Binary Soul

> Narrator PoV <

The Capital city of Kotero was currently gripped in a panic. Sentries on the wall had spotted the Elder Dragon approaching from the sky and raised the alarm. It was pretty difficult not to notice, what with the 200 meter head-to-tail length and a wingspan slightly larger than that.

Covered in green, sturdy scales, teeth akin to broadswords, two pairs of sweeping black horns, four powerful legs with insanely sharp claws, numerous spines jutting out along its back and a temper worse than a pack of sober werewolves. It was a dragon no matter how you looked at it.

As is typical for Ancient Evil things that have just been unsealed, it was more peeved than usual. Seeing that pristine white breakable thing in the distance, it decided it would be a good place to unwind. Unfortunately, an Elder Dragon’s ‘unwinding’ could leave a nation in ruins.

Approaching its target, it inhaled deeply and breathed out a torrent of white-hot flame. Dragon fire was a terrifying weapon, but the Royal Capital is not to be underestimated. A gigantic one-way barrier sprang upwards from the ground just outside the white walls. This super-sized transparent shield successfully blocked the dragon’s fire.

Numerous ballistae and battle-mages along the walls returned fire from safety. The dragon’s height and speed meant that a good number of their attacks would miss entirely, and the tough scales would deflect the rest with ease. Annoyed at the much too feeble attempt on its life, the dragon swooped downwards and slashed at the stone wall. The city-sized barrier once again deflected the attack.

It was a defensive measure meant to endure months of sieges, so it wouldn’t break so easily. However, each part of a dragon could be called the ultimate weapon. Its claws, tail and breath mercilessly battered against the giant shield, while those behind it could do very little to impede its assault. They could attack through the barrier, but couldn't land a telling blow.

The capital’s adventurers were already on high alert from the disturbance earlier that morning, so they were able to quickly mobilize.They gathered close to the walls and made their preparations. Coating their blades, counting their arrows, readying their magic and steeling themselves. Nobody is truly prepared for facing an Elder Dragon, yet they were not daunted. They could not abandon their king, their homes or their families

* * *

Unknown to them, five people outside the city were also making their own preparations. Even though one of them wasn’t really a person.

“What about the others we left behind?” (Kelly)

“They’ll be fine. We left those two bound up and took away all their focusing tools so they can’t do anything. The others will wake up eventually.” (Kira)

“So this is the infamous Nano. Pleasure to meet you.” (Picorio)

“Hello Picorio. This is just a golem of mine, so don’t worry if it gets damaged.” (Nano)

“Nano, get me six HEs and two cryos.” (Ellie)

The specially built android called [Armory] opened its side panel and dispensed the eight grenades Ellie had requested. Although it was armed with gatling cannons, they were more of a last resort since ammo was limited. Its true purpose was support, recon and resupply.

“How come we always have to be fighting flying things?” (Kelly)

“That's not true you know? We did take down that 20-meter tall colossus few weeks back.” (Kira)

“Oh yeah! I almost forgot since it was too easy. All I had to do was crush its knees and it was helpless.” (Kelly)

“Flying things just give us the most trouble, huh?” (Ellie)

“That much is natural. Air superiority is a key advantage.” (Picorio)

“What’s the plan, Red? And please don’t tell me it’s-” (Kelly)

“[Sagittarius] at the wing.” (Kira)

Kira said so with a wide smile, causing Kelly to let out a deep sigh. It was a technique they had practiced regularly, but it was obvious that their opinions on it differed.

“Don’t complain or you can kiss that Orichalcum supplier goodbye!” (Kira)

“Right, whatever you say boss. Are you two going to do your thing then?” (Kelly)

“Yes, in a second. Picorio, stand next to me and assist as instructed, understood?” (Kira)

“Affirmative. Shall I reinforce everyone?” (Picorio)

“Just us three. Kelly and Nano are using golems so your magic won’t work on them” (Kira)

“Understood. Then I will begin. ----------- [Pace of Wind] ----------- [Strength of Stone]” (Picorio)

Several rings of light wrapped around Picorio, Ellie and Kira. They were spells that would boost one’s natural agility and muscle power respectively. Although weaker compared to the 30-second [Strength of Oak] enchantment, these could be used on groups and the effects lasted for up to an hour.

“Ohhh! I feel so light!” (Ellie)

“Come on Ellie, it’s time to go.” (Kira)

The two faced each other and stood face to face. Their foreheads and noses were touching. Each one was staring into the other’s eyes. Each placed their right hand on their partner’s left cheek.

What they were doing at this moment was not simple flirting.

