Episode 36
~ Guidepost to Tomorrow (Part I) ~
The Final Answer
It was certainly beautiful and yet scary at the same time. Onboard her recently refurbished second generation Gundam, CW-GNY-004 Gundam Plutone that has been equipped with GN Drive Tau as its power source, former Gundam Meister Chall Acustica inhaled deeply. She never before thought that such dire predicament could occur in this relatively peaceful third newborn world after the First Defensive War and Purge of Blood has ended. Even with other smaller, as well as remote incidents such as Frozen Teardrop and Gaia Saviour's attempt of rebellion, Chall certainly aware on how stable and peaceful this third newborn world has became after all. Because of that, the fact that such beautiful and scary things suddenly emerge from massive temporal dimensional rifts above Antarctica has surprised her. Because of that, as she decided to aim her GN Beam Rifle at tens crimson railway cannons, "Eisenbahngeschütz Schwerer Dora" that one of these mysterious enemies have been summoned.
These gigantic railway cannons were originally made during The Second Great War, in which most of these enemies, Longinus Dreizehn Orden came from originally. Nonetheless, Chall sensed something has been totally off with these antiquate gigantic railway cannons in front of her. For some reason, she could clearly feel the pressure in which these tens of gigantic railway cannons together with their summoner have emitted. It was an unexplained feel of terror that pressured the very fabric of her senses and sanity, as Chall tried her very best to completely suppress her fear. The scary part that Chall felt has almost completely overshadowed the beauty of these antiquates in front of her. Even if she used to admire these type antique weaponries from the bygone era, Chall knew very well on how dangerous they could be in this kind of circumstance.
"I need to do something about these enemies before they endanger Feldt and others…" muttered Chall alone, as she remembered her promise to both Feldt's parents, Ruido and Marlene that went missing after a certain incident took place in the past. She was the sole survivor of that aforementioned incident and has been taking a great care of Ruido and Marlene's child, Feldt Grace ever since. Despite almost twenty years have passed since the said incident that stopped her from growing older, Chall always found it difficult to move on. That incident has haunted her, as she even sometimes started to doubt her own ability as Celestial Being's agent and more importantly Gundam Meister. Sadly, Break The World never really kind to Chall, as Time-Space Administrative Bureau's possession on the variant of Gundam Astraea and Exia always reminded her to the very tragedy that she experienced and inadvertently orphaned Feldt in the process.
The stress and guilt that she felt in her heart has made Chall resign from her active duty as Celestial Being's Gundam Meister at the end of the First Defensive War. Since then, Chall has been working as Celestial Being's agent and liaison for Time-Space Administrative Bureau and thankfully she could slowly but surely overcame her trauma, as well as moving forward with her life. Sadly, the newfound peace in her role as Celestial Being's agent and liaison for Time-Space Administrative Bureau has been short-lived when these enemies suddenly emerged from out of nowhere. Reluctantly, Chall decided to pilot her beloved second generation Gundam Plutone for hopefully one last time, as she wished to protect Feldt, as well as certain young Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Gundam Meister that inherited Astraea and Exia.
This aforementioned young Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Gundam Meister has always encourage Chall to overcome her trauma and live for the future. Because of that, she could finally summon her entire courage to once again pilot Plutone and face these enemies head-on instead waiting for others to do so. Even if she hasn't pilot Plutone for quite a while and never previously face these kind of most likely powerful enemies with such godlike power in their possession, Chall still decided to fight them. Especially when she knew that some of her newfound friends would be here to help. Take Thoma Avenir, Lily-Strosek and Isis Egret for example, as this three Eclipse Trio's expertise in anti-magic warfare would certainly help her in this fight. It was from knowing that she wasn't alone in this battle as well that Chall Acustica, a former Celestial Being's Gundam Meister could once again found a courage to pilot Gundam Plutone and fought against these godlike enemies.
"Don't let your guard down, Chall. Since these enemies are undoubtedly more powerful than them…" warned Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo, as she has arrived in her also recently refurbished second generation CW-GNY-002 Gundam Sadalsuud. "I know, Hanayo. These enemies are dangerous and one small mistake could certainly have us killed…" replied Chall while still aiming her second generation Gundam Plutone's GN Beam Rifle towards those crimson railway cannons at the same time. Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo in the meantime was only quietly nodding back at her before she decided to also aim Sadalsuud's Revolver Bazooka at those crimson railway cannons as well, shortly afterwards. Simultaneously, Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo decided to use Sadalsuud's Sensor Shield to scan their enemies thoroughly. Since only by doing so that she could hope to learn more about her (their) enemies' true nature and strength. Shortly after she decided to activate Sadalsuud's Sensor Shield, Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo manage to learn more about their enemies' true identity, starting from these crimson railway cannons' summoner in which currently standing right in front of them.
"Is she also a Heroic Spirit, Hanayo? Certainly she isn't human…" enquired Chall, as she noticed something inhuman about these crimson railway cannons' summoner in which currently standing right in front of them. "Most likely she is an Einherjar and Pseudo-God that Veda has previously inform us. Because of that, things might have actually deteriorated even more after an unidentified party stole the Great Grail from Yggdmillennia's possession. Be very careful and never let your guard down, Chall…" warned Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo after her second generation Gundam Sadalsuud concluded its analysis. "What are Einherjar and Pseudo-God? Are they more dangerous than Heroic Spirit?" once again asked Chall while simultaneously wondering on what kind of dire predicament that she and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo might currently get into. Simultaneously, the former Gundam Meister, Chall Acustica decided to keep on aiming her second generation Gundam Plutone's GN Beam Rifle at the aforementioned Einherjar and Pseudo-God that summons tens to hundreds crimson railway cannons, "Eisenbahngeschütz Schwerer Dora" previously.
