Episode 31

~ Destiny of Three Fates (Part III) ~

Vows of Virtue


"Ugh! Where am I?" enquired Gray while holding her painfully throbbing forehead with her left hand at the same time. "For starter, we no longer in Academy City, missy. Also, I detect no residual mana or Nayuta particles around us. This place must be very grim, sad and lonely little world similar to Nehan. Khe, khe, khe, khe…" answered and explained Add, as it resumed its standby form in which happens to be a small cube-shaped lantern that Gray always carried with her. Unlike another commonly used Mystic Code or Device-like Equipment, Add was a unique "Logos React Replica", a perfect replica of Logos React owned by Atlas. Created to preserve the "mystery" behind Rhongomyniad, Add functions as its seal as well as container. It also acted as Gray's dependable partner everytime she participated in any dangerous investigation together with her friends and beloved teacher, Lord El Melloi II.

"Is this place happens to be the red earth or land of steel that Shirō-san mentioned before?" asked Gray alone under her breath, as she aimlessly wander through the abandoned wasteland while investigating her whereabouts at the same time. "You won't find anything in this gloomy place, missy. Especially when you have yet figure out the sad reality that befell this little world in the past. Khe, khe, khe, khe!" remarked Add while before it also reminded Gray that any of her effort would be futile sadly. "Please be quiet, Add. You only distracted me just now…" calmly protested Gray before she stopped in front of what seemingly ruined manor from Victorian-era. "An abandoned empty mansion in the middle of nowhere. It definitely is the weirdest thing that I ever seen in life, missy…" stated Add in its respond towards Gray's protest just now. Simultaneously, it also transformed into an unusually elongated-looking giant scythe, Grim Reaper that Gray wields as her primary armament in combat.

"Uhm, did you just release the first restriction yourself, Add?" innocently and politely asked Gray while wondering on how her "Logos React Replica" has suddenly transformed from its standby form to device form without any of her instruction just now. "This place most likely is dangerous, missy. Since it fully reeks with apostasy!" warned Add after it transformed into device form that took shape of an unusually elongated-looking giant Scythe of the Death God, Grim Reaper without any approval from Gray herself. "How can you be sure of that? Since I am unable to detect anything that even remotely similar to it…" once again asked Gray while simultaneously voicing her doubt at Add's assessment before. "Its foul smell without doubt could even burn your nostril, missy. Yet, you fail to feel anything from it! I'm so shocked!" argued Add back while making a remark over Gray's insensitivity towards such foul reek that it smelled.

"Uhm, I still unable to sense such apostasy from this abandoned manor, Add. Are you sure that such evil truly lurks deep within this very place while simultaneously waiting for an opportunity to ambush us?" once again asked Gray, as she still doubted Add's assessment and argument just now. "You'll find out, missy! For now, just don't let your guard down!" replied Add back before it once again warned Gray to not let her guard down. "Uhm, okay…" affirmatively responded Gray before she together with her Device-like equipment, "Logos React Replica", Add enter the abandoned and dilapidated manor in front of them shortly afterwards. It was right after she stepped inside the aforementioned abandoned and dilapidated manor itself that Gray sensed something wrong. Unfortunately for her however, she was still unable to sense any apostasy that Add mentioned not so long ago.

Gray transverse deeper into the abandoned and dilapidated manor's entrance that adjacent with its main hall, backyard and dinning room as well. "It's layout reminds me to that game teacher often played in his free time. What is it again? Biohazard Remake?" asked Gray alone under her breath while wondering over why this abandoned and dilapidated manor's layout itself seems to be somewhat familiar to her. It was after she decided to and entered the dining room in which located on the left side of the abandoned and dilapidated manor's main hall, Add once again warned Gray for any hostile danger that would awaits her in there. "The reek of apostasy came from there, missy! Be careful!" warned Add while readying itself to release the second restriction seal as well, simultaneously. Gray in return was only affirmatively nodding back at Add before she slowly entered the said abandoned and dilapidated manor's dinning room as well, afterwards.

"Ugh! What is this?" complained Gray, as she covered both her mouth and nose at the same time. Almost instantly, a foul smell of decayed flesh and rustic iron assaulted her nostril right after Gray entered the said dilapidated manor's dinning room. She recognised that smell came from decayed flesh and blood that has splattered across the dining room itself, as it reminded her more of a slaughterhouse than a proper dining room. Gray quickly tightened her grip on "Logos React Replica", Add, as she was ready to face any monstrosity that awaits her. "It without doubt is a macabre here, missy. Hopefully you ready for that. Khe, khe, khe…" casually reminded Add before it once again letting its trademark laugh afterwards. Gray in the meantime was only nodding back affirmatively before she readied herself for any danger, as well as monstrosity that would awaits her inside the dim dining room itself. It was right after listening at Add's reminder just now that Gray finally noticed a presence of certain misshapen monstrosity that already waiting for her.

"What in Sankt Kaiser's name is that, Add?" asked Gray while gasped in disbelief, as she saw a towering misshapen monstrosity that just now noticed her presence. "Nothing shown in the database, missy! Must be just another hostile local, I believe…" casually answered Add before Gray letting a small exasperated sigh out when hearing that. "This monster must be the killer. We need to stop it…" replied Gray back before executing her first strike with "Logos React Replica", Add in its scythe form, Grim Reaper. Unfortunately however, the towering misshapen monstrosity in front of her (Gray) quickly blocked the incoming Scythe of the Death God, Grim Reaper in which also happen to be the sealed form of a certain holy lance that shines to the ends of the world, Rhongomyniad using a pair of blood-covered chainsaws that has also part of it's arms.

"Impossible! No weapons other than divine construct could have blocked Rhongomyniad and nullifying it's light at the same time…" gasped Gray while feeling surprise and disbelief, as she quickly leaped back to get away from her opponent, the towering misshapen monstrosity's reach afterwards. "I sense no magic or divine protection on those two chainsaws, missy. Since they are just a normal one that you can easily find in any retail department stores…" stated Add while explaining its thought over those pair of chainsaws that Gray's opponent, the towering misshapen monstrosity use to replace both of its lost arms. "Yet, it easily blocked you, Add. This enemy isn't someone that should be taken lightly…" responded Gray back, as she once again readied her stance. It was when the aforementioned misshapen monstrosity in front of her let a loud bloodcurdling shriek before attacking her as well, shortly afterwards.

