In-between Episode 03
~ Shrovetide ~
"Where are we?" asked Fūka while repeatedly rubbing both of her eyes simultaneously. She together with her dearest childhood friend, Rinne Berlinetta, Stern Starks of Annihilation and Levi Russel of Lightning should have descended deeper into the Stone Fang Tunnel's innermost sanctum to fight the evil elder dragon that terrorized Kingdom of Boletaria in the past. Yet, the only thing that greeted them was only a decomposed corpse of Fatalis, the aforementioned evil elder dragon that previously terrorized Kingdom of Boletaria together with a dormant and slightly damaged Crossgate Paradigm Portal underneath it. Stern in which has also arrived together with Rinne and Levi decided to inspect the aforementioned decomposing corpse of evil elder dragon Fatalis before she calmly answer Fūka's question just now.
"We are in the deepest part of Stone Fang Tunnel and found our target has already long gone at the same time, Reventón. Surely you might think that the result has been somehow anticlimactic after we fought and defeated Kushala Daora before. Nonetheless, I personally believe it would be for the best that we don't need to fight Fatalis in the end…" calmly answered Stern back while reassuringly smiled at Fūka as well, in return. It was when Levi in which previously just listened at Stern's calm answer at Fūka's question decided to also adding her own thought as well, shortly afterwards. "While I agree with Ste-run's opinion, it would definitely be a lot more fun for me, Fū-nya and Brünnhilde to actually fight that evil Black Fang over there, as Windy Fang isn't much of a challenge unfortunately…" casually remarked Levi, as she personally reaffirmed her desire to actually fight Fatalis after all. Because of that, Levi Russel of Lightning was definitely feel disappointed for this somehow anticlimactic outcome after she together with Stern, Fūka and Rinne descended deeper into Stone Fang Tunnel's innermost sanctum.
"I also agree with miss Stern's opinion about what currently happened miss Levi. Since it truly is relieving to know that Fatalis is no longer terrorizing Kingdom of Boletaria or Esteria, I should say. Nonetheless, we still need to figure out about how and why Kushala Daora is secretly living in this tunnel, especially when it should never actually migrate to the part of this world in the past…" added Rinne while at the same time mentioning on how Kushala Daora's presence in this Stone Fang Tunnel has been quite unusual after all. "W-what do you mean by that, Rinne?" asked Fūka this time around with an extremely confused look shown all over her face. "Kushala Daora has never before migrating to Esteria in the past, Fū-chan. Because of that, its unexpected presence here is definitely unusual, as if there is a sudden change of this world's ecosystem in which I or we happen to be unaware of…" calmly replied Rinne back before she quickly gave Stern Starks of Annihilation a concerned glance as well, simultaneously.
"Berlinetta is correct, Reventón. While Levi and I only have just recently arrived in Esteria, we noticed an unexpected major change of this world's ecosystem. As if the entire existence of this world has been distorted by a force beyond our comprehension and understanding…" added Stern in her respond towards Rinne's reply just now, as she decided to also investigate the said decomposing corpse of evil elder dragon, Fatalis shortly afterwards. "But Pinkette and her Amita-neesan hasn't said anything to us, Ste-run. Aren't we just a little bit paranoid, as we should ask Fū-nya's opinion about this unexpected development as well, I believe…" argued Levi while simultaneously mentioned that both Amitie and Kyrie Florian have yet warned her as well as Stern of any distortion that might already befell this Time-Space Administrative Bureau's non administrated world that existed beyond the "Eclipse Region" itself.
Fūka in which previously has just been staring at her childhood friend, Rinne for the entire time was completely startled by Levi's argument and suggestion just now. "Eh? I am not particularly understood on how things such as time and space continuum can be distorted after all. Although Haru-san once told me on how these things exist when we began to tamper with something that actually forbidden, like that mysterious paper doll charm in which Haru-san together with Vivi-san, commander Yagami, sergeant major Eins and Enforcer Takamachi has investigated in the past…" quickly responded Fūka back with her slightly stuttered voice, as she also recalled her beloved mentor, Einhalt Stratos' words on how time and space continuum distortion usually happens when people tried to tamper with it.
"Uhm, I don't really remember anything about it. How about you, Ste-run? Do you remember if such things truly happens in the past?" innocently asked Levi while replying back at Fūka's slightly stuttered respond just now. Stern in which still currently investigating the aforementioned corpse of evil elder dragon, Fatalis was only shook her head gently before answering Levi's innocent question as well, in return. "It actually is happening in the past when Othinus decided to dismantle the third newborn world, Levi. I remember that Einhalt, Vivio and Enforcer Takamachi were among those in which has been directly involved in this case from when it began. Eins and commander Yagami were also investigating it together with Amita when we together with Kyrie were busy with our own tasks…" calmly answered Stern back before she decided to also turn her attention towards Einhalt Stratos' beloved protégé, Fūka Reventón as well, shortly afterwards. "Uhm, is there anything wrong with me, Stern-san?" nervously asked Fūka before she started to wonder if Stern's story just now has somehow related to Kushala Daora's presence in this Stone Fang Tunnel after all.
"Nothing is particularly wrong with you, Reventón. Since I only remembered about something else when looking at your face…" calmly replied Stern back, as she also reassuringly smiled at Fūka as well, in return. "R-really?" bashfully asked Fūka, as she couldn't help herself from blushing slightly in embarrassment not long afterwards. "I'm sure that miss Stern was remembering miss Einhalt Stratos when she saw your face, Fū-chan. Since your fighting style and barrier jacket has definitely reminded us to her…" explained Rinne while smiling at the blushing Fūka before she decided to also took a few photographs using her faithful Device, Scuderia simultaneously. "Yup! Levi is also agree with Ste-run and Brünnhilde! Since Fū-nya's fighting style and barrier jacket is definitely remind us to Hegemon-chan despite lacking in some area!" cheerfully and innocently added Levi while grinning at Fūka in which blushing even redder in embarrassment after noticing the area that she was definitely lacking compare to her beloved mentor, Einhalt Stratos after all.
