It's finally here, the 'intermission' part where the team finally gets to rescue Rean. It's also my favorite part of the whole game.

The Ashen Awakener's Return

Dateline, August 17th, 1206.

Our free day was more like three quarters of a free day. With Renne's and Kea's help, Roselia was finally able to get a pinpoint on the Black Workshop's location. Meaning that it was time, time to storm the place, turn it inside out and get Rean back to us. For me, however, after what was said from our enemies, I had been secretly working on designing something that I knew I had to commit to once Rean is safe.

At the moment, I was busy honing a new craft, a new kind of power that is sure to surprise both sides of this conflict.

"Now Alex, once more!" Roselia said.

I nodded as I got serious. "To me...Divine Armament!"

'Hammer! Dagger! Axe! Lance! Glaive! Scythe! Sword! Greatsword! Rapier! Bow! Rifle! Gauntlet!'

I then felt a sudden surge of new power flowing into my body and soul before I ceased the magic casting.

"Yes! I finally mastered it!" I said to myself, feeling a sense of pride.

This was the first stage of my new powers, the one that I have been experimenting and mastering, with help from Roselia. However, I wasn't able to stay in that state for too long. If I wanted it to last longer, I would need a continuous flow of mana and that can only be done if I channel the mana through a link with a direct source of magic. And the home of the Hexen Clan, the surrounding forest, and the labyrinth, they all have the source I need. But that was something I was preparing for since the morning.

"Very impressive, Alex." Roselia praised. "Your training and your bravery to master more of your demon powers, has made you more powerful than before."

"Well, the time to storm the Black Workshop is approaching, so I'm going to need all this and more, if we wanna get Rean back." I then remembered something. "By the way, I was going to mention it yesterday, but there wasn't time. Back when we were exploring Mishelam, my view was blocked by a vision of something that was happening elsewhere in the resort, but it felt like it was going to happen in the short future."

"A vision from the future?" She hummed. "That may be another symptom of the transformation that awaits you. It would seem that you have been granted the gift of what I would call 'Foresight'."

"Foresight?"

"A vision that lets you see of what fate declares will happen, no matter the circumstances. Giving you a short amount of time to react and change the event. Perhaps it would be wise to use that to your advantage."

I pondered over that. "Hmm, a chance to see what will happen and giving me a chance to change it."

"However, at the moment, your power of foresight is limited because you have yet to connect a constant flow of mana that resonates with a continuous source, such as this village, or even the labyrinth."

"So in other words, I would need to cast a magical link with this surrounding area in all that is around it, so I always have a source available? But, will it be effective if I was let's say, far, far away from this place?"

"That, I cannot be certain. But it may be worth attempting." Roselia then took out an item from a pocket. "In which case, you will need this."

She handed it over to me, it was some kind of medallion on a small chain, it was soft yet I could feel a power that was connecting with me.

"Huh? A medallion? What's this for?" I asked.

"That shall be your link with this village. The magic of Eryn village, the surrounding forest and the labyrinth combined should be more than sufficient for the flow of mana to transfer from here to where you are." Roselia replied. "Celine and I have been experimenting on this for some time, this was long before your class had the field study in Heimdallr. Although, she didn't appreciate the favor I made in return to give her a new form."

'Huh? A new form?'

"That aside, it would appear that you are almost ready. Should you return with Rean, what will be your next step?"

I had a serious expression on my face. "Then it'll be time to bring out my part in restoring the world, and it'll be just what I told you from before."

There was a knock on the door.

"Grandmother? Are you and Alex finished yet?" It was Emma calling. "Everyone else is finished preparing."

"Looks like it's time. Keep that medallion hidden until you're ready to call for it." Roselia said quietly. "Call for me to start the mana procedure, and I'll take care of the rest on my end, but you'll have to be away from any battles you come across. Once the procedure begins, the creation of the link must not be interrupted."

"Okay, I'll make sure to do it when the time is right." I replied. "Thanks again, this will really help me in the long run."

She nodded. "Don't mention it, now get going."

I agreed and hid the medallion inside my new clothing, before leaving the atelier room, where Emma was outside.

"Oh, are you done, Alex?" She asked.

"Yeah, sorry for keeping you waiting." I replied. "I was getting some last-minute mental training, so I don't lose focus."

She nodded. "All right, everyone else is waiting at the gazebo lake."

I held her hand. "Right, let's get going."

We left the building and I could see that everyone else was near the gazebo lake.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I was going through final preparations before we go." I said to them.

"I'm somewhat guilty of this as well." Roselia added. "But putting that aside, it is time to begin."

The new Class VII students nodded as they got into their soldats whilst the rest of us stood around the center of the gazebo lake with Roselia. A giant sphere was cast around us before Roselia teleported away from the center.

"We're pretty lucky to have so many friends helping us." Alisa said.

"Yeah. There's no way we could've done this alone." Machias added.

Emma and I looked at each other and nodded, it was time to get serious.

"Altina and I will act as guides through the transferrence." She said.

"I'll help out, too." Gaius volunteered. "My wind-reading might come in handy."

"Don't forget me as well." I reminded. "With how I look at the moment, my demonic senses have been heightened. Once we get in the Black Workshop, it won't be long before I can detect his location."

"I'm certain that will be very useful." Jusis said.

"And speaking of my appearance..." I paused as I removed my headgear and the cape to reveal my ears and tail. "...I think our enemies deserve to see what I really am."