"Kuh!" grunted Gray, as she blocked the incoming towering misshapen monstrosity's attack with her "Logos React Replica", Add. She then tried to counterattack her opponent with her wide horizontal sweeping attack. Unfortunately for Gray, her opponent, the towering misshapen monstrosity with a pair of chainsaw arms manage to successfully parry her counterattack just now. "He is dangerous. A lot more dangerous than that Eclipse Driver I fought in Academy City not so long ago…" muttered Gray under her breath before she began to compare the threat level in which this towering misshapen monstrosity possessed with Time-Space Administrative Bureau's temporary contract agent, Quinn Garland. In that particular confrontation, Gray unleashed Rhongomyniad and successfully defeats Quinn Garland before she fell into a chasm between different multiverses due to a certain unforeseeable accident.

"Should I rescind the second restraint in order to fully activate Rhongomyniad? Master would scold me if he finds out about it…" contemplated Gray, as she once again exchanged blows with her opponent, the said towering misshapen monstrosity that viciously tried to shred her using its pair of chainsaws. "Hey, your speed and reflexes began to drop, missy! Get a grip of yourself or else this monster would kill us both in no time!" shouted Add while simultaneously warned Gray to stay sharp while exchanging blows with her opponent, the aforementioned towering misshapen monstrosity itself. "Please be quiet, Add. I need to focus my attention at its attack. Or else…" complained Gray, as she tried to once again vertically slice her opponent into half using Grim Reaper, the giant Scythe of the Death God himself.

"Hey, missy! Watch out!" shouted Add, as it decided to warn Gray of her opponent's counterattack. "Ugh!" braced Gray while simultaneously blocking and dodging her opponent, the towering misshapen monstrosity's attack in which aimed at her neck. "Are you okay, missy?" asked Add, as Gray quietly nodded despite having her right cheek grazed by one of the said towering misshapen monstrosity's chainsaw while dodging its attack. Despite having her right cheek bleed, Gray noticed on how it only was a shallow cut that would definitely heal itself in a week or so. Nevertheless, Gray also realized on how lucky she was for being able to completely dodge her opponent's deadly attack just now. Since no one would actually expect such towering misshapen monstrosity to possess both agility and strength that rival even some strong Human-category Heroic Spirit such as EMIYA or Amakusa Shirō Tokisada.

"I don't think that we could defeat it without rescinding the second restraint, Add. Especially with our opponent happen to be as strong as Assassin-class Servant, EMIYA that we have fought in the past…" responded Gray back while suggesting that they should rescind the second restraint of Grim Reaper, the giant Scythe of the Death God himself and release a fraction of Rhongomyniad's true power like before. Since at least half of Rhongomyniad's thirteen restraints need to be lifted before it could physically manifest its true form and power, Gray decided to only rescind two of them in order to unleash the aforementioned lance that shines to the ends of the world quicker. In the end however, she never actually had any chance to even rescind its second restraint, as a pair of unexpected allies manage to found her.

"Hey! Are you okay? Let me help you fight this monster!" cheerfully greeted the younger newcomer that skilfully trading blows after blows against the said towering misshapen monstrosity itself. Gray in the meantime was only staring at the younger newcomer in disbelief after she displayed an extraordinary superhuman speed, reflexes and peerless swordsmanship by fighting her opponent without any trouble. "I-I'm fine…uhm…" answered Gray before she decided to remain quiet for a moment afterwards. "Ah! I almost forget to introduce myself. I'm Yūki Konno and Asuna has previously asked me to find you. Nice to meet you, Gray!" cheerfully responded the said younger newcomer in which happen to be no other than Yūki Konno, the strongest sword saint of Álfheimr that also earn the highly distinguished "Absolute Sword" title for winning one hundred and eight consecutive duels against well renowned opponents such as Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya, EMIYA, Altria "Saber" Pendragon, Signum and even the legendary Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Ace of Aces, instructor Nanoha Takamachi herself.

"Uhm, nice to meet you too, miss Yūki…" replied Gray back while once again readying her combat stance as well. Yūki was only grinning back at Gray, as she kept on exchanging blows after blows with her opponent at the same time. "Once again, nice to meet you as well, Gray! Now, let me take care this enemy first before we continue our conversation together with Hathaway later. It won't take too long and I promise you that!" responded Yūki, as she also promised Gray to continue their conversation together with Hathaway afterwards. "Uhm, Hathaway?" asked Gray before she finally noticed a presence of brand new Universal Century's Gundam-type mobile suit in which also happen to be no other than the final unit built under Caledfwlch Techniques' "Project Zeta", CW-RX-105 Ξ Gundam. Yūki once again was only grinning at Gray before answering back at her question as well, in return.

"Yup! Hathaway is Ξ Gundam's pilot and he is currently working as part-time operative for Dana o'Shee Military Service. Asuna has also asked him to accompany me while testing Ξ Gundam in actual combat as well, simultaneously…" cheerfully answered Yūki while giving Gray an explanation over Hathaway and Ξ Gundam's involvement in this rescue mission that she volunteered herself to get directly involved with. It was after Yūki concluded her answer and explanation that Hathaway decided to greet Gray while introducing himself. "This is Hathaway Noa speaking. Nice to meet you miss Gray…" greeted Hathaway, as he also introduced himself to Gray afterwards. "Hathaway Noa. Are you related to captain Bright Noa, mister Hathaway?" politely asked Gray while responding back at Hathaway's introduction just now. "Captain Bright is my father, miss Gray. Although, I often disagree on how he operates under ESUN's regulation and policy…" answered Hathaway back from Ξ Gundam's three hundred and sixty degree panoramic cockpit while mentioning his discontent over how ESUN's officer operate under its restrictive regulations and policies.

"Is that your reason to work under DoMS instead of joining ESUN's Preventer, Londo Bell or ECOAS, Hathaway? Since private military company's operative never actually need to follow ESUN's restrictive regulations and policies, I believe…" innocently and casually asked Yūki before relentlessly forced her opponent into defensive using her peerless swordsmanship at the same time. "You are actually correct, miss Yūki. Especially with the fact that DoMS accepted part-time operative in their rank while Preventer and Londo Bell aren't…" answered Hathaway while explaining Dana o'Shee Military Service's flexible arrangement for their operatives compared to the more formal ESUN's Preventer, Londo Bell and ECOAS in return. It was when Yūki grinned, as she decided to playfully teased Hathaway with another question afterwards.

"Hmmm, is that because you want to spend more time with Quess, Hathaway? She won't go anywhere and surely will always be waiting for your return tee hee…" teased Yūki with another personal question while grinning mischievously as well, simultaneously. "Quess is somehow fine with me working part-time as DoMS' operative, miss Yūki. Even though she would definitely prefer if I work fulltime as a botanical researcher instead…" calmly replied Hathaway back, as he also helped Yūki to defeat her opponent using Ξ Gundam's 60mm anti-personnel vulcan guns. It was when the seemingly invincible opponent that Yūki and Gray previously fought instantly transformed into beehive after 60mm shells from Ξ Gundam's anti-personnel vulcan guns tore its body apart. "T-that quick and easy…" muttered Gray in disbelief, as she witnessed on how easy for Yūki to stale her supposedly invincible opponent, the towering misshapen monstrosity's relentless assault before Hathaway's Ξ Gundam completely defeated it afterwards.