"According to multiple sources of information that Veda received from Special Duty Section 6, Einherjar or Pseudo-God is extremely dangerous being. He or she in which could also potentially becoming either Hegemony Gods or Transcendence Gods have also without doubt possess an overwhelming power that can manipulate, as well as control reality based on their deepest and strongest desires, Chall…" explained Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo, as she revealed the true extend of Einherjar or Pseudo-God's power based on the information that Veda has provided her beforehand. It was then from the information in which Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo has proved her that Chall Acustica started to also realize the true extend of their enemies' strength. It also made her gravely concerned over the true threat in which these enemies possessed in the first place. Because of that, Chall started to also wonder if they would actually strong enough to fight these enemies after all.
"Is this Einherjar or Pseudo-God is stronger than even deities like mister Daijūji or mister Setsuna?" asked Chall for one more time while using Elder God Kurō Daijūji and ELS-Innovator Hybrid Setsuna F. Seiei as an example in her question just now. "I believe both Elder God Daijūji and ELS-Innovator Hybrid Setsuna are still stronger than Einherjar or Pseudo-God, Chall. Sadly, after Einherjar, as well as Pseudo-God become Hegemony or Transcendence Gods, his or her power would be equal or even more than those two…" answered Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo, as she revealed the potential true strength that Einherjar and Pseudo-God might possessed after transforming into a full-fledged Hegemony or Transcendence God. "That is definitely unsettling to hear that, Hanayo…" muttered Chall before she tried to find the best strategy to deal with these aforementioned enemies while acknowledging Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's assessment as well, simultaneously.
Suddenly this aforementioned Einherjar and Pseudo-God raised her right arm. She also sadistically grinned at Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo even when they were more than ready to pre-emptively attack her at any given time. Both Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo in the meantime refrained themselves from launching any pre-emptive strikes against this Einherjar and Pseudo-God. Since their defeat would be imminent if this aforementioned Einherjar and Pseudo-God decided to retaliate after they attack her first. For more than a minute in which felt like an eternity, Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo tried to find an opening that would allow them take this pseudo-evil deity down using their respective GN Drive Tau-powered Gundam units, Plutone and Sadalsuud. Unfortunately, none of their attempt proven to be successful, as this Einherjar and Pseudo-God, in which Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo would soon recognised simply as Blood Knight, Rubedo or Samiel Zentaur, Eleonore von Wittenburg was indeed way too powerful for them after all.
Samiel Zentaur was in the meantime grinned evilly and triumphantly, as she completely thought that Longinus Dreizehn Orden would be able to sacrifice this world also. Even their advanced mobile weapons such as GN-XIV, Jegan D Type and Shiranui Second were still incapable of holding her and the rest of Longinus Dreizehn Orden's members from almost completely overrun them. Other Longinus Dreizehn Orden's members also almost successfully crush any semblance resistance in which this newborn world has been trying to mount against them. Because of that, Samiel Zentaur was confident that she could crush this world's remaining resistance and continuing her advance with the rest of other Longinus Dreizehn Orden's members. Especially with only a pair of supposedly outdated GN Drive Tau-powered Gundam units were fighting back at this very moment. Their futile attempt to resist Longinus Dreizehn Orden's machination would failed miserably, as she decided to land her finishing blow towards them.
Using her previously raised right arm, Samiel Zentaur signalled her crimson railway cannons to start bombarding Chall's Gundam Plutone and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's Gundam Sadalsuud with such destructive firepower that also been completely enhanced by her own holy relic, "Der Freischütz Samiel". Both Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo swiftly decided to executive their pre-emptive attacks in order to at least wound Samiel Zentaur. Using Gundam Plutone's GN Beam Rifle and Gundam Sadalsuud's Revolver Bazooka, both Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo tried to inflict even the most superficial injury towards their enemy, Samiel Zentaur. Unfortunately, none of their pre-emptive attacks were successful, as Samiel Zentaur began her own merciless onslaught towards them in return. It was when both Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo raised their respective Gundam units' GN Shields, hoping that these aforementioned shields would protect them against Samiel Zentaur's merciless bombardment. Surprisingly however, none of these explosive bombardments have ever arrived as Chall Acustica and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo instead witnessed a profound miracle has happened right in front of their eyes. It was when something tore the sky wide open, creating another temporal dimensional rift in which a familiar lone young swordswoman emerge from it to attack Samiel Zentaur almost immediately.
"Fire Dragon Flash (Karyū Issen)…"
This familiar lone young swordswoman in which Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo instantly recognised as the venerable Knight of the Sword, Signum almost immediately struck Samiel Zentaur using her (their) strongest bombardment (area-of-effect) attack spell, Fire Dragon Flash or "Karyū Issen". Wielding an Anti-Eclipse (AEC) Armament, Gladiator instead of her recently upgraded faithful Armed Device, Lævatein Wirbelwind, Signum that was also currently in "Unison" with Agito unleashed her (their) strongest bombardment (area-of-effect) attack spell, Fire Dragon Flash or "Karyū Issen" in order to brought Samiel Zentaur down once and for all. Sadly however, Samiel Zentaur was still proven more than capable to nullify Signum and Agito's strongest bombardment (area-of-effect) attack spell, Fire Dragon Flash or "Karyū Issen" with her own holy relic-imbued crimson railway cannons.
"She is annoyingly persistent like usual. Don't let your guard down, Signum-danna!" warned Agito, as her beloved Lord, Signum silently nodded back. "Undoubtedly, our opponent is stronger. Nevertheless, we aren't alone in this fight…" calmly responded Signum back before she landed right in front Chall's Gundam Plutone and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's Gundam Sadalsuud. "Signum-nē-san? Agito-nēsan? Is that you?" asked Chall in disbelief. Especially after she previously thought that Signum and Agito together with the rest of Special Duty Section 6 were mysteriously disappeared during Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War. "Sorry to keep you and others waiting, Chall. It took us quite some time to return after an unprecedented situation occurred on the other side…" answered Signum while smiling reassuringly at the younger (former) Gundam Meister, Chall Acustica in return. It also when Agito briefly explained over what have had happened on other side to her, as well as Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo.