"Are you sure, Alex?" Laura asked.

I nodded as I kept the medallion hidden inside my shirt. "I've never been more sure than I am right now."

"We will find our destination." Altina said. "Soldat pilots, are you ready?"

"You bet we are!" Juna replied.

"We'll use these four units to open a Spirit Path, and transport the entire Class VII." Kurt said.

Ash sighed. "Still don't like this occult shit, but desperate times call for desperate measures."

"And above all else, we need to make sure that our resolve is steeled." Musse said.

"Just remember what Roselia said, this will be a one-way trip." I added. "Once we get into the Gnomes' base, we will be unable to get back out the same way."

"Well remembered, Alexander." Roselia replied. "Are you all willing to go into the lions' den, knowing full well that you may be going to your deaths? The success of this spell rides entirely on your determination."

"That's true." Renne agreed. "If you have any doubt in your mind, the portal will become unstable."

"Just think about what he means to you." Kea said. "As long as you focus on that, you should be a-ok!"

"Haha, there's no need to tell us that." Elliot replied.

"It goes without saying, but Rean's never left our thoughts." Machias said. "Without him, we just wouldn't be Class VII."

Jusis nodded. "He and Millium never hesitated to do what was right."

"We won't hesitate either. We're going to get him back!" Alisa said. "And when we do, I'll remind him how much I love him and how much he means to me."

"And now, we'll reach out to him as one." Laura added.

Fie nodded. "To pull him out of the darkness and back into the light."

"Nicely put, everyone." I responded. "Now then, lets all concentrate on making the spirit path fully connected. We have a lot to say to Rean...especially me, I need to talk to him."

"That goes for all of us too." Juna said. "We've got a lot to thank him for, and ever more to yell at him about."

"He's carried his burdens alone for far too long, and we're ready to share them!" Kurt added.

Altina nodded. "And that sword is proof of Millium's resolve, so we'll bring it back with him!"

"After he showed me the hope Class VII can bring, it's not fair for him to leave me like this." Musse said.

"We'll drag him outta there by force if we have to." Ash added.

"Then it's unanimous, raid the Black Workshop, rescue Rean and find a way out!" I declared. "No more doubts, we're ready to go!"

Sara giggled. "That boy really is a lucky guy."

Emma nodded. "Grandmother! Everyone, let's begin!"

"Right, we shall create a path to Rean for you." Roselia replied.

Seeing her raise her staff, we listened as the other witches around the village cast spells around the sphere barrier. With their help and my demonic powers for assistance, we began to search for a Spirit Path that was showing us the way to where the Grayborne Mountain Range was. But the moment we did, I felt a powerful dark presence and a vision of Rean who had just broken out of his imprisonment.

'Shit! That's not good, and with how his power is going berserk right now, he may be looking for Valimar.'

"What the hell?! Rean?!" I exclaimed. "Did you all..."

"It was like a vision or something." Fie finished.

"Rean...and was that Celine?" Alisa asked with worry.

"It was, but something was seriously wrong with Rean." Emma replied.

"His power was...out of control, or close to it." Gaius said.

"And he must be looking for Valimar." I added. "We don't have much time!"

"The path ahead of you will diverge. Shall I split you into two groups?" Roselia asked.

"Yeah, let's keep it simple. Split the group into two teams, one with girls and one with guys."

Sara agreed. "Yeah, what Alex said, I'll go with the boys though."

"Now then, let's lead onward, Class VII. Time to go rescue Rean and bring him home!"

"Understood." Altina nodded.

"Roger Wilco!" Juna said.

"We're comin' for ya, Rean Schwarzer!" Ash added.

'That sounds more like a threat, but whatever.' I thought to myself.

Roselia then chanted a spell and before we knew it, both our teams were leaving the village and we were travelling right through the Spirit Path with me leading the way and the Soldats bringing the rear. We then passed through a teleport each, we then appeared in some kind of big room, with two soldats behind us.

I hummed. "We finally made it, the lion's den so to speak."

"A secret workshop, a thousand arge below ground." Gaius said.

"Then the portal gate plan really worked." Elliot added.

"Yeah, it sure did." I replied. "But now we really have to be fully aware as we make our way across the workshop. As second lead of the class, I better take point until we can get to him. We'll also need to watch out for any foe that tries to stop us. Can one of you get in contact with the other team and stay in touch, just in case?"

"Sure, I can do that." Sara answered as she got out her ARCUS to call the other team.

"Good, then let's begin to-" I covered my head. "Ah! I sensed it just now."

"Indeed. Rean is advancing, but it's merely faint." Gaius said.

"Girls, did you feel that?" Sara asked on the ARCUS.

"We did, and I've located Celine." Emma replied. "She's 200 arge to the north."

"And our team is 80 arge away from yours." Machias said.

"How is it on your end?" Kurt asked.

"The route splits into three from here." Fie replied.

"Then let's begin." I nodded. "Both teams, let's head north! And stay in contact with each other at all times."

"Got it. Hold on a little longer, Rean." Alisa said.

With me in front, my team began to make our way through the Black Workshop.

"What are these machines?" Machias asked as we entrered through a production line filled with familiar looking puppets being moved on a conveyer.

"They look a lot like Airgetlam and Claiomh Solais." Elliot said.

"So this would make it a combat shell research lab." Kurt guessed.

We carried on past the area, crawling through a vent along the way and then encountering a few combat shells that were active. But after entering a long hallway room, we were stopped by a pair of floating black dolls which suddenly appeared, and they looked almost like Altina and Millium.