Stern in which has just finished from taking a few important photographs from the decomposing corpse of evil elder dragon, Fatalis was only letting a small chuckle out before she decided to calm Levi down. "You shouldn't tease Reventón too much, Levi. Since Berlinetta might punch you to the orbit like what Einhalt has done in the past…" calmly reminded Stern, as Levi quickly retorted back at her while pouting as well, in return. "Hey! I was just teasing Saint King-chan back then. I never expect that her girlfriend, Hegemon-chan is taking my joke a little too seriously and challenge me afterwards…" argued Levi back while shuddering slightly in fear, as she remembered on how Einhalt has not only manage to block her faithful Device, Vulnificus in its ultimate "Braver Form" but also punch her out of Vaizen's orbit using a well-placed Hegemon Sky-severing Knuckle or "Haō Dankū Ken" at the same time.
"W-what happened to Levi-san back then, Stern-san? Did Haru-san has done something that traumatize her?" asked Fūka while wondering if Einhalt Stratos, her beloved mentor has done something to Levi Russel of Lightning when she challenged her in the past. "Well, both Einhalt and Levi fought quite intensely against one another using DSAA's rules for synthetic magic battle, as only by doing so, Levi herself could also fought Einhalt in her full strength and potential after all. Nonetheless, Einhalt still defeated Levi in the end using a well-placed Sky-severing Knuckle that also threw her out of Vaizen's orbit in the end…" explained Stern while answering Fūka's question just now, as she was also letting out a small chuckle as well not long afterwards.
"Ste-run! You big meanie! Don't tell Fū-nya and Brünnhilde that embarrassing secret!" protested Levi while pouting at her best friend, Stern as well in return. "Well, please don't feel bad about it miss Levi, since Fū-chan's mentor, miss Einhalt is definitely strong and I can personally attest that…" added Rinne, as she at the same time decided to also comfort Levi for losing against the former U15 Striker Championship's World Champion, Einhalt Stratos in the past. "I know that! S-still, I hate losing against my opponents!" protested Levi while continue on pouting, as she still remembered when Einhalt Stratos has defeated her using a well-placed Hegemon Sky-severing Knuckle or "Haō Dankū Ken" back then.
"Then you just need to keep on challenging miss Einhalt again and again, miss Levi. Since I'm sure that you will be able to one day defeat miss Einhalt using DSAA's rules for synthetic magic battle after all…" once again responded Rinne back while reassuring Levi that she would one day able to defeat the former U15 Striker Championship's World Champion, Einhalt Stratos using DSAA's rules of synthetic magic battle in their next one-on-one duel. "R-really, Brünnhilde? B-but Hegemon-chan is so strong and definitely dangerous as well, at the same time…" asked Levi while replying back at Rinne's reassuring respond just now. It was also when Levi once again decided to remind Rinne over how strong Einhalt Stratos is, hoping that she also aware of this particular fact alone after all.
"I agree with Berlinetta's respond, Levi. Since you were just a little overconfident and underestimating Einhalt's true strength for purely being a cross-combat mage. Since you have already experienced how a pure Striker like Einhalt could defeat you in one-on-one duel, I'm sure that you won't fight her carelessly like before. Am I right, Levi?" calmly answered Stern this time around, as she decided to also encourage Levi to once again challenge the former U15 Striker Championship's World Champion, Einhalt Stratos in another friendly one-on-one spar after everything has settled down. "I-I can help you with training Levi-san! Haru-san is my mentor and we use the same fighting style. Because of that, I might be able to help you familiarize with her tactics and combat patterns after all…" added Fūka while offering her help to practice with Levi as well, at the same time.
"Uhm, isn't that sounds like you are betraying miss Einhalt, Fū-chan?" teased Rinne while asking her currently blushing childhood friend, Fūka a question afterwards. It was when Fūka once again found herself unable to respond at Rinne's question for a brief moment, as she just realized that by helping Levi practiced, she inadvertently helping her to win against her beloved mentor, Einhalt Stratos after all. "N-n-no! It wasn't like that, Rinne. Since I also am sure that Haru-san wouldn't mind if I give Levi-san a hand to defeat her. Even if Levi-san has just said that I'm lacking in certain area compared to Haru-san herself…" quickly answered Fūka back with her slightly stuttered voice, in return. Simultaneously, Fūka also reminded Rinne on how Levi has just previously tease her for lacking in certain area compared to her beloved mentor, Einhalt Stratos herself.
"Uhm, Fū-nya's is wearing skimpier barrier jacket while having smaller chest compare to Hegemon-chan. So, she is certainly lacking in comparison to Hegemon-chan herself, I believe…" innocently explained Levi before she turned her attention at Fūka and smiling at her as well, shortly afterwards.
"Levi, I hope you understand that sometimes being too honest can be inappropriate and proven problematic to others unfortunately. This time around, you might instead made Reventón feel uncomfortable when mentioning the area that she felt lacking compared to her mentor, Einhalt…" calmly reminded Stern, as she definitely disapproving Levi's childlike nature for vocally mention the area in which Fūka was lacking compare to her beloved mentor, Einhalt Stratos. "Mou! Ste-run is no fun! I didn't mean to tease Fū-nya, since Fū-nya's flat chest made Levi feel secured when she hugs Levi! Levi can hear Fū-nya's heartbeat and Levi understand on how Fū-nya will definitely protect Levi without fail! So, what Fū-nya's lacking compared to Hegemon-chan is might be a good thing after all…" argued Levi back before she decided to stuck her tongue back at Stern while at the same time tightly hold her faithful Device, Vulnificus' grip as well.
"It's okay, Stern-san. Since I don't mind if Levi-san tried to ease any tension in our current investigation by saying such thing. Since she truly is innocent like a little child, after all…" quickly reassured Fūka before she quickly gave Levi a hug from behind. Stern in return was only smiling at both Fūka and Levi before she turned her attention at Rinne afterwards. "They truly are good friends and I feel relieved for knowing that, Berlinetta. Since we will be continuing our investigation together for a little longer, I am hoping that you would not find Levi's straightforward and childlike attitude to be offensive. Especially when she seems to have glued herself around your best friend, Reventón ever since they met…" calmly stated Stern while expressing her hope that Rinne would never feel offended with Levi's straightforward and childlike remark or teasing towards her childhood friend, Fūka Reventón not so long ago. It was also when Stern decided to mention on how close Levi has became towards Fūka, even though they have just recently met during this investigation.