"He is tough but predictable. That is why I could just let Hathaway to defeat him…" explained Yūki while twirling her prized one-handed sword, Blutgang at the same time. "I actually thought that you might unleash need Mother Rosario in order to defeat it, miss Yūki. Since it seems to be actually a formidable enemy after all…" remarked Hathaway, as he wondered on how it would actually be possible for him to defeat the said towering misshapen monstrosity that gave Gray a lot of trouble not so long ago only with his Ξ Gundam's 60mm anti-personnel vulcan guns. "I-I actually am curious as well, miss Yūki…" added Gray while voicing her curiosity over how Ξ Gundam's supposedly ordinary 60mm anti-personnel vulcan guns could easily shred through such formidable enemy that might happen to be as strong as Assassin-class Servant, EMIYA that she fought in the past.

"Hmmm, you might not realize that Rachel-san is actually requesting Kokonoe-sensei to tweak Ξ Gundam before we commence our mission, Hathaway. Probably they infuse those 60mm shells with seithr while tweaking your Ξ Gundam, as it allows you to defeat this enemy easily!" cheerfully and casually explained Yūki before reminding Hathaway on how a certain vampire princess, Rachel Alucard has helped them with Ξ Gundam's maintenance right before they agree to also help her with investigating this mysterious pocket dimension in return. It also when, according to Yūki that Rachel Alucard asked 7th Agency's lead scientist, Kokonoe Mercury to upgrade Ξ Gundam by infusing its armaments with seithr that enable it to fight supernatural creatures afterwards.

"Rachel-san and Kokonoe-sensei? Are you referring to miss Rachel Alucard and miss Kokonoe Mercury that helped Marisbury Animusphere, founder of Chaldea Security Organization to win Holy Grail War in the past and defeat Beast 0 in the process? I only heard that story from my teacher's lecture before…" once again asked Gray while giving her respond back at Yūki Konno's cheerful and casual explanation just now. Yūki in return was only affirmatively nod back before she approached slightly confused Gray while grinning at her as well, at the same time. "Yup! They are the one that helped Chaldea's founder before. Even after Break The World took place, they still assist Chaldea and ESUN with many other things when Time-Space Administrative Bureau is unable to do so…" replied Yūki back, as she informed Gray on how Rachel and Kokonoe have secretly helped them with safeguarding the third newborn world's peace and future after all.

"Unfortunately, it was never actually been an easy task as countless conflicts and incidents still occurred in our world at daily basis, miss Yūki. I wonder if things would get better in the future, as no improvement seem to take place even after Frozen Teardrop remade our timeline last year…" added Hathaway while simultaneously letting Yūki and Gray know about his doubt, as well as sceptical point of view afterwards. "Uhm, it probably is why teacher asked me to investigate Academy City's ley lines last year…" muttered Gray while trying to piece the information that she obtained together. Yūki in the meantime was only letting a small sigh before she flew and sat on Ξ Gundam's right shoulder. She also then grinned at Gray and Hathaway before reassuring them that everything will definitely be fine in the end.

"You two stop worrying about stuff like that and focus our energy to deal with these supposedly imminent threats instead. I'm sure Asuna and commander Yagami have done their best to fight most of them in order to safeguard our future. So, things will definitely be fine as long as we do our part as well. Am I right?" reassured Yūki while simultaneously grinning at Gray and Hathaway as well, in return. Hathaway in the meantime was only letting a small chuckle out when he listened at Yūki's reassuring respond just now. He was without doubt worried about never ending crisis that threaten his (their) third newborn world, as things seem suddenly emerged and took place right after Time-Space Administrative Bureau's permanently seal Arca de Recluse away at the end of Frozen Teardrop Incident last year.

In the end, both Amitie Florian and Kyrie Florian successfully replaced Arca de Recluse in which acted as one of countless multiple multiverses' lynchpins with an artificial artefact made by Yuri Eberwein and Eternal Ring Foundation's scientist, professor Shūichirō Ayatsuki. This artificial artefact, Kushinada's Lynchpin was later on acted as one of the most important anchor that maintain these countless multiple newborn worlds' karmic balance together with Rhongomyniad, the Lance that Shines to the Ends of the World itself. It would also later on remade these countless multiple multiverses' newborn worlds and their timelines in order to maintain the law of human's logic as well as existence that has been eroded ever since Break The World occurred. Because of that, as Amitie and Kyrie Florian also remade the third newborn world's timeline at the end of each major incidents, Hathaway began to realize on how each of these new timelines suffered from even more dangerous threats in which never ever existed in its previous counterparts.

From temporal fissure of dimensional rifts that suddenly appear from out of nowhere, dangerous monstrosities such as DAMON and corrupted DRAGON emerged from them. They terrorized the third newborn world's inhabitants and threaten their very survival as well, at the same time. In the meantime other forces of evil in which previously existed only in another newborn parallel worlds suddenly appear in the third newborn world as well. They began to capitalize the sudden surge of DAMONs and DRAGONs' emergence by creating havoc across the third newborn world in order to weaken ESUN together with its allies, Time-Space Administrative Bureau and Chaldea Security Organization respectively. It was when Hathaway decided to also fight back and became part-time military operative for Dana o'Shee Military Service in order to safeguard the third newborn world's future after he witnessed inhuman atrocities when visiting Sulawesi, Indonesia as ESUN's botanist together with his girlfriend, Quess Paraya six months prior to today.

Hathaway witnessed firsthand on how local Indonesian government's inability to contain temporal fissure of dimensional rifts outbreak that took place in their country, as most effort in which also sadly proven to be inadequate has only centred in island of Java, the wealthiest part of Indonesia. After Break The World took place and sunk Republic of Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta completely, an artificial island was erected using Coalition of Old Governments' funds. Because of that, as Hathaway and his girlfriend Quess saw Republic of Indonesia directly came under Coalition of Old Governments' rule, in which inadvertently also made its governments becoming even more detached to its own citizens outside the island of Java. With Republic of Indonesia now formally became Coalition of Old Governments' member, it began to curtail any opposition that sought for universal suffrage, as well as greater autonomy in which has slowly but surely being eroded away.