““--------- [Unity]”” (Kira and Ellie)

Indeed, it was a very advanced form of flirting. Right now, Kira and Ellie were almost literally inside each other’s heads, sharing thoughts and knowledge freely and at high speeds.

The only outward sign the spell had succeeded was the two sets of mismatched irises now glowed with a uniform bright purple light.

““Alright, we’re ready. Kelly, get into position, we’re going to bring that thing down.”” (Kira and Ellie)

“It’s creepy no matter how many times I see that… Alright, ready when you are!” (Kelly)

The two wives walk over to the armored dwarf and each puts a hand on her shoulder.

{Okay, it’s peeling away from the wall. Standby!}

““------------”” (Kira and Ellie)

The girls were focusing on a spell while Nano was waiting for the moment when the dragon would fire its breath - the moment it was stationary. It didn’t take long.

{Stage one!}

“[Null Gravity]” (Kira and Ellie)

After receiving the signal, the stored mana is released as a spell and the armor is wrapped in an anti-gravity bubble made with magic. The two back away from the now slightly floating Scrappy.

{Stage two!}

Scrappy’s extra wide calves split open, revealing the specially crafted tools within - jet boosters created with magic.

{Stage three!}

“------ [Fire Step]” (Kelly)

Plumes of flame propelled the now weightless armor upward. It rapidly gained speed and height, shooting straight up in the air. Tiny servos controlled by Nano adjusted the pitch and yaw of the boosters, fine-tuning and correcting the sudden flight.

The technique so far was the [Catapult] that was used to get the drop - literally - on Court Wizard Rutland.

The Elder Dragon was focused on the attacks now pouring in from the castle wall, and did not respond to Kelly’s sudden assent. While it’s plausible she might reach the dragon, this was not her objective.

Ellie’s grapple was already attached to Kelly’s right hand.

{Stage four!}

*Vrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*

She pulled herself in. The difference in mass meant Kelly lost almost no speed while Ellie was rapidly approaching her.

{3… 2… 1… NOW!}

“EYYYYYAAAAA!” (Kelly)

Kelly’s arm was swung forward in an arc and the grapple line attached to it was cut.

The combined acceleration of the weightless flight, the grappling hook’s high-spec winch and Scrappy’s formidable throw had flung Ellie at a speed exceeding 250 km/h. A feat like this was impossible without Nano’s accurate calculations and precise timing.

She was approaching the Elder Dragon like a missile, reaching its height after several seconds. Since the dragon was still firing its breath upon the capital’s barriers, it could not react even if it deigned to notice her. Ellie spread her previously tucked-in arms and legs to control her speed and flight path, then fired a grappling hook at the dragon’s back.

*Fwump* *Clack* *Vrrrrr*

Attaching the hook onto one of its spines, with some guidance from [Telekinesis], she pulled herself in and successfully put boots down on the dragon’s back, right between the beating wings. Ellie unsheathed the sword on her waist and took careful aim at the place where the dragon’s wing was connected to its body.

She took a swing with all the strength she could muster, using [Telekinesis] to apply extra force to the back of the blade. The tough scales were ripped apart by a strike that could (theoretically) slice starship-grade armor, creating a deep and wide gash.

*KUAAAAAAAAAAAAAH*

It was only then the dragon realized someone had boarded it and it thrashed wildly, but it was too late. Ellie had already armed four High Explosive Pocket Grenades and stuck them deep inside the open wound before leaping up and away from its back.

*BABABABOOOOOM*

*YEEEAAAAAANNNN*

The grenades exploded a few breaths later, ripping apart the now-screaming dragon’s backside. This was Ellie’s strategy when fighting opponents vastly bigger than herself - strip the flesh and ‘salt’ the wound.

However, dragons are tough bastards - the wing was not completely torn off. Yet. Ellie pulled herself in with her grappling hooks once more and used the extra speed to slice clean through the exposed and weakened bone near the base of the wing. The dragon’s now useless limb dangled pointlessly, connected only by bits of its webbing. Ellie, who was already falling away from it, poured mana into her sword, using it like a metal wand.

“------- [Flight]” (Ellie)

In contrast to her calm and graceful descent, the previously flying Elder Dragon was now rapidly becoming a grounded one while leaving a trail of smoke and blood. It collided with the city’s barrier, bouncing back slightly before then crashing into the ground with a huge noise and cloud of dust.

{“I cannot. Believe. That worked.”} (Kelly)

{““We didn’t have a single doubt! Nano’s never been wrong you know!?””} (Kira and Ellie)

{Enough about that, how’s the target?}

{““Looks to be still alive. Everyone regroup and Ellie’s position!””} (Kira and Ellie)