CASTLEVANIA: DIRGE OF TWILIGHT

chapter 3

"Yes, sir. We have successfully halted the attack on the city," Torajiro reported, his voice steady yet tinged with frustration. "However, we were unable to destroy the barrier," he added, his eyes meeting Arikardo's as he lowered the documents he had been reading. Arikardo, seated behind his ornate mahogany desk, exuded an air of calm and composure. He sighed deeply, a subtle sign of the weight of their ongoing struggle.

"As expected," Arikardo replied, nodding thoughtfully. "Our vampire hunters have recently reported back. They managed to trace the aura of the barrier to multiple locations. According to their findings, these auras are linked to various places. The first trace leads to an old magic academy in Romania, which was raided by Dracula's forces in 1792. I will provide you with the coordinates."

Torajiro nodded, absorbing the information. "I'll inform Sugita immediately," he said, turning to leave. He paused at the door, glancing back over his shoulder. "Do we have any allies assisting us there?" he inquired, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

Arikardo's eyes met his with a reassuring gaze. "Yes, you will rendezvous with them soon. Good luck, Torajiro," he said, his tone firm yet encouraging.

Torajiro gave a final nod before exiting the room, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on his shoulders.

"How much further, ugh!" Sugita complained, her voice heavy with exhaustion as they trudged down the forest path. Each step seemed to sap more of her energy. Torajiro, however, appeared unfazed, his expression stoic and determined.

"A little further," he replied calmly, not breaking his stride.

Sugita, unable to bear the fatigue any longer, pulled out Cerberus' card. With a flash of light, the three-headed dog materialized, its massive, car-sized body panting playfully as all three heads barked in unison. She smiled tiredly at the familiar sight. "Cerberus? Mind giving us a ride?"

"No, no thank you," Torajiro declined immediately, continuing to walk ahead without a second glance.

"Hmph!" Sugita pouted, then sighed, her expression softening as she looked at Cerberus' playful demeanor. "Is it alright if you just give me a ride?"

Cerberus' heads barked in affirmation, and Sugita climbed onto its back. "Woah, woah! Slow down!" she laughed, holding tightly to its fur as it bounded forward, her fatigue momentarily forgotten.

Torajiro muttered something under his breath and pulled out a talisman inscribed with the kanji "龍" (dragon). "Ryu," he commanded. Sugita and Cerberus watched in awe as a colossal dragon, reminiscent of the mythical beasts from their homeland, Japan, appeared. It roared into the sky before lowering its head to allow Torajiro to climb onto its back.

"HEY, NO FAIR! HOW ARE YOU FASTER?!" Sugita shouted, pouting as the dragon soared into the sky. Cerberus continued to bound down the path, carrying her swiftly but not as swiftly as the dragon.

Torajiro gazed ahead, spotting a swarm of Giant Bats, Harpies, and Altairs carrying Hunchbacks. He stood on the dragon's back, maintaining his balance as the creatures surrounded them. Four Giant Bats screeched and lunged at him, but he swiftly sliced through them, causing them to burst into flames. The dragon breathed fire, incinerating any enemies within its range.

"HOW'S EVERYTHING DOWN THERE, SUGITA?!" Torajiro shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos. Despite being overwhelmed, he maintained his stoic demeanor.

"NOT DOING GOOD, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT?!" Sugita shouted back, the sound of gunshots echoing from below.

"Tch!.." Torajiro muttered, frustration evident in his voice.