"I would certainly never think that way, miss Stern. Since it truly is reassuring to see Fū-chan and miss Levi become a good friend. Again, Fū-chan is usually good at meeting and becoming friend with new people, so it was never actually surprise me after all…" responded Rinne back calmly before smiling at Stern as well, in return. It was when Stern also returning Rinne's smile with another smile and approval nod before replying back at her respond as well, shortly afterwards. "That truly is relieving to hear that, Berlinetta. Although, I suggest that we postpone our conversation for now, as a group of uninvited guests seem to have crashed into our party after all…" calmly warned Stern back before she decided to also readying her faithful Device, Luciferion together with her cross-range armament, Blast Claw at the same time.
"Did you also notice them, miss Stern? I actually am surprised to actually find out that no one has been aware of these enemies until they have us all surrounded…" calmly replied Rinne back, as she quickly have her combat stance ready while at the same time turned her attention towards Fūka and Levi in which has already preparing themselves for any of these enemies' attack after all. It was while having her faithful Device, Vulnificus ready in it "Crusher" Form, Levi decided to taunt these enemies while also provoking them with her evil-looking grin as well, simultaneously. "Hey, cowards! Get down and fight me! Or you actually just scare pussycats that can't even leave your mommas' basement!" taunted Levi, as she swung Vulnificus in its "Crusher" Form in front of her in order to also provoking those enemies even further.
"I-I don't think your tactic would be working, Levi-san. Since these enemies aren't foolish enough to get easily provoked by any of us, I believe…" reminded Fūka while sheepishly smiling at Levi as well, in return. Although unfortunately for Fūka as well as Levi, Rinne and Stern however, these enemies that have them surrounded were proven to be foolish yet monstrously strong enough to attack them while disregarding their own lives in the process. It was when Fūka, Levi, Rinne and Stern heard multiple inhuman noises came from their surrounding, as tens to hundreds strange and incomprehensible looking monstrosities began to assault them almost simultaneously. Levi in which happens to be standing right in front of Fūka, Rinne and Stern quickly swung Vulnificus vertically and crushed the nearest enemy in front her before complaining on how extremely confusing the situation as well as these enemies are for her after all.
"Agh! I fought so many different monsters before in the past! But, I never once fought a living Jizō statue with a pair of stone sickle arms in my life!" loudly complained Levi before she crushed the second living Jizō statue that has been trying to impale her with its stone sickle arms just now. "These monsters are quite strong, Levi-san! Please be careful!" warned Fūka while blocking an incoming attack from another monster with an appearance of misshapen humanoid centipede before defeating it with a well-placed Hegemon Sky-severing Knuckle or "Haō Dankū Ken" afterwards. "But, they aren't strong enough to defeat us like what they might have done to Fatalis hundreds or thousands year ago!" added Rinne while crushing nine of these misshapen monstrosities almost simultaneously with her ultimate signature punches, Longinus at the same time.
Stern in which has just incinerate twenty or so of these misshapen monstrosities with her signature (guided) shooting and (aimed) bombardment spell, Pyro Shooter and Blast Fire respectively decided to calmly intimidating her (their) remaining enemies by asking and demanding their identities. "Who are you, really? I know some of you should understand my question just now…" calmly asked Stern while pointing her faithful Device, Luciferion at the surviving misshapen monstrosities in front of her as well, simultaneously. Surprisingly, not long after she asked her question, Stern saw one of those misshapen monstrosities decided to gave its respond while readying its claws as well, in return. "You are different from her. Stronger yet different should never get involved. She was the one yet failed to honour the covenant. Now it would be your turn…" answered one of those misshapen monstrosities that somehow reminded Stern to a Griffin from the Age of Gods.
"What do you mean by that? None of us ever heard this so called covenant before and you monsters just suddenly attack us out of nowhere!" retorted Fūka back before she knocked a muscular humanoid centipede monster in front of her using a magically enhanced palm attack that she learnt from Rio Wesley in the past, Tiger Roar or better known as "Hokō". This time around however, another misshapen monstrosity in which reminded Fūka to a terracotta warrior that she once saw in one of her expedition together with Einhalt in the past decided to step forward before responding back at her as well, in return. "You are also different from her that failed to honour the covenant. Now you should do that in her place or else, none of your kin would survive…" responded the monstrous terracotta warrior in front of her, as Fūka herself was only able to clench her teeth and fists while waiting for an opening to once again execute her ultimate signature move, Hegemon Sky-severing Knuckle or "Haō Dankū Ken".
"None of our kin, eh? I'm not sure about that, monster. Since you won't even be able to defeat us just with numbers alone…" replied Rinne back before she dashed toward six of those misshapen monstrosities in front of her. It was with a combination of multiple "Longinus" magically enhanced straight punches and "Cross Fire Shoot" (guided) shooting spell, Rinne successfully defeat those six misshapen monstrosities in front of her before turning her attention towards the monstrous terracotta warrior in which previously tried to taunt her childhood friend, Fūka Reventón using its provocative respond. Fortunately however, Fūka was never an individual that someone could easily provoke, as she still instead focusing herself to get her ultimate signature move, Hegemon Sky-severing Knuckle or "Haō Dankū Ken" ready.
Another group of terracotta warriors have decided to keep Levi completely surrounded. Especially after she took down thirty living Jizō statue monstrosities that have tried to slice and impale her not so long ago. Armed with massive stone swords, these terracotta warriors were trying to simultaneously crush Levi with their supposedly unparallel strength without even realize that Levi of Lightning could almost effortlessly dodge, block and parry those attacks completely. Unlike Stern or Fūka, Levi didn't even bother to question their opponents, as the only thing that she had in mind was crushing them completely with her entire might after all. Because of that, the fact that Stern and Fūka were trying to communicate with these monsters have somehow irritated her, as Levi personally wished only to destroy them all and report their finding back to the nearest Time-Space Administrative Bureau's branch.