"Careful, guys." Elliot warned.

"There's no sign of life in them at all." Gaius said.

"Then they're not homunculi." Sara added. "They must be some sort of archaism!"

"Intruders intercepted. Commencing extremination." One of them spoke.

I frowned. "It's depressing if you ask me. Anyways, let's take them down!"

*Battle Skip*

We destroyed them, but I didn't feel like this was a normal win.

"This place is far more disturbing than anticipated." Jusis said.

"Yeah, it's pretty gruesome." Elliot agreed. "I feel kind of sorry for them, even if they are just archaisms."

I then felt a moving presence that was far away from us. "Anyways, how's the other team doing?"

"Just a sec..." Sara kept her ARCUS connected. "...huh? Celine contacted you? Crow and Duvalie?"

That surprised me. So Crow's back to his old self and Duvalie is with him, Rean and Celine?

'What is going on? A dissension among the ranks?'

"We've got to keep moving!" Machias reminded. "Every minute counts!"

"Exactly, we need to get Rean before he can get to Valimar." I agreed. "Let's continue pushing forward."

We passed along the hallway area and into a maze path of sorts.

"I'm relieved that Instructor Rean is unharmed." Kurt said.

"I don't know if I call him unharmed, exactly." Ash added. "More like 'unhinged'."

"That's one word for it." I muttered.

"But we're here for him now." Elliot said.

Jusis nodded. "We'll take him back, no matter what."

We continued making our way across the second part of our route, conserving our energy and focus until we reached another hallway area.

"You guys never cease to amaze." A voice spoke.

I gasped as I saw who it was. "YOU!"

George...that traitor who returned to the Gnomes, it took all of my restraint not to go wild and tear him apart.

"It's been a while, George." Machias said.

"We really couldn't catch up at the Gral, huh?" Elliot asked.

"It was only half a year ago we were schoolmates." Jusis spoke quietly. "But it feels like a lifetime now."

"You seem completely different now." Gaius said. "Even the air around you has changed."

"Well of course he's changed, he's no longer the George we knew." I glared at him. "Ain't that right? You're nothing more than just a Gnome puppet now, and a traitor on top of that. Unless of course you have some shred of dignity, care to explain yourself?"

His red combat shell then appeared beside him.

"Good for you, you can call out a combat shell. Am I supposed to be impressed?"

"Please Alex, call me Georg. Allow me to introduce you to Naglfar, my pride and joy as a Gnome."

I smirked. "Hah! You're not the boss of me, I'll call you whatever the hell I want, backstabber!"

"Damn, he's not holding back." Ash muttered.

"That's because when it comes to friendships, Alex takes it very seriously." Jusis said quietly.

Our battle was about to begin.

"Before we start, I just have one question." Elliot said. "When was it that you became Georg?"

"You grieved Crow's death right alongside us." Machias added. "Yet during the civil war, you had every opportunity to sabotage us."

"Hmm, maybe his 'death' had something to do with it." I hummed. "Like his mind and personality have changed?"

"Now that I think of it, Altina said her memories of the Black Workshop were wiped clear." Kurt said. "Which means the Gnomes clearly have some means of tampering with people's minds."

I then put the pieces together. "And that is where the mask comes in, like it was for Crow."

"That's right. Crow's death was the trigger that reawakened my memories of being Georg." He replied. "I did, however, maintain my association with you as George. All to make sure that the pieces were in place for the Great Twilight. That was my role."

"Well right now, I really don't care." I got ready to fight. "Traitor, I won't hesitate to strike you down, if you're gonna stand in our way. At least then, we'll get some justice for the lives that were lost because of you!"

"We won't let you stop us, George Nome!" Jusis declared.

*Battle Skip*

I was tempted, but I released a sample of my frustration on his combat shell during the battle, he was now weakened.

"You're really not messing around, are you?" George asked us.

"Alex, take Ash and Kurt, and go on ahead." Machias suggested.

"We'll hold them here." Elliot said.

I then sensed it again, Rean is moving once more, but it was more aggressive.

"All right, you lot try to hold out." I replied. "Ash, Kurt, with me!"

"Understood." Kurt replied.

"We'll give him one upside the head for you guys, too." Ash added.

The three of us rushed on ahead, with me glaring at George...he'll get what's coming to him soon. We passed across the hallway area and kept rushing onwards, but along the way, we passed a massive weapon starage room, this must be where the jeagers get their weapons from. We carried on rushing ahead, until we entered a very large area where at the middle was the center where the three routes end. We then rushed to the middle and before we knew it, we saw Juna, Musse and Altina join up with us.

"Alex, Kurt, Ash." Juna said.

"There you are, glad to see you three are holding up well." I replied. "I take it the girls told you to go on ahead."

"They did." Altina answered before she looked around where we were.

"So what's the deal with this part?" I asked. "It looks like some kind of central area."

"An enormous chasm, a thousand arge below the Grayborne Mountain Range. The thick layer of rock has long concealed the Black Workshop from the world. There are three research facilities we can access from these passageways."

"Allie?" Juna asked.

"Did some of your memories return?" Kurt added.

"Yes. These basic memories were installed in me before I was dispatched." Altina replied. "I remember Alberich, the Workshop Chief, and Millium, who woke up before me. I already met Millium long before the civil war. Despite the fact her memories were erased by then, she still treated me as if we were really sisters."

