Vera was in the lab, checking on the Fulgore unit that the Last Crusade had since they were in Valentia.
"Is everything alright, Vera?" Mari asked as she walked in.
"Oh, Mari. Because of everything that's happened with the IGPX, I haven't had a lot of time to work on this Fulgore unit you got for us." Vera said.
"I see, do you need any materials for it that I can replicate?" Mari asked.
"Something that can help with his reprogramming so that he won't attack us when he activates." Vera said.
"Alright, one A.I. and Reprogram chip coming up!" Mari said activating her gauntlet as it printed out the chips in midair and grabbed them. "Here you go!" She said holding out the Reprogram and A.I. chips.
"Thanks." Vera said as she got to work.
"So, what were you doing before you joined David and the others?" Mari asked.
"Before that, I was Bisley Bakur's secretary and their mission control for the Fractured Dimension incident." Vera said.
"I see. Before I met Ace and the others, I was a researcher for Germa. I researched the dimensions that often appeared in my world." Mari said pushing her glasses up.
"I see. So Spirius' work was putting a damper on your research." Vera said.
"Not exactly. You see, whenever me or one of my friends entered an area to do our research we found it was unstable and had to activate a device to stabilize it." Mari explained. "My friend Urken was also a researcher and she researched time back on our world." She said before taking her glasses off and cleaning them."
"The only person I know back in my homeworld is my sister Nova." Vera said. "Julius and Ludger lost their lives during Origin's Trial, and...now she's all alone."
"I'm sorry to hear that, if there was a way, we could find a way to bring Julius and Ludger back." Mari said.
"That's appreciated, but...they wouldn't want that." Vera said.
"I see, sorry I couldn't be much help with that." Mari said. "You know, since I'm able to make materials, I could use them to help upgrade everyone's weapons."
"Thank you. They would find that very helpful." Vera said as she finished. "It's ready. Activating now!"
"Pull the lever, Vera." Mari said as she did so, causing electricity to spark as bolts go from the wires into Fulgore. "It's alive, It's alive!" She said as she laughed dramatically.
"Keep it down, down there!" Skull shouted
"Sorry about that!" Mari yelled back.
Once the light show ends, the optics shined.
"I… I think it worked." Vera said.
"Hmm, Fulgore? Are you awake?" Mari asked as she tapped Fulgore on the arm before it moved. "Aah!" Mari screamed before she grabbed onto Vera.
Fulgore slowly got up and held his head. "Where...am I?"
"He is able to speak. It seems that the mind used for this unit has given him a degree of self-awareness." Vera said.
"And the A.I. chip I gave you must of upgraded it. Giving him his own thoughts and emotions most likely." Mari said as she let go of Vera and stood up. "Good morning Fulgore, how are you?" She asked.
"I...don't know. All I could remember was… A blue haired boy and...a fairy I gave to strange people." Fulgore said.
"Those were my friends Ace and Stoj, what you did wasn't your fault." Mari said. "My name is Mari and this is Vera. We're the ones who helped repair you." She said smiling.
"I see. It would seem I am indebted to you." Fulgore said.
"It's no problem, I'm sure everyone will be excited to meet you." Mari said smiling at him. "Can you walk? Is everything functional?" She asked.
"All systems functional. And though you're not of Ultratech, you don't seem to be threats." Fulgore said.
"That was on me. I had to reprogram you so that you wouldn't attack us on sight." Vera said.
"That does explain it. I do not know what was going on, but… I am grateful for this." Fulgore said.
"And I gave you the A.I. chip so you would have your own thoughts and emotions. And you don't have to worry about Ultratech anymore. They're helping people now." Mari said. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes. I will do what I can to be of use to you all." Fulgore said.
"Don't worry we're comrades now so we'll help each other." Mari said. "Let's go introduce you to everyone." She said wrapping her arms around Fulgore's right arm.
Meanwhile upstairs…
"So...about this talent war thing...what is it exactly?" Hope asked.
"One of Talent Corp's most powerful events. Its something rarely ever called. Its normally used to settle resolves between different organizations, but this is different." Makoto said.
"What do you think we can expect from the hobbyists?" Ace asked nervously.
"Not sure. The rules and gameplay are different every time." Makoto said.
"I see, I'm not sure what Hobbyists they have, but we need to make sure we're all ready." Ace said fidgeting with his pendant. "This is the fate of Multiverse at stake."
"Yes. That's why we have to work hard if we're going to finally topple them." Jexi said.
"Hey Anna, can you and Futaba look up the Hobbyists' profiles to see who we're up against?" Aya asked.
"We'll do our best." Anna said as she typed on her computer. "Huh? No files?"
"Same here. Ah!" Futaba said as her computer smoked. "And with a serious countermeasure too."
"Makes sense. They don't want you getting an edge." Makoto said. "Besides, its against the rules to look through opponents beforehand."
"It doesn't matter anyway. We're almost there." Jexi said as Central City stood within their sights.
"Well here we go." Ace said. "Let's rock!" He said as his eyes shined for a moment.
