Chapter 35: (CH34)THE DRAGON RIDER
The climb happened faster than expected—almost dreamlike in its smoothness. The four SUB-MACHINE GUN DRONES disengaged from their mounts, two attaching to each Knight Mech, and with a low, subtle whir, their rotors spun up. Despite their weight, the Knight Mechs moved fluidly, climbing the massive vine like creatures bred for it. Their actuators flexed and extended with powerful precision, hoisting Luis upward toward the floating island. The drones, feather-light and coordinated, gave additional lift and stability to the ascent. It was quiet, efficient, almost elegant.
At the summit, a mossy ledge welcomed them. The air was clean and cool, tinged with that distinct, metallic hint of ozone. There was no sign of the dragon girl or her silver-scaled Pyrion—only the vast stretch of plateau, speckled with luminous flora and ancient, twisted trees.
"Figures," Zyx grumbled, materializing just above Luis’s shoulder, arms crossed in mock disappointment.
"Just when you’re set up for your dramatic anime entrance, she’s off sipping celestial tea or something."
"She’s here," Luis muttered, eyes scanning the terrain. "She just hasn’t noticed me yet."
He turned to his units.
"Knights, drones—get into position. Hide. Wait for the signal."
The Knight Mechs thudded off, steps muffled by thick moss, fading into the shadows beneath the canopy. The SUB-MACHINE GUN DRONES zipped out, practically melting into the leaves, their silent profiles disappearing against the vibrant skyline.
Luis approached the middle of a large clearing, a circle of softly glowing grass stretching out before him. This had to make a statement.
He took a breath.
Then channeled Mind Construct.