CHAPTER 65 – UNDERGROUND METRO

JOHNNY WOLVESBANE

Meike guided me through an inconspicuous entrance, leading us into an underground passage located a few blocks from the Cathedral Exa. As we ventured deeper, the presence of dragonoids became increasingly evident. Their partially transformed forms—marked by horns, wings, and tails—were complemented by the menacing arsenal they carried: assault rifles slung over their shoulders and swords secured at their backs.

As an unfamiliar face amidst this vigilant militia, I felt the weight of their scrutiny. Their suspicious gazes bore into me, much as I had experienced upon my induction into Neo Arcadia. Yet, where Maggie once diffused such tension, Meike now played that role. Her mere presence seemed to disarm the dragonoid guards, eliciting smiles that I hadn't anticipated. Meike's charisma was undeniable, even among these formidable, red-eyed enforcers.

We were escorted further until we arrived at a dimly lit chamber within the metro office. Gas lamps cast flickering shadows across the walls adorned with maps detailing various strategic points. At the room's periphery stood a man with striking crimson eyes, engrossed in contemplation as he studied a map before him.

Upon noticing our arrival, he pivoted, revealing a distinctive appearance. His brown complexion contrasted with the sharp angles of square eyeglasses framing his eyes. Dressed in a meticulously tailored tuxedo, his slender frame suggested a certain elegance. Curly strands of grey hair crowned his head, adding to the aura of a seasoned individual caught in deep thought.

"How may I assist you?" The man inquired, his voice measured and composed.

"Are you the commander of the Republic?" I asked directly, wasting no time.

His eyes met mine as he confirmed, "Indeed, I am. I'm Kevin Pirius, the chief of the Republic of Dragons here in Scrap Town."

There was an immediate sense of transparency and approachability about Kevin that allowed me to dispense with any pretenses. Making a deliberate move, I removed my contact lens, revealing my human eyes beneath. The sudden transformation elicited a sharp gasp from Meike, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Johnny!" she exclaimed, clearly taken aback.

While Kevin's eyes widened momentarily, he remained composed, awaiting my next move. Continuing with my revelation, I peeled off the glove from my right hand, unveiling the dormant Mark of Vesryn etched into my palm.

Taking a deep breath, I declared with unwavering confidence, "My name is Johnny Wolvesbane, codenamed Centurion of Neo Arcadia."

The sudden shift in demeanor from Kevin, the commander of the Republic of Dragons, caught both Meike and me off guard. Kevin's swift genuflection and display of deference were unexpected, especially for someone of his stature.

"Centurion! My apologies for any oversight," Kevin's voice held a tone of genuine remorse. "How may I serve you, Dragon Lord?"

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Meike's eyes darted around the room, noting the respectful bows of the guards. Her playful demeanor momentarily faltered as she twirled a strand of her hair, attempting to mask her surprise with a forced laugh. "Hahaha. S-Should I join in the bowing, Mister Dragon Lord?" she quipped, her voice tinged with irony.

Meeting her gaze, I offered a reassuring smile before refocusing my attention on Kevin. "I seek Gazelle Lockwood. Any idea of his whereabouts?"

Regaining his posture, Captain Kevin moved purposefully to a nearby desk. Retrieving a drawer, he unveiled an antiquated phone with a sense of gravity. "Regrettably, we're unaware of the Supreme Commander's current location," he began, presenting the device to me. "However, in times of urgency, we've been instructed to utilize this device to reach him."

Gripping the old-fashioned phone, I acknowledged Captain Kevin with a nod. "Your assistance is invaluable, Captain. I appreciate it."

His response was a profound bow, hand over heart. "It's an honor to serve, milord."

As I turned to face Meike, the depth of concern reflected in her crimson eyes was palpable. Her gentle voice carried a weight of apprehension. "Johnny, are you certain about this? Do you truly intend to return to the front lines?"

Her words resonated with an eerie familiarity, reminiscent of conversations I'd shared with Maggie. In those moments, I had yearned for a life away from conflict, while Maggie's indomitable spirit urged me towards battle, fueled by our shared Vesryn Pulse.

Now, the roles seemed reversed. Meike's plea for peace echoed my previous sentiments, urging me to embrace a life devoid of vendettas. Yet, my resolve remained unyielding, driven by a singular purpose that eclipsed all else.

"I'm sorry, Meike," I murmured, my expression weighted with regret. "I owe you more than I can express." Pausing, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. "But duty calls, and as a Dragon Lord, I can't turn away from it. The sooner this conflict concludes, the better for everyone."

Meike's gaze held a mixture of concern and insistence. "Couldn't you take some time, even just a few days or weeks, before reaching out to the Supreme Commander?"

Her words resonated deeply, prompting a moment of introspection. Meike's concern wasn't misplaced; without the protective embrace of my Dragon Lord Commandment, I stood vulnerable against formidable adversaries like Lysander and Hiraya. Doubts clouded my mind—could I still harness the power of the Vesryn Pulse? Was I prepared to face potential peril head-on without adequate preparation?

Drawing a deep breath, I exhaled slowly, acknowledging the wisdom in Meike's counsel. Charging recklessly into battle without a clear plan would be foolhardy. Meeting Gazelle under such circumstances would only burden him with my vulnerabilities.

Turning to Captain Kevin, I extended the phone towards him. "Hold off on contacting Gazelle for now," I instructed firmly. "Just inform him that I've been stripped of my Dragon Lord Commandment."

Accepting the device with a nod, Captain Kevin saluted crisply. "As you command, milord."

Catching Meike's eye, I observed the palpable relief wash over her. A soft blush colored her cheeks as she whispered, "Johnny, thank you."

The air between Meike and me held a silent tension, a moment where our eyes met and conveyed an unspoken understanding.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion tore through the tranquility, shaking the very core of the building. Dust billowed down from above, and the walls quivered as if pleading for stability. The dimness of the room became a backdrop to our shared shock.

Without warning, the office door burst open, revealing a dragonoid soldier, his uniform torn and his eyes frantic. He rushed toward Captain Kevin, his every step echoing urgency. "Captain Pirius!" he gasped, desperation clear in his voice. "Our base... it's under siege!"

Captain Kevin's face paled, his eyes widening with a mix of horror and disbelief. "What's happening out there?" he demanded, his voice strained.

The soldier's breath came in ragged gasps as he spoke, each word heavy with dread. "The Imperial Forces have surrounded us. Bomber jets darken the skies, and human mages are tearing through the town with destructive magic."

A heavy silence settled over the room, each person grappling with the weight of the soldier's words, the reality of the perilous situation sinking in.