Chapter XXIV

In the World of Vein; Prelude to Ragnarok Vein (静脈の世界で; ラグナロク静脈の前奏曲)

xxxxx

Dimension: PV-CV-19/World of Vein

The portal opened up, tossing the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and the Elven Princesses onto the arid ground. After gaining their bearings, the group viewed their new location. The landscape before their eyes was dry and seemingly devoid of life. A ruined city lied before them, seemingly the remains of a bygone civilization. The colors of their locality are dull like grime. Despite the gray dullness of the environment, the sun's rays cut through the darkness and revealed a path leading straight into the heart of this ruined city.

"Is this your world, Sion?" Hifumi asked the Revenant.

"Yeah, it looks like it."

Suddenly, the Thieves started coughing as the rancid stench of the dirty, polluted air filled their nostrils.

"Oh no, you guys aren't accustomed to the air here!" Yakumo exclaimed.

"You'll need masks!" Louis cried out.

Before long, Hifumi's hands glowed with white light. She quickly produced white orbs, which attached to the Phantom Thieves' and Elven Princesses' faces. Then, masks similar to the ones worn by the Revenants formed on their faces. The Thieves also activated their Metaverse forms. The Vein Remnants then invoked their masks. Hifumi quickly assumed her Tennyo form.

"Oh, god! That's much better!" Panther cried out, getting cleaner air through her mask.

"What the hell happened to your air here man?! I almost died there!" Skull exclaimed.

Sighing, Nadia grabbed her mask. "Do we really need these? The air didn't seem to bother me or Anastasia."

Anastasia added. "Yes, but we can't be too sure how long we can go without masks, Nadia. Let's keep ours on for our sake."

Crow chuckled. "These masks will certainly be helpful. We can't be too sure the kind of toxins we would've been inhaling here."

"Your lungs simply aren't used to the polluted air here. We should've warned you." Jack informed them.

Queen deeply sighed. "It's ok. We can't blame you since you've just recovered a lot of your memories."

"We weren't expecting you to remember every detail," Noir added.

"So, this city? What did it use to be?' Fox queried.

Sion replied. "Who knows, but it used to be inhabited by humans. The Great Collapse happened and then Operation Queenslayer was enacted to stop the Queen." He recollected the vestiges of the events following the cataclysmic events.

Jack nodded. "Right. All Revenants more or less used to be humans before being converted via experimentations."

"No offense, but I couldn't live in a place like this," Oracle remarked.

"Yep, can't blame ya. The air is so rank!" Skull added his disgust with the ravaged conditions.

"Don't worry. We don't blame you," Louis said.

Scanning his surroundings, Crow asserted. "I sure wouldn't be caught dead living here."

Scoffing, Mia muttered. "Maybe if you're careful, you won't die here."

Crow sneered at the twin-tailed blonde. "What was that?"

"Are we ready?" Joker turned to everyone. As they nodded in unison, he followed Sion and Louis' lead. He also stayed close to Panther, safeguarding her from whatever could lurk in the shadows.

As the group passed the heart of the ruined city, they eyed the arid and desolate landscape. The area was almost entirely free of foliage, sans a few patches of dried up grass. Ruined infrastructures covered the vicinity. Protruding from the ground are tall dark obelisks shaped like massive spikes. Trims of golden yellow crystals covered these obelisks.

Walking up to Sion, Tennyo whispered. "Do you remember where you're going?"

Sion nodded. "I'm going by what I remember. Our base is supposed to be this way."

"There it is!" Louis pointed toward a rundown mansion, which on the outside appeared abandoned, but there were lights on and a person standing outside a balcony.

Upon seeing the mansion, the Vein Remnants recalled every memory of occupying it.

"That's it!" Mia cried out, her smile widening.

Yakumo smirked. "Home sweet home."

Io intently stared at the mansion. "This place…"

Sion walked up to the pale-skinned Revenant. "This is where we used to live. Do you not remember?"

Shaking her head, Io replied. "I don't know. It does seem familiar to me. All I know the previous Io once inhabited this place."

"I see someone on the balcony," Jack noted the individual, who appeared familiar. It was a young woman with short, neck-length brown hair and red eyes.

Quickly recognizing the woman, Louis called out. "Karen?!"

Mia blinked. "That does look like her."

Queen turned to Louis. "But, that's not the same one from our dimension?"