"You know, that sounds like a true big sister to me." Juna said.

"And like any good big sister, she kept her promise, looking after you until the very end." Musse added.

Ash chuckled a little. "Heh, all the more to bring her back."

"Right." Kurt nodded. "Her, Valimar and our Instructor."

I then felt Rean's presence, it was now very close by. "And speaking of Rean...there he is."

We then turned to see Rean who was looking at both Valimar and the big sword with Millium's soul inside. He had a very dark aura that was enveloping him, this was much worse than I thought. It was like he'd lost all control, a feeling of pain, sorrow and regret mixed in together.

"Found you..." He spoke in a low tone. "Something...precious...can't lose it again..."

"Instructor Rean!" Juna called as we rushed over to him.

"Instructor Rean..." Altina called as well, but there was no response.

I sighed. "It's no good, he can't hear us call out to him."

"He's been consumed by the curse." Kurt said. "The others warned us about this."

"That miasma looks all too familiar." Musse added.

Ash nodded. "Yeah, and he's got it way worse than I did."

The more I look at Rean, the more I think back to my old days...if I had continued to refuse accepting my powers, could that have been me?

"The curse is swallowing him whole. They called this being a sacrifice, yeah?"

I sighed. "It sure looks like it...and now, his curse has become intertwined with my time limit."

Rean raised his hand out to the big sword. "I'll destroy...everything. Kill them all...to take back...everything I've lost."

His aura grew suddenly, and Valimar and the sword were responding.

"We need to stop him, and I think I know how." I stood forward before transforming into my demon self. "Don't take another step, the demon lord is right here for you!"

Rean then turned to face us, his hair was white all over and his eyes were gold yet tainted with pure evil.

"You! You...dare to...stand in my way?" He responded.

"Damn right I am, but it's not just me!"

Juna brought out her weapons. "He's right! You're trying to fix everything by yourself, just like always! Stop being so selfish, and think about how old Class VII feels! How we feel!"

"I dunno how deep in shit you are, but we're gonna wade right in and pull you out." Ash said. "This ain't you, so hurry up and snap out of it!"

"You're suffering all alone. Carrying a burden that no one person should ever try to bear." Musse added. "But you have us. Let us help you carry it."

Kurt drew out his swords. "We Vanders pledge our swords to the defense of the innocent and the eradication of evil. And today, I will use everything you've taught me to fufill that very pledge!"

"Instructor Rean, I've come so far in such a short time. I'm an artifical being, but you and Millium helped me find myself." Altina said. "And together with Juna, Kurt, Musse, Ash, and the Class VII that came before us, I swear to you, I swear that I will get you and Millium safely out of this dark abyss! I will protect everyone, just as my sister did before me. And I'll start by saving you!"

"You hear that, Rean? Those are the voices of the class you taught for the past several months. And with my help, not only are they back up to speed, but they've gotten even stronger." I added. "So you better believe, I will not hold back, until you come to your senses! So don't you dare hold back, give us everything you've got!"

Rean glared at us.

"Tch, here he comes! Musse, Altina, prepare to provide support! Juna, Kurt, Ash, get ready to go all out with me!"

"Oh, I'm ready. Let's do this thing!" Ash responded.

Rean and I charged at each other and our personal showdown began.

*Battle Skip*

We were able to hold our ground despite Rean coming at us full throttle.

"Gaaah...ungh." He groaned. "I...my name is..."

"Hah...hah...come on, Rean." I panted. "You've got this!"

The dark aura was glowing weaker around him. "Millium...Alex...everyone. What...what have I done?"

But the aura wasn't fading away, it glowed darker and he roared again.

"Gh, what can we do?" Juna asked, worried.

Suddenly, our ARCUS IIs started glowing and the students got them out.

"Our ARCUS units activated." Kurt said.

"It's like what happened when we linked with everyone." Altina added.

Even Rean was affected by it. "Guh...urgh..."

"Link up, everyone!"

Suddenly, we saw a young girl show up by Rean, and she had cat ears and a tail.

"Wait a second..." I then gasped. "What the heck?! Celine? Is that you?!"

"D-does that really matter right now?!" She responded. "His consciousness has been shattered into fragments. But if enough people who are close to him, like you guys and the others, just call out, you should be able to make him whole again!"

"Understood." Altina replied.

"All right, fine." Ash sighed. "One last ride on the damn occult train."

"We'll use our ARCUS units to focus energy from all across Erebonia through the spirit veins!" Musse said.

"Good thinking." I agreed before I turned back to my slightly-normal appearence. "With my demon powers, I'll gather the flow of the energy with the spirit veins and convert it into mana before transferring it to Rean's soul, that should be enough to bring him back!"

I stood in front of the others and a huge dome was cast around us. I felt the spiritual presence from everyone who was on our side and with the help of the spirit veins, I was able to gather the energy into my merged soul before transferring it into mana. And then, I found myself surrounded in a dark void, but with Rean who was in front of me, and a small golden crystal floated in front of him.

"Why? I can't...undo...what I've done." He said.

"That's where you're wrong, old friend." I replied, which surprised him.

"Alex?"

"Listen to the voices, they all wish to say what you need to hear from all of us."

I then closed my eyes and with my palms connected, I started the mana transfer to Rean's soul. And one by one, I heard the voices of everyone calling out to him.

'Stop hating yourself! It's not just your burden to bear!'

'You didn't do it on purpose, right? Something forced you into it.'

