The chapter title is more or less a nod to the mission title from GTA V, but in a more rationale way.
Reuniting The Family
When we got back, I was surprised that it was still daylight. But that was just a minor thing for me. We had very important news to tell to Olivert who listened carefully to what we learned from the pool of reflection and how it all connects to Ishmelga being the one behind it all.
"The chancellor, Emperor Dreichels reborn..." Olivert hummed. "The whims of fate are inscrutable as ever. Even so, the big picture is starting to come together at last. Including the reason why Father would entrust so much authority to him."
"Indeed." Kurt nodded.
"Sounds like Alisa's father and George have quite a bit of baggage too." Angelica said.
Alisa nodded. "Yeah..."
"Speaking of which, has there been any word on thier location?" I asked.
"Sorry, but we're still working on that, finding them is a little difficult." Towa replied.
"The Black Workshop and the Ebon Knight..." Musse said.
"Yeah, it sounds more dreadful than anything we could've expected." Tita added.
Jusis had his arms folded. "The chancellor's true intentions aside, we've finally gotten a glimpse into the cause of the Empire's woes."
"You're right. This is a real bombshell." Machias agreed.
"But the Rivalry of the Seven might just be our avenue to fight back against the curse." Emma said before looking at me.
"Right." Rean nodded. "Thanks to Roselia and everyone, I've steeled my resolve to go through with the remaining Rivalries. We have to keep moving forward, for Millium, and for Valimar."
"And you know that I'll be at your side." I said. "After all, I gotta do my part if I want to save the world with you and everyone else."
"We'll fight with everything we have, until the every end." Altina added.
"Seems all of this has really helped you move forward, in more ways than one." Olivert replied. "And if the Lionheart Emperor is to make an appearance in this story, then I can't very well let myself be outdone by him, now can I?"
Alfin nodded. "Thats right. I'm glad we were finally able to find a role for ourselves in all this."
Rean noticed Elise on one of the computers with Alfin.
"Elise, are you sure you don't mind?" Rean asked. "Providing Towa with support, I mean."
"Don't you worry about a thing." She assured. "We've been studying the terminal controls, little by little."
"Yes, we've read the manual inside and out!" Alfin said. "I'm sure we'll be able to provide some assistance when you need it."
Towa giggled. "It really is amazing how you two got used to everything in no time at all. Elise, Your Highness, I'll be counting on you from now on, okay?"
Both Elise and Alfin nodded together.
"Sheesh, you really can't underestimate those two." Rean said.
"Everyone from the branch campus is going all-out, so we'd better keep tempo with them." Elliot added.
"Now, it's about time we put together our itinerary." Olivert replied. "I should think our next objective is pretty clear, no?"
"Right. Grandmother showed me the situation before we left." Emma said. "It looks like two Divine Knights and their Awakeners have taken up position at separate shrines."
"Which two are they?" I asked.
"The Palatinate Knight is at the Draco Shrine in Sutherland, while the Argent Knight is at the Stella Shrine in Crossbell." Celine answered. "They've probably been making preparations for the Rivalries, given that the war's about to start."
"Well, guess nobody can accuse the Maiden or the Jaeger King of havin' a poor work ethic." Randolph said.
"I'm sure we're all raring to go right now, but we've spent half the day at the Luna Shrine already." Crow added. "I say we pick just one spot, and give it our undivided attention."
Rean nodded. "Agreed. In addition to the shrines, I'd also like to check in on the surrounding area."
"So which place are we gonna hit up first?" Ash asked.
"My lord is in Crossbell, so naturally, my interests lie there." Duvalie replied.
"Considering the distance, it might be better to start with the boss at the Draco Shrine and work our way east." Fie suggested.
"Good point." Sara agreed. "It was off Old Agria Road, east of Parm, right?"
"Then we have our destination." I declared. "Let's do a bit of scouting just in case there's anything new."
"Sounds like a plan. By the way, several requests came through not long ago." Olivert said. "If you could spare some time to take care of those, I and the requesters, would greatly appreciate it."
We went over to the monitor to check in on the requests, and Towa wished to come along to help out.
"As for me, I think a bit of mental training is required." I pondered. "I tried to push my magic limit too far when I was taking on those aions, and it nearly got me in trouble."