Biting his bottom lip, Louis nodded. "That's right. This is a different Karen from the one we know. C'mon, everyone." He quickly bolted ahead with everyone else following his trail.

xxxxx

Dimension: PV-CV-19/Home Base

"Karen! Can you hear me?! Karen!"

Hearing her name being yelled out, Karen quickly looked ahead. Her eyes caught Engineer, Sion, Mia, Yakumo, Jack, Eva, and the Phantom Thieves.

"Louis…? Is that you?" Karen almost gasped, jumping out of a chair. "But, wait." She glanced over her shoulder and saw her brother inside conversing with Yakumo (PV-CV-19) and Mia (PV-CV-19). "Then, who was that?"

"What's going on?" A young woman with light brown, black-length hair overheard the commotion. "Karen, who are you yelling at?"

"You're not going to believe this, but I saw Louis!" Karen announced, pointing her friend toward Louis and company running up toward the mansion.

Adjusting her glasses, Aurora, too, was taken aback by the returning Revenants. "Oh my god, it is them!"

"What's going on?" Louis (PV-CV-19) interjected. "Karen, I heard you call my name?"

"I saw you."

"Huh?"

Karen shook her head. "I saw you, Sion, Yakumo, Mia, and some others outside!"

"What?" Louis (PV-CV-19) was confused by his sister's outlandish claim.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the front doors. Everyone inside Home Base turned and faced the banging doors.

"Were we expecting company?" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) asked everyone.

"Not that I'm aware of," Mia (PV-CV-19) answered every bit as confused as the others.

Karen quickly headed off to open the door. Then, Louis (PV-CV-19) and Sion (PV-CV-19) stepped in to open the door for her. As they opened the door, they wore aghast faces when meeting Sion, Engineer, the other Vein Remnants, and the Phantom Thieves.

"Hello, I know this may come off as a shock," Sion tried reasoning with the befuddled Revenants.

As their eyes turned red, Louis (PV-CV-19) and Sion (PV-CV-19) prepared to stop them.

"Wait, don't attack us! We're not enemies!" Engineer pleaded.

"Then, why do you look like us?" Louis (PV-CV-19) asked, his nose smelling their scents. "Your scent is even similar to us."

"Clones, I take it?" Sion (PV-CV-19) scanned the Vein Remnants.

"Hey, what's going on?" Mia (PV-CV-19) asked as she and Yakumo (PV-CV-19) approached the door. They also saw Stinger and Hound, causing them to invoke their Blood Veils. "They look like us!"

"Who sent you imposters here?!" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) demanded, readily preparing to send his hound heads on the Vein Remnants.

"Wait!" Louis (PV-CV-19) beckoned the others back.

"Listen to us, we came here to warn you there'll be a war coming," Engineer tried explaining his reasoning for being here.

"You look just like Louis," Karen approached Engineer and caressed his face. "You even feel and smell like him. No, I know a clone when I see one." She then pivoted and faced Louis (PV-CV-19). "He's real, Louis. He's every bit as genuine as you and I."

"If he and these three aren't clones, then who or what…" Louis (PV-CV-19) deductively wondered about their counterparts.

Just then, Sion (PV-CV-19) turned toward Sion and Io. Sion (PV-CV-19)'s eyes widened when he glanced over Io.

"No, it can't be!" Sion (PV-CV-19) quickly pulled out an amber-colored bead. "But, you're here!" He scanned Io. "But, you turned into the Weeping Tree! I know because we saw you sacrifice yourself!"

Wearing a gentle smile, Io placed a hand on Sion (PV-CV-19)'s face. "I can see my other self gave her life for you and the others here." She momentarily glanced across the Home Base, eyeing the other Revenants.

"Io, is that you?" Mia (PV-CV-19) gasped upon seeing the pale-skinned Revenant.

"You're alive?" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) was flabbergasted.

"It's a long story, everyone," Sion addressed the Revenants (PV-CV-19).

"Understood, but who are these people? They're new to me." Karen asked, eyeing the Phantom Thieves.

Louis (PV-CV-19) keenly eyed the Thieves. "They wear masks like us, but they aren't Revenants?"

"Correct, they like us are from another world. Listen, everything we're going to tell you will seem like a shock, but hear us out." Engineer said as he and the group walked inside the mansion.

"We're also here because conflict is about to occur here," Sion warned Karen.

"What kind of conflict?" Sion (PV-CV-19) asked, inviting Io and the others in.

"Thank you," Tennyo bowed to Sion (PV-CV-19). "You're polite just like my Sion."