Before she was known as Levi of Lightning, Levi Russel was known as Levi the Slasher for always cutting her enemies down without even trying to question them. It was her method of fighting, as Levi hates complicated things. She rather completely destroyed her enemies on the spot instead of trying to find the reasoning behind their hostility after all. In the end, as she noticed on how Stern and Fūka were still trying to communicate with their enemies as they fought them, Levi decided to do otherwise by slicing even more of these misshapen monstrosities in front of her using Vulnificus' ultimate form, "Braver". Not long after she took another sixty living Jizō statue monstrosities in front of her with Vulnificus' Braver Form, Levi turned her attention at both Fūka and Stern before yelling at them as well, shortly afterwards.
"What the hell are you two doing? You suppose to fight and defeat those monsters instead of trying chit and chat with them! Ste-run! Fū-nya! These monsters are never interested to reason with us! They are here to eat us like what they did to Fatalis!" yelled Levi, as she tried to harshly remind both Stern and Fūka on how futile their attempt to question or even communicate with these misshapen monstrosities after all. "Levi…" calmly muttered Stern alone, as she crushed another terracotta warrior head in front of her using her cross-range Device-like armament, Blast Claw at the same time while staring at the now definitely pissed Levi. "Don't worry Levi-san! We are not trying to make peace with our enemies, as Stern-san and I only interested to know the reason that make them attack us in the first place…" explained Fūka while grinning at Levi after she successfully took fifty or so these monstrous enemies in front of her in less than five minutes time.
Rinne in which has also already defeat more of these misshapen monstrosities compared to her childhood friend, Fūka decided to also affirmatively nodding back at her, as well as Levi and Stern before adding her own thought in this whole unexpected situation in general. "These monsters are definitely having no intention of backing down, as they will keep on devouring their victims without remorse. They only view us as their food stocks after all. In the end, I believe that we should defeat them first before they eat us completely, miss Stern…" added Rinne while keep on crushing her enemies down with a series of magically enhanced straight punch of hers, Longinus at the same time. It was when after she listened at Fūka and Rinne's explanation just now, Stern decided to give them an affirmative nod before readying her own ultimate collection-bombardment spell, Luciferion Breaker to completely incinerate the remaining misshapen monstrosities in front of them.
With Levi, Fūka and Rinne decided to act as Stern's front attackers as well as wing guards, Stern began the process of collecting any leftover mana across the entire battlefield in order to get her ultimate collection-bombardment spell, Luciferion Breaker ready. It was after she briefly closed both of her eyes and took a long deep breath, Stern of Annihilation began the aria incantation that would allow her to execute the aforementioned ultimate collection-bombardment spell of hers, Luciferion Breaker and finally incinerate her (their) those misshapen monstrosities in the end.
"Gather, Morning Star. Become a blaze that burns away everything! Luciferion Breaker!"
In an instant the remaining misshapen monstrosities that were still trying to attack and devour Stern, Levi, Fūka and Rinne were completely engulfed in a primordial eternal flame in which Stern has just executed through her ultimate collection-bombardment spell, Luciferion Breaker just a moment ago. It was also when the entire battle has ultimately ended when the rest of those misshapen monstrosities were reduced into ashes and cinders after the eternal blaze of Luciferion Breaker's primordial flame started to dissipate slowly. "W-wooow! I never actually expecting myself to see this ever since Vivi-san's mom blast those tentacle monsters away a year ago…" remarked Fūka while staring at the destructive power of Stern's Luciferion Breaker in awe. At the same time, Rinne and Levi were only smiling while letting a relieved sigh out as well after they witnessed Stern's Luciferion Breaker just a moment ago.
"Nanoha is more than capable of casting a stronger Breaker-class bombardment spell, Reventón. Especially with power-up Blaster System installed in her Device, both of her offensive and defensive power would also greatly enhanced at the same time…" calmly replied Stern back while smiling at Fūka, Rinne and Levi as well, in return. "I heard from competitor Einhalt Stratos that competitor Vivio's mother is an individual in which well famously known across countless different multiverse out there as Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Ace of Aces or Ace of the Sky. So, it would not surprise me if she could even took Fatalis down single-handedly, as I once heard that she took three elder dragons simultaneously in the past without even activating her Blaster System…" added Rinne while remembering Einhalt's story on how Nanoha single-handedly took Teostra, Lunastra and their "Origin Species" Toa Tesukatora down in one of Time-Space Administrative Bureau's non-administrated world back then.
"My Original also told me that story, Brünnhilde. Although in her case, she single-handedly took a pair of Origin Species down alone by herself. I even heard that My Original has supposedly been stronger than Nyanoha and it won't surprise me if she can achieve that easily…" bragged Levi with a big grin on her face, as she crushed one of the terracotta warrior's corpse in front of her using Vulnificus that has reverted back to its (his) "Crusher" Form. "For some reason, our conversation has turned into a topic where Levi-san decided to compare each of Vivi-san's mothers for their strengths and combat finesses. I wonder why…" responded Fūka while letting a small sheepish giggle out, as she turned her attention towards Stern and Rinne shortly afterwards.
"I wonder why as well, Reventón. Nonetheless, I do believe that we should continue our discussion later and report this entire unexpected development to the nearest Time-Space Administrative Bureau's branch. Especially when Berlinetta wished to add something in our report as well…" calmly replied Stern back while smiling at Fūka and explained to her that they should first report this unexpected development to the nearest Time-Space Administrative Bureau's branch before continuing their conversation. Fūka in the meantime only meekly nodded back at Stern before turning her gaze at Rinne's direction, hoping that her cherished childhood friend would explain the additional information that she might be withholding even from Fūka herself. It was when Rinne gently shook her head and smiled at Fūka before she responded at her shortly afterwards.
"I tell you later, Fū-chan. Since we might actually have a clue on why these monsters suddenly appeared in this non-administrated world and started to also devouring everything on their path after all…" responded Rinne back while letting Fūka know that they might have actually find a clue behind these misshapen monstrosities' swarm that has killed Fatalis without knowing it. "I agree with Brünnhilde. Since those Bureau's agents better know this first before we continue our own investigation afterwards. Don't you agree with me, Fū-nya?" added Levi while simultaneously grinning at Fūka as well, in return.