"Hmph, I should think so." Celine said. "We'll make sure you have a better understanding of restraining yourself."
Emma laughed nervously. "We won't push you too hard."
As the group broke off with Rean, his chosen team and Towa exploring on the ground, I went in the training hall with Emma and Celine to begin my mental training.
It took a while to build up my mental restraint, but it was paying off as my mind was much clearer with maintaining magic.
"There..." I sighed, feeling mentally tired. "Another mental barrier achieved."
"How do you feel, now?" Emma asked.
"Right now, a little tired, but I feel like my mind is much sharper now."
"In that case, I think we can wrap this up for now." Celine said. "By the way, what was it that you had on your mind earlier?"
"Oh that...well, I was thinking of maybe adjusting my 'wanted list'." I replied. "Instead of just sacrificing some of them at random, I think going after the Awakeners and inheriting their souls after they lose to Rean, may be just the only souls I need to stop the eternal transformation."
"I see, so you're planning to go after Rutger, Lianne, Prince Cedric and Rufus?" Emma asked.
"Yeah, that's the idea. Well, unless my final showdown with McBurn throws a wrench into the plan."
"How do you mean by that?" Celine asked.
But before I could answer, there was an announcement.
"Attention, friends. Please come to the bridge for an emergency meeting."
"Emergency?" I repeated.
"Looks like they've found something while investigating Draco Shrine." Emma replied.
The three of us left and headed over to the bridge where Rean and everyone else had returned. They explained that the way to where Rutger was, was somehow transferred to another place and blocked inside a pillar of light, and a giant ship was providing the power to it, as the monitor showed.
"I can't believe that this is how things have panned out." Olivert said. "After an analysis, it appears to be very similar to the barrier that appeared over Crossbell during Dieter Crois' bid for independence."
"What?! Seriously?!" Juna exclaimed.
"We saw it from Garrelia Fortress during the civil war." Elliot said.
"So besides the handful of things it lets pass through it, it's basically impenetrable, huh?" Randolph asked. "But wasn't the barrier before powered by a Sept-Terrion? How'd they get this one running without something like that?"
"The original Aion's abilities were reproduced in these new models. To a certain extent, anyway." Duvalie said. "If they used the Third Anguis' skills in conjunction with those capabilities, then it's not unthinkable they'd be able to create a similar barrier."
"Irina, my foolish daughter..." Gwyn said quietly.
"But why would the Professor help make something like that?" Tita asked.
"It's possible he has some plan in mind, but I can't even begin to imagine what it could be." Kurt said. "And the location of the shrine has moved to..."
"Right...Hamel of all places." Ash finished. "Seriously, I'm getting sick of this. Can't these assholes stop making problems for like five damn seconds?"
"In any case, if we can't get through that, then we won't be in any position to take on the Rivalry." Rean said. "So, just like we expected, our only option is to board the ship and stop the barrier generator."
"And considering the ones behind it, we'll most likely be facing Sharon and George." I added. "Therefore, I'll need to go with you, because I have something to say to the both of them.
"Even so, a frontal assault isn't going to be easy." Olivert said.
"Then I'll go around and provide support via Ordine." Crow suggested. "Paired up with the Courageous, we should be able to create some kind of opening."
"A fine idea." Jusis agreed. "The Azure Knight's exceptional flight capabilities should be the edge we need to succeed."
"B-but, Crow..." Towa paused.
"Rean'll be fighting at half power without you and the Azure Knight." Celine said.
"Hey, it's chill. Don't worry." Crow assured. "I'll just be creating a diversion, that's all. There's no way I'm missing out on the Rivalry at the Draco Shrine."
"Now all that's left is to decide who will be in the boarding party." Gaius added.
"I'll go with you, Rean." Alisa volunteered. "With Mother and Sharon waiting, there's no way I could pull out now!"
"And you'll be bringing me along, naturally." Angelica said. "We'll finally get another shot at that guy, in the truest sense."
"If there are going to be Enforcers there, then you'll need bracer support." Sara added. "There's also the matter of a personal debt I owe to a certain fastidious maid."
"In that case, I'd like to observe the Garguntua-class, for future reference." Musse requested.