"Y-You're welcome?" Sion (PV-CV-19) was taken aback by Tennyo's kind gesture. He watched Io and Tennyo follow Sion. "This other me not only has Io, but also found a lover?"

"Hey, what's going on? What's the commotion?" A large, bald-headed dark-skinned man walked in. He paused as he saw the Vein Remnants. Then, he asked Louis (PV-CV-19). "Uh… ok, you're going to have to level with me here."

"Hey, Davis," Hound casually greeted him.

"He even knows my name."

Yakumo (PV-CV-19) shrugged. "If he is me, he should know who you are."

"Whoa, another Louis, Sion, Mia, and Yakumo?! How's this possible?!" A young woman with a tangerine-colored hair, worn in a ponytail, greeted the Vein Remnants. She then turned and faced the Phantom Thieves. "Oh, and you brought some guests?"

"Wow, it's really you guys," Stinger became overly flabbergasted with the familiar faces.

"You're talking to them like you know them," Mia (PV-CV-19) pointed out.

"What in the world is going on here?" A woman with shoulder-length, blonde hair interjected.

"Coco?" Engineer addressed the woman, who looked at him and Louis (PV-CV-19). "Huh? Hey, there's two of you? Now I'm lost."

Louis (PV-CV-19) turned to Engineer. "She does have a point. Care to explain why you're here?"

"Like I said, it's a long story, but we'll entail you," Engineer (PV-CV-19) reassured his counterpart.

"Yakumo!" A woman with neck-length, brown hair called out to Yakumo (PV-CV-19) only to also garner Hound's attention. She abruptly paused and gawked at the two Yakumo. "Yakumo? And… Yakumo? Which one of you?"

Hound was taken aback by Emily's presence. "Emily. I mean, hi there."

Yakumo (PV-CV-19) reassured Emily. "He's me, but I'm sure there's a reason why he and these lookalikes are here."

Emily queried. "Are they clones?'

Sion (PV-CV-19) answered. "We're still trying to figure that one out."

"Mia? Where is there another you?" A voice belonging to a child asked and approached the twin-tailed blonde woman.

Recognizing the child's voice, Stinger whipped around and saw a small boy with shoulder-length, blonde hair and clear blue eyes. He has on a blue winter coat, dark shoes, and a black ushanka hat, almost identical to her hat. Mia (PV-CV-19) walked up and tried to explain the best she can about her counterpart to the young boy.

"Is she a clone of yours?" Nicola asked, looking back at Stinger for a moment.

For a moment, Mia visualized the older-looking teenager, Shaking her head, the child stood in place of the teen.

"Nicola, it's you… you're small again. My sweet little brother," Stinger almost teared up, confounding the child.

"You're crying?" Nicola blinked. "Please, it's ok. You don't need to cry."

Mia (PV-CV-19) turned and asked Stinger. "Tell me. How is your Nicola if there is one?"

"He…" Stinger calmly smiled. "He's fine. He's with friends right now and they're waiting for me to get home."

Nicola exchanged a pleasant smirk. "Tell the other me I said hello."

"I will," Stinger vowed, wiping away her tears.

Just then, Jack and Eva saw their counterparts walking over to meet them. Jack (PV-CV-19) examined his counterpart. Eva (PV-CV-19) got a close-up of her counterpart.

"You look genuine for a clone of mine," Jack said. "Tell me. Who created you?"

"What? I was born and later revived as a Revenant just like you," Jack quickly stated.

Eva (PV-CV-19) asked Eva. "Is this true? Are you the same way?"

Eva nodded. "Yes, Jack and I are as real as you two. We come from another dimension, but it's different from your world."

Jack (PV-CV-19) intensely glared at Jack. "That's intriguing to know. So, you're us from an alternate reality, but yet you smell and resonate with Revenant energy." He and Jack's eyes radiated with blue light.

Jack muttered. "I am a Revenant just like you."

Eva (PV-CV-18) put an ear to Eva's chest. "But, I don't sense a BOR Parasite in you. That's a human heart you have."

"Not BOR Parasites? That's strange, but yet you're still clearly Revenants," Davis said.

"Do you consume Blood Beads in your world?" Emily asked Hound.

"No."

Yakumo (PV-CV-18) queried. "Then, how do you feed?"

Engineer answered. "We either drink others' blood consensually or consume animal blood." He glanced over to Queen and Noir. "These two have been very helpful in that regard."

Noir spoke up. "I bring animal blood from meat markets to feed him."