"We encounter these monstrous enemies that manage to injure meister Hayate. Other than that, the other side is filled with various monstrosities that prevent us from returning faster…" added Agito, as she concluded her explanation over what has happened on the other side, the dying world in which Special Duty Section 6 and their newfound allies visited accidentally. "What these enemies actually are, miss Signum? Miss Agito? Since Veda only refer them as Einherjar or Pseudo-God after all…" enquired Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo while simultaneously trying to take Samiel Zentaur and her crimson railway cannons down with Gundam Sadalsuud's Revolver Bazooka. "Our Executive Officers still are investigating them, Hanayo. So far, no one know them more than master Hayate and to a certain extend Veda unfortunately…" calmly answered Signum before she together with her currently unison-ed Agito once again renewed their assault towards Samiel Zentaur.
Once again the unison-ed Signum and Agito engaged Samiel Zentaur in an intense close quarter combat, as they traded tens to hundreds slashes and parries using their respective weapons. Using her enhanced sword, Ehrendegen Reichsführer-SS, Samiel Zentaur tried to overpower the said Knight of the Sword, Signum and her faithful Unison Device, Agito in an intense sword duel albeit unsuccessfully. Since the combined might of Signum and her faithful Unison Device, Agito were proven more than enough to keep Samiel Zentaur's aggressive, as well as relentless assaults at stalemate. Because of that, it also gave Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo an opportunity to keep on attacking her. At the same time however, both Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's attacks have proven to be ineffective against Samiel Zentaur, in which currently still fighting the unison-ed Signum and Agito in an intense close quarter combat.
No one has even noticed a lone familiar individual that has arrived and currently hovering on the sky above while staring at them. This aforementioned lone familiar individual in which also happen to be no other than the venerable Queen of the Night Sky, Hayate Yagami inhaled deeply before raising her battery-driven EM Equipment, Rod upwards. She briefly closed her eyes in order to communicate with Reinforce Zwei, in which performing a perfect "unison" with her at this very moment. "Do you think that Balmung or Brionac would be sufficient to injure her, Rein? Since Signum and Agito could deal with the rest afterwards…" telepathically asked Hayate, as she waited for Reinforce Zwei's respond. "Uhm, since our enemy is undoubtedly strong, Balmung is a better option in this instance desu. Although, Rein also believes that Brionac still also work fine against her, Hayate-chama…" answered Reinforce Zwei after personally recommending Balmung to her beloved Lord, Hayate over Brionac.
Personally, Hayate would prefer Brionac due to its simpler calculation process that also attribute into its slightly faster casting speed. However, she also realized that her opponent, Samiel Zentaur was extremely strong and deadly. The said Einherjar and Pseudo-God, Samiel Zentaur has almost killed her in the past, as Hayate could very well still remember that. Because of that, she decided to choose Balmung over Brionac, as it proven to be slightly stronger and might work against Samiel Zentaur. It was when Hayate made her decision, as she decided to get her signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung ready.
Reinforce Zwei in the meantime helped her beloved Lord, Hayate with proper calculation and mana output control of their signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung. She also knew exactly on how dangerous and deadly Longinus Dreizehn Orden and in particular Samiel Zentaur was. It also based on her knowledge that Reinforce Zwei recommended Balmung, in which proven to be stronger than Brionac. Shortly after she completed her calculation and mana output control process, Reinforce Zwei decided to let her beloved Lord, Hayate know that she could execute their signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung.
"Everything is ready to go, Hayate-chama. We can cast Balmung Assault at any given time desu!" telepathically informed Reinforce Zwei, as she instead was suggesting her beloved Lord, Hayate to execute a stronger variation of their signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung Assault. "Roger that, Rein. This time around, let us beat her back na…" affirmatively responded Hayate back using her telepathic message. Simultaneously she also started preparing the said stronger variation of her (their) signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung Assault. It was around the time when she began preparing Balmung Assault that Hayate inhaled deeply and closed her eyes for a brief moment. Once again Hayate felt the steady stream of mana in which her Linker Core has generated. Slowly but surely, this steady stream of mana turned into a torrent of magical energy in which Hayate swiftly channelled into her aforementioned signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung Assault with Reinforce Zwei's assistance.
"Approach from beyond the horizon, evil falls and the world will now reach the twilight! Balmung Assault! Fire!"
Together with Reinforce Zwei, Hayate completed her aria and executed their signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung towards Samiel Zentaur. Tens to hundreds, if not thousands of sword-shaped magical projectiles were formed right in front the unison-ed Hayate and Reinforce Zwei. Almost as instantly as these sword-shaped magical projectiles appeared in front of them, both Hayate and Reinforce Zwei execute Balmung Assault towards Samiel Zentaur, in which currently busy fighting the unison-ed Signum and Agito together with Chall Acustica's Gundam Plutone and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's Gundam Sadalsuud. It also when Samiel Zentaur became aware of Hayate and Reinforce Zwei's presence, as she tried to intercept these aforementioned sword-shaped magical projectiles using her crimson railway cannons.
Unfortunately for Samiel Zentaur, her attempt to intercept Hayate and Reinforce Zwei's Balmung Assault was a little too late. In the end hundreds of these sword-shaped magical projectiles that she has fail to intercept completely impale her. Simultaneously both Chall's Gundam Plutone and Hanayo's Gundam Sadalsuud also successfully destroy most of her prized crimson railway cannons, in which previously seem to be impervious to any of their attacks. It was when Samiel Zentaur glared at the unison-ed Hayate and Reinforce Zwei, as she raised both of her arms towards them. She also screamed a series of intangible swearing and curses towards Hayate and Reinforce Zwei. Unfortunately, Samiel Zentaur's intangible swearing and curses abruptly ended, as the unison-ed Signum and Agito decided to swiftly execute their signature magic-enhanced attack spell, Purple Lightning Flash or "Shiden Issen" in order to finish her off, once and for all.