"That just about fills out the team." Altina said.
Fie nodded. "Yep, pretty much. I wanna help too, but I think I'm gonna save it for when we face Boss."
"Given what little time we have left, we'll need to take care of the ship first thing tomorrow morning, then move straight to the shrine." Olivert said. "As such, tomorrow will be quite a busy day. Do make sure you're good and rested."
"Got it." Rean replied.
And our plan for tomorrow's mission was ready to go for the next day.
Dateline, August 28th.
The morning arrived and with Alisa, Angelica, Sara, Musse and myself already assigned, Rean chose Altina, Kurt and Ash to come along with him. The Courageous was already moving into view of the huge battleship, it then fired as we got too close. Some of the smaller imperial ships moved in to try and attack us. Although it was kinda risky, our team was on the outdoor top floor.
"It's about as rough up here as I thought it'd be." Sara said.
"Yeah, no kidding." I added. "I'm tempted to just transform and destroy those ships, but I won't."
"You got this, Crow?" Rean asked.
"Hell yeah! C'mon, Ordine. Let's show them how it's done." Crow replied.
His Divine Knight flew off and Crow was able to lure the smaller ships away whilst the Courageous got close enough for Emma and Musse to help us transport our team to the front of the giant battleship's cargo hold. The coast was clear from our view, and with the soldats and Valimar teleported in, we were ready to begin the mission.
"Phew, that went well." Rean said.
Alisa nodded. "Yeah, thanks to everyone working together."
"It was kinda close, though." I added. "But anyways, we're inside, now to find whatever it is that's powering the barrier and shut it down."
"Anyways, let's move out and-"
"Intruders detected!" Angelica was interrupted when a pair of those dolls from the workshop appeared. "Targets desginated for annihilations. Launching battle program."
"These are the very things we fought at the Workshop." Musse said.
"Oz Mirage units!" Altina added.
"Careful! Here they come." Sara warned as they approached us.
*Battle Skip*
We overcame them pretty easily and they exploded we were far away from them though.
"Scratch off two more unwanted roaming puppets." I grinned
"Are you okay, Instructor?" Musse asked.
"I'm fine." Rean replied. "The Workshop's been more involved than we thought."
"It could be that this whole ship was an experimental lab." Alisa said. "Built to test barrier generators and other technologies by the Workshop and Ouroboros."
"It would appear so." Kurt added.
We then heard cannon shots from outside that were being blown.
"Crow and the others seem to be doing a good job." Angelica said.
"Yeah, might as well take this chance to get through, while the bridge sentries are distracted." Sara added.
I slapped my fists. "Anyways, time to get a good feel of this place and find those two traitors."
We began exploring the rest of hold area and then made our way up the floor where a few more of thsoe Oz Models were roaming as well as archaisms. We eventually arrived at a checkpoint before walking into a new area, but our way was blocked by two female officers.
"I knew you'd be coming, Alisa." One of them said.
"Seems we chose the right spot to guard." The other one added.
"Wait...it's you!" Rean said in surprise.
"What do you mean?" I asked before noticing their faces. "No way!"
"Emily?! Theresia?!" Alisa exclaimed.
"Heehee, you all seem so shocked. Though I suppose it has been some time since we've seen each other." Theresia said. "And for those I haven't met, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Theresia Caroline, 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Air Fleet of the Imperial Army."
"And my name's Emily, I'm also a 2nd Lieutenant." Emily greeted. "Both of us used to be in the Lacrosse Club with Alisa. They called me 'The Blazing Maiden'. Cool, huh?"
"It's really been a while." Rean said.
"Hehe, you haven't changed one bit." Alisa added.
"So they're Thors alumni, too?" Kurt asked.
I nodded. "Yep, though I didn't expect them to be in our way."
"Heh, looks like these two have plenty of energy." Ash said.
"You're right, but I have to admit." Angelica winked at them. "Aviator jackets really suit you lovely ladies."
Theresia giggled. "Thanks. Has life been treating you okay? I hear Ferris is doing well for herself, too. Also, it's Crow piloting the Azure Knight, isn't it? I wanted to say hi to him."
"I assume you've heard about George? So many strange things have been happening lately." Emily asked. "It'd be nice to have a class reunion one day, but duty comes first."