Tennyo then added. "Although, I do let Sion feed off me when he needs to."

Sion smiled. "Consensually of course."

"Ok, everyone, let's listen. Can we please ease down?" Engineer suggested among the Vein Remnants and the Revenants (PV-CV-19).

Nearly going off on them, Rin quickly waved a finger at the Vein Remnants. "You guys better explain everything!"

"Easy now, Rin! We will!" Sion backed off.

"Sorry for the sudden intrusion," Joker addressed the Revenants. "We don't have much time. We came here from another world with your friends here. You may not believe everything we tell you, but it's the truth."

"Moreover, conflict is about to arise in your world," Queen warned them.

"Who would suddenly stir conflict here besides Lost?" Davis asked the Thieves.

"Does the name Juzo Mido ring any bells?" Joker asked the Revenants. Just the mention of the mad scientist's name brought silence to the mansion. "Judging by the silent treatment, you know who is. Then, yes, he's back. That's partly why we're here."

"Juzo Mido is back?! But, we finished him!" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) exclaimed, his tone escalated with contempt for the mad scientist.

"But, how can he be alive?!" Louis (PV-CV-19) shouted.

"We killed him!" Sion (PV-CV-19) cried out.

"Well, I hope you're ready for the long story, but here goes," Engineer then sat everyone down to explain where they've come from and everything pertaining to Juzo Mido, the Yami Matter, and their bonds with the Phantom Thieves. "The Mido that arrived in our world came from yours. He was revived by the Yami Matter."

"So, this Yami Matter not only revived him, but it's brought him here?" Louis (PV-CV-19) asked the Vein Remnants.

"That's correct. He's no doubt going to find something to empower his Jinyo and turn her into a goddess," Sion stated.

"That Jinyo is a clone based on me. We can't let him succeed!" Tennyo said.

"The source I imagine Mido would want to give himself power is…" Sion (PV-CV-19) then gasped and realized.

"What is it, Sion?" Mia (PV-CV-19) asked him.

"He's likely going after the Weeping Tree!"

"Where is it?" Joker asked him.

"It's located inside the Gaol of the Stagnant Blood," Louis (PV-CV-19) answered. "You'll have to go to the Provisional Government's central headquarters."

Hearing this, Sion stood up ready to go. "Then, that's where we'll go."

"Do you know where it is?" Davis asked the Vein Remnants.

"We do thanks to our memories," Engineer replied.

"You're going to need help," Yakumo (CV-PV-19) offered assistance for the Vein Remnants.

"Don't worry. Let us handle Mido for you," Sion offered to fight on the Revenants' (PV-CV-19) behalf.

"We've already fought and beaten Mido once. We know we can do it again. That's why he retreated here. He's desperate to turn the tide against us," Joker stated.

"That's right. And he's scared as he should be," Panther said, gritting her teeth while trying to contain her anger.

"Entrust us to protect the Weeping Tree and stop Mido," Engineer suggested.

The Revenants (PV-CV-19) crowded in a corner and conversed. After a minute, Louis (PV-CV-19) approached the Vein Remnants and spoke out on their behalf.

"We've decided we'll join you," Louis (PV-CV-19) openly stated. "But just myself, Sion, Yakumo, Mia, Jack, Eva. Everyone else stays behind."

"Awww, are you sure you don't need our help?" Rin asked with a deep sigh.

"It's best we let them go. After all, they've fought Mido before," said Aurora.

"Be careful, Louis and everyone," Karen wished the Revenants (PV-CV-19) well.

"Just in case, I'll help lead the way with you," Louis (PV-CV-19) offered to assist Sion and Engineer.

"Thank you," Sion accepted his generous offer.

"Let's see how well an alternate me fights. I'm excited," Yakumo (PV-CV-19) said to Hound.

"I won't disappoint," Hound replied.

Sion (PV-CV-19) approached Sion, Tennyo, and Io. "And I'll get to see how well you three fight together."

"Oh yeah, just watch," Sion said.

"We must protect the Weeping Tree at all costs," Io firmly declared.

"Let's make haste before Mido beats us there," Joker said, amassing the Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and the Revenants (PV-CV-19).

As the group headed out, Karen, Emily, Rin, Davis, Nicola, and Aurora watched them leave.

"Good luck, other Mia," Nicola smiled.

"I hope they can stop Mido again. The last thing we want is Mido to harness the Weeping Tree's power," Emily said.

"With those alternate Revenants and these Phantom Thieves, their chances are much better, but you're right about Mido. He's not one to underestimate," Aurora said. "Right, Karen?"