"Purple Lightning Flash (Shiden Issen)…"
It was when the previously undefeated Einherjar and Pseudo-God, Samiel Zentaur has been killed in battle. The venerable Knight of the Sword, Signum and her faithful Unison Device, Agito have finally defeated Samiel Zentaur. Her beloved master, the young Queen of the Night Sky, Hayate and her own faithful Unison Device, Reinforce Zwei have helped Signum and Agito to achieve such feat by incapacitating Samiel Zentaur with a stronger bombardment-type variation of their signature long-range shooting spell, Balmung Assault. Simultaneously (former) Gundam Meister Chall Acustica and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo have also helped Signum and Agito greatly by taking down as many crimson railway cannons that Samiel Zentaur has summoned previously as possible. Because of that, such circumstance has undoubtedly provided Signum and Agito with an opportunity to take Samiel Zentaur down, as they have succeeded on doing so.
"Have we finally won, Signum-danna?" asked Agito while staring at Samiel Zentaur's charred remains cautiously. "It was a decisive victory thanks to master Hayate and Rein's help, Agito. Simultaneously Acustica and Meister 874's assistances are also helping us greatly in this battle, as we should thank them for that…" calmly answered Signum while simultaneously letting a small chuckle out as well, in return. "They surely are, as our fight with this Pseudo-God might dragged even longer without their help. Still, I am surprised to see Meister and Zwei's presence here…" responded Agito before mentioning that she was surprise to see her beloved meister Hayate and Reinforce Zwei's unexpected arrival. "It was an unexpected development, Agito. Nevertheless, it actually is a good thing to have master Hayate and Rein here with us…" replied Signum before turning her head towards the unison-ed Hayate and Reinforce Zwei, in which currently hovering right in front of them.
"I'm glad that you two are okay, Signum, Agito…" greeted Hayate, as she gently landed in front of Signum and Agito. "Without your help, both Agito and I might have lost. So, we are grateful that you are here to help us, master Hayate, Rein…" calmly replied Signum before she also thanked Hayate and Reinforce Zwei for helping them. "Well, these two are also helping us greatly Meister. That is why Signum-danna and I could hold our opponent until you and Rein finally arrive to help us…" added Agito, as she was also still performing a perfect unison with her beloved Lord, Signum at the same time.
"Uhm, Hayate-chama and Rein realize that Longinus Dreizehn Orden has launched their relentless invasion towards our third newborn world. Because of that, we took a more proactive and holistic approach to reduce any damage they might have caused if left unchecked desu…" responded Reinforce Zwei while explaining the very reason for their arrival as well, shortly afterwards. "Did Veda have been informing you two about it, Hayate-nēsan? Zwei-nēsan?" curiously enquired Chall before letting her second generation GN Drive Tau-powered Gundam Plutone to kneel in front of the unison-ed Hayate and Reinforce Zwei. At the same time, Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo decided to do the same with her second generation GN Drive Tau-powered Gundam Sadalsuud.
"We always exchange information with Veda, Chall-chan. Although this time around, we ourselves made a decision to proactively strike our opponent down first instead of waiting for Veda's input…" answered Hayate, as she also simultaneously explained the decision that Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Special Duty Section 6 has made independently this time around. "Isn't it a bit risky to make a move without listening to Veda's suggestion and approval first, commander Yagami?" asked Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo while suggesting that Special Duty Section 6's decision to act independently without Veda's approval might be risky after all. It was when Signum decided to answer Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's question on her beloved master Hayate's behalf this time around.
"I am certain that master Hayate has never make this decision lightly, Meister 874. Because of that, she together with Rein decided to help us defeat our opponent instead of first waiting for Veda's input…" calmly answered Signum, as she also approvingly smiled at Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo in return. "Uhm, Rein also believes that Hayate-chama made the right decision to go ahead with this operation without even waiting for Veda's input. Since it probably is too late if we decided to wait for Veda's input first desu…" added Reinforce Zwei while simultaneously also mentioning the reason behind her beloved Lord, Hayate's decision to participate in this operation personally without even asking Veda for its input first. "I still believe that Hayate-nēsan and Zwei-nēsan are quite reckless for doing that. Especially when Samiel Zentaur manage to heavily injure them not so long ago…" argued Chall before she decided to remind Hayate and Reinforce Zwei about the injury in which Samiel Zentaur has previously inflicted upon them.
Hayate in the meantime only sheepishly laughed when she listened at Chall's argument just now. Chall's argument has reminded Hayate of her own beloved younger boyfriend, Ave, in which also scolded her for being reckless. Because of that, Hayate decided not to argue back and instead reassured Chall that everything will definitely be fine. "Rein and I will definitely be careful from now on, Chall-chan. So, there is nothing to worry about, as no one could ambush and injure us like before na…" confidently reassured Hayate while smiling back at Chall's Gundam Plutone as well, shortly afterwards. "It actually is true, Chall-chan. Since after that incident, we have been a lot more careful when participating in dangerous mission desu…" added Reinforce Zwei, as Chall in return was only give both Hayate and Reinforce Zwei an affirmative nod using her second generation Gundam Plutone.
"What should we do now?" asked Agito after she listened at her beloved meister Hayate, Reinforce Zwei and Chall's friendly exchange just now. "We have successfully defeated one of our enemies, Agito. I believe it would be a good sign on moving to the next phase of our mission plan…" explained Hayate while answering Agito, the youngest family member of hers as well, in return. "Should we participate as well, commander Yagami? Since Chall and I could definitely help with battling these invaders…" suggested Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo, as she was also seeking for Hayate's approval at the same time. "It would be great if you two can help us. What do you think about it, Signum?" approved Hayate before asking Signum for her opinion as well, afterwards.