Coalition of Old Governments' paramilitary organizations such as Titans, A-Laws and Gjallarhorn began their military campaign of terror to completely subjugate any countries or states that has been critical to them. Under the pretext of maintaining harmonious peace and stability while helping each of their member nations, these aforementioned paramilitary organizations ravaged almost one-third of the old third newborn world before they clashed with the emerging Earth Spheres United Nations together with its allies, ZEUTH, Celestial Being and Time-Space Administrative Bureau. Other independent organizations such as Dana o'Shee Military Service and Chaldea Security Organization has later on decided to side with ESUN, as they completely abhor Coalition of Old Governments' inhuman tactic such as massacring another peaceful pro-democratic protests in some Special Administrative Regions under the old and incompetent United Nations of the old world's order.

Hathaway and his girlfriend Quess decided to join Dana o'Shee Military Service in order to protect Sulawesi from Coalition of Old Governments' encroachment. It was when Hathaway received Ξ Gundam while his girlfriend, Quess pilots an upgraded and refurbished MSN-03 Jagd Doga in which now having DoMS' emblem painted on its upper chest area instead of Neo Zeon's. Despite not formally part of ESUN or ZEUTH, Dana o'Shee Military Service always work closely with Chaldea Security Organization, as they often fought together to protect others from Coalition of Old Governments' cruel paramilitary organization and threats that emerged from those temporal fissure of dimensional rifts across the globe.

Even after Amitie Florian and Kyrie Florian tried to fix the old third newborn world's timeline into the universal new timeline that everyone knew today, Hathaway still unable to completely free Sulawesi, in which has now became his and Quess' new home from the clutches of Coalition of Old Governments' remnants. Although at the very least however, they were somehow manage to destroy temporal fissure of dimensional rifts across Sulawesi, Borneo and Halmahera island after ESUN decided to intervene by sending some of its peacekeeping forces afterwards. It was only after Britannia Unions Marine Corps' (formerly United States Marine Corps) 318th Tactical Surface Fighter Squadron, VMF-318 Black Knives under second lieutenant Lilia Kjellberg's leadership successfully defeated the last remnants of Titans' reserve force, New Desides in which previously stationed in Republic of Indonesia's new capital, Neo Batavia that peace could have been finally brought back across Sulawesi, Borneo and Halmahera island respectively.

"Uh, hello Hathaway? Are you okay? You seem awfully quiet somehow…" innocently and playfully asked Yūki, as her question startle Hathaway from his own little daydream. "Uh! Oh! I-I'm sorry miss Yūki. I only somehow remembering certain past that better left forgotten…" replied Hathaway back while simultaneously gave Yūki an explanation over why he was awfully quiet just now. Yūki in return was only let a small chuckle out, as she listened at Hathaway's explanation in which surprisingly happen to be quite hilarious somehow. It was when Gray decided to respond at Hathaway's explanation by reminding him on how they should retreated first from this scary place before continuing their conversation after all. Luckily for Gray, both Hathaway and Yūki were sensible enough to agree with her, as they decided to retreat into a Tuatha de Danaan-class submarine in which Quess together with another DoMS' operative, second lieutenant Adelina Aleksandrovna Kerenskaya are currently guarding with their respective units, MSN-03 Jagd Doga and AS-1 Blaze Raven Unit 2 Custom, Blast Raven.

While on the way of retreating back to their current mobile headquarter, Tuatha de Danaan-class submarine, Gray briefly turned her head towards the dilapidated old and abandoned manor in which she fought the aforementioned towering misshapen monstrosity previously. In the end, she was unable to find out her assailant's identity, as Hathaway has completely pulverized it using Ξ Gundam's 60mm anti-personnel vulcan guns not so long ago. Nevertheless, Gray was certain of one thing that both Yūki and Hathaway might completely missed even after they helped her to defeat this towering misshapen monstrosity in which she had fought beforehand. Since it was only those in which acted as anchors for countless newborn worlds' mysteries and preserve them are capable of solving their riddles as well, at the same time.

Because of that, as she decided to quietly follow Yūki and Hathaway back to Tuatha de Danaan-class submarine in which Quess and Adelina are currently guarding, Gray once again made her mind up. Gray decided to cooperate with Yūki and Hathaway for now while withholding answer that she found away from them. Since only by doing so, Gray could hope to find a way back home while simultaneously protecting it from any unseen threats that others most likely were unaware of. It was Gray's decision that might sounds contradicting the answer that she just found in this bizarre pocket dimension prior to Yūki and Hathaway's arrival. Especially by withholding the aforementioned important answer that she found from others might end up betraying the very trust that they gave her as well, after all.

"Are you sure about that, missy?" whispered Add, as it asked Gray about her decision to withheld the answer she found just now. Gray in return shook her head while gently smiling at Add, in which transformed into a two-handed greatsword this time around. "It would be wiser to not letting them know the answer, Add. At least for now…" replied Gray back before she followed Yūki and Hathaway's Ξ Gundam afterwards. It was when Add realize that Gray already made up her mind to solve this case alone. Even when she could literally asked Yūki and Hathaway to help her, Gray felt responsible for all the chaos that happened after inadvertently tamper Academy City's ley lines in the past. Because of that, Gray decided to solve this problem alone and perhaps only by doing so that she could redeem herself afterwards.


ED Theme Song: Iris (Performed By: Aoi Eir)


It was without doubt a cherished childhood memory that he experienced in one of these newly conceived alternate timelines or eternal realities. He could still remember the warm back that supported his tiny frame, as she carried him across the long countryside's road. His would be lover in the future, the currently ten years old Hayate was only letting out a small chuckle as she sat on her wheelchair in which Shamal, Knight of the Lake herself gently pushed from behind. "Did Signum wake you up?" asked Hayate while smiling at him as well, at the same time. He vehemently shook his head while holding tightly on Signum in which piggybacking him all the way across this long countryside's road that also happen to be almost completely covered with autumn leaves.

"It still is another thirty minutes or so before we arrive. So, you might want to continue sleeping and I will definitely wake you up when we arrive, Ave…" calmly informed Signum with her cool yet kind voice at the same time. He in which Signum referred as Ave decided to nod this time around before once again closed his eyes and continued on sleeping afterwards. "Nanoha-chan's training must have exhausted him, Hayate-chan. Since it definitely surprised me that Ave-kun was able to keep up with her after all…" remarked Shamal before letting a small chuckle out as well, in return.

"A, ha, ha, ha. Not many people could even keep up with Nanoha-chan's training, Shamal. I'm pretty sure that Ave-kun is doing quite well to keep up with her without Astraea, as he also inherited Tome of the Night Sky's will as well na…" argued Hayate while letting another small chuckle as well afterwards. "Ave without doubt is also talented with sword and other blade armaments, master Hayate. Because of that, I'm sure that he, with proper training would be able to rival or even surpass me in the future…" calmly added Signum before she glanced at Ave's sleeping face in which currently resting at her left shoulder. "I also heard the same thing from Vita-chan the other day. Apparently our Ave-kun is able to fight her in stalemate using countless blades that he seemingly created from thin air…" reminded Shamal by mentioning the petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita's story that she heard the other day as well, in return.