Nodding, Karen placed a hand firmly on her chest. "Yes. If anything, that other Io and that Hifumi woman should be able to harness the Weeping Tree's power. Don't forget the tree is our Io. If those two can harness the tree's power, maybe just maybe…"

"Maybe what?" Davis asked her.

Karen said nothing, clasping her hands together as if giving a prayer.

xxxxx

Dimension: PV-CV-19/Provisional Government Outskirts

Not long after leaving Home Base, the Thieves, the Vein Remnants, the Elven Princesses, and the Revenants (PV-CV-19) arrived outside a large infrastructure. Situated on atop of a rock formation is a white fortress surrounded by golden yellow obelisks poking out of the ground.

"Is this it?" Queen asked Louis (PV-CV-19), eyeing the same infrastructure as everyone else.

"Yes, this is the Provisional Government facility. Normally Davis would be here since he works for the government, but I decided he should stay behind to look after the others," Louis (PV-CV-19) said.

"You think Gregorio knows Mido is back?" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) wondered.

Quickly brandishing his Regicide Blade, Sion firmly stated. "Only one way to find out." At the same time, the Thieves and the Vein Remnants readied their weapons.

As the group advanced, insidious laughter filled the air with dread. The group halted their march and looked up. A dark red wormhole opened up over them, releasing Juzo Mido, Jinyo, Akireplica, and Kriemhild. The villainous group descended halfway down to greet their opposition.

"MIDO!" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) furiously roared. His and the other Revenants' eyes glowed red with fury at the mad scientist.

"I can't believe he's alive again!" Mia (PV-CV-19) cried out in disbelief.

"You're the last person we ever wanted to see again!" Sion (PV-CV-19) snapped.

Sion nodded. "Count us in as well. This bastard briefly took over my body."

However, as angry as the Revenants were, none were as furious as Panther. Failing to contain herself, she gnashed her teeth hard as fire briefly imbued her whip. Joker and the others noted Panther about to cut loose.

"Lady Ann," Mona worryingly muttered, fearing her inevitable explosion of anger.

"Guys, look who's with them! It's Kriemhild!" Fox pointed to the chaos bringer and the creature responsible for Wulf-Edda's demise.

"She's decided to finally reveal herself in the flesh," Noir frowned.

"So, the bitch is out of her sheep's clothing," Nadia sardonically remarked.

"Since she likely knows we learned about her past, she has no reason to hide inside the Vamkyrie vessels anymore," Anastasia added.

"Well, we're not letting her destroy this world or ours," Hound growled as he and the other Vein Remnants angrily faced Kriemhild.

Wearing a conniving smirk, Kriemhild flashed the Andvaranaut ring. "Yes, we've already been acquainted before, haven't we, Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants. After all, you fought me while I occupied the Vamkyrie vessels. Well fear not. You shall have another opportunity to battle my Vamkyries, but you'll also get me as a bonus."

"We know all about your history, Kriemhild! Lady Sága and her family showed us all we need to know!" Sion angrily chastised her.

"Heheh, so that old fossil told you everything about me? Well, I won't have to bore you with any details then!" Kriemhild cackled. "We can get straight to the point. Isn't that right, Mido?"

"Heheh, indeed. Hello, friends. How long has it been?" Mido chortled darkly, his eye shifting over to Sion, Tennyo, Io, Joker, and Panter. "Although we were briefly acquainted again." He then veered toward the Revenants (PV-CV-19). "But, you especially. It's been such a long time."

"The feelings aren't mutual, Mido! We know you were revived by a dark force!" Louis (PV-CV-19) shouted.

Mia (PV-CV-19) pointed to the Thieves and the Vein Remnants. "They told us all we need to know. That's why we're here to help them take you down again!"

Sion (PV-CV-19) growled. "And we know about Ragnarok Vein!"

Yakumo (PV-CV-19) immediately spoke out against the insidious researcher. "We also know you named your assembly trio the Yliaster Trinity. Which if I recall Yliaster is the same as Prima Materia as they're the formless base of all matter that creates the raw material needed for alchemy. And such power is able to create the Philosopher's Stone. Mido, don't think I haven't forgotten what you said!"

"Don't tell me you think he's going to…" Sion (PV-CV-19) surmised.

"He's going after the Weeping Tree to use its power to create some kind of Philosopher's Stone to empower his Jinyo creation!" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) revealed Mido's likely intention.

