[Knight of Holy Dragon - Part A]
"Cease your futile resistance. You have no reinforcements left. The mage guild's Sunfall Anthem is nearly complete—soon the capital will crumble to ash in an instant, and a new order will rise from the ruins."
On screen, a stick figure's eyes burned with intensity.
"To fulfill your hollow vision, you'd slaughter thousands of innocents?!"
Another stick figure sprouted a # symbol above its head, radiating fury.
"Better to burn for a greater cause than live enslaved by the duchy, stripped of dignity and dreams."
"Pretty words for vile greed!"
"You, born to privilege, never wanting for food—how would you understand? You call me power-hungry, yet you defend the same throne that feeds you luxury. Every bite you take is laced with our flesh, every sip steeped in our blood! Hypocrite! Self-righteous fraud!"
"You can't do this… there's still a chance to turn back!"
"Hmph, clinging to your fairytale? Enough talk—"
The stick figure astride a stick horse raised a booming cry.
"Comrades! Now is the hour to raise our banners! Step over our fallen kin, reclaim our shattered dreams, and swing your blades to sever the tyrant's head! We are weak rebels—now moths to the flame, burning away a century's chains! For a brighter tomorrow!"
"For tomorrow!" Takizawa, as Soldier A, bellowed before dodging aside.
"Charge!" Matsuoka, as Soldier B, filled the gap with a fiery shout.
The plot dissolved into chaos.
The script described: [A fierce, tragic melee—people twisted by hate and hope, slashing with all they have.]
The rough footage showed a top-down view of stick figures shoving and colliding, with jagged black lines mimicking flames and lightning.
"Stop! Is this carnage truly what you want?!"
"Girl, there's no turning back. Draw your weapon, or the battlefield will grind you to dust!"
A close-up framed the rebel leader, lance raised, charging on horseback, his crudely drawn face etched with resolve. The noble swordswoman guarding the palace countered, their weapons clashing in a shower of sparks, dizzying black-and-white flashes, and speed lines.
Voicing the noble girl was a popular actress, now in her element. Yoko seized the moment to shine, her voice crisp and valiant.
"Ugh! No surprise from the duchy's famed magic knight. But you're too soft-hearted for war!"
"Unlike you, my blade exists to protect." Yoko's tone was noble, merging with her role. "Why can't we understand each other?"
"Let's settle this, girl. War god Haroi, grant me the sacred strength to pierce my foe!" The rebel leader raised a lance pulsing with energy.
"Damn you… Flame god, wreathe this sword!" The noble girl charged.
"Lord Hanno, I'm with you!" Takizawa's Soldier A swung a shoddy weapon, joining the fray.
After a chaotic montage and baffling transition.
"…Urgh." Takizawa's Soldier A spat blood and collapsed gloriously.
"Using comrades as shields?! You monster!" Yoko's clenched fist shook with rage.
"For the cause, we sacrifice all! Don't underestimate our resolve—Flash Burst!" The rebel leader unleashed a spell.
Flames engulfed the dying Soldier A and the noble girl.
Takizawa watched his stick figure explode again, a flicker of unease stirring, tinged with sorrow.
Seconds later, the unscathed noble swordswoman slashed through the smoke, lunging at her foe.
"You sanctimonious bastard, I'll kill you!" Yoko swung her script like a sword hilt.
The scene froze.
"Great, that's a wrap for this part. Take a break," The sound director said, tweaking in the booth.
The actors bowed to each other and sat.
Yoko shifted from fierce noble to poised Yamato Nadeshiko, subtly glancing at the newbies.
No tact—now's the time to flatter and show awe for their senpai.
[Yuras, Jaden, leave it to me. My turn, draw! Here I go! I send Stardust Dragon and Neo-Spacian to the graveyard—come forth, my strongest servant, Dark Magician!]
Takizawa, the chronic slacker, was zoning out, replaying classics with a smirk.
Matsuoka buried himself in his script, as if he could absorb it like magic bread.
Yoko felt ignored.
Playing hard-to-get with that smug grin? This rookie could outmaneuver even the slickest players—terrifying.