"Eins told me about this particular magecraft, Gradation Air that project or materialize objects, in accordance to the caster's imagination using his or her magical energy, Shamal. I'm pretty sure that Ave-kun has somehow use it when sparring with Vita the other day na…" added Hayate while remembering on how Ave was able to access that aforementioned magecraft, "Gradation Air" from within Tome of the Night Sky's record after his Linker Core merged with her as well as Reinforce Eins' at the end of Book of Darkness Incident. "Does his ability to perform Gradation Air also grant him a mastery to any weapons that he projected, Hayate-chan? Since the level of swordsmanship that Ave-kun displayed when sparring against Vita-chan is certainly not something that a seven years old ordinary boy without prior training would be able to display…" asked Shamal, as she mentioned on how Ave's swordsmanship after he replicated a two-handed phantasmal greatsword, Balmung in which Heroic Spirit Siegfried possessed and wielded.

"I believe so, Shamal. Since Eins and I also able to skilfully wield Gáe Bolg after we project it during our combat practice last week na…" answered Hayate back while recalling on how she and Reinforce Eins projected Gáe Bolg during their "Unison" together. "Yet, these replicas are without doubt weaker than their original counterparts, master Hayate. It probably why they would shatter after prolonged use in battle, I believe…" added Signum, as she also reminded Hayate on how both Balmung and Gáe Bolg end up destroyed in the middle of sparring last week. "Uhm, they indeed weaker and a lot more brittle than the original Noble Phantasms that Sieg-kun and Sétanta-kun wield during Second Heaven's Feel in Tokyo two months ago. Because of that, Ave-kun and I were forced to project them several times during our combat spar against Vita and Nanoha-chan na…" sheepishly replied Hayate back before admitting that these Noble Phantasm replicas were indeed weaker than their original counterparts.

"Nevertheless, it allow you to beat Nanoha-chan isn't it, Hayate-chan? Since Nanoha-chan quickly demanded a rematch afterwards…" asked Shamal while playfully reminding Hayate on how she manage to barely defeat Nanoha during combat spar last week thanks to this aforementioned magecraft, "Gradation Air" that Reinforce Eins has recorded in the past using Tome of the Night Sky's page. "That is actually true, Shamal. Since Sétanta-kun's Noble Phantasm allows me to engage Nanoha-chan in close quarter combat before ultimately defeated her in the end. However, it still is a narrow victory since I won't be able to defeat Nanoha-chan if she manage to cast Starlight Breaker down on me quickly enough na…" once again replied Hayate back before she sheepishly admit that her victory against Nanoha might only happen to be a stroke of luck after all.

"Both luck and one's true inner strength are inseparable master Hayate. I'm sure that your own strength has created such luck that would allow you to defeat Takamachi. Certainly, Ave would also agree with me in that regard…" calmly reminded Signum, as she added her own thought over Hayate's narrow victory against Nanoha during last week's combat spar. "A, ha, ha, ha…" sheepishly laughed Hayate, as she blushed slightly when Signum mentioned on how someone's own true strength and luck were both happen to be inseparable after all. Shamal in the meantime was only letting out a small chuckle before responding back at Signum's statement just now. "You seem also having a soft spot and trust Ave-kun as much as Hayate-chan. Am I right, Signum?" teasingly asked Shamal while smiling at Signum as well, simultaneously.

"Ave is a perceptive boy that cares about master Hayate as well as the rest of us. He also knowledgeable and trustworthy enough, as Tome of the Night Sky's own will, Eins has testified. Because of that, there is no reason for me to doubt him, as I definitely cherish and trust him as much as master Hayate herself, Shamal. Aren't you also think and feel the same way as well?" calmly replied Signum back before explaining her own thought and opinion towards this aforementioned seven years old boy, Ave that she carried on her back. "Oh my, he is actually like a cute little brother for me. I'm sure Hayate-chan also agree with that, as Ave-kun is adorable and even more when he is sleeping…" playfully responded Shamal back before letting out a small laugh as well, in return.

"A, ha, ha, ha. I won't deny that Shamal. Since Ave-kun is surely cute and adorable. Especially when he is sleeping on Signum's back na…" playfully added Hayate while smiling towards Shamal and Signum as well, at the same time. Signum in the meantime was only letting a small sigh out before she smiled at both Hayate and Shamal. Once again she took a quick glance at the aforementioned seven years old young boy on her back and let a small chuckle out afterwards. "Shamal and master Hayate are correct indeed. The sleeping Ave is without doubt adorable, as he could even captivated Vita's interest after all. Still, I found those nicknames that Vita gave him are a little bit unusual, such as Kiddo or Hayate's errand boy…" stated Signum alone under her breath before responding back at her beloved meister Hayate and Shamal as well, in return. "I certainly agree with you, master Hayate. Since Ave is undoubtedly cute and adorable to even captivating Vita's attention, as well as interest, I believe…" calmly responded Signum back, as she once again smiled at both Hayate and Shamal afterwards.

"Vita is always love cute things, Signum. That is why she found Ave-kun captivating na…" casually and playfully replied Hayate back before she let a small chuckle out as well, in return. "I agree with Hayate-chan's assessment on Vita-chan as well, Signum. Although our Ave-kun is also at the same time happens to be knowledgeable beyond someone around his age. Perhaps it also is why Hayate-chan and Eins agree to let him acted as our surrogate Lord or Tome of the Night Sky's proxy master that sometimes act on their behalf similar to how Yuri Eberwein has previously done in the past…" added Shamal while reminisced about Tome of the Night Sky's previous master or Lord, Kanae Kagurai in which together with Reinforce Eins has appointed Yuri Eberwein to act as their representative or surrogate Lord known as "Successor of the Purple Sky".

"Uhm, I believe that Ave-kun is suitable for it, as he once saved Eins' life during Book of Darkness Incident na. Because of that, with proper training from Nanoha-chan, Fate-chan and us, Ave-kun will without doubt become a suitable new representative or proxy master for Tome of the Night Sky itself, Shamal. Although, Eins and I have yet came up with a suitable title for him, unfortunately…" responded Hayate, as she affirmatively stated that Ave would without doubt be suitable to replace Yuri Eberwein's role after all. "I thought Eins and you might have already came up with some nice title for Ave-kun after he became Tome of the Night Sky's proxy master, Hayate-chan. Especially knowing that we can't give him the exact same title in which Yami-chan previously hold in the past…" added Shamal while at the same time felt half-surprised with the fact that Hayate and Eins have yet came up with suitable title for Ave after he became Tome of the Night Sky's surrogate Lord or representative.