In response, Mido gave a mocking clap. "My, my what a sound assumption. Indeed, you'd be half correct, but you're forgetting one detail."

"And that is?!" Sion snarled.

"While I intend to use the Weeping Tree to turn my Jinyo into a goddess, I don't intend to create a Philosopher's Stone. I don't need to!" Mido declared. "My endgame ultimately hinges on Jinyo extracting Io's powers from the Weeping Tree while alongside harvesting enough despair and dark energies that will no doubt permeate from Ragnarok Vein's bloodshed." He raised his hands. "This world already gives off enough dark energy that it'll boost Jinyo's power. Combine that with Io's powers, she shall ascend into a dark goddess. One enough to destroy Sophia's light!" He said, veering his eye toward Tennyo and Io. "I know full well you two together can form Sophia. With the other Io's power, she shall become Yliaster Sophia. I've learned the mechanics of how your powers work, Togo Hifumi. I know full well the Io standing before us is not the original one from this dimension. She was created solely as Hifumi's Persona Vein. She was born from the divine light of Yaldaboath's power. With the Demiurge's power, you, Hifumi, converted it into Sophia's light. Your light helped manifest a living Persona."

Upon hearing this, Sion and Tennyo turned around and faced Io. The Persona Vein furrowed her brows and grasped their hands.

"It's true I'm not the original Io. She currently rests inside the Weeping Tree. I was created from Sophia's power with the sole means of protecting you two. I am essentially Hifumi's Persona." Io stated as absolute resolve adorned her features.

"Hehe, based on the research as I studied the nature of your powers, I created a Hifumi clone and instilled a fragment of my soul to give her life," Mido went on as an evil chuckle came out through his mask. "Oh, but I didn't just instill a fragment. No, I went further and took my daughter's virginity away doing so."

"Ugh, you sick bastard!" Yakumo (PV-CV-19) exclaimed with disgust.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing!" Stinger turned her nose up, sharing everyone else's disgust.

"You raped your own daughter just to pass a piece of yourself into her?!" Fox was horrified.

"I think I'm about to lose my breakfast and lunch!" Oracle covered her mouth.

"Yeah, gross," remarked Mona.

"And you're ok with your father violating you in that manner?!" Queen called out Jinyo.

Much to their surprise, a twisted grin smeared over Jinyo's face. Then, she openly giggled maniacally. "I'd do anything to help my dear father achieve his goals. I'll even give my own body to ensure I become his ideal goddess! My power shall easily surpass Cruz's when she became the Queen's vessel!"

"That's enough! I've heard enough!" Tennyo snapped, readying her ko-naginata. "You disgust me, Mido! You use my likeness to create an evil clone and now you admit to raping my clone?! You're a foul beast, Juzo Mido!" She quickly waved a hand over her face, invoking her Revenant's mask. "I won't show you or my clone any mercy!"

"But, that's not even the endgame," Mido chortled. "Do you wish to know what it is?"

"How about we beat you senseless?!" Sion rebuked.

"Now, now, we'll fight soon enough, but ultimately Jinyo becoming a goddess is only part of my endgame goal. The second part is invoking Yliaster Sophia's power to erase the weak, pitiful humans and sparing them of further depravity and decadence."

"What are you going on about?! You intend to erase humanity?!" Engineer questioned his intentions.

"You misunderstand. I don't just intend to erase humanity, but replace them with superhumans. Humans capable of extraordinary feats. I intend to further human's evolution past their current status. Despite being the dominant species on Earth, humans wouldn't have reached the top of the food chain without the invention of weapons, agriculture, technology, language, and such qualities. Without weapons of mass destruction or strategies aiding them, humans can be overpowered by the mightiest of beasts. In order to facilitate human evolution, Yliaster Sophia's power will usher in the next step of humanity's full potential. Think about it, a Revenants' power is just one way of creating superhumans. Why can't I create more and all of them working for me? We can displace the rest of humanity and establish a brand new order to this world and the other world which we came from!" The mad scientist unveiled his endgame to his adversaries, who tried taking this all in. "The rise of superhumans will lead to the end of the old human civilization with me and Yliaster Sophia as the forebearers. Just think, there'll be more Revenants and humans with Metaverse-like abilities in our new world. There'll even be more of others with the ability to invoke their own Persona's Ascendancy. A new world fit for the strong! The weak shall perish! Why fight me when you all can join me in celebration of a new world!"