"I also agree with that suggestion, master Hayate. Especially knowing that both Acustica and Meister 874's participation would help us fight Longinus Dreizehn Orden better…" calmly responded Signum, as she was also agree with her beloved master Hayate's approval just now. "Uhm, we might need to recharge our Tau Drive first, Hayate-nēsan. Would it still be okay for us to do so?" asked Chall while mentioning that GN Particles from both Gundam Plutone and Gundam Sadalsuud's GN Drive Tau has almost been completely depleted by now. "There are several supply stations along the way and they also have been equipped with GN Drive Tau's recharge facility. So, we could charge Plutone and Sadalsuud's Tau Drives on our way to the rendezvous point desu…" informed Reinforce Zwei, as she suggested that both Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo could recharge their respective Gundam's GN Drive Tau in one of those supply stations.
"I have checked that at least two of these supply stations are working perfectly fine. One of them though, also has something that might actually useful in our fight against Longinus Dreizehn Orden. Shall we all visit that supply station?" responded Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo while mentioning one particular supply station that also has something important in its possession. "What is this something that might be useful, Hanayo?" enquired Agito while wondering on why she hasn't heard about it. "During one of their expeditions in the past, Reventón and Berlinetta found an unmanned mobile armour unit in one of those two still currently working supply stations. Despite its own artificial intelligence has ceased to function, I might still be able to remotely control it from Sadalsuud…" answered Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo, as she mentioned on how this abandoned unmanned mobile armour unit would help them greatly in their fight against Longinus Dreizehn Orden.
"Did you have its model number or name?" asked Signum this time around before she exchanged looks with her beloved master Hayate. "Other than its name, we are unable to obtain its model number unfortunately. From Veda's analysis however, it most likely originated from Post Disaster Era's timeline…" once again answered Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo while mentioning Veda's speculation over this aforementioned unmanned mobile armour's origin at the same time. "That sounds intriguing, Hanayo-chan. May I know its name?" remarked Hayate, as she decided to ask Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo a follow up question afterwards. Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo in the meantime was remain quiet for a moment before she finally decided to reveal this aforementioned unmanned mobile armour's name. "Hashmal is its name. It also is identical to another AI-controlled unmanned mobile armour that Tekkadan unearthed back in Post Disaster Era's Mars, commander Yagami…" answered Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo, as she revealed the said unmanned mobile armour's name, in return.
"Hashmal…" muttered Hayate while once again exchanging looks with her beloved and faithful Knight of the Sword, Signum. "The one that they unearthed and destroy afterwards is also called Hashmal, commander Yagami. If Veda's speculation happen to be correct, this second Hashmal is most likely another variant that arrive in our third newborn world by accident…" replied Signum, as she smiled towards both Hayate and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo, at the same time. "According to Veda's record, Hashmal's combat performance alone is comparable to ESUN's newest mobile armour unit, Gadelaza or Republic of Zeon's Ahava Azieru. Because of that, it should give us a considerable additional firepower against Longinus Dreizehn Orden…" added Chall before supporting Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's idea to remotely control Hashmal and utilize it against their enemies.
Hayate, Reinforce Zwei, Signum and Agito also agree with Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo's idea. Currently, Longinus Dreizehn Orden has proven to be the biggest threat that they ever faced. Unless they decided to move swiftly and throw everything to fight Longinus Dreizehn Orden, their beloved third newborn world would wither away and doomed. Because of that, they would use every resource in their hands to fight Longinus Dreizehn Orden. Since only by doing so that they could avert the total destruction of their third newborn world, as well as multiple others out there. It was with certainty in their hearts that Hayate, Reinforce Zwei, Signum, Agito, Chall and Gundam Meister 874 or Hanayo decided to fight Longinus Dreizehn Orden in order to defeat them once and for all.
ED Theme Song: Iris (Performed By: Aoi Eir)
"Did you find anything unusual Reinforce? Nanoha-san, Vita-san and I are in the meantime almost done with our own preparation to assault Glaðsheimr…" telepathically enquired Ave while simultaneously inform Reinforce Eins that he together with Nanoha and Vita would soon be ready to assault Glaðsheimr. Reinforce Eins, in which currently scouting the area further away from her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave decided to respond at his question using telepathic message as well, in return. "So far nothing out of ordinary has been detected around me, meister Ave. Yet, I am pretty sure that miss Fūka and miss Rinne are currently need our help to fight one of the Obsidian Round Table's apostle. That is why, I try to locate them…" telepathically answered Reinforce Eins before mentioning that Einhalt's beloved protégé, Fūka Reventón and her best friend, the current U15 Striker Championship's champion, Rinne Berlinetta were most likely need her help on fighting Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar or Pseudo-God.
"Is that so? I thought Fūka and Rinne are more than capable of taking care themselves, Reinforce…" replied Ave telepathically, as he leaned his head and back on the linear seat of Exia Flügel's panoramic cockpit afterwards. "Indeed miss Fūka and miss Rinne are strong, meister Ave. Nevertheless, they never fight Obsidian Round Table's apostle, as these aforementioned apostles are more than capable of defeating miss Einhalt and meister Hayate while in the process also injure them…" calmly reminded Reinforce Eins before she scanned the area around her using a Midchildan-style supportive spell known as "Wide Area Search" or "WAS". Ave in the meantime decided to remain quiet for a moment, as he gave Reinforce Eins' words a brief yet careful thought at the same time. It was also when he noticed that a 6.1 inches Figma-sized holographic figure of Tink Erbel emerged from a compact terminal that Shario Finieno has installed in Exia Flügel's cockpit.