"Osu! I definitely agree with you Levi-san. So, shall we contact admiral Leti and admiral Lindy after returning back to our local Bureau's branch in Esteria?" affirmatively responded Fūka back before she decided to also asking Levi a rhetorical question afterwards. "That is our plan, Reventón. Since the sooner we inform admiral Lowran and admiral Harlaown about our finding here, the quicker Time-Space Administrative Bureau could respond in this situation after all. Especially with Special Duty Section 6 is currently out of reach for some reason unknown to us…" calmly replied Stern back, as she also explained on how it would be better for them to quickly return to the local Time-Space Administrative Bureau's branch after all. It was when Fūka, Rinne and Levi affirmatively nod back at Stern before they followed her back to the surface, leaving the decrepit Stone Fang Tunnel behind afterwards.
No one knew the true identity of those misshapen monstrosities that has ambushed them deep within the Stone Fang Tunnel's innermost sanctum itself. Even if Rinne might have a rough idea of what happened as well as the true meaning behind these misshapen monstrosities' cryptic messages, she was still unfortunately unable to disclose their identities. One thing that Rinne was certain however, these misshapen monstrosities' behaviour have somehow related to a certain ancient covenant that humanity across different multiple multiverse once made with them, as their action were only merely part of the covenant that they have been agreeing with together after all.
After returning back to the surface together with her childhood friend, Fūka, as well as her two new allies, Stern and Levi, Rinne decided to reveal everything that she has previously learnt when helping professor Eri Anzai in her archaeological expedition a few months ago. Across treacherous mountain range and canyon deep inside HRL's territory, professor Eri Anzai, Rinne and the rest of their expedition team has found multiple ancient records that was previously kept hidden away from mankind's history and knowledge, as these aforementioned ancient records contain information that most likely would only create confusion and chaos among them.
It was something that has existed long before the earliest history in which humanity ever recorded. It was a covenant made by them and humanity's ancestors, a group of primordial gods and goddesses to protect the supposedly fragile balance of countless multiple multiverse through this endless eternity itself, as they would became one of the instrument used by Lacrimosa to devour everything in the end. Because of that, as she learnt that information from one of those ancient records that professor Eri Anzai and her team has excavated in the past, Rinne decided to somehow kept her cherished childhood friend, Fūka away from it. Simultaneously, Rinne also trained herself even harder than before in order to become even stronger and able to protect Fūka afterwards.
In the end however, Fūka was still getting involved and Rinne decided to disclose this information in order to keep her informed with everything that she would likely be fighting against with, not so far in the future. At the same time, by revealing this information, Rinne would also made Time-Space Administrative Bureau aware of the impending crisis that would soon befell multiple different worlds, as none of these misshapen monstrosities would be keen enough to spare them together with the rest of humanity after all. Today, Rinne was once again reminded to the cruel reality that would awaits her when she together with her cherished childhood friend, Fūka encounter these aforementioned misshapen monstrosities in which supposedly no longer existed after Olivier Sägebrecht, Claus G.S Ingvalt, Wilfred Eremiah and Ayin Barshem destroy the "Curse of Balal" and defeated its guardians once and for all.
Stern seemed to have vaguely noticed the identity of these misshapen monstrosities, as she for some reason decided to wait until Rinne personally disclose everything when they returned to the headquarter of local Time-Space Administrative Bureau's branch in Esteria. Levi in the meantime seems to not actually care about any information that Rinne has been withholding from her (them), as she desired only to fight strong opponents in an epic battle after all. Because of that, Levi didn't actually care if Rinne was hiding something from her, as in the end she would always be the one that fought these misshapen monstrosities and protect Esteria from them. Rinne was definitely aware of Stern and Levi's prior knowledge of these misshapen creatures' identity, as they were once part of Book of Darkness' Defense Program known as "Soul of King" before manifested into three different personas known as Material S, L and D respectively.
From the story that Einhalt once told her in the past, Rinne learnt that Stern Starks, Levi Russel and Dearche King Claudia were once known as Material S, L and D, as their past or origin has certainly provide them with prior knowledge of what happened long before Olivier Sägebrecht, Claus G.S Ingvalt, Wilfred Eremiah and Ayin Barshem destroy the "Curse of Balal" itself after all. Because of that, it wasn't actually surprise her if Stern and Levi have already aware of these misshapen creatures' true identity even before she, Rinne Berlinetta even disclose it. Nonetheless, it wasn't the most important issue that would worried Rinne, as she has already made up her mind to disclose any information in her possession once they returned to the Time-Space Administrative Bureau's local branch in which located in Minea, a small trading town not far from its one and only airship port, Port Barbado.
In the end, by the time she arrived in Minea together with Fūka, Stern and Levi, Rinne decided to accompany them to the small building in which Time-Space Administrative Bureau's local branch has been stationed in the past four months. It was also when Rinne decided to ask her cherished childhood friend, Fūka a short question that would mark a starting point of every story, information, explanation and contradiction that she learnt together with professor Eri Anzai in the past.
"Fū-chan, is the word Shrovetide mean anything to you…?"
ED Theme Song: KOE (Performed By: ASCA)
Hikaru Shidō was seen curiously staring at the alien landscape that stretched right in front of her eyes. Her mind was trying to comprehend this unexpected development that befell unto her, as well as her two best friends, Umi Ryūzaki and Fū Hōōji. Previously after she was injured when fighting an Assassin-class Servant in Trifas, Hikaru decided to stay behind in order to recuperate while Umi and Fū protected her from both Brotherhood of Light and Yggdmillennia's agents that would always try to kidnap her. Hikaru's status as one of Cephiro's pillars would definitely made her a perfect candidate for a lesser Holy Grail's vessel in case Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War went to the wrong direction. Because of that, knowing that she might inadvertently endanger her new friends, Hikaru decided to leave together with Umi and Fū that has made a promise to protect her.