'When you lost control, you took on all of our anger and sadness with your own.'

'That's the power of the curse. The one that's been eating away at Erebonia.'

'Sure, there are some things that can't be undone. But we can move on as a team, you know!'

Rean was beginning to feel the mana transfer with their words. "I...don't..."

'But to do that, we need our instructor back.'

'First, remember who you are! Regain control of yourself!'

'No matter what hold the curse may have on you...'

'We all know you can overcome it.'

'Yep. And we're not the only ones offering you our strength.'

'Every connection you've ever made will be another feather in the wings that will set you free!'

'Now, it's high time you return!'

'We're waiting for you. All of us!'

I opened my eyes a little and I could see the gold crystal starting to glow

"That...that's right." Rean said. "How could I forget? All these people I cherish."

'Hehe. Looks like you'll be okay.'

"Towa? Elise? Alfin? But how..."

That surprised me a little, but I was able to sense them clearly.

'I'm not really sure, but it seems like we're all linked somehow.'

'It must be because of Alex's powers. I'm so relieved you're both okay, we were so worried.'

'Good luck, Rean. All of you. Together, you can get through anything.'

The crystal then grew a little bigger.

"How did they reach me...from so far away?" He asked. "Has...a whole month really gone by?"

'It has, Rean.' Alisa then appeared. 'Please remember the love we share, the burdens we've overcome together. Whatever happens, I'll always love you, always!'

Rean finally smiled. "Alisa...my love..."

"Now that's true love! And it's time to rise and shine, sleepyhead!"

"You found yourself in a similar situation two years ago. Curious how cyclical fate can be."

I almost lost focus, as on my right, Valimar and Millium appeared. I was almost ready to feel emotional.

Rean was already there. "Valimar...and...and..."

"Heehee. I'm really glad I get to see you again." Millium said. "Well, even if I am seeing you through Alex's powers."

"Millium." I sighed.

"Oh, Alex, keep it up! You're being super awesome right now!"

I nodded as I regained my focus.

"I share a smiliar agreement." Valimar said. "My thought processing core has been lost. But nevertheless, Rean. I am here to pledge my aid to you once more."

"Ooh! Me too! I wanna help out, so you better make good use of me!" Millium added. "I feel kinda bad for the Holy Beast, but if swinging me around will protect everyone, that's what you gotta do."

The gold crystal grew even bigger.

"Millium...Valimar...thank you." Rean said.

"There's one more person left to thank." I replied as I looked at him with sadness. "I don't blame you for killing the Holy Beast. It nearly killed me, and it took Millium away. I was able to sense the desire for revenge within you. And yes, you did trigger my time limit by doing so, but I've found a way...a way that can not only save my life, but the world as well. So how about it, ready to go save the world together again?"

"Alex...haha, sorry I'm such a mess."

"Hey, don't worry about that. What matters right now, is bringing you back to the person we all know. After all, I cherish our friendship, as if you were my brother."

"Aww, that was sweet!" Millium said. "But he's right, it's time for you to wake up."

"Remember who you are. Remember your bonds with your friends." Valimar reminded.

"That's right...I am...the son of Baron Schwarzer and a dsicple of the Eight Leaves One Blade school." Rean replied. "I graduated from Thors Military Academy and became an instructor at the branch campus. Together with my friends, my first love, and my students, I pledged to dispel the dark shadows hanging over Erebonia. I'm Rean Schwarzer of Class VII."

Just then, the dark void around us vanished away and we were back in the Workshop, the dark aura around Rean then faded away, and he put his sword away.

"Took you long enough." Celine muttered.

"You're back with us, right?" I asked.

"Yeah." Rean nodded. "Doesn't look like my hair's going to change back, but other than that. I'm back. Juna, Kurt, Altina, Ash, and Musse, thank you everyone."

The students looked on with great relief.

"And Alex, I sensed all that energy coming from you with great conviction. It seems like you've learnt a few things while I was captured."

"I sure have, and I may look a little strange now, but I'm still the same person you know." I replied before rubbing my eyes. "Welcome back...old friend..."

I went up to Rean and hugged him.

"Haha, maybe I should've expected that." He replied as he returned the bro hug. "But yeah, thank you, Alex."

"Awww, what a sweet embrace between two men." Musse said.

"Don't get any ideas, it's just a guy thing." Ash added.

I then moved away and stood back as Altina rushed up to Rean and she hugged him tight.

"In..Instructor Rean!" She cried.

"Altina." Rean replied.

Guess she sees him like a big brother now, after all that's happened.

"Oh, Allie..." Juna sniffed.

"I'd say that Altina has earned this one." Kurt said.

"I'm already up to speed. Even while I was out of control, I could see everything that was happening." Rean responded. "Thank you, everyone. Especially you, Celine, I didn't make things easy on you."

"Hmph! Just remember you owe me, big time." She replied.

"Oh yeah, we gotta talk about that." I remembered. "So what's with the new appearence?"

"I guess this is the first time anyone's seen my human form. Oh, and here are the latecomers."

The rest of the old Class VII suddenly turned up and they were all happy to see Rean.

"Rean!" Alisa exclaimed.

"You're unharmed." Jusis said.

"May the goddess be praised." Gaius added.

"I feared the worst...but they really did it." Laura said.

Fie nodded. "Yep. Looks like we're in the clear for now."

"Celine, you did it. I'm so glad you're okay." Emma said.

"I could say the same to you." Celine replied. "But if you ask me, I think Alex is the star with this one."