"That is exactly why Eins and I are still haven't give Ave-kun a suitable title after he succeeded Yuri. We thought to call him Successor of the Night Sky once, until Vita told us that such title sounds too generic unfortunately na…" once again responded Hayate while explaining on why she together with Eins have yet gave Ave a nice, as well as suitable title after he succeeded Yuri Eberwein. "How about Successor of the Sapphire Star, master Hayate? Is such title sounds distinguished and proper for him?" calmly suggested Signum, as both Hayate and Shamal were slightly surprised that the usually taciturn, cool, collected and stoic Knight of the Sword herself could somehow came up with a nice, as well as distinguished title for Ave just now. Simultaneously, the mention of Sapphire Star has reminded Hayate of a certain old tale or myth that even predates Old Belka's civilisation as well as Al-Hazard itself according to her beloved Unison Device, Reinforce Eins.

"Uhm, isn't such title might end up becoming a burden for him, Signum? Since a Successor of Sapphire Star usually given to any individual that has achieved an incredible feat of protecting countless multiverses' cycle of death and rebirth, as well as karmic balance while guiding us through our journey across this endless eternity itself na…" innocently and casually asked Hayate before mentioning on how the title in which Signum proposed just now might instead becoming a burden for Ave after all. It was when Signum smiled at her beloved meister, Hayate Yagami while simultaneously answering her question as well, in return. "Ave has shown us another possibility by saving Eins' life during Book of Darkness Incident, master Hayate. Because of that, I personally believe that such title would very well suit him, as he has granted us a small miracle that most likely never occurred without his involvement…" calmly explained Signum, as she still insisted that the title Successor of the Sapphire Star has definitely suits him (Ave) very well.

"Still, I'm worried that such title would instead give Ave-kun a lot more trouble in the future, Signum. Especially after he officially become Tome of the Night Sky's proxy master and required to act on my behalf if I am happen to be incapacitated na…" once again argued Hayate while mentioning on how such title that Signum proposed might end up adding more burden towards Ave after he officially became Tome of the Night Sky's proxy master or surrogate Lord. "I don't think Ave would mind that, Hayate-chan. Especially after declaring that he would take half of your burden away with him back then, at the end of Book of Darkness Incident. So, he would certainly be more than happy with the title that Signum proposed just now…" replied Shamal instead, as she decided to also remind her beloved meister, Hayate of Ave's promise to take and shoulder half of Hayate's burden away on that fateful night when he saved Reinforce Eins' life.

"Shamal…" muttered Hayate, as she decided to also ponder at the older and gentle Knight of the Lake's words just now. Indeed Ave has once made such promise to take and shoulder half of her (Hayate's) burden with him when he successfully saved Reinforce Eins at the end of Book of Darkness Incident last year. The promise that Ave made on that day has without doubt made Hayate happy, as she could somehow felt such sincerity behind the aforementioned promise itself. Similar to the oath that her knights, Wolkenritter, guardian beast and Unison Devices made, Ave has shown Hayate how much he cares, as well as cherishes her from the very bottom of his heart. Because of that, even when she actually felt happy and relieved for her family acceptance towards Ave, Hayate somehow feared that she together with her family might inadvertently burden him with ordeals, trials and tribulations in which should never be his to begin with.

"I also concur at Shamal's opinion just now, master Hayate. Ave made his choice because he wished to protect us. Because of that, we should now be the one that support his wish and ensure that he could have done it without fail. It also happen to be the reason why we all agree with him becoming Tome of the Night Sky's proxy master, as Ave so far has been qualified for it…" calmly added Signum while once again smiling at her beloved meister, Hayate afterwards. "I actually am happy to have Ave-kun act as Tome of the Night Sky's proxy master, Signum. The only thing that I am afraid of is the fact that Successor of the Sapphire Star title might instead give him more burden na…" replied Hayate back before letting a small sigh out as well, in return.

Shamal and Signum were definitely understand Hayate's concern over an additional burden that her beloved Ave might need to shoulder if he inherited "Successor of the Sapphire Star" title after becoming Tome of the Night Sky's surrogate Lord or proxy master. While she never actually mentioned it personally, Hayate loves and cares about Ave's wellbeing, as well as happiness as much as her predecessor, Kanae Kagurai. Because of that, she wished not to burden Ave with other responsibility that should in the first place never be his to carry after all. Ave has made a decision to shoulder half of Hayate's burden by saving Reinforce Eins in the past. That decision alone should has been enough, as Hayate realized on how sincere Ave's decision was to save Reinforce Eins from her supposedly inevitable demise. Signum, Shamal, Vita and Zafira understood that very well, as they were able to see fragments of Hayate, Ave and Reinforce Eins' memories after their Linker Cores meld into one at the end of Book of Darkness Incident itself. Since fragment of one's memories or vestiges always reveal the hidden truth, as well as one's sincerest feeling after all.

At the same time however, Signum and Shamal have also trusted Ave for his potential as Tome of the Night Sky's surrogate Lord or proxy master, as well as Successor of the Sapphire Star. No one has ever held the said title before, as Signum and the rest of her fellow Wolkenritter have reserve it only for any extraordinary individual that was proven worthy to safeguard these countless multiple multiverses' cycle of death and rebirth, as well as karmic balance while accompany them in their journey across this endless eternity itself. Because of that, as per-Signum, as well as Shamal, Vita, Zafira and Reinforce Eins' assessment, Ave has surpassed their expectation in which required for becoming Tome of the Night Sky's surrogate Lord or proxy master. At the same time, they also agree that Ave has been proven worthy to receive and held the aforementioned title, Successor of the Sapphire Star, as his role as Tome of the Night Sky's surrogate Lord or proxy master would allowed him to safeguard countless multiple multiverses' cycle of death and rebirth together with their karmic balance as well.

"Ave would definitely be fine, master Hayate. Since I together with Shamal, Vita, Zafira and Eins have found him worthy to uphold such title after everything that he achieved back then. Because of that, I don't think that you should overly worried about him, as he would without fail proving himself worthy enough for becoming Successor of the Sapphire Star, in which also happen to be our surrogate Lord or proxy master as well…" calmly reassured Signum while smiling at her beloved meister, Hayate at the same time. Hayate in return was only quietly listen at Signum's reassuring respond just now before she letting a small sigh out as well, not long afterwards. She did agree with Signum's explanation just now. Yet, she also simultaneously understood on how her beloved Ave-kun was still perhaps not yet ready to receive "Successor of the Sapphire Star" title due to a small doubt that he still currently had deep within his heart.

