes met mine, shimmering with emotion. "A-Are you planning to return to the front lines?"

Caught off guard, I responded, "Why do you inquire?"

Avoiding my gaze, Meike's blush intensified as she murmured, "I-I could adjust, whether it's a week, a month, or more. If you seek a tranquil existence here, know that I'd support you."

Drawing a deep breath, I hesitated before admitting, "Meike, that's..." My voice trailed off. "I need to return, but not immediately. I have unresolved matters, but the timing isn't set."

Perplexed, Meike questioned, "Why? You claimed you're no longer a Dragon Lord, and you barely survived the war against humans. Why go back to the path of carnage?"

A somber expression clouded my face as I grappled with the complexity of my answer.

The haunting memory of Maggie being ensnared by Lysander's nuclear blast reverberated in my thoughts. The heart-wrenching image of her disintegrating form, her grasp still entwined with mine, elicited a visceral pain within me. Lysander's gaze, tinged with a mocking pity, ignited an inferno of rage that surged through my veins.

Lysander Faradeiss would answer for the atrocity he inflicted upon Maggie.

My hands clenched into fists, and I bit down on my lip, struggling to contain the fury that threatened to consume me. "I... I need to end someone's life."

"You're going to kill someone?" Meike's voice trembled with shock. "Why?"

"Revenge," I spat, my voice tinged with bitterness. "Someone took away the love of my life."

Meike stood in stunned silence, clutching her chest as if trying to still the rapid beating of her heart.

A gentle breeze swept through the area, causing the vibrant flowers to sway in a graceful dance. Despite the tranquil beauty surrounding us, its calming effect failed to quell the tempestuous storm of emotions raging within me.

After a weighted pause, Meike's voice pierced the silence. "I'm truly sorry for your loss."

I offered a faint nod. "Thank you. I understand the complexities of vengeance, but the weight of not seeking it would be unbearable."

"You must have deeply cherished her," Meike observed softly.

"More than words can express," I murmured.

Meike turned, her gaze drifting over the vibrant, rainbow-hued flowers swaying gracefully in the breeze. Her orange ponytail danced in tandem with the gentle gusts, creating a picturesque scene. The juxtaposition of the decaying church, the kaleidoscope of blooms, and the slightly tilted bell tower would have made for a stunning photograph.

Drawing my attention back, Meike queried, "So, what's your plan? Do you intend to leave this town?"

I shook my head resolutely. "No, aimless wandering won't lead me anywhere. My first priority is to reach out to Gazelle."

"Do you have any idea where he might be or how to reach him?" Meike inquired, tilting her head curiously.

Regret shadowed my expression. "Unfortunately, I don't," I admitted, offering a wry smile.

A mischievous glint sparked in Meike's eyes as she replied, "You're in luck. I might have a way to contact him."

My eyebrows raised in surprise. "How so?"

She flipped open her outdated phone with a sense of purpose. "I've heard that the Republic of Dragons in the underground metro maintains a direct line to the Supreme Commander." Her fingers danced across the keypad as she continued, "Let's see if my contact can still connect me with the Republic's Captain."

Gratitude filled my voice as I responded, "I appreciate your help, Meike. It means a lot."

With a playful wink and a smile, Meike assured me, "Don't mention it, Johnny. I've got your back." She then proceeded to compose a message, her fingers swiftly navigating the phone's keypad.

As I stood amidst the serene backdrop of the Cathedral Exa, my gaze wandered over the vibrant, swaying flowers. Their rhythmic dance offered a momentary respite from the weight of my thoughts. The tranquility was interrupted by Meike's voice, drawing me back to the present.

"Um, Johnny," she began hesitantly.

I turned my attention towards her. "Yes?"

Her eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of curiosity and intensity. "After you've exacted your revenge... what's next for you?"

Her question pierced through me, forcing me to confront a reality I hadn't yet considered. Once Lysander met his fate, what purpose would drive me forward? My role as a Dragon Lord had concluded, yet Gazelle had entrusted me with knowledge of the world's impending doom. Was I truly committed to its salvation, or was the allure of a fresh start more enticing?

The uncertainty of my future loomed before me, demanding introspection and resolve.