"Okay...let's decide the next gate." Yaoyorozu said, dropping the die as it landed on 6.
"6...that's Zexion's number." Blake said.
"The Cloaked Schemer, from what I've read in the archives he causes illusions, correct?" Litty asked.
"Yeah...he was a really annoying guy to fight." Hope said.
"Hmm, then shall we 'fight fire with fire' as people say?" Litty asked.
"I'm...just gonna assume you want in on this next fight." Hope said.
"Yes." Litty said.
"Okay, just making sure." Hope said.
"I wouldn't mind coming to help." a voice said as Gardevoir appeared.
"Alright. That just leaves one more." Hope said.
"We have two members to counter Zexion's illusions. Now we just need a main attacker." Goblin Slayer said.
"Does anyone mind if I volunteer?" Ethox asked.
"Not at all." Hope said
"Both of your help will be most welcome." Litty said.
The trio entered the gate leading to Zexion, the aforementioned illusionist standing on a ruined looking island. "Materialize, Book of Retribution." he spoke as the book appeared in his hands.
"Okay Litty, Gardevoir." Ethox spoke up. "I'll try to keep the pressure on him, keep him distracted. In the meantime, you hit him from a distance with everything you got. Sounds good?"
"Wait...look out!" Gardevoir said as a book was flying towards them before it sucked Gardevoir inside it.
"Oh no, Gardevoir!" Ethox said in alarm.
Two more books appeared and trapped him and Litty as all three appeared in a strange space with lots of books flying around and trying to attack them.
"Illusionary Field." Litty called, projecting a field as she spotted one of the books emitting a green aura. "Ethox, aim for that one."
"Okay!" Ethox said, leaping up towards the book and slashing away at it with Eternal Sword until it was torn apart. The space faded around them, as Zexion was knocked back a bit.
"So that's it. Attacking Zexion breaks the illusion." Gardevoir said. "Now...Dazzling Gleam!" she said, attacking Zexion as Litty and Ethox moved in.
"Deluding Bolt." Litty said as a lightning bolt launched forward before disappearing...and striking Zexion from behind.
"Claw Booster! Illusion Breaker!" Ethox declared as he jumped up and slashed Zexion from above, body and weapon bathed in a clear aura.
"Psychic!" Gardevoir called out as she attacked Zexion for that one final time as he vanished into data.
"Write that in your book." Ethox said. "Nothing is more of an illusion than you thinking we would fall to yours."
"Well said." Litty said as they soon returned and Zexion's gate was now red.
"Nice job. You guys were about as quick as Ibuki's group. Now then…" Yaoyorozu said, rolling the die as it landed on 2.
"2...Xigbar…" Hope groaned.
"Do you want to take this one, Hope?" Miriam asked.
"I really don't want to." Hope said.
"What's up with you?" Seiya asked.
"Xigbar and I have… a bit of a history." Hope said. "Let's just say he gets on my nerves."
"He's your Being X, huh?" Tanya asked.
"Yeah, and…" Hope started before he paused. "(Should I tell them that Xigbar is really Luxu? It's a big bomb to drop.)"
"Hope, don't worry. We understand." David said.
"(Oh, phew. I guess I don't need to explain who Xigbar really is then.)" Hope thought. "Anyway, here's what you need to know. Xigbars a sharpshooter, and he can manipulate space to relocate to almost anywhere to shoot, even upside down in the air. That's why he got the title Freeshooter."
"Sounds like he's very skilled and keeps at a certain range. Though if you get close, even rangers can be easily dealt with." Ainz said.
"Well...guess it's my turn then." Bakugo said. "I'll blow the bastard outta the sky."
"I better go with him. Just so there's no major collateral damage." Totodile said.
"We still need one more." Jexi said.
"I'll handle this too." Lycan said.
"Okay...let's go!" Bakugo said as they entered the gate. They were soon inside a section of the Castle that Never Was as Xigbar stood there.
"Distort, Sharpshooters." Xigbar said as his rifles appeared in his hands as he appeared in his usual sniper post.
"Ha...that all?" Bakugo said, launching himself towards the sniper before firing at the sniper and quickly taking him out without breaking a sweat.
"Geez...he didn't even need us." Totodile said.
"I know...he's a real monster." Lycan said.