It wasn't actually difficult to fend Brotherhood of Light and Yggdmillennia's agents off using her magic that Hikaru has possessed from the day when she became Cephiro's Magic Knight and subsequently pillar. Together with Umi and Fū in which also happen to be another Magic Knights, Hikaru could pretty much protect herself from any of her pursuers while keeping a low profile after she reached United States of Japan's northernmost territory, Hokkaido together with her two best friends, Umi and Fū. Unfortunately however, Hikaru, Umi and Fū never actually expect any of these outcomes to be happening on them when they accepted Vivio Takamachi and Einhalt Stratos' offer at the end of Operation Reconquista. Since in reality, it took Time-Space Administrative Bureau a while to mobilize an additional force to help them in their quest of finding Cephiro's salvation after all.
When they fought against a rampaging Chthonian Fiend that assaulted nearby small town, Hikaru, Umi and Fū never actually expect to see a huge temporal dimension rift to suddenly emerge with it. While a squadron of Time-Space Administrative Bureau's aerial combat mages under Chrono Harlaown's leadership has somehow managed to contain this aforementioned dimensional rift, Hikaru, Umi and Fū were accidentally thrown into it before completely vanished from the third newborn world itself, afterwards. It was when Hikaru together with Umi and Fū arrived in this alien world filled with breathtaking landscapes, as the temporal dimension rift that previously acted as a portal for them have long vanished ever since.
Alone without any support from their new allies, Hikaru, Umi and Fū decided to traverse these treacherous yet beautiful alien landscapes while trying to find a way back home. Unfortunately, after they walked for more than two hours straight, Hikaru, Umi and Fū started to realize that none of them could hope to escape from this alien world, sadly. Especially after the aforementioned temporal dimension rift in which they came from has now been completely vanished. "Nothing else seems to have actually existed in this world, Hikaru. Since the only thing that has greeted us so far were only multiple barren landscapes in which also devoid from any floras and faunas…" remarked Umi, as she stood next to Hikaru while smiling at her as well, simultaneously.
Hikaru in return was also smiling back at the tallest and prettiest Cephiro's Magic Knight, Umi Ryūzaki before she once again turned her gaze at the alien landscape in front of her (them) afterwards. "You're right Umi-chan. Still, I'm sure that we will find a way back to the third newborn world and without fail save our own world together with Cephiro in the end…" replied Hikaru back while reassuring Umi that everything will definitely be fine after all. Umi that has decided to quietly listen at Hikaru's reply just now was only smiled at her before in return responding back at her as well, not long afterwards. "I only hope that you're right about that, Hikaru. Since I also personally wish to find a possible way back home as quickly as possible…" responded Umi back while also reaffirming her intention to find a way back to the third newborn world as well, simultaneously.
"It might not be easy, miss Umi and miss Hikaru. Since without mister Mokona's help, it would take us a lot longer to navigate our way here in this alien world after all. Nonetheless, I will always be here with you, as the three of us together are still better than nothing isn't it?" added the youngest and smartest Cephiro's Magic Knight, Fū Hōōji before she reassuringly smiled at both Hikaru and Umi while using her currently free right hand to adjust her glasses as well, at the same time. "Fū is right, Hikaru. Even if it will somehow be difficult for us to navigate our way here in this alien world, together we definitely would be able to find a way back to the third newborn world after all. Because of that, we should never give up! Am I saying the right thing, Hikaru? Fū?" added Umi before sheepishly grinning at both of her best friends, Hikaru Shidō and Fū Hōōji as well, in return.
Both Hikaru and Fū were affirmatively nodding back at Umi before they decided to continue their long journey afterwards. While traversing the alien desert together with her best friends, Umi and Fū, Hikaru once again remembered about her own world and Cephiro that she left behind. It was also when she felt a wistful pang of nostalgia in her heart, knowing that when she together with Umi and Fū left both their world and Cephiro behind, they also left those cherished family and friends of theirs behind as well, after all. Hikaru remembered very well on how she together with Umi and Fū started this longest journey after their world as well as Cephiro was on the brink of destruction. Her status as Cephiro's main pillar has definitely made Hikaru felt responsible for protecting both her world and Cephiro from the impending doom that would awaits them. It was when she together with the other two pillars of Cephiro, Umi Ryūzaki and Fū Hōōji fell into Ainsworth's machination, as they sought a salvation through a tainted miracle that he, Julian Ainsworth would provide them after sacrificing other unrelated worlds out there, unfortunately.
When fighting against countless opponents in the past, Hikaru, Umi and Fū decided to ignore the fact that their action have definitely contradict the reason why they became Cephiro's Magic Knights in the very first place. Hikaru, Umi and Fū decided to also ignore the fact that by following Ainsworth's method of salvation, they have inadvertently destroy so many other worlds and civilisations after all. At first, they don't actually care about those worlds and civilizations that have been completely destroyed for the sake of their own world, as well as Cephiro's salvation. Hikaru, Umi and Fū has already made up their mind back then to do almost anything for the sake of their own world and Cephiro's salvation, even if by doing so, they would inadvertently made other suffer.
It was only until they met Vivio Takamachi and Einhalt Stratos that Hikaru, Umi and Fū started to feel guilty for any wrongdoing that they have done. In order to obtain an ultimate salvation for their own world as well as Cephiro, Hikaru Shidō, Umi Ryūzaki and Fū Hōōji have aided Julian Ainsworth in his unholy quest to obtain a suitable vessel for his own version of a Greater Holy Grail. A number of individuals have became Ainsworth's victims, as people such as Miyu "Sakatsuki" Edelfelt, Nakoruru and Ionasal kkll Preciel or Nei Yūki were among those aforementioned victims in which Ainsworth has kidnapped against their own will for the sake of humanity salvation.
While his method of sacrificing one person for the sake of many others has made Julian Ainsworth "Hero of Justice", deep down in their hearts, Hikaru, Umi and Fū always questioned on whether the aforementioned method itself was truly right after all. Unfortunately however, their strong desire to save both of their world and Cephiro has completely clouded Hikaru, Umi and Fū's perception, as in the end, they still decided to follow his brand of salvation.