They brought out their weapons, ready to battle us.
"Of course, you're not letting us pass unless we beat you, right?" I asked.
"Yes, unfortunately." Theresia replied. "Though I'd be lying if I said we agreed with everything currently going on. For example, our colleagues assigned to this research vessel have started becoming a little unhinged."
"Then there's the fact that Erebonia's trying to kick off a war for insane reasons." Emily said. "But either way, this is the path we chose for ourselves as Thors graduates. We were assigned here to defend this post, and so we will."
"Sheesh, you guys." Sara sighed.
"As I said, you haven't changed since our school days." Alisa said.
"Aww, that was almost enough to make me proud of your sweet little beauties." Angelica added. "But unfortunately, withdrawing is not an option for us either."
"Looks like you two are ready to rumble. I'll let you have this one." I said as I stood back to watch the battle.
Alisa nodded. "Thanks, Alex."
"Hehe, very well." Theresia replied.
"It's showtime!" Emily added.
*Battle Skip*
It was like a tornado tag battle from my view, but Alisa and Angelica were the victors.
"Well, we tried our best." Thereisa said.
"Are you two okay?" Alisa asked.
"Yes, we're fine. Just a few bruises and scratches." Emily answered. "You really have grown, Alisa. So much more than when we were in school."
"Angelica, I'm similarly humbled to see how skilled a warrior you've become." Theresia said. "Your travels around the continent and everything you did when you disappeared for a while must have taught you a lot."
"Enough to make up for causing some issues for my friends, defintely." Angelica replied.
"It was a satisfying battle to watch." Rean said.
"That was impressive, ladies." Sara added. "Kids grow up so fast nowadays."
"Ain't that the truth." I laughed. "Anyways, we should..."
I paused as we saw Theresia and Emily slowly fall down, they must've been too tired to continue talking.
"Let's continue onward. We need to find my mother." Alisa said.
"Right." Rean replied.
We passed through the area and into the next corridor, getting into some battles and avoiding others along the way, passing through the other side of the corridor before we reached the core area. And waiting at the far end were the four people we knew we would see again.
"Mother! Sharon!" Alisa called.
"Professor Schmidt, too...and..." Rean paused.
"George the traitor." I muttered.
"As I suspected. The Courageous was just a diversion." George said. "I warned you more than once, didn't I? Yet you seem determined to get yourselves killed."
"Telling me 'no' only make it all the harder for me to resist." Angelica replied. "You, of all people, should know that by now. And here I was thinking this was an invitation between old friends."
"Then you're a fool. You should've just forgotten all about me, and stayed away."
I sighed. "I thought so...you've fallen so far, you can't even bother to do anything about it. Anyways, we know the whole truth of what you did now. My resentment of you has reduced since then, but I still want you to pay for your crimes. But it's not just you, is it, Sharon? Or should I call you Krueger now?"
Sharon didn't reply.
"Truth be told, I'm not actually sure what you stand to gain by siding with them, Professor." Rean said. "Is your research so important to you that you can't tell right from wrong? That you'd stoop to working with the Gnomes?"
"I don't recall 'siding' with anyone. I work only for the sake of my research. Those barrier generators were incidential busywork at best." Schmidt replied. "I have already evaluated the results of my second and fourth disciples. This was a good chance to see the works of my first and third, as well."
"Their results?" Musse repeated.
"The third disciple is George...and the first one was..." Sara paused.
Alisa sighed and glared at Irina. "Mother, what is this all about? Why are you working with the Black Workshop? Why are you helping..helping HIM?!"
"Observing the reesults of our products' field tests is part of our standard contract." Irina replied. "Beyond that...well. A smart girl like you should be able to figure out the rest. Now then, Miss Kreuger."
Sharon stood forward. "As per my contract, I, the Severing Eclipse, am obligated to restraion you. I will not allow you to lay even one finger upon Chariman Irina, nor her generators."
"Yeah, good luck with that." I replied. "You do know I can fly in my true form, right?"
"Indeed. But that is precisely why I will not take any chances when I face against you."
"Enough of this nonsense!"
Suddenly, a monitor of Gywn appeared.
"Grandfather?" Alisa asked.
"They must have patched him from the Courageous II." Musse added.