"I think Eins-san has pointed out that accurately meister Ave. Since our opponents, Longinus Dreizehn Orden is unlike anything or anyone that we have previously fought in the past. I also am wondering if an advanced energy interference system or matter manipulation skill, Formula Eltria would work effectively against them…" added Tink Erbel or Iris Sevenfield Asteria while questioning the effectiveness of a unique and advanced magic system, Formula Eltria that she together with Amitie and Kyrie Florian have been mastered. "We haven't got any chance to try them sadly, Tink Erbel. Although, I also believe that they would be quite effective against Longinus Dreizehn Orden, even more so than Old Belkan magic system that already proven working quite well on them…" responded Ave, as he decided to somehow reassuring Tink Erbel over Formula Eltria's effectiveness against Longinus Dreizehn Orden, even more so than the Old Belkan magic system that has already somehow proven effective against them.
"You are right, meister Ave. Especially when Formula Eltria is also very similar to GN Technology that Celestial Being and Time-Space Administrative Bureau are currently possessing as well as mastered. According to Special Duty Section 6's report, GN Drive-powered units could fight Longinus Dreizehn Orden more effectively than any conventional units out there due to the effect of GN Particles that nullify their power partially or sometimes even completely. Is that true?" acknowledged Tink Erbel before asking Ave another question as well, in return. Ave was about to answer her question, as Reinforce Eins decided to suddenly contact him using telepathic message.
"I apologize for interrupting your discussion with Tink Erbel-san, meister Ave…" apologized Reinforce Eins, as she paused her sentence briefly afterwards. "Did you find them, Reinforce?" enquired Ave while guessing the reason that made Reinforce Eins contact him in the first place. "Yes, I do manage to locate miss Fūka and miss Rinne, meister Ave. Although the situation might actually not so good for them, as I have predicted previously…" answered Reinforce Eins telepathically before mentioning on how Fūka and Rinne have currently been in a dire situation as per-her prediction before.
"Which one that they fight currently, Reinforce?" asked Ave using his long distance telepathy, as he and Tink Erbel exchange a worried look to one another at the same time. There was a brief silence before Reinforce Eins decided to answer her beloved surrogate Lord's question just now. "The one that miss Fūka and miss Rinne fight currently is Machina. Because of that, I believe they would need our help, as Machina has been proven powerful and dangerous, meister Ave…" answered Reinforce Eins telepathically while explaining that both Fūka and Rinne were most likely struggle very hard in their fight against Longinus Dreizehn Orden's seventh member, Einherjar Machina, in which also been identified previously as Michael Wittmann or Göetz von Berlichingen. It was almost immediately after he heard the identity of Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar that Fūka and Rinne currently fought, Ave decided to respond at Reinforce Eins' answer.
"I agree with that assessment, Reinforce. So, I would like you to assist them defeat Einherjar Machina once and for all. Would you do that?" requested Ave, as he responded at Reinforce Eins' answer just now. "Affirmative, meister Ave…" acknowledged Reinforce Eins before concluding her telepathic conversation with Ave afterwards. Shortly after she concluded her telepathic conversation with her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave, Reinforce Eins hastily left to assist the currently beleaguered Fūka and Rinne. Ave in the meantime only inhaled deeply and turned his attention towards Tink Erbel shortly afterwards. "Do you want to help Reinforce as well?" asked Ave, as his question undoubtedly surprised Tink Erbel.
"Can I do that, meister Ave?" answered Tink Erbel with another question as well, in return. "I will be fine, Tink Erbel. Moreover both Nanoha-san and Vita-san are here with me…" reassured Ave in his reply towards Tink Erbel's answer and question just now. "T-thanks, meister Ave. I would then be taking my leave to assist Eins-san, Fūka-san and Rinne-san as well…" responded Tink Erbel before her Figma-sized holographic figure vanished from Exia Flügel's cockpit. Shortly after her Figma-sized holographic figure disappeared, Tink Erbel materialized in front of Exia Flügel and having her Protective Clothing known as "Asteria, Invasive Armed Form" equipped. It was also when she once again smiled before leaving Ave to help Reinforce Eins, Fūka and Rinne in their fight against Einherjar Machina.
Not long after Tink Erbel's departure, Ave's beloved adoptive older sister, Nanoha decided to ask him about what have been happened. "Is everything okay, Ave-kun?" asked Nanoha via her communication headset, as Ave saw his beloved adoptive older sister was standing right in front of him while wielding her signature Strike Cannon AEC Armament. Simultaneously, she also had Fortress AEC Armament equipped with its three Shield sub-units floating around her. "Everything is fine, Nanoha-san. Tink Erbel is only temporarily leave us to assist Reinforce, Fūka and Rinne in their fight against Einherjar Machina…." Answered Ave while informing his beloved adoptive older sister, Nanoha about the situation behind Tink Erbel's decision to help Reinforce Eins, Fūka and Rinne fight Michael Wittmann or better known as Einherjar Machina.
"I see. Tink Erbel-chan is certainly made a right choice for doing so…" responded Nanoha, as she fully understood and agree with Tink Erbel's decision. "I believe so as well. Since it definitely is more difficult for inexperienced Fūka and Rinne to fight Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar or Pseudo-Gods after all…" added Ave while replying back at Nanoha's respond just now. "So, are you able to pilot Exia Flügel without Eins or Tink Erbel's help, Ave? Since it certainly is a lot easier with them helping you…" asked Vita before she decided to point out on how Reinforce Eins or Tink Erbel's absence would impact Ave's ability to skilfully pilot Exia Flügel. Ave in return only smiled, as he decided to reassure the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita that none of Reinforce Eins or Tink Erbel's absence would compromise his piloting skill.