"Because it's wrong, Mido! Everything you say is your own perverted fantasy!" Joker quickly censured Mido's endgame goal. "You want to displace humanity just so people like us can spread and take over? Your dreams can't and won't be realized, Mido."

Turning his head, Mido intensely glared at the Phantom Thief. "You would dare deny a goal that can be miraculously achieved?"

Sion asserted. "What you hope to accomplish isn't a miracle. It's reprehensible! Erasing humanity for their failings is wrong! You don't get to make that choice!"

Louis (PV-CV-19) scowled. "Even after coming back from death, you haven't changed, you vile monster."

Kriemhild retorted against Mido's opposition. "C'mon, you'd be fools to turn down a chance to oppress the weak and frail humans that'll hold back progress. Mido is right to remove the weak. Isn't that what you all truthfully want?! Just think, we don't have to fight each other! We can eradicate the weak humans and give birth to the rise of superhumans. It all starts with Ragnarok Vein!"

"No! We've seen the destruction you brought to the Wulf-Edda world! We aren't going to see it happen to our world!" Tennyo rebuked. "Your plans stop here!"

"Mido, I refuse to live in your twisted utopia after knowing everything you've done to me!" Panther angrily shouted at the mad scientist. "The pain and angst you and the Yami Matter put me through. Nearly destroying my bond with my friends, almost destroying my marriage, for letting the Yami Matter take hold of me, hospitalizing me, making me face that ugly cognitive me, and nearly pushing me to a suicidal state!" Her words struck her friends' hearts, reminding them of the anguish she went through. Gnashing her teeth, she bit down her bottom lips, causing blood to drip.

However, Mido was barely fazed and openly taunted her. "Oh, look. Annie speaks. I almost forgot you were even there. That's how much I think little of you. By the way, congratulations on you and Ren's child. I hope your child grows up to be nice and healthy, but tell me how was your labor? The Yami Matter allowed me to see you kick and scream. Did it hurt Annie? Was it the worst pain imaginable?! Well, I hope it was worth it just to pop out one little brat! Heheheh!"

Mido had done it.

Letting out a furious roar, incandescent flames erupted around Panther's body. Even her eyes seemed to burn with fire.

"HOW ABOUT I SHOW YOU THE WORST PAIN IMAGINABLE, MIDO?! FORGET KRIEMHILD, YOUR FREAK OF A DAUGHTER, AND THE FAKE AKIRA, I'M COMING AFTER YOU, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!" Panther screamed with every intention to burn Mido alive with her passionate flames.

Joker, Mona, and Skull fearfully backed off from Panther. The other Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, the Elven Princesses, and the Revenants (PV-CV-19) were equally as afraid of the red-clad woman's raging presence.

Yakumo (PV-CV-19) gaped in absolute horror at Panther. "Holy shit…"

Mona nervously muttered. "That's our Lady Ann."

Skull muttered. "Mido's really askin' for an ass whipping."

Queen smirked. "After all you've been through Panther, I can't blame you."

Stinger nodded. "Just make sure to leave us some of Mido."

Queen declared. "Listen up, Mido and company! You may think creating a utopia is beneficial for human progression."

Noir then added. "You can't simply force evolution. It must happen naturally!"

Fox shouted. "You've become no different than the authoritarians who've brought death and despair to those trying to live their best lives!"

Skull yelled out. "You're no different from the horrible, shitty adults whose hearts we've had to change!"

Oracle dropped a thumbs down. "Get ready for a beatdown because we're going to stop!"

Mona cried out. "And we're not going to pull any punches!"

Panther passionately shouted. "Some of them have repented and others confessed to their crimes, but I see no chance you'll ever change your ways, Mido!"

Focusing his sights on the villains, Joker raised his Paradise Lost Dagger. "Juzo Mido, you and Kriemhild have caused enough genocide to ever be forgiven. You're beyond redemption. You're too dangerous to be kept alive."

The other Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, the Revenants (PV-CV-19), and the Elven Princesses amassed alongside Joker. Everyone took on stances and posed together, brandishing their choice weapons.

"Juzo Mido, for the crimes you've committed against humanity, we're not going to change your heart! We're simply going to end your malignant existence!" Joker openly declared Mido's execution.

Sion nodded in approval. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Tennyo concurred. "You won't get any arguments from me."

"Or, I either," Io added.

"Or, us!" Crow, the other Vein Remnants, Revenants (PV-CV-19), and Elven Princesses shouted in unison.

As the groups stood united, the four villains exchanged glances.