"Right you are! You can thank Towa for helping me with that." He replied. "irina! What kind of mother are you?! That's your daughter there! And you, Sharon. Quit being so damned stubborn! And as for you, Schmidt. You've finally crossed the line you self-centered old goat!"
"I believe it is for the Institute of Technlogy, not you, to decide what limitations I must abide by." Schmidt remarked.
"This battleship and all of its trial runs continue an official, contractual agreement between the Imperial Government and the Reinford Group." Irina said. "I've taken the situation into considerations and it happened to line up with our company policies, so I see no issues. Should you disagree, ex-chairman, you may bring it up as a subject of discussion at our next board meeting."
"Bah! There you go, hiding behind all your bureaucratic nonsense again." Gwyn responded.
"Perhaps you'd best save your father and daughter squabbles for behind closed doors. We have other things to focus on at the moment."
Suddenly, a monitor with Alberich appeared on our right.
"Black Alberich..." Rean muttered.
"Hmph. So you've finally decided to show your face." Schmidt said.
"Well, I'd only intended on making a routine check of the ship, but it seems some vermin have scuttled aboard." Alberich replied. "It would appear the Radiant Wings simply can't stop themselves from pursuing utterly futile endeavors."
"Shut it, nobody asked for your opinion!" I snapped. "And drop the father act, we know about what happened to you as well. You were dead the moment Ishmelga took over your body and possessed you!"
"Ah, so you found that out? Well, it doesn't make much of a difference. After all, you're going on and on about revenge, but with the exception of one, you haven't made much progress."
"That's because I'm giving my friends a chance to reason with those who sided with you and Osborne, and if they still don't work out, well...I think you can figure that out yourself."
"Hmph! Nevertheless, despite what happened to me, I still retain the memories of my life as Franz Reinford. Furthermore, Irina has given her full approval to the Black Workshop's mission statement. Together, we will create a new world order."
"Yeah right...there will be no new world order, or any new world at all, once I become a demon lord for eternity, or did you forget that little detail?"
He smirked. "Well, that is if you win against the Great One at the end of the year. But regardless of whether you win or lose, this continent is nearing its end. The Great One's revival is imminent. The hellfire of war and destruction will roll across the land, ushering the world into another Dark Age. An era of turmoil and chaos. Just like what occoured 1,200 years ago, following the Great Collapse. What then, do you suppose, the world will need? A goddess? I think not."
"It will need me, but I will not be myself when it happens, I will become exactly like Revelio was, should I emerge as the winner when I face the Great One, and Ishmelga will be the one controlling it." I glared at him. "Well guess what, dead man. There is such a thing called defiance, and I will continue to defy what you wish for, you and the rest of the Gnomes can rot in Gehenna for all I care!"
"Technology is the actual answer, but that answer will suffice as well." Schmidt said. "Should you lose, then the world will have another chance. The technology we'll bring, will be the cornerstone for the world's restoration. It will work far faster than the church could ever hope to. Bishops and cardinals will become obsolete, only to be replaced by engineers and scientists."
"So that's what you're planning." Angelica said.
"You're trying to remake the world?!" Rean asked in surprise. "All to become its new gods?!"
"Goodness, no. We would merely act as servants of the one true god." Alberich replied. "Though we would certainly be better custodians of the world than the Septian Church. It should be simple really, given the combined technological prowess of the Gnomes, the Thirteen Factories, and the Reinford Group. Chairman Irina understands this. even as the world nears its end, she seeks the most logical path as chairman of the Reinford Group."
"Franz...Irina...what happened to you?" Gywn asked sadly.
"The Gnomes is what happened to them." I answered. "This may be a stab in the dark, but the 'one true god' you're talking about...are you referring to the Society's Grandmaster?"
"Hmm, a good guess." Albeirch replied. "But if I can make a suggestion, why don't you ask The Steel Maiden for the full story?"
'Lianne? What would she know about it?'
"No...this can't be true." Alisa said. "The mother I know would never support a plan like this."
"Oh, and what do you know, child?" Alberich responded. "I can understand you want to believe in your mother."
"You're wrong. It's not about that. Like Alex said, we already know the full truth. The truth that you are nothing more than a soul held hostage by its master."