"Their absence won't affect my ability to pilot Exia Flügel just fine, Vita-san. Although, it certainly is a good thing to have either Reinforce or Tink Erbel to help me with information gathering, data collection Exia Flügel's weapon control system…" reassured Ave, as he mentioned on how his ability to pilot Exia Flügel won't be compromised due to Reinforce Eins or Tink Erbel's absence. Simultaneously however, Ave also acknowledge both Reinforce Eins and Tink Erbel's assistance has undoubtedly helped him to pilot Exia Flügel a lot easier. "If you say so, Ave. Still, I hope that you remember on how powerful and dangerous our enemies are this time around…" responded Vita with her usual Vita-centric tone in return. At the same time, she decided to also remind Ave over the ultimate godlike power in which Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar together with the danger that they as individuals also possessed.
Ave in the meantime decided to listen careful at Vita's reminder and let it sink deep into his own mind. Indeed, Longinus Dreizehn Orden has probably been the most dangerous enemies that he and others ever face so far. Each one of its members was Einherjar or even close on becoming Pseudo-God. Their raw power alone have also been comparable or even higher than any eldritch abominations across countless multiple different multiverses that Ave together with his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms previously manage to defeat.
He remembered very well on how the situation has been a lot harder before, as he has yet received Exia Flügel, in which comparable to Setsuna F. Seiei's 00 Qan [T]. Back then he only had the second generation Gundam Astraea Type-A and the third generation Gundam Exia as his personal units. Even after Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Technical Division 4 and Caledfwlch Techniques upgrade Exia into Avalanche Exia, Ave still found his past confrontation against any of these aforementioned eldritch abominations have been a lot more difficult than what he experienced now.
Unlike now, Ave was still inexperienced when he pilots Gundam Astraea, Exia and eventually Avalanche Exia back then. Break The World and subsequently the First Defensive War has forced Ave to learn and adapt with this ever-changing situation swiftly, as he fought to protect his cherished new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms. Against unprecedented challenges that he never before experienced in life, Ave manage to exponentially improving his skill as Astraea and Exia's Gundam Meister, as his reputation would also made him well respected among other pilots. Because of that, Ave's reputation as Time-Space Administrative Bureau's one and only Gundam Meister would also made him as famous as his personal units, Gundam Avalanche Exia and Gundam Avalanche Astraea respectively.
His fame as Astraea and Exia's Gundam Meister also however made him more conscious over his own limitation. Ave always pilots GN Drive-powered mobile suit such as his second generation Gundam Astraea and third generation Gundam Exia a lot more flawlessly than any non-GN Drive-powered mobile suit. This limitation has also became apparent when he pilots Slave Wraith and subsequently Pale Rider during Purge of Blood, as despite his best effort, Ave always found non-GN Drive-powered mobile suit to be somehow slightly sluggish after all. In comparison to his GN Drive-powered Gundam Astraea and Exia, Ave often feel constrained, as his non-GN Drive-powered mobile suits unable to replicate the smooth and highly articulated human-like movements of both Gundam Astraea and Gundam Exia.
Nevertheless, Ave still capable of piloting both GN Drive-powered and non-GN Drive-powered mobile suits skilfully. Since his past experiences has made him into a skilful Gundam Meister, combat mage and eventually another potential candidate that would inherit Time Diver's destiny as well, after all. His experiences and skill would in the end help him in his fight against Longinus Dreizehn Orden, as despite of their godlike power, Ave could still have a chance to defeat them. Remembering that fact alone has made him smiled before replying back at Vita, in which felt a bit concerned due to Tink Erbel's absence. "Everything will definitely be fine and I could assure you that Vita-san…" once again reassured Ave in his reply towards Vita's statement just now. The said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita in return was only letting a small sigh out and responded back at his reply as well, afterwards.
"Meh! I knew that you would say such thing Ave. Still, never ever let yer guard down, as our opponents are undoubtedly very powerful and dangerous…" responded Vita, as she also once again reminded Ave of the imminent danger that Longinus Dreizehn Orden's members have been possessed all along. "I will definitely do that, Vita-san. Now, shall we get ourselves ready for the next phase of this mission plan?" replied Ave before in return asking Vita to continue with their preparation. "We still have enough time to do that, Ave. Since they haven't contacted us just yet…" answered Vita while mentioning that no one from the first infiltration team has contacted them yet. Almost instantly after Vita concluded her answer, an open telepathic transmission came from Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Executive Officer Fate Testarossa Harlaown that led the first team to infiltrate Glaðsheimr.
"Aggressor One, Aggressor Two and Long Arch Seven, can you all hear me? This is Riot One speaking…" greeted Fate, as static background noise has somehow mixed with her own voice. "This is Aggressor One speaking to Riot One. How is the situation there, Fate-chan?" asked Nanoha with a slightly tense expression shown on her face. "We manage to infiltrate the third stratum while fighting against literally hundreds of undead Schutzstaffel. Thanks to Ernesti, Selesia and Ange, we manage to defeat them all without experiencing any major setback…" answered Fate, as static background noise once again muffled her voice slightly. "So, you haven't encounter any Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar so far, Riot One?" asked Ave this time around.
"Strange enough, no Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar has present so far, Long Arch Seven. It certainly is unsettling to see no significant resistance came from them…" calmly responded Fate before she expressed her concern towards the situation that they have been encountered so far. "Just don't let yer guard down. They might try to ambush you…" added Vita while lifting her own AEC Armament, War Hammer as well, at the same time. "You're right, Vita. I make sure that everyone is ready for any possible enemy's ambushes…" affirmatively responded Fate, as she began to relay Vita's warning to the other members of her infiltration team. It was after listening at Fate's exchange with Vita and Ave, Nanoha decided to also ask her another question while simultaneously planning their next move.