"That's right, we were all able to reach Rean because of Alex." Sara said.

"Well, it was thanks to a lot of magic training." I laughed. "Although I feel slightly tired after that mana transfer, I'm just glad that it all worked out."

"Yeah, and I can't thank you and everyone else enough." Rean replied. "Alisa, I heard your words loud and clear. I'll always love you too, and I hope that we can continue on our path, together, and in love."

Alisa sniffed. "Rean..."

She rushed up to him and Rean grabbed her when she jumped into his arms, they held each other close before sharing a deep yet simple kiss.

"Woah!" Machias exclaimed.

Fie smiled. "That's hot."

"Okay, nothing to see here." Sara remarked.

I looked at Emma and she put her arms around me, I hugged her back.

"I'm so proud of you, Alex..." She whispered.

"Thanks." I whispered back before kissing her.

After Rean and Alisa finished their moment, we then saw Crow and Duvalie turn up from behind.

"Well, well. Someone's lookin' like his old self." Crow said.

"After all that trouble he put us through, he better be." Duvalie added.

"Well, I'll be darned, guess it was true." I said to them. "Long time no see, Crow."

"Yeah, right back at ya, Alex." Crow replied. "And is that a tail and some new ears? That's pretty rockin'."

"I appreciate the compliment, but having these is not a good thing. And Duvalie, you finally saw the light or something?"

She sighed. "Well, if you want to put it like that. Then I guess I have."

Well then...looks like I may not have to sacrifice her or Crow after all.

"I remember everything you did to help me." Rean said to them. "There's a whole lot you and I need to talk about, but it doesn't look like we have the time."

"Heh, yeah...we've got company." Crow responded.

"And they're coming from all sides." Duvalie said.

We were then surrounded by several foes.

"You managed to come to your senses on your own. Impressive."

Huh? That purple hair...and that tone...no way! Angelica?!

"Though you might've been happier without remembering who you really were."

Ugh, that asshole again...

I then gasped as I felt the presence of a familiar foe approaching.

"McBurn!" I called as I saw him, Ines and Ennea arrive.

"You may have returned from the brink, but your power has left its mark on you." Ines said.

"I really empathize with you, you poor thing." Ennea added.

"Hey there, demon kid, been a while." McBurn said to me. "Looks like you're starting to turn, no going back now for you."

"True, but that doesn't mean I'm just gonna sit back and let it happen." I replied.

"And you Ashen kid, you've gone all in as well, no turning back for you either."

"That's right, I can't deny it." Rean nodded. "Fourteen years ago, Chancellor Osborne gave me his own heart."

That shocked us all. So the time when Claire escorted him during the party, it was because of that?

"That act saved my life, but it came at a cost. Just like Ash, I became a Sacrifice. Or rather, the ultimate Sacrifice. The one required to start the Great Twilight."

"The one chosen above all others by the curse itself." Musse said.

"Dammit! Just what we were afraid of." Ash added.

"That's exactly right!"

Suddenly, on our right, three more foes entered the fray...Alberich, Arianrhod and Osborne himself.

"Well, shit just got real." I muttered.

"Oh my, so many guests. And not one of them invited." Alberich remarked.

I smirked. "Heh, my bad. You want us to ring the doorbell next time?"

"Black Alberich...or should I call you Franz Reinford?" Alisa asked him with disdain.

"Ah, so you're here. Chairman Irina and Kreuger were far too lenient. They should have kept better watch on you."

"What's wrong with you?! Chairman Irina? You never called her that!"

"As I said before, I am no longer the man you once knew. You must understand, Ms. Reinford. Though our blood is shared, I am not your father."

'Wow, we got a father of the year contender right here.'

"I admit, I am pleased you have regained control of yourself." Arianrhod said. "A crazed ogre would have ill-suited our purpose."

"A purpose, huh? Does it involve the Divine Knights?" I asked.

"That'd be my guess." Rean replied.

"I am glad to see that you have fully recovered as well, Alexander." Arianrhod said. "That was quite the foolish decision you made back then. And it would seem the effects have begun to change you."

I rolled my eyes. "Spare me. I don't need to hear the words of someone who abandonded her principles to help with the Great Twilight."

She ignored me and turned to Duvalie. "Hold your head high, Duvalie. You've made your decision. Now proudly walk the path you've chosen."

"My lord...please, forgive me for what I'm about to say." Duvalie replied. "But I cannot understand why you would choose to destroy the world with the Great Twilight. Until I'm able to understand, I would ask you to grant me leave from the Stahlritter."

Arianrhod nodded. "Granted. Duvalie, thank you for your devotion."

"Thank you, Lady Lianne."

Well, that was a quick approval, guess she's been having doubts for a while...and Lianne? I guess I should call her that from now on...

"It would appear each of you have your own tales to see through." Osborne said. "Now, my son, what say we engage in our own little story of regret and redemption?"

"Oh, I'd love to...but not now." Rean replied. "The rest of your cast are already making their way back here, aren't they?"

"He's right...the rest of our foes are on their way." I nodded. "That means it'll be a matter of time before our chance of escaping falls to zero."

"Yeah, we have to get out of here while we can. Along with Valimar, and Millium too."

I smiled a little and stood far back behind the others. "In that case, it may be time for me to pull out my trump card."

"Trump card?" Fie echoed.

"What do you mean?" Kurt asked.