"That's right. We also know this whole thing is nothing more than the Ebon Knight's plan to become the Great One." Rean said. "Controlled by Ishmelga itself."
"To him, the Great Twilight is not the means, but the goal." Musse added. "What would happen should the Great One win and the world ends? Would there even be one, or is that not a concern?"
Alisa nodded. "Right. There's no merit to the Reinford Group going along with your delusions. So I know for a fact that she'd never do something as stupid as making a deal with you!"
"Well...of course I wouldn't." Irina replied. "I signed off on a deal stipulating the production and testing of weapons and devices. Not assissting with the end of the world. Though I do admit to feeling a little sentimental at the start."
"Mother..."
"I'm here, simply because it was the perfect opportunity to observe this battleship's field test. Doing so allows me to chart RF's best course of action, to scout out any promising new talent...and to see just what it is my former maid plans to do, now that she's thrown aside the name I gave her."
That surprised Sharon a little. "Chairman Irina..."
"Irina..." Alberich grunted slently.
"Since we're on the topic...George, you're just as bad." Schmidt said. "You act as though you're a member of the Gnomes, but don't think I haven't noticed your painful lack of conviction."
George's mood suddenly changed. "Tch, I..."
"While Makarov and Tita progress in bounds, you, my third disciple, seem quite comfortable in that rut you're in. Where, pray tell, is the resolve I saw in you when I first took you under my tutelage, hm? Now is the time for you to show me."
"Professor..."
"Hah, I'd like to see it, too." Angelica said as she got ready to fight. "Whether you face us as Georg or George is up to you. We'll take you on either way."
"Yeah, the time for talking is over." I got ready as well. "So come on, prove that you can still think for yourself, despite following the Gnomes orders like a puppet."
"You've always been a part of our family, Sharon. That much hasn't changed." Alisa said. "I'm not giving up until you realize just how much you mean to me!"
"Lady Alisa..." Sharon said.
"Gh...fine!" George responded. "You want to see my resolve?! Then I'll show you! I'm done holding back, Angie! You too, Alex!"
"Come on, then." I replied. "Time to finally pay you back for your crimes!"
*Battle Skip*
George and Sharon came at us with full force, but we still came out as winners in the end.
"We did it, team..." I sighed. "...we gave it all and then some."
"Yeah...I think we got our point across." Rean said.
"Gh...why did I..." George paused.
"Hmph. So even to the end, you couldn't pull the trigger." Schmidt muttered.
"Heh. Why don't you just admit it already?" Angelica asked. "No matter how much you try to get rid of them, 'George' still lives on, somewhere deep inside you. Or maybe...you just couldn't bring yourself to throw away all those days you spent 'pretending' to be our friend. You can call it a character you were playing, or a dream. But we all know the life you lived as our friend was real."
Just then, monitors showing Crow and Towa appeared.
"Crow...Towa..." George whispered.
"I never expected you'd be able to bring light back to the eclipse." Sharon said. "You've grown into a most remarkable fighter, Lady Alisa."
"Like I said, I'll do whatever I must to bring you back, as many times as it takes." Alisa replied. "Because that's what family does for each other. You get it now, don't you, Sharon?"
"Of course...your words have pierced me, straight and true. To the point where I regret that my contract was ever completed."
I looked on in silence, these people were desperate for their words to not fall on deaf ears so that my method would be used as a last resort. But still, I promised I wouldn't get involved in making that move, unless they're all out of every other option.
"My, my...I expected a better performance from an Enforcer. You as well, Georg." Aberich said. "Now, Irina, return to-"
"That's Chairman to you." Irina interrupted. "The only people in this world allowed to address me like that are my father...and the man I love. Franz's return was the condition for our contract to end. But after listening to this madman's delusions, it's questionable whether those conditions have truly been met. The contract therefore, remains valid. You may choose whether or not you remain under my employment."
Sharon looked at her in surprise.
"Oh, Irina. You always throw me for a loop." Gwyn said.
"Man, for an all-in-one super-maid, you really made a mess this time." Sara added.
"Yeah, you both were completely and utterly duped by that puppet." I winked. "I assume you'll evaluate that one as a critical mistake and that you won't repeat it again?"