After her Linker Core fused together with Reinforce Eins and Ave's own Linker Cores, Hayate could vividly saw one particular small doubt that Ave had in mind. Even after he accepted Ayin Barshem and Olivier Sägebrecht's offer to became another Time Diver's candidate, Ave could never completely cast the very small doubt and uncertainty that plagued his mind unfortunately. Because of that, Hayate wished for Ave to solve his own doubt first before inheriting "Successor of the Sapphire Star" title in which her faithful Knight of the Sword, Signum has suggested just now. It was when Hayate once again let another small sigh out before she responded at Signum's reassuring explanation just now while simultaneously also smiling at her as well, in return.

"We might better wait until Ave-kun solved the very small doubt that plagued his heart, Signum. Since only by doing so, he could inherit Successor of the Sapphire Star title without having to burden his own conscience with additional responsibilities that come with it na…" responded Hayate back before explaining her own reasoning towards Signum as well, simultaneously. In the end, Signum, Vita, Shamal and Zafira decided to accept Ave as Tome of the Night Sky's surrogate Lord or proxy master without even bestowing him with "Successor of the Sapphire Star" title until he was ready for it. Hayate and Reinforce Eins were pleased with the outcome, as slowly but surely, their beloved Ave could finally overcame his own doubt in which previously plagued him before becoming someone that worthy for "Successor of the Sapphire Star" afterwards. Fast-forward to the present time, Hayate once again remembered on how her beloved Ave has exponentially improving himself and in the end becoming a true Successor of the Sapphire Star after he successfully saved countless multiverses from their supposedly ultimate demise.

"He always did his very best to safeguard these countless newborn multiverses' future. Even after Nanoha-chan and Fate-chan told him to take easy when doing so na…" muttered Hayate alone under her breath, as she flicked several pages from her high-speed Storage Device, Grimoire and summon ten dagger-shaped projectiles, in which later on identified as her signature (guided) shooting spell, Brionac Assault before simultaneously launch them at a gigantic grotesque elder dragon in front of her. "Brionac Assault! Fire!" shouted Hayate, as those aforementioned ten dagger-shaped projectiles instantly hurl themselves towards the gigantic grotesque elder dragon in which currently also releasing toxic miasma as well, at the same time.

"Stay sharp master Hayate! This Vaal Hazak is more dangerous than the one that we previously fought in the past!" warned Signum before she transformed her faithful Armed Device, Lævatein "Wirbelwind" Modified into its "Bogenform" or "Bow Form" afterwards. Hayate in return was only affirmatively nodding back at her faithful Knight of the Sword, Signum, as she retreated back to the rear while simultaneously cast her signature (aimed) bombardment spell, "Claíomh Solais" using both high-speed Storage Device, Grimoire and EM Equipment, Rod that acted as the aforementioned spell's catalyst.

"Certainly, Signum. Since I wish not to accidentally get injured and make everyone worried about me na…" replied Hayate back affirmatively, as she successfully distanced herself from this aforementioned gigantic grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak shortly afterwards. Signum in return was only calmly nodding back at her beloved meister, Hayate before using Lævatein Wirbelwind's "Bogenform" to execute her ultimate (aimed) shooting spell, "Sturmfalken" towards Vaal Hazak in which slowly tried to approach them. It was when three continuous (aimed) shooting spell, "Sturmfalken" that Signum executed using Lævatein Wirbelwind's "Bogenform" manage to tore half of Vaal Hazak's grotesque right wing before halting its advance as well, simultaneously. Hayate in which hovering not far from Signum's current position noticed on how the said gigantic and grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak has finally stumble and completely halt its advance.

"Did we defeat it?" asked Hayate while simultaneously preparing her (guided) shooting spell, "Brionac Assault" and aim it towards the currently paralysed Vaal Hazak. "Sadly not, master Hayate. I only manage to temporarily disable it from advancing further as this Vaal Hazak is undoubtedly more dangerous and lethal than the one that we previously fought after all…" calmly answered Signum back, as she also shook her head in disappointment before transforming Lævatein Wirbelwind back to its original default "Schwertform" or "Sword Form" afterwards. Hayate in return only quietly ponder at Signum's answer for a brief moment before she decided to ask her another question.

"Can we beat it, Signum? Since it would be a while until Vita-chan, Ave-kun and everyone else arrive na…" once again asked Hayate before she turned her gaze at Vaal Hazak in which slowly started to recover from its injury that Signum's ultimate (aimed) shooting spell, "Sturmfalken" has previously inflicted. "It won't be easy but never outright impossible for us to do so, master Hayate. Although waiting for Vita and Takamachi's arrival would still preferred than fighting this dangerous elder dragon alone…" once again answered Signum calmly, as she also properly explained the very reason behind her answer just now towards her beloved meister, Hayate as well, in return. "Uh well, Ave-kun and Vita-chan would certainly make our job to defeat Vaal Hazak easier. Not to mention that Einhalt, Teana and Subaru are also with them na…" added Hayate while acknowledging Signum's answer as well, at the same time.

"They should arrive soon, master Hayate. In addition to that, Takamachi's newly upgraded Exia Flügel would definitely help us to defeat Vaal Hazak quicker, I believe…" calmly responded Signum back before smiling back at her beloved meister, Hayate Yagami in return. "I also am thinking the same, Signum. Especially knowing that Shari has also upgraded it using Formula Eltria's technology that both Amita-san and Iris-chan…I mean Tink Erbel-chan provided na…" acknowledged Hayate, as she hurled fifteen dagger-shaped projectiles of her signature (guided) shooting spell, "Brionac Assault" towards the once again advancing Vaal Hazak as well, simultaneously. Signum once again smiled and gave her beloved meister, Hayate another affirmative nod before she decided to also attack the aforementioned gigantic grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak using her signature magic-enhanced fiery vertical sword strike known as Purple Lightning Flash or "Shiden Issen" afterwards.

"Tink Erbel, a persona that Iris Sevenfield created after the destruction of her original body forty years ago. In the end however, both Iris Sevenfield and Tink Erbel existed simultaneously as the former returned back to Eltria together with both Florian siblings, Dearche, Stern and Levi while the latter decided to fulfil her duty and assist the fledgling Time Diver's candidate Ave J.C Takamachi instead. It also when Tink Erbel decided to introduce herself as Iris Asteria, a name previously used by her original counterpart's Invasive Armed Form and taught Takamachi both magic and basic swordplay, I believe…" muttered Signum alone under her breath while trying to remember more about a certain unregistered Terra Forming Unit, IR-S07M2 Tink Erbel or Iris "Isylvia" Asteria that briefly accompany and taught her beloved meister, Hayate's younger boyfriend, Ave magic, as well as Formula Eltria in the past. Unlike the original Iris Sevenfield, Tink Erbel was more calm and collected when confronting her enemies, as they were in the end happen to be a completely two different personas after all.