After hesitating, Yoko made her move, sliding near the newbies, clearing her throat with a gentle smile.
"How's it going? Settling in?"
"Thanks to you," Takizawa auto-replied, snapping out of his daze in half a second to pivot smoothly. "With you here, the set feels steadier!"
"Your commanding presence is inspiring—truly dazzling," Matsuoka added, picking up flowery praise from his scholar friend.
"Haha, oh stop." Yoko reined in her grin to stay composed. "If my performance helps or sparks even a little inspiration, it's worth it."
"Textbook swordswoman! You nailed her strength and soft heart!" Takizawa said.
"Your battle cries, the breathing cadence—masterful, a pro's example," Matsuoka praised.
"Even with crude visuals, your voice alone puts me on a blazing battlefield!" Takizawa continued.
"Your timing, phrasing, rhythm—worth studying deeply," Matsuoka added.
"And you're so kind, checking on us like this…" Takizawa said, touched.
"Like an angel fallen to earth, stripped of divine power, wings shed, yet your pure heart remains untarnished," Matsuoka said, swept up by his friend, unlocking a new, if cheesy, eloquence.
"Long have I wandered a barren plain, lost and aimless. I've seen parched earth and dead birds, thinking I'd turn to dust too. Then I met you, senpai." Takizawa glanced at his friend, setting an example.
"…You showed me life's vibrance. The oasis isn't a myth, nor rainbows just old tales. At night, under flowing stars, I'll remember the day you brought this to me," Matsuoka said hesitantly.
Takizawa nodded approvingly.
Yoko shook her head, stifling laughter.
"Oh, come on, it's not that dramatic. But as a senpai, I should set an example!" She cut her laugh short, staying poised. "Gotta stay classy!"
"Uh, Hikasa-san, can we redo that part? A bit too intense—can you dial it back?" The director called through the mic.
Yoko's smile froze, but she stayed flawless, tossing her hair with calm, feminine grace.
"These things happen. Let me show you the tricks for re-recording."
Fearless, Yoko dove back in.
"No wonder she's a standout—flubbing on purpose to teach us recovery. Takizawa, we've got a long way to go," Matsuoka sighed, watching her.
Minutes later.
"Still off—too soft now. Don't overcomplicate; keep it sharp," Director Nagasaki suggested.
After another try.
"It's clear, but too disjointed. Blend it better."
Third attempt.
"It's okay, but… could be stronger. Ease up on the tail stress."
Fourth try.
"Yes, perfect. Thanks for tweaking," Nagasaki nodded, releasing her.
Yoko returned to her seat, but something in her eyes had dimmed.
Matsuoka, unusually bold, stepped up to thank her, still in his verbose mode.
"Truly a senpai, deliberately showing every mistake to drill in lessons. Such depth—thank you for your guidance."
Yoko bowed her head deeply.
Takizawa covered his face.
Did I misjudge my friend's social skills overnight?
"This part's done. Those not needed for more can go. Thanks again," Nagasaki called.
"Ahem, Hikasa-san, we're heading out," Takizawa said.
"Bye."
The warrior was gone, replaced by a lifeless puppet. Yoko Hikasa waved mechanically, eyes blank.
Takizawa, feeling a pang, left first.
"Hikasa-san, please guide us more!" Matsuoka bowed earnestly.
"Sure," Yoko waved sadly.
Once the extras cleared out, she clutched her clothes, writhing in her seat, mortified.
Ugh, so embarrassing!
…
Matsuoka hit the hallway, not seeing his friend—probably downstairs.
He took a few steps, paused, then turned back.
"Ogura-san."
The small girl trailing him looked up, puzzled by his formal address.
"…Fancy meeting you again," Matsuoka said after a beat.
"Indeed, Matsuoka-san," She replied politely.
"See you next time."
"Yeah, next time." The girl's smile was pure and bright.
***
Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing well. I just wanted to let you know that right now I'm working on a really good and promising fate fanfic. If you're interested in reading it, feel free to give it a try:
[Fate/Max Level Returner]
Synopsis:
What if you took your max-level account and replayed the entire story from the beginning?
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