CHAPTER 78 – WINDWALKER

KATE ZEPHYRUS

Lysander, our time traveler, unveiled the intricate tapestry of the Dragon Lords, elucidating them as diverse non-human species inhabiting our world. The impending journey dictated our next destinations – the realms of onis, dwarves, and vampires, as the undersea domain of mermaids lay in ruins, courtesy of the Republic of Dragons.

As our journey was about to commence, the air thickened with an ominous aura, hinting at the realm we were about to traverse—the Land of Onis, a place shrouded in whispered tales of demons and shadows. Lysander's words lingered in the silence, painting a picture of our target, the elusive Fourth Dragon Lord, said to be concealed within the guise of Mariko Septem, an oni shrine priestess of renowned mystique. Yet, the truth held a serrated edge—Onishira, the heart of demon lore, lay ensnared in the clutches of the Republic of Dragons, its sovereignty wrestled away like a prize of conquest.

Three sunrises later, Madam Corasell beckoned us again, this time within the colossal airship hangar of the Empire Sanctuary. The air hummed with anticipation as the elegant Empress Serenity Elkyria graced us with her presence.

"Good morning, Daybreaker Squad. Marieflorine informed me of your quest to seek the future Dragon Lords, prompting me to bestow upon you a gift," the Empress beamed.

The hangar's luminance intensified, revealing a sleek, silvery airship comparable in size to a super yacht. Adorning its hull was the emblem of the Daybreaker Squad – a half clock sun, a symbol of distinction.

As the airship loomed into view, its formidable silhouette commanded attention, cloaked in a palette of somber blacks and grays that seemed to absorb the light around it. Etched upon its hull, intricate golden gears spun in mesmerizing patterns, a testament to the craftsmanship that birthed this marvel of engineering. Twin wings, resembling elegant fins, arched gracefully from its sides, hinting at the vessel's agility amidst the heavens. At its rear, monstrous thrusters stood sentinel, ready to ignite with ferocious power, propelling the airship forward with a force akin to the breath of a titan.

"Meet the Windwalker, a clandestine airship designed for missions of utmost secrecy. It accommodates twenty and boasts amenities such as a recreational area and an armory. Controlled by cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence, the need for a pilot or technician is nullified. This vessel represents the pinnacle of the empire's technological prowess," the empress declared, presenting the key to our Captain Hiraya. "Captain Misteltein, the Windwalker is now under your command."

"I am profoundly honored to welcome this esteemed vessel into my unit," Captain Hiraya expressed with a graceful curtsy. "Rest assured, Empress, we shall prevent the ascension of the future Dragon Lords as our adversaries."

The empress responded with a cheerful applause. "May success accompany the Daybreaker Squad on their mission," she exclaimed.

Madam Corasell, however, wore a somber expression. "Regrettably, duty binds me to remain here, defending and reclaiming the empire's territories. Upon reaching the island of Onishira, Captain Hiraya, you shall navigate this mission independently. We will leave this Dragon Lord Recruitmen Plan in your hands."

Hiraya acknowledged the responsibility with a confident smile. "Understood. We'll handle matters on Onishira with diligence and return to Alterra once our task is accomplished."

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The day preceding our departure was dedicated to relocating our belongings onto the airship. My personal effects, including clothing, weaponry, and an assortment of gadgets, found their places within my luggage.

In the hangar, Hiraya revved up her sleek new motorcycle, the engine's growl echoing through the metallic expanse.

Nearby, Gaeun meticulously filled a box with an assortment of treats—crisp packets of chocolate and savory chips, a treasure trove of indulgence.

Charlotte, in her characteristic flair, sifted through her collection of opulent perfumes and vintage makeup kits, selecting only the most luxurious to accompany her on our journey.

Meanwhile, Lysander, ever practical, prioritized the essentials, stocking up on an abundance of toiletries, foreseeing the necessity of comfort amidst our uncertain travels.

As the morning of our departure dawned, Captain Hiraya, Lysander, Gaeun, Charlotte, and I convened in the command room, everything at the ready.

"Good morning," I greeted with a yawn.

"Good morning," Charlotte responded.

"G-Good morning," Gaeun shyly added.

Hiraya, donning a kind, motherly smile, remarked, "You all sound like robots. How about adding a little spice?"

"Morning, motherfuckers!" Lysander interjected unexpectedly, a smirk playing on his face. In response, Hiraya cast him a deathly glare, prompting Lysander to retreat to a corner, silently whimpering like a scolded puppy.

In the heart of the command room, a holographic projection of the planet took center stage. Hiraya approached it and engaged in a conversation with the ship's purported artificial intelligence.

"Um, hello?" Captain Hiraya initiated.

Abruptly, the holographic globe responded in a robotic monotone, "Good morning, Captain Misteltein. My name is ULYSSES, the artificial intelligence assigned to this Windwalker Airship. How may I help you?"

"We're all set to go," Hiraya confirmed. "Set our destination to the eastern island of Onishira. Activate maximum stealth mode to avoid detection by any hostile dragons."

"Roger that, Captain," ULYSSES replied. "Activating maximum stealth mode implies flying at slower speeds to minimize the risk of detection. Is that acceptable?"

"No problem," Hiraya affirmed.

My gaze shifted to the windows, revealing the hangar of the floating island below. The airship began its gradual ascent until we gracefully lifted into the air. The flight was so seamless that I might not have noticed our departure if I hadn't been peering out the windows.

Beyond the transparent panels, the azure skies stretched above the clouds and even into the slightly dimmer expanses of space. Though I had experienced air travel on planes and the Wings of Light, this altitude was a new frontier for me. The panoramic view was nothing short of mesmerizing.

"Wow! This is badass!" I exclaimed with a smile. "Look, girls! It's a view like nothing you've ever seen before!"

Gaeun and Charlotte mirrored my enthusiasm, joining me in peering through the windows. Smiles graced their faces as they beheld the stars, even in the early morning hours. Soon, Hiraya joined us, completing the ensemble of gazes fixed on the celestial spectacle. All our eyes twinkled like the stars outside.

"Oh, this view is quite romantic," Charlotte remarked, flipping her brown hair.

"Y-Yeah. It's like I can reach for those stars," Gaeun added, spreading her hand to touch the window glass.

"They are lovely," Hiraya whispered.

However, amid our starry reverie, I noticed someone not partaking in the cosmic admiration. Turning around, I saw Lysander, rubbing his chin, his gaze intently fixed on the hologram screen. Hiraya, too, observed him and stepped away from the window, concern etched on her face as she addressed the man.

"Lysander?" she inquired. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Lysander shook his head, wearing a poker face that seemed to convey hopelessness. "It's just that... we five are the only ones in this ship, right?"

"That's right. You can now have solo time with each of your harem girls for the entire week," Hiraya teased with a purring tone. "So, who will be your woman for the night? Is it me, Kate, Charlotte, or Gaeun?"

"Stop the jokes, Hiraya," Lysander retorted, visibly irritated. "We have a big life-and-death situation here."

His serious tone cast a shadow over the room, prompting Charlotte and Gaeun to abandon their stargazing. All attention shifted to Lysander, who appeared to be grappling with a dilemma. The suspense in the air became palpable.

"What life-and-death situation are you talking about?" I asked, breaking the tension.

"Since we five are the only ones here in this airship for a week, then... we'll have to cook our own meals for the next five days," Lysander deadpanned.

Jaws dropped simultaneously among us girls as we exclaimed in unison, "Whaaaaaaat!?"