Their encounter with Vivio and Einhalt has somehow made them realize over how extremely flawed Julian Ainsworth's brand of justice itself after all. Vivio and Einhalt have repeatedly tried to reach them, as Hikaru remembered very well on how she together with Umi and Fū instead decided to ignore as well as fight those two initially when they first met in Prague, during Earth Spheres United Nations' annual summit last year. While trying to get away from Tōma Kamijō and Index Librorum-Prohibitorum, the injured Hikaru together with Umi and Fū were accidentally arrived in another battlefield in which Vivio and Einhalt have just successfully defeated their enemies, a group of mysterious terrorists in Sol Tekkaman Type-C powered suits led by Tekkaman Evil, Shinya Aiba himself.
Their initial fateful encounter were definitely brief, as Hikaru remembered very well on how Vivio and Einhalt decided to reach her, as well as Umi and Fū instead of confronting them. Yet, Hikaru, Umi and Fū decided to ignore Vivio and Einhalt completely, as Julian Ainsworth's order has definitely been paramount to them. Even if Hikaru personally has started to wonder on whether she has been doing the right thing, she always tried to keep on convincing herself that Julian Ainsworth's brand of salvation would always be the correct and righteous one after all. Even if everything that she believes in together with Umi and Fū were end up becoming just another wishful innocent dream of hers that also filled with contradictions in the end, Hikaru has steadfastly choose to put her faith on Julian Ainsworth. Especially after he once saved her together with Umi and Fū from Cephiro's crystal palace that has started to crumble away on that fateful day.
Nonetheless, Vivio and Einhalt have somehow manage to make Hikaru, Umi and Fū realize on how twisted Ainsworth's brand of salvation is when they once again met during Operation Reconquista a few months ago. Because of that, they decided to leave Ainsworth behind after Time-Space Administrative Bureau promised them that they would save both of their world and Cephiro while Hikaru, Umi and Fū voluntarily serve as their (TSAB's) collaborators in return. Since Time-Space Administrative Bureau's offer at least gave them a new hope without sacrificing other people's wellbeing and happiness in the end, Hikaru, Umi and Fū decided to accept it while at the same time hoping that their new voluntary role as TSAB's collaborators would enable them to at the very least repent for those mistakes as well as wrongdoings that they have been committing together with Ainsworth in the past.
Because of that, as she decided to investigate this alien world together with Umi and Fū, Hikaru once again muster her resolve and courage to keep on moving forward. Since only by doing so, she could truly hope to save her own world and Cephiro from their supposedly inevitable demise after all. Hikaru then decided to traverse this alien world together with Umi and Fū, as she was hoping to actually find any clues that would be useful for them. Unfortunately, it wasn't an easy task to find any clues that would be proven useful to lead them home, as Hikaru, Umi and Fū have been traversing this aforementioned alien world without actually found anything useful so far. It was when they decided to take a short break inside the nearest crystal cave before continuing their journey across this uncompromising terrain afterwards.
"Don't you think that our journey might take a little longer from what we previously had in mind, miss Hikaru? Miss Umi?" politely asked Fū while simultaneously smiling at both Hikaru and Umi as well, in return. "I-I never thought about that. Although, it seems to have actually turned to be that way unfortunately, Fū-chan…" replied Hikaru back before she turned her attention at Umi's direction not long afterwards. Umi in which has just finished from stretching both of her tired arms and legs quickly gave both Hikaru and Fū a weary yet reassuring smile before subsequently responding back at their question as well as statement later on. "While the journey itself might take longer than what we previously have anticipated, I wouldn't actually worry about it, Hikaru, Fū. Since I'm sure that we would still be able to find our way home after all, in the end…" reassured Umi before she gently pat Hikaru's head while smiling at her and Fū as well, in return.
"A, ha, ha, ha. You're right Umi-chan. I might have just worried over this thing a little too much. Nonetheless, just worrying about it would not change anything since the most important thing for us is actually to try our best and find a way back to the third newborn world as quickly as possible. Am I right?" sheepishly replied Hikaru back while acknowledging that she has been worrying about this unexpected predicament for a little bit too much after all. "While it definitely still takes a little longer than what we previously had in mind, I am certain that we would eventually find our way back to the third newborn world in the end. Because of that, you shouldn't actually worry about it miss Hikaru, as everything will definitely turned out to be fine after all. I'm sure of it…" added Fū, as she decided to also reassuring Hikaru on how she shouldn't be worrying about what has currently been happening to them and just try their best on finding a way back home instead.
Hikaru in return was only smiling at both Umi and Fū, as she gave the aforementioned fellow Magic Knight of Water and Wind an affirmative nod afterwards. Umi and Fū's reassuring words have definitely lifted some of those burdens that have weighted Hikaru's shoulders ever since she left her own world, Cephiro and finally Ainsworth behind. Her doubt over the decision that she made has plagued Hikaru ever since she failed her duty as Cephiro's Pillar of Will in the past. Unlike how Emeraude has failed her duty once she fell in love with Zagato, Hikaru failed her duty when she was unable to prevent from the encroaching darkness to completely engulf both Cephiro and her own world as well, in the end. Leaving her family and loved ones behind, Hikaru then decided to embark another longest journey that would allow her save both Cephiro and her own world. Thankfully she wasn't alone, as her best friends and fellow Magic Knights, Umi and Fū have decided to accompany her as well.
Remembering on how Umi and Fū were always be there to support her, Hikaru couldn't help herself from letting a small chuckle out, as she sincerely grateful for that. Sometimes, even without realizing it, Hikaru took Umi and Fū's companionship for granted, as she never actually thought over how things would be drastically different without their presence here to help her. Hikaru might be the anointed Cephiro's Pillar of Will, as well as the strongest Magic Knight that led Umi and Fū in many victories in the past. Yet, alone by herself, Hikaru would never be able to accomplish anything, as she still originally a normal fourteen years old girl when becoming Cephiro's Magic Knight for the very first time. Unlike Ave that has became another Time Diver by accepting the last Saint King of the Cradle, Olivier Sägebrecht and current Time Diver, Ayin Barshem's offer in the past, Hikaru, Umi and Fū were still just an ordinary teenage girl despite becoming Cephiro's Magic Knight after Great Sage and Magician, Clef forcibly made them into one.