"Father, you're not going to let them say that and get away with it, are you?" Jinyo asked Mido.

"Of course not. They can spout off their hero speeches all they like, our plans shall proceed," Mido resolutely affirmed.

"Mido, I'm ready to summon the Vamkyries," Kriemhild voluntarily said.

"Go ahead."

With that, Kriemhild's Andvaranaut glowed and opened a wormhole, releasing the nine Vamkyries.

"And I'm ready to fight for you, father!" Jinyo declared. "And I shall take Togo Hifumi's head!"

"And as for you," Mido turned to Akireplica. "Make sure Amamiya Ren suffers agonizing pain before you finish him." As Akireplica nodded, the mad scientist shifted back to his opposition and yelled out. "The stage is now set! Let us commence with Ragnarok Vein, or shall I call it the Sixth Yami Matter Event!"

As he said this, the red sky began to darken as the black formless mass materialized. The Yami Matter's presence became felt. Its darkness blocked out the sun and blotted out most of the crimson sky. The sun turned into a solar eclipse, beaming rays of white and crimson light over the arid landscape.

"Oh no, this is almost shaping up to be like…" Anastasia gazed around fearfully.

"Don't be afraid, Anastasia. Stay close to me," Nadia said, holding her hand.

"My god…" Crow was aghast at the unmitigated darkness engulfing the sky.

"Everyone, don't be afraid!" Sion rallied everyone.

"What's going on here?" Louis (PV-CV-19) asked in befuddlement.

"Kriemhild's trying to recreate Ragnarök! We can't let this happen!" Tennyo exclaimed.

"And we won't!" Joker openly declared.

Kriemhild chortled. "Yes, The Eternal Night is upon us again."

Mido laughed evilly. "Now, let Ragnarok Vein finally commence!"

xxxxx

Chapter Soundtrack

Code Vein - Main Menu Theme - The dimension of Code Vein.
Aegis Research Institute - Astral Chain - Mido's endgame speech of expanding his reasons for wanting to control the goddess powers and use it to force humanity to evolve. Song ends after Mido taunts Ann about her labor.
Aegis Research Institute (Combat Phase) - Astral Chain - Song begins when Ann's anger is unleashed after Mido taunts her of her labor. The Phantom Thieves' speech, all of them instead of some, against Mido in the Sixth Yami Matter event before Ragnarok Vein, tributing the speeches against the Palace Ruler Shadows in stealing their Treasures, except this time, they intend to murder Mido. This has a much stronger effect for the protagonists as adults, unlike when Persona 5 OST - Blood of Villain is played when being teenagers.
RE:ARR.X (THEMEX Rearranged) - Xenoblade Chronicles X OST - Hiroyuki Sawano - The skies darkened as Ragnarok Vein begins. The protagonists' resolvement.

xxxxx

A/N: If you aren't already aware, Akane no Mai has been posted. As of this writing, it's just the prologue teaser. Regular chapter updates begin later in the month.

That said and not to steal UL's thunder, this chapter was put on a backburner while I developed AnM's first couple of chapters. This one took me about two days to write. This chapter like the previous was short and to the point.

We have the Thieves, the Vein Remnants, the Elven Princesses meeting the canon!Revenants from the game. Who would've thought? Yes, that means the Mido we've seen is the one who perished in the Code Vein game. Of course, the Yami Matter revived him to continue his evil ways. We also learn that Io is not the same one who became the Weeping Tree.

Oh boy, Mido just set off Ann again. He still hasn't learned from last time.

Mido's endgame plan has been unveiled: wants Jinyo to extract the Weeping Tree's power (by extension the original Io's power) to become a goddess and use that power to recreate a world by speeding up human evolution. In the process, superhumans are born to displace the rest of humanity. Mido wants a utopia where only superpowered beings exist. But, the Thieves know that's wrong and want to stop that from happening. Simple enough, right? Not if Kriemhild and the Vamkyries have anything to say about it. And there's sure to be more surprises the bad guys haven't unveiled yet for Ragnarok Vein.

Now, our protagonists confront Mido and his group set up the Sixth Yami Matter event. And now the battle stage is starting to look like the Ragnarök event. Look for this to last a couple of chapters. By my count, there are 6 chapters left to go. And don't worry the remaining chapters will not hit the ungodly lengths the Yggdrasil Trilogy chapters were.

So, Ragnarok Vein is finally here. Let's see how our protagonists deal with these odds.

Until then, send a review and see you soon!