The Swordsman 4: The Final Book (Pt.1-2)

B4.2 Chapter 29: Betrayal and Trust

Ariella stood amid the chaos, her heart pounding as she recalled the years of torment she had endured at the academy. The memories flooded back—whispers behind her back, cruel laughter, and the mocking stares. She had never fit in, her appearance drawing the scorn of her peers. But through it all, there had been one shining beacon in her life: Rean. He had been her protector, stepping in when the bullies grew too aggressive, taking the hits that were meant for her. His unwavering support had slowly transformed into something deeper—a love that blossomed amidst adversity.

As time passed, their bond grew stronger. They shared stolen moments, whispered secrets, and dreams of a future free from the shadows of their pasts. But the darkness returned with a vengeance on that fateful day when Lanz fell—at least, that's what Ariella had believed. Rean had been there, standing beside her, promising to protect her from Zotaro's wrath. It was in that moment of vulnerability that the betrayal struck like a knife to her heart.

Overcome with rage, Ariella unleashed a surge of brilliant light that enveloped the skeletons surrounding her and Janne. The radiant energy melted them away, leaving only ashes in its wake. Janne, her eyes fierce with determination, continued firing at the relentless onslaught of skeletal foes, refusing to back down.

Meanwhile, Marco and Dian launched an all-out assault against Zotaro, their attacks fierce but futile. The Black Dragon loomed above them, a dark mass of power and fury, making it nearly impossible to reach its heart. Each strike met with the impenetrable scales of the beast, forcing them to regroup and rethink their strategy.

Across the battlefield, Marielle faced off against Shona, her heart racing as she remembered the day Shona had killed Marco. The pain of loss surged within her, sharpening her resolve. Shona activated the Force Phoenix, sending Marielle sprawling across the ground. Yuri, frozen by the fear that coursed through him, watched helplessly as Shona shot a fiery blast at Marielle.

In a split second, Marielle made a desperate decision. She leapt forward, intercepting the fire with her own body, taking the blow meant for Yuri. Time seemed to freeze as Marielle was knocked back, a grim reminder of the sacrifices they all had to make in this brutal conflict.

Dian, fueled by rage and determination, turned his attention to Zotaro. He charged, his sword swinging with unmatched strength, but the impact only shattered the earth beneath them, causing fissures to spiderweb across the ground. Zotaro's eyes widened in surprise at Dian's newfound power.

"If you were this strong, did you let yourself die that day?" Zotaro taunted.

"Enough talking! I'm here to kill you now!" Dian shot back, his voice laced with fury. He rushed toward Zotaro, but the dark figure caught him in mid-air, slamming him back into the ground multiple times, each impact driving the air from Dian's lungs.

Marco, seeing his friend in peril, rushed forward and plunged his blade into Zotaro. But the dragon roared in pain, shifting back into its black form and clutching Dian tightly, ready to unleash its fury on Marco.

"Let him go!" Marco shouted, determination flooding his veins. He remembered Jay's stories about how Rein had defeated Zotaro in dragon form. With a surge of adrenaline, he aimed for the vulnerable spot at Zotaro's neck.

The sword penetrated deep, releasing a plume of hot steam that seared Marco's face, yet he pressed on, undeterred by the pain. The dragon let out a roar, stumbling as it lost control, its body collapsing onto the skeletal soldiers below, crushing them under its weight.

With Zotaro incapacitated, Marco rushed to Dian's side, kneeling beside him. "Dian? Are you okay?" he asked, panic creeping into his voice.

Dian, barely conscious, breathed heavily. "Did we beat him?" he murmured, a flicker of hope in his eyes.