Alberich laughed. "So be it. If we're all done here, I may as well commence the final experiment. I hereby present to you my capstone project, my masterwork which will hasten the Great Twilight's completion!"
Suddenly, a giant mechincal aion came from above.
"What the heck?!" I exclaimed.
"Is he really going to unleash that thing here?!" George asked in shock.
"Ah, I see. The one produced by the 5th Development Division." Irina said.
"So this is your capstone project." Schmidt added.
"Behold, the ultimate model in the Zauber Soldat line." Albeirch said. "Once the Empire absorbs every last bit of the Republic, these machines will cover the entire continent. Though they may be autonomous robots, there is no limit to the power they can output. Panzer Soldats and Divine Knights cannot compare."
"But what about a demon lord?" I smirked. "If you want some valuable data, why don't I put this latest model to the test?"
"You won't have to do that." Rean replied as he raised his arm. "Heed my call, Valimar, the Ashen Knight!"
Valimar and the four main soldats appeared, ready to do battle.
"Damn, that's a big friggin' monster." Ash said.
"No matter how much power that thing has, it's still unmanned." Rean added. "Let's do this!"
*Battle Skip*
They were able to defeat it, but the giant soldat was moving unusual, it then aimed at Irina and Schmidt.
"Mother!" Alisa yelled.
But before it could strike, Sharon used one of her webs to stop the soldat's attack and George had his combat shell to knock it back and the giant soldat fell backwards, crashing into the giant red core that was behind it, breaking it easily.
"The barrier generator's destroyed." Rean said.
"Georg! What have you done?!" Alberich scolded.
"We've confirmed the barrier is offline." Towa declared.
"All right! Now our way to Zephyr is clear." I added. "But before that..."
"The Zauber Soldat is down for the count, too." Angelica said. "Sounds like mission accomplished to me."
Schmidt turned to face Alberich. "It was a marvelous feat of engineering, but not quite the weapon you claimed it to be. Using the Great Twilight to grant it autonomy was imrpessive, I'll concede. But its tendency to lose makes it impractical for use. In the end, Franz's Panzer Soldat designs surpass it by far. Failing marks. I don't know who you are or where you came from, but you pale in comparison to my first disciple."
"Leave it to this old badger to really lay into him." Gwyn said.
"...Fine. I'll yield for now. Your victory here changes nothing, after all." Alberich replied. "And the end result will be the same, no matter who wins the coming Rivalry. One way or another, you will fulfill your role as the Sacrifice, Rean."
"Sorry, but I don't intend to meet your expectations." Rean said. "I'll win the Rivalries, but on my own terms. And once I do, I'm coming for your master."
"And so will I." I added. "I'll save myself in my own way, and put Ishmelga down for good."
"Oh, will you now? I'll be looking forward to it." Alberich asked. "Georg, I'm very disappointed in you. The Black Workshop no longer requires your service. Where you go from here or how your life ends, makes no difference to me."
He then disappeared.
As for Sharon, Alisa was keeping her up. "Are you okay?"
"There is no need for concern, my lady. I am no worse for the wear." Sharon replied. "I see you still intend to call me by that name."
"Hah, that's the only name I've ever known you by. I...no, we ALL see you as part of our family. Me, Mother and Grandfather alike." She then hugged her. "And thanks...for keeping Mother safe."
"Certainly...my lady."
I then walked over to Sharon and I could see Alisa worrying so much, she held onto her tighter.
"Sharon...the day you turned on us and the way you've stood against us was unforgivable." I said. "It was a betrayal of trust that you worked so hard to build, only for it to shatter in mere moments. If I was all alone, fighting against the whole world, I'd be putting your soul to good use by now."
Sharon looked up at me, now she felt intimidated. "Alex...please..."
"Please what? Spare you? Well, that will depend on how you truly feel, about not just Alisa, but about the whole Reinford family, about us, about your friends that you grew to like and be around with. And also, how you truly feel about your life and what kind of life you wish to have that is your own, and not the Society's."
Sharon looked at Alisa and she hugged back.
"Sharon..." Alisa sniffed.
"My lady..." Sharon replied.