"I can't tell you just yet." I replied. "But all I ask is that you form an arc around me and keep these foes away from getting near me. I'm going to be transferring more energy from the spirit veins and gain enough mana to activate the trump card. I'll need full concentration since that last transfer nearly drained me. Trust me on this, everyone, I'll need your help, big time!"

Juna was the first to reply. "Okay! If that will get us out of here, then that's what we'll do."

"Ah, how you desperately cling to your thin strands of hope." Osborne remarked. "All the while your time continues to tick away until you meet your end."

"Bite me!" I smirked. "If you can, that is."

"The greater the hope, the more devastating the despair that follows." Alberich said. "Now, shall we begin chipping away at your hope?"

He clicked his fingers and a silver combat shell appeared behind him.

"All right, Roselia. If you can hear me, start the procedure!"

'Understood, Alex. Keep yourself away from battle until the transfer is complete. Once you do that, call for it with the name you chose, and the new power will be yours.'

As the enemies surrounded us, I stood far away, beginning the mana transfer with Roselia's help. I saw as Osborne brought out a giant sword that looks similiar to the giant one strapped on the wall.

'Beginning mana transfer...current status: 0%.'

"All of you, it's starting now!" I exclaimed. "Keep them off my back until I'm ready!"

'Current status: 3%'

"Understood, Alex." Rean replied. "I and the new Class VII will protect you from Arianrhod and the Chancellor!"

'Current status: 6%'

"Then let our dance begin." Obsorne said.

'Current status: 9%'

"Everyone! Engage!"

*Battle Skip*

Our side was doing well in keeping the enemies away from me, but they were looking tired.

'Current status: 72%'

I was only almost a quarter away from completing the procedure.

"The finale draws near." Lianne said.

"Now, what will you do?" Osborne asked. "You are still the Great Twilight's ultimate sacrifice. If you were to release its tremendous power sealed within you, you might even stand a chance at winning."

"It's unfortunate that I've been chosen by the curse. That's the very reason I'm able to see a way out of all this." Rean replied. "Gaius! Emma! They're here!"

The two of them nodded and from behind me, I could sense a teleport opening and from out of it came two airships, one that was Josette's and the other one was an airship I hadn't seen before. I then heard a familiar melody, looks like Vita and many of our back up had arrived.

'Current status: 81%'

"Now you guys show up." Ash said.

"Heh. Had to make sure our enterance was dramatic enough." Agate responded.

"Are you okay, Rean?" Randolph asked. "And what's going on with Alex?"

"Sorry, Randy, but Alex is too busy right now." Juna replied. "But I'm so glad to see you again."

"Principal, Vita, we owe you one." Rean said.

"Well, we never could have pulled it off without Thomas." Vita replied.

"We will hold the enemy here. It's time to make your retreat." Aurelia said.

The four of them pushed our foes back whilst everyone else gathered around me.

'Current status: 84%'

"Come on! We don't have much time here." Josette spoke from her airship.

"Please hurry!"

Huh? Was that Rosine?

"Right. We still need to keep Alex safe. Crow, help me out." Rean said.

"On it!" He replied. "Heed my call, Ordine!"

His divine knight then appeared and then, Rean was able to get inside Valimar, he then broke free of the wires and then grabbed the sword on the other side, now he and Millium were free before he jumped back to the centre ground to stand beside Crow.

'Current status: 87%'

"Thank goodness." Jusis said.

"He got Millium back." Altina added.

Then, with Celine's help, our class's soldats appeared before the four of them got inside. But then, Osborne and Ariainrhod called out thier divine knights. This was the first time I was seeing Osbrone's Divine Knight, so that's the one he calls Ishmelga. No wonder, looks like a leader of sorts.

"Hmph...and your chances of escape keep getting slimmer." Alberich smirked.

'Current status: 90%'

'Come on, dammit!' I thought to myself in frustration.

Then, a group of five soldats enetered the area.

"Zauber Soldats?!" Alisa asked in surprise.

"This isn't looking good." Fie said.

"Take cover behind the Divine Knights and soldats." Sara advised. "We still need to protect Alex."

They all then formed a half-circle around me, just a little more now...

'Current status: 91%'

"Though far from a solo effort, I must commend you for reclaiming your Knight." Osborne said. "But you can feel it, can't you? Your fate is no longer one you can escape."

'Current status: 92%'

"Yeah, I've felt it since the moment I became a Sacrifice." Rean replied. "Each and every Awakener has a path they must follow. An inescapable destiny. And any attempt to stray from that path warps fate even further."

'Current status: 93%'

A path that warps a person's fate...I know all that too well with my powers.

'Current status: 94%'

"That's what you meant by 'the true story', isn't it, Vita?" Rean asked.

'Current status: 95%'

"That's right. The very story whose ending I tried to change at the Infernal Castle." Vita replied. "Via the ritual to the restore the Great One, whose power had been divided among the Divine Knights. If I recall, that ritual was known as a Rivalry, correct?"

'Current status: 96%'

"Close. The Rivalry of the Seven, to be more precise." Alberich answered. "A ritual that can only be performed while the world stands on the brink of destruction."

'Current status: 97%'

"Then...the Great Twilight was just setting the stage." Duvalie said.

"So the ultimate purpose of that whole farce was to revive the Great One." Aurelia added.

'Current status: 98%'

"Yes, precisely." Arianrhod replied. "Though I wouldn't call it a farce."

"These Rivalries are supposed to be one hell of a show." McBurn said. "And I wanna see 'em, no matter what it takes to make 'em happen."