"Claus and Olivier definitely raised her well. Since Tink Erbel has done such a good job for briefly taught Takamachi about magic and Formula Eltria before Eins canonically replaced her role in this new revised timeline afterwards…" once again muttered Signum alone under her breath, as she letting a small chuckle out before swiftly dodge the incoming toxic fume from Vaal Hazak's breath at the same time. Signum then unleashed another magically enhanced fiery vertical sword strike, Purple Lightning Flash or "Shiden Issen", as she successfully sliced the remaining Vaal Hazak's wing with it afterwards. "The rest is up to you, master Hayate…" calmly informed Signum, as she decided to let her beloved meister, Hayate to defeat the said grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak using (guided) shooting spell, "Brionac Assault" and (aimed) bombardment spell, "Claíomh Solais".

"Thanks, Signum! I will definitely defeat it without fail na…" thanked Hayate before she raised her EM Equipment, Rod and manipulate a pair of optional CWX-Defenser units in which recently installed on her CW-AEC00X-2 Fortress AEC Armament's Main Unit to block any incoming attack from the said wounded grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak. Luckily for her, Vaal Hazak's injury has prevented it to retaliate, as Hayate executed her signature (guided) shooting spell, "Brionac Assault" while preparing her also signature (aimed) bombardment spell, "Claíomh Solais" as well, at the same time. Accompanied by a painful howl and shriek, massive explosion of white-coloured magical energy began to completely engulf the aforementioned grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak in front Hayate and Signum before incinerate it afterwards. "Have we finally defeat it, Signum?" asked Hayate before she decided to prepare another (aimed) bombardment spell, "Claíomh Solais" as well, in return.

"We undoubtedly manage to severely injure it, master Hayate. Unfortunately however, this particular Vaal Hazak's subspecies is a lot more powerful than the one that we previously fought…" answered Signum back while once again readying her Old Belka's style sword stance as well, simultaneously. In front of her, as well as her beloved meister, Hayate, the said severely injured grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak began to let another bloodcurdling shriek out and releasing toxic miasma in which started to engulf its surrounding area as well. "It seems more agitated than before, Signum…" responded Hayate towards Signum's answer just now. It was also when Hayate decided to inform her faithful Knight of the Sword, Signum on how the aforementioned grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak was instead becoming enraged after they severely injure it.

"Nonetheless, we have successfully injure it with our spells just now, master Hayate. Because of that, it only is a matter of time before we defeat it and secure our escape route for others…" calmly replied Signum back, as she also reassured her beloved meister, Hayate that they would definitely able to defeat this grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak after all. Hayate in return was only smiled at Signum before she decided to execute another (aimed) bombardment spell of hers, "Claíomh Solais" towards Vaal Hazak's direction afterwards. It was also when she acknowledge Signum's reply after her (aimed) bombardment spell, "Claíomh Solais" once again incinerate Vaal Hazak by completely engulf it in massive explosion of white-coloured magical energy.

"I agree, Signum. Since we can't just give our young Successor of the Sapphire Star another trouble when he arrived with others na…" acknowledged Hayate in her respond towards Signum's reply just now. She also at the same time decided to refer her beloved younger boyfriend, Ave with "Successor of the Sapphire Star" title in which Signum proposed in the past. "He would never find such thing to be a trouble, master Hayate. Especially after he made a promise to take half of your burden with him and becoming our proxy master or surrogate Lord…" reminded Signum, as she letting another small chuckle out while replying back at her beloved meister, Hayate in return. Simultaneously she was also transforming her Armed Device, Lævatein from its "Schwertform" or "Sword Form" into "Schlangeform" or "Snake Form" as well afterwards.

"A, ha, ha, ha. I hope and believe so na…" sheepishly responded Hayate back, as she once again executed her (aimed) bombardment spell, "Claíomh Solais" towards the aforementioned grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak in front of them. Signum in the meantime was also performing her signature magic-enhanced attack spell, Flying Dragon Flash or "Hiryū Issen" in order to inflict additional damage towards Vaal Hazak while in the process hopefully defeat it as well. "I am certain of that, master Hayate. Since our Successor of the Sapphire Star would certainly fulfil his promise after all…" reassured Signum before once again referring Ave with "Successor of the Sapphire Star" title in which he would most likely inherit not far in the future.

Hayate in return only sheepishly smiled back at Signum while simultaneously executes her signature (aimed) bombardment spell, "Claíomh Solais" towards the aforementioned grotesque elder dragon, Vaal Hazak as well afterwards. She was definitely agree with Signum's reassuring reply or reminder just now, as her beloved younger boyfriend, Ave would definitely fulfil his promise to take and shoulder half of her burden away with him. Because of that, Hayate couldn't help herself from sometimes feel a bit worried over her aforementioned beloved younger boyfriend, Ave in which often pushed himself beyond his own limit for the sake of fulfilling the very promise that he previously made to her, as well as Reinforce Eins, Vivio Takamachi and Einhalt Stratos.

"Ave-kun loves Eins, Vivio and Einhalt as much as he loves me. Because of that, he could sometimes act quite reckless when trying to protect us and end up getting injured in the process na…" muttered Hayate alone under her breath while remembering on how reckless Ave could be when he tried to protect her, as well as Reinforce Eins, Vivio and Einhalt's wellbeing. Her beloved younger boyfriend, Ave in which also happen to be Reinforce Eins, Vivio and Einhalt's beloved, as well as cherished one have fulfilled his promise to take half of their burden away from them. Simultaneously, Hayate also noticed on how Ave has proven his own worth by becoming a dependable surrogate Lord or proxy master for Tome of the Night Sky and her own family. It most likely due to everything that he has done for Hayate's sake, as well as Reinforce Eins, Vivio and Einhalt's that the aforementioned Knight of the Sword, Signum decided to always refer him with "Successor of the Sapphire Star", a prestigious title in which Tome of the Night Sky bestowed upon its worthy leader, surrogate Lord or proxy master known as "Successor".

Similar on how Olivier Sägebrecht and Claus G.S. Ingvalt bless Tome of the Night Sky's previous "Successor", Yuri Eberwein, both Vivio Takamachi and Einhalt Stratos has also gave their blessing upon the current "Successor", Ave in which they both love and cherish dearly. Because of that, as she remembered on how both Olivier Sägebrecht and Claus G.S. Ingvalt's descendants together with Reinforce Eins also care about her beloved younger boyfriend, Ave's wellbeing, Hayate once again realized that everything would definitely by fine. Since her beloved younger boyfriend, Ave would never be alone in this endless journey towards the unseen never ending tomorrow and eternity itself after all.

To Be Continued…