"I take it you've made your decision, then." Irina then came up to us. "The Franz I married has not returned. No, it would be more accurate to say that he never returned. Alexander is right, I made a critical error, one that I will never repeat again. Therefore, our contract is still in effect. It seems you'll have to continue your serivce to the Reinford Family. I trust you have no issue with this, Sharon?"
"Ah..." Sharon rubbed her eyes and smiled. "It would be my greatest pleasure, Madam Chairman. I...Sharon Kreuger, shall remain in your services for as long as you require."
"Oh, Sharon..." Alisa sighed in relief.
Looks like she finally saw the error of her ways.
"Stubborn to the very end, that daughter of mine. Always taking the long route home." Gywn sighed. "But I'm happy we're a family once more."
"Yeah, me too." Rean said.
However, in the corner of my right eye, I saw George turn his back against us, he then pulled out a gun and aimed it at his head. I gasped as I realized what he was gonna do and I was not gonna let it happen. Angelica saw it too, but she feared that she would be too late. I zoomed to stand right in front of George and I swatted the gun off his hand before delivering a fist into his stomach.
"Ngh!"
He fell to his knees and I grabbed the gun.
"I'll take that...you don't need it anymore." I said before I used my power to easily break the gun into pieces.
"Alex?" He asked. "Why?"
"You think suicide is the only way out for you? Think again!" I replied before I grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him up with minimal effort.
"He's right." Angelica said. "Where exactly, do you think you're going, all on your own?"
"You should know...I've already burned all my bridges. Where else could I possibly go?" George responded.
"Well, for one thing, you aren't going out like that." I replied. "But before you choose, I want to make this perfectly clear. You may not be a murderer now, but I still wanna punish you for your crimes. But I know that Angelica, Towa and Crow don't want you sacrificed."
The three of them nodded in agreement.
"So I'll give you a non-lethal punishment." I looked at Angelica. "At least, let me have that."
Angelica stood back. "Yeah, go on..."
I nodded and I started punching George all over as the three of them and everyone watched on with sadness. Once his face was bruised and sporting a black eye, I let him go and watched him slowly get back up, Angelica helped him of course whilst I stood away, trying to calm down.
"Thanks, Alex." Angelica whispered.
"I should've had more than that." George said weakily. "Everything 'Georg' did can't be taken back."
"And? So what? The world's about to end. Look at Crow, his time's running out, even as we speak. You wanna bow out now? While you still have the chance to make things right?"
"But..."
"As a jaeger, I took more lives than I can count." Sara said. "It doesn't matter that I did it for the sake of my home. A life is still a life. And that weight stays with you forever. But I know you're strong enough to carry the weight of your own mistakes."
"She's right. I mean, remember all that crap I pulled as C? I was a freakin' terrorist for crying out loud." Crow added. "I'm not hoping to be forgiven. My past weighs heavy on my conscience, but that's just something I gotta live with."
"George, I won't ever forgive you if you try to leave us like that again!" Towa exclaimed. "Even if I have to use force to make you do it, I'll...I'll make sure you carry your burden, because I'm your friend!"
"Not to mention, your intel and experience as a Gnome is highly valuable." Musse said.
"See? There are still things you can do. You owe us that much." Rean added. "So please, don't give up on yourself, you're not finished yet."
"You guys..." George replied.
"Thier argument makes sense. You should take it under consideration, Third Disciple." Schmidt said. "You can find a better use for your life than tossing it away. Consider it my final test for you."
George finally smiled. "Thank you, Professor. I will accept that task."
He then casted some kind of spell.
"George?" Angelica asked.
"I'll be in touch. And when I return, I promise I'll make myself useful." He replied. "As a member of the Gnomes. But more importantly, as a graduate of Thors. And please, tell Prince Olivert and the others...that I'm sorry."
He then vanished away, leaving us wondering where he was gonna go. As for the rest of us, the battle outside was ceased to a halt since the ship no longer had the ones in charge around. Emily and Theresia did what they could and the Courageous II responded in kind by picking all of us up, and Sharon and Schmidt went with us, whilst Irina and Gwyn left on a smaller ship to find their own way forward.
For me though, I had chosen to let two of my targets live. Now sixteen targets remained and Zephyr were next up...
Next time! The Rivalries finally resume and Rutger is Alex's next chosen target.