Because of that, while possessing magic power that could easily rival any A-ranked Time-Space Administrative Bureau's combat mages; Hikaru, Umi and Fū have yet mentally prepared to face any crisis beyond what happened to Cephiro and their own world. In the past, Hikaru, Umi and Fū often thought that the conflict in which they together with her new friends in Cephiro get involved against three invading nations or worlds after princess Emeraude's departure have already been epic, as they fought to protect the aforementioned Land of Pillar itself from their powerful enemies after all. Nevertheless, when the true threat has unveiled itself, Hikaru, Umi and Fū started to realize that in the end, there were still people in which happen to be a lot more powerful than them both physically and mentally.
Hikaru herself has definitely aware of this and wished no harm to befell both Umi and Fū when they adamantly decided to accompany her in this long journey after all. While definitely grateful for their presence and companionship, deep down in her heart Hikaru was actually scare that any danger that they would together face in this long journey alone might end up harming Umi and Fū's life in the end. It was always been her greatest fear, as Hikaru started to understand her own limitation as well as Umi and Fū's. Especially after she together with Umi and Fū fought against Vivio and Einhalt during Operation Reconquista a few months ago. Since at the end, Hikaru together with Umi and Fū were just still a physically and mentally fourteen years old girl even after they became Cephiro's Magic Knight or in Hikaru's case, Pillar of Will.
"Are you okay, Hikaru? You seem to have spacing out just now…" asked Umi with a concerned look shown on her face. "Ah! Eh? I-I am fine, Umi-chan. I just remembered about our fight with Vivio-chan and Einhalt-chan a few months ago. Since in the end, I was wrong for trusting our world as well as Cephiro's salvation into Ainsworth's hand…" answered Hikaru back while simultaneously giving her best friend, the older Magic Knight of Water, Umi Ryūzaki a melancholic smile or hers as well, in return. "Well, we all learn from our mistakes Hikaru. Again not only from Vivio and Einhalt but also others such as Mica-nēsan, Viktor-nēsan, Sieglinde-san and everyone else that we were able to find out any of our past mistakes before trying to improve ourselves from it afterwards. Because of that, I won't be worrying about it since the most important thing for us now is to keep on moving forward and keep on doing our best until the end. More importantly, Fū and I will always with you, Hikaru. So, cheer up…" reassured Umi while once again gave Hikaru a comforting hug, at the same time.
"U-Umi-chan…I…" muttered Hikaru while choking a little at the same time. It was under Umi Ryūzaki's comforting hug, Hikaru could somehow feel a warm and tender care that she has been missing so much ever since the day when her world and Cephiro fell into the bottomless abyss of encroaching darkness. She has missed Eagle, Lantis, Clef, Caldina, Ascot, Lafarga, Presea and everyone that decided to remain in both Cephiro and her own world in order to protect them. She has also missed her family, her older brothers, Satoru, Masaru and Kakeru, her faithful companion, Hikari that also decided to remain behind in order to protect her world as well as home at the same time. Mokona has promised Hikaru that she would keep the encroaching darkness away temporarily. At least until she returned back together with Umi and Fū after finding any useful method that would allow them to banish this aforementioned darkness forever.
Because of that, while Umi's warm embracing arms have undeniably comfort her weary soul, Hikaru could also feel a wistful pang slowly swelled in her chest, as she has failed those who loved and cherished her dearly after all. Even after she promised herself to stay strong and never once crying in front of Umi and Fū, Hikaru's tear began to roll on both of her cheeks while Umi's cradling arms still provide her with warm and comfort at the same time. Her burdens have slowly been lifted from her shoulders, as Hikaru lifted her head slowly and staring at Umi that has decided to gently smiling back at her, in return. It was also when Umi slowly whisper a comforting word that would sooth Hikaru's weary soul while simultaneously lifted any burden that still remain on both of her shoulders away completely.
"Don't cry, Hikaru. Fū and I are here with you, as we will definitely save both our world and Cephiro without fail. I promise you that everything will definitely be fine in the end…" whispered Umi, as she reassured Hikaru that they would definitely find a way back to the third newborn world as well as an effective method to save both their own world and Cephiro at the same time. Hikaru in return only gave Umi a quiet approving nod before she also tried to reassuringly smile at her as well afterwards. "Good girl! Now have a little rest before we continue our journey, Hikaru. Fū and I will keep an eye until you wake up, as we can take turn afterwards…" responded Umi back, as she suggested Hikaru to have a little rest while smiling at her as well, simultaneously. Once again Hikaru affirmatively nodded back at Umi before she decided to have a quick little rest as per-her suggestion just now.
It wasn't took Hikaru that long before she soundly drifted into her sleep while using Umi's lap as a comfortable makeshift pillow at the same time. Umi in the meantime was only smiling at her sleeping friend while gently caressing her head as well before she let a small relieved sigh out afterwards. "Miss Hikaru has definitely been through a lot ever since we decide to leave Ainsworth behind, miss Umi. Especially when she always tried to shoulder all these burdens alone without even trying to consult us first, fearing that she would also endangering our life in the process…" calmly stated Fū, as she decided to sat right next to Umi and smiled at the currently sleeping Hikaru as well, in return. It was when Umi gently gave Fū a small nod back, as she definitely agreed with what her youngest best friend has told her just now.
"Because of that, I believe it truly is up to us to support Hikaru after all, Fū. Since she has always done so much to protect us and now it would be our turn to do so…" replied Umi back, as she reaffirmed herself to support and protect Hikaru this time around. Fū in return was only affirmatively nodding back at Umi while smiling at her, as she was also definitely agree with her decision just now. In the end, it was now their turn to support and protect Hikaru, as she has done so much to always support and protect them. Since only by doing so, both Fū and Umi could ensure their safe return to the third newborn world together with Hikaru and save Cephiro as well as their own world as well in the end.
It was an oath that they made together before setting out for this longest journey to find both Cephiro and their own world's key of salvation. Because of that, Umi and Fū decided to once again honour it not only for Hikaru's sake but also for their own sake as well. Since only by honouring it, they could truly find the key of Cephiro and their own world's salvation after all. It was their promise, oath and resolve, as Umi and Fū together with their currently sleeping friend Hikaru would definitely fulfil them without fail.
To Be Continued…