The ships landed in front of the large building that is Talent Corp. They soon headed inside as Diablo stood at the intersection of the 10 facilities. "Welcome! So glad you could make it." Diablo said.
"Hmm." Ace had his arms crossed as he stared at Diablo.
"So...this talent war...what do you have in mind?" Makoto asked.
"For this Talent War...I find it fitting for it to be….King's Conquest." Diablo said.
"King's Conquest?" Azura asked as she gripped her lance.
"As the name suggests, I have within each sector the best of the best offered in Talent Corp as well as the Hobbyists. Each leader will bring a few supporters with them and go for a sector in an attempt to conquer it. You win when all areas have been conquered." Diablo said.
"So we have to fight each of your members as well as the Hobbyists." Saki theorized.
"Not exactly fight, but in a sense, yes." Diablo said. "It isn't all fighting. Sports Heaven will be sporting matches for example."
"I see, so each sector will have a different category for each of us to face." Harpuia said.
"Of course, there are even some cases where a Hobbyist or member of Talent Corp won't cut it. I've had to hire some help as well." Diablo said.
"Like an assassin?" Connor asked.
"Yes. I even hired someone from an organization you've probably heard before...Cipher." Diablo said.
"You even got them involved." Aria said growling.
"But I'm sad to say that you all are two leaders short of competing." Diablo said.
"What? Where in the rules does it say that?" Hope said. "Ugh. Where are we gonna find two more guys?"
"Hey, brother!" A voice said as Benny ran in. "You forgot your wallet in the restaurant and I saw your ship here and…" he said before Hope grabbed him.
"He'll be one of our leaders." Hope said.
"Say what?!" Benny said.
"Hmm. He's not affiliated with anyone so its accepted. But you are still short one." Diablo said.
"Not anymore...Diego." Another voice said as the doors were broken open with chains.
"Linc!" Shuichi said.
"Linc…." Diablo said in shock.
"You seem surprised to see me. I guess it has been about 20 years since we last spoke." Linc said walking in.
"A friend of yours, Shuichi?" Ace asked.
"Yeah. He was the one that helped me and my friends throughout that killing game I was talking about." Shuichi said.
"Well, any friend of yours is a friend of mine." Ace said as he nodded his head towards Linc.
"Diego...I've come to settle things with you once and for all." Linc said.
"Fine. I can accept that. I will be waiting in Sector 10: Supreme Talents Royale for you, Linc." Diablo said turning towards the area.
"Well, guess this is where we split. Who's taking where?" Himiko asked.
"Diablo said that the people we're facing will have backup, so we'll need to pick our arrangements carefully." David said.
"Yeah." Ace agreed before he turned to Azura and Stoj. "I want you two to wait here, can you promise me that?" He asked putting his hands on their shoulders.
"Actually, if I'm right about the Cipher agent they hired, I might need Azura." Aria said.
"Are you sure about that? Well please take care of her." Ace said as he looked to Azura and pulled her into a hug. "Come back safely, sis." He said.
"Do not worry Ace, I will be OK." Azura reassured.
"Hey, Ty. Rules say I need a leader so.." Aria said.
"No need to say it." Ty said.
"Twilight, Starlight. Need you guys too." Aria said.
"On it!" the two said.
"You guys take care of each other ok?" Stoj said.
"We'll be fine." Ty said as he lead the group to Sector 3: Animal Paradise.
"I already know where I'm going. I'm headed to Fighter's Mountain." Jexi said.
"Sports Heaven or Gamer's Palace for me." David said.
"I'm not sure where I should head yet." Ace said.
"David, you're better at sports than most of us. You should head for Sports Heaven while I take Gamer's Palace." Hope said.
"Very well. Just be careful. You might run into Aaron there." David said.
"I know I will. In some way, it's my fault for what happened with his father. But...it's time to own up to my mistake." Hope said.
"Don't forget that I was involved to. He did use Vector to try and kill me, after all." David said.
"Weren't you still a rookie at that point?" Alvin asked.
"I was, but I was still involved in it. So just take him down for the both of us." David said.
"Good luck you two, please come back safe." Ace said as he clasped his hands to his chest.
"If we didn't think we will, we wouldn't have agreed to this, would we?" David asked.
"Of course not, just...please come back safely...brother." Ace muttered the last part.
"You folks sure are gettin sentimental." Connor said making his way to Sector 2: Entertainer's Dream.
"It's not a problem, is it?" Spade asked playfully smirking at Connor.
"Too much sentiment will get you killed if ya let it." Connor said. "As for me...I think I'll shoot down this other guy they hired in a shoot off."
"Good luck Connor." Orchid said saluting to him.
"Why you salutin? I'm dragging ya with me." Connor said.
"Say what?" Ace asked.
"They say you can bring help, didn't they?" Connor said.
"Yes that is true, Connor I leave my sister in your care." Jago said bowing to him.
"Don't worry. I'll try and bring...most of her back." Connor said.