'Current status: 99%'

"Then where does Alex's part fit into all this?" Emma asked.

Alberich smirked at us. "When the Great One is whole again, the last victor of the Rivalries, will earn the right to face the greatest evil that threatens to plunge the entire world into the dark ages, before the world meets its end."

Greatest evil? Is he talking about Revelio?

'Current status: 100%! It's done, Alexander! The mana transfer is complete, it's up to you now!'

I was able to feel it, a massive flow of energy I hadn't felt before, now I had to wait for the right time.

"Be that as it may, I chose to defy my fate. And I want to do that with all of you, friends, comrades, and students alike." Rean said. "Just like Alex, we'll find another way. So that Millium's sacrifice won't be in vain. And above all else, so that I never lose myself again!"

"If you wish to struggle against the inevitable, then so be it." Osborne replied. "The blood you shed shall only serve as further kindling for the Rivalries."

"Heh heh, are you certain about that?" I asked as I stood in front of everyone. "Thanks everyone for buying me enough time, I'm ready now."

"Ready, for what?" Elliot asked.

I then got ready to call for it, an act I must perform so that I can call for it at anytime. I called forth a light and dark aura combined, and it swirled around me.

"Oh, souls of Gehenna, hear my calling! Devote your lost powers to the soul of the demon lord, so that we may smite down the foes who cross our path! To me...DIVINE ARMAMAENT!"

I suddenly felt a huge gush of extrodinary power in a rainbow colour that surrounded me, I was now floating above the ground and the many array of weapons were moving around me in a circle. I did it, I unlocked the first stage of my newest power, one that will help me save the world.

"What the hell?!" Ash exclaimed.

"A new source of strength?" Laura asked in shock.

"It's so powerful...and yet, it feels warm." Emma said. "Alex, what has grandmother been teaching you?"

"Oh, this?" I responded. "Sorry for keeping it a secret, but I wanted to save it until the time was right."

"Well, well, look at you, demon kid. Been tapping into your powers?" McBurn asked.

"Sure have, though I would call it more like an experiment. And now is the perfect time to show both sides what I can do with this new power. Just don't blink, or you'll miss all of it!"

I then leaped into the air and teleported instantly to a Zauber Soldat.

"HAMMER!"

I moved to the second one in a milisecond.

"RIFLE!"

Next was the third one.

"AXE!"

The fourth one followed right after.

"BOW!"

Now for the last one.

"SWORD!"

I swung it around the last soldat with ferocious speed before teleporting back to the group, and watching the five soldats all crumble away into various pieces.

"Oh my!" Ennea gasped.

"What...power..." Ines said quietly.

"Well I'll be damned, that's some amazing new power you got, kid...no, maybe I should call you demon guy now." McBurn praised. "If you keep that up, you may end up being stronger than Loewe."

"I appreciate the compliment." I replied. "All of you, what you just saw was the first stage of my newest powers being unlocked, there's still more that I can learn and experiment with, but all of that requires time. Which at the moment, is not on our side. You may think this is overkill, but this is all part of when we have...a clash of the demons! What do you think? Want us to have an unforgettable showdown?"

"A clash of the demons..." McBurn then laughed. "All right, demon guy, you got yourself a showdown against me. But I'll bring more than everything against you, when we face off someday."

"Heh, I'll look forward to it, and I'll do the same on my end as well."

"Hmm, impressive Alexander. But even with your new powers, you still cannot escape your fate." Osborne said.

"Oh, that's where you're wrong. In fact, there is a way out, but I'm not gonna tell you."

"Merkabah Unit 2 has detected multiple hostiles, and they're closing in fast!" Rosine said.

"We've gotta get out of here, quick!" Josette added.

I nodded. "Yeah, it's time for us to punch out."

"Emma, Celine, Gaius, if you would?" Vita asked them.

"Of course. Everyone, focus your power." Emma said.

"We'll teleport you all at once." Celine said.

"May our wings take us from the darkest abyss to the sky's embrace." Gaius prayed.

A giant barrier formed around us.

"Say, before we depart, I have one last thing to say, and you can tell the rest of your allies when they arrive." I said to the foes. "Enjoy roaming in this world while you still can. Because soon, I plan to have my revenge. You won't know when, where or how I'll do that. Just be warned that I will take you all down...One! By! One!"

"Hah, we will see, young man. I have high expectations of you as well." Osborne responded. "After all, only true miracle workers could stop Operation Jormungandr at this point."

"To make up for your loss of Instructor Rean and Millium, allow me to grant you a small gift." Musse said. "Millie Mirage. That's the name of our operation."

"Hm, a fine name indeed. I do believe I'd enjoy one final game with you, apart from the Rivalries."

We were then all teleported into one of the two airships, whilst Crow led the way with the other soldats through the big portal. And then, we saw the early shade of light, the night time was ending, and a new day was arriving. Quite poetic, after what we had just accomplished.

"There you are! Now, let's make ourselves scarce!" Thomas said from the third airship.

I then turned off my powers since we were now far away from the mountains. The rest of the foes arrived, but they were already too late. I felt very happy, I had unlocked my new powers and we saved Rean. And now, with Rean rescued and the stage being set for the Rivalries, the time had come for my plan to come into play.

I'll admit, you may think Alex is OP now, but that's all going to be building up to when he has his showdown with McBurn.

Next time! Alex shares his plan, before the party goes to Bryonia Island.