"Do you think that we should make few adjustments to our next move, Fate-chan?" calmly asked Nanoha using her telepathic message. "For now, it won't be necessary. Although, I'm sure planning for such adjustment would also help us in a long run…" telepathically answered Fate before stopping when other members of her infiltration team has also stopped. "I talk to you later, Nanoha. Since Ernesti and Ange seem to have found something…" informed Fate, as she activated her faithful Intelligent Device, Bardiche Hornet, in which has recently been upgraded into an experimental "5th Generation Device".
"Okay Fate-chan, stay safe and don't let your guard down…" replied Nanoha before she concluded her telepathic conversation with Fate. "So, should we still go ahead with our old mission plan? Or should we devise a new one, Nanoha-san?" asked Ave, as he has completed his own preparation. "Vita-chan and I will try to modify our existing mission plan, Ave-kun. Hopefully we won't need it and could have just stick with the original one…" calmly answered Nanoha while smiling towards her beloved adopted younger brother, Ave in return.
Not long after Nanoha, Vita and Ave came up with an alternative mission plan, they began to move. Glaðsheimr's sudden arrival in their third newborn world has caught its inhabitants and defenders off guard. The overstretched resource that has been mostly used during Operation Mythos and Operation Reconquista has been depleted even further due to Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War. Even the recently reorganised ZEUTH and its allies were struggle to keep up with any of these rapidly deteriorating development across not only their beloved third newborn world but multiple different newborn multiverses out there as well. Unlike the more straightforward First Defensive War, as well as other conflicts that he together with his cherished new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms have been involved however, Ave knew exactly on how dangerous, as well as catastrophic their current situation are.
In the end, Ave realized that he should defeat Longinus Dreizehn Orden swiftly before dealing with another unexpected development that occurred during Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War. The experiences that he obtained during his accidental visit into a certain dying world not so long ago would certainly helped him in this crisis after all. Because of that, Ave decided to set his priority straight by dealing with Longinus Dreizehn Orden first. It was the only way and Ave knew exactly well on how by defeating Longinus Dreizehn Orden that he could take an important significant step forward and fulfil some of the promises that his old self made in the past. Since only by doing so that Ave could find a final answer that would lead him towards the elusive never ending tomorrow, in which he together with his cherished new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms have sought for almost forever across this endless eternity itself.
"Hey, are you okay? You've been quiet Ave…" asked Vita while flying closer to Ave's Exia Flügel at the same time. "I was remembering something from the past and other than that, everything is fine Vita-san…" answered Ave, as he saw an extremely rare concerned look shown on Vita's face. "For now just focus your energy and attention towards our mission, Ave. You can worry about other things afterwards…" replied Vita before advising Ave to not worry about things other than their current mission. "I agree. Thanks for reminding me that, Vita-san…" thanked Ave, as his Exia Flügel descended towards the other side of Glaðsheimr. Vita in meantime gave him an approving nod before she together with Nanoha descended towards the other side of Glaðsheimr, in which supposedly happen to be its unguarded blind spot.
"Shall we begin infiltrating Glaðsheimr as well, Ave-kun? Vita-chan? Or should we wait for a bit until Fate-chan contact us?" asked Nanoha while aiming her Strike Cannon AEC Armament towards Glaðsheimr's unguarded area at the same time. "I think we should just begin our infiltration Nanoha-san. Since the first infiltration team might need our help…" replied Ave, as he suggested that they began their infiltration right away. "I also agree with his suggestion, Nanoha. Since nothing good would come up if we decide to wait…" added Vita before she decided to lift her AEC Armament, War Hammer and smash Glaðsheimr's outer wall in front of them with it. "Let me help you, Vita-chan. Since I already guessed that you and Ave-kun would choose to infiltrate Glaðsheimr instead of waiting for Fate-chan to contact us…" calmly replied Nanoha while offering her assistance to destroy the other wall of Glaðsheimr as well, simultaneously.
"How do you know that, Nanoha-san?" curiously asked Ave, as he also started to shoot the supposedly impenetrable outer wall of Glaðsheimr using Exia Flügel's GN Bayonets' "Rifle Mode". Nanoha in return was only smiled before she decided to answer Ave's question. "Nya, ha, ha, ha. I've known the two of you for quite some times. So, it wouldn't be hard for me to do so…" answered Nanoha while sheepishly laughing at both Ave and Vita as well, at the same time. "Yea right…" responded Vita before letting a small sigh out as well, in return. Ave in the meantime was only letting a small chuckle and started to shoot Glaðsheimr's outer wall with Exia Flügel's GN Bayonets. It was also when he decided to reply back at Nanoha's answer and Vita's respond just now.
"I'm glad that we are all agree to do so, Nanoha-san, Vita-san. Now, shall we first destroy Glaðsheimr's outer wall and use it sneak in afterwards?" replied Ave, as he also suggested that they focus their entire energy to destroy Glaðsheimr's outer wall first. "Consider it done in no time, Ave-kun. Since Raising Heart and I would definitely be able to do that in no time…" reassured Nanoha before she executed her special Anti-Eclipse (guided) bombardment spell, "Excellence Cannon Variable Raid" and destroy Glaðsheimr's outer wall in the process. It was right after they successfully destroy Glaðsheimr's outer wall that Nanoha, Vita and Ave in his Gundam Exia Flügel began to infiltrate Glaðsheimr.
Unbeknownst to those three however, infiltrating Glaðsheimr would lead them to a cruel truth that has been forever concealed until recently. It was a truth of cruel deities that toyed with these countless multiple multiverses' karmic balance and inadvertently cause an unprecedented suffering among their inhabitants. In the end, this inconceivable truth would also serve as a final answer that Ave personally sought in his old life. Although, unlike his powerless old life, Ave would now obtained strength to confront it. Since only by doing so that he could fulfil his duty as another Time Diver and promise shoulder half of his love ones' burdens.
To Be Continued…