Jago emitted a bit of a dark aura as he glared at Connor. "Make sure all of her comes back. Fight well. And good luck." He said.
"Fine, see ya." Connor said dragging her off.
"Guess we should go too." Zexi said headed for Sector 4: Garden Kingdom.
"Right behind you." Jack said headed for Sector 9: Rarity Talents.
"Time to go." Ace said entering Sector 6: Aquarium's Majesty.
"Guess that leaves me with…" Benny said looking to Sector 7: Cultural Pavillon. "Please no fighting!" he hoped crossing his fingers.
"There are probably team sports where you're going, Dave, so you'd best pick your backup wisely." Takeshi said.
"Oh! I'm in! I'm awesome at sports!" Indigo said.
"Young Ace. The 6th sector is obviously mostly water. I should come with you in order to verify your safety." Jimbei said.
"Very well. The four guardians and Aya, Kagura, Saaya, and Saki will come along as well." Ace said. "You and Leviathan won't have trouble fighting underwater, and I'll have a little something special to help out." He said.
"Hmm… I'm trying to keep my team gender-equal, but I don't even know what sports we're gonna do." David said.
"It could be Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, track or archery. Luckily I'm good at running." Al said.
"The possibility don't really make it any easier. The only ones I'm comfortable bringing along with Indigo and you are Sectonia, Nora, Mayumi and Leia." David said.
"So mostly girls." Al said.
"Yeah, but that's Hope's shtick. I don't want to end up copying him." David said.
"You won't. I'll come with you." Todoroki said approaching.
"Yeah...I'll go too." Ulrich said.
"You can count us in, too." Josuke said with his arm around Koichi.
"Huh? Me too?" Koichi asked.
"Yeah, it'll be fine." Josuke said.
Necrozma let out a bellow.
"I'm not sure how he's work, but I think Necrozma wants to go with Twilight." Mayumi said. "She'll probably need you more than me. Go get 'em."
"I guess I can come along too." Jude said.
"I know I can always count on you when things get dicey, Jude." David said before turning to the Tapu Guardians. "You guys give Hope the support he needs."
"You got it!" Tapu Lele said.
"I think Hope will need you in this too, Odd." Jeremy said.
"Yeah. Sonata, care to come with?" Odd asked.
"Sure. After you explain what's happening." Sonata said.
"Uh...sure." Odd said leading her off.
"I shall provide backup for Jexi." Jago said as he left.
"Same here." Ranma said.
"I as well." Maya said.
"I think I better go help Jack." Joker said.
"I'll go help Connor." Stoj said flying off.
"Us as well." Kabuki said as she, Maki and Harumi went to Sector 2. "If it's an assassin he's dealing with, he'll need all the help he can get."
"Right, and we'll go help Ace." Anna said as she and Roy went to Sector 6.
"(I shall assist Jack as well.)." Hisako said as she disappeared.
"What about Benny and Linc? We can't just leave them to the wolves."
"I shall assist Benny." Minerva said.
"And I'll help Linc." Linde said.
"I'll go with you, Linde. It's my turn to help him out now." Shuichi said.
"I'll go help Benny." Reflet said.
"Wait for me Linde!" Papelne said running up to them in beast form.
"I think I better help out Benny too." Daisy said.
"I'll help too Daisy." Mari said.
"And I'll go with Linc." Aelita said.
"I'll accompany you as well." Guy said.
"I'll backup my brother." Spade said.
"I'm going for Zexi." Kenshin said going to Sector 4.
"Same here. That kid needs some back up." Riku said following.
"I think that should be enough." Nami said.
"If that is the case, the rest of you are welcome to watch from the rafters outside." an attendant said.
"I guess the rest is all on them." Alvin said.
"Let's hope for their success." Yuno said.
Sector 1: David Ishihara, Sectonia, Leonora LeBlanc, Mayumi Kirishima, Indigo Zap, Shouto Todoroki, Jude Mathis, Leia Rolando, Ulrich Stern, Al, Josuke Higashikata, Koichi Hirose
Sector 2: Connor Trav, Orchid, Stoj, Kabuki, Harumi Ishihara, Maki Harukawa.
Sector 3: Ty Takahashi, Aria Blaze, Azura, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Necrozma.
Sector 4: Zexi, Kenshin Flux, Riku
Sector 5: Hope the Victor, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Odd Della Robbia, Sonata Dusk
Sector 6: Ace Neptune, Spade Neptune, Aya, Saki, Kagura, Saaya, Jimbei, Sage Harpuia, Fighting Fefnir, Fairy Leviathan, Hidden Phantom, Anna, and Roy
Sector 7: Benny Ginova, Minerva, Reflet, Daisy Ginova, Mari.
Sector 8: Jexi the Hunter, Jago, Ranma Saotome, Maya.
Sector 9: Jack Ginova, Joker aka Akira Kurusu, Shin Hisako
Sector 10: Linc, Linde, Aelita Schaffer, Papelne, Shuichi Saihara, Guy Cecil.
The stage is now set. The Talent War has begun!