Episode 38
~ Guidepost to Tomorrow (Part III) ~
Träumerei
"So, why are you here again, Saten-san?" enquired Academy City's third ranked Level 5 Esper, Mikoto Misaka while twitching her eyebrows. The individual that also happens to be her best friend, Saten Ruiko was only grinning playfully towards Mikoto, as she replied back at her question just now. "Well, Uiharu is easily getting lonely without me. So, I volunteer myself to participate in this adventure as well, Misaka-san…" playfully replied Ruiko using her cheerful voice tone before peeking at their enemies' movement using a pair of advanced military-grade binocular. "Mou, I'm not a kid that easily getting lonely, Saten-san! Also, isn't the floating citadel over there that brought you here in the first place?" argued Kazari Uiharu while still simultaneously using her laptop computer to scan, as well as investigate the said floating citadel, Glaðsheimr.
"Well, I heard that precious treasures were kept in there. Some of them are also seemingly useful for normal people like me…" sheepishly answered Ruiko, as she explained the reason behind her involvement in this particular mission. "Honestly, it is a bad idea for you to be here. Especially with how the entire situation has seemingly out of control, Saten-san…" responded Mikoto before personally mentioning on how Ruiko should never actually follow her and Kazari in the first place. "C'mon! I will be fine, Misaka-san. Since we are not the only one that participate in this mission after all…" convinced Ruiko while casually grinning at her best friend, Mikoto Misaka in return.
"Even if most of our new allies are also participating in this mission, you should never assume that everything would be alright Saten-san. Have you forgotten on what happened two weeks ago?" warned Kazari, as she tried to remind Ruiko over a certain incident that took place two weeks ago. "Ugh! I never thought Xochitl-san and Kamijō-san would get involved in that incident, Uiharu. Although, it was thanks to Shiun-san and Katia-san's help that we could solve it pretty quickly…" answered Ruiko while mentioning Tōya Shiun and Katia Grignarl's involvement in the aforementioned incident as well. It was when Kazari gave Ruiko an affirmative nod, as she remembered on how their new friends, Tōya Shiun and Katia Grignarl have helped them together with both Tōma Kamijō and Xochitl solve that aforementioned incident.
"Ah, I also remember them, Saten-san. They were test piloting Ashalley Kreutzer's new machine, Coustwell Brachium when that incident took place. That is why Tōya-san and Katia-san were able to help us while test piloting their mecha as well, at the same time…" acknowledged Mikoto before mentioning Ashalley Kreutzer's new prototype, Coustwell Brachium that both Tōya and Katia have been test piloting on that fateful day. "That is why I always against the idea of having you participate in any Judgment and ZEUTH's missions, Saten-san! Since you might get hurt or even killed if Tōya-san and Katia-san haven't arrive to help us…" added Kazari, as she once again reprimanded Ruiko for participating in this mission.
"Well, you and Misaka-san will always protect me if things started to get dangerous. Am I right, Uiharu? Misaka-san?" casually asked Ruiko while grinning at both Kazari and Mikoto. "To be honest, it actually is quite difficult to do that. Especially when we fight strong enemies like the Old Hunters of Yharnam, Saten-san. So, I actually am agree with Uiharu in this matter…" answered Mikoto before expressing her concern over Ruiko's deliberate involvement in almost every mission that she, as well as Kazari and others participate. "Don't worry, Misaka-san. I will be more careful this time around…" promised Ruiko, as she once again grinned at Mikoto. "Are you sure about that? The Saten-san I know is famous for being careless…" quipped Kazari right after listening at Ruiko's promise just now.
Ruiko was about to argue back when a deafening sound of huge explosion rocked not so far away from her, as well as Kazari and Mikoto's current position. "W-what was that?" asked Ruiko, as that aforementioned deafening sound of huge explosion has surprised her. "It came from that direction, I presume." replied Mikoto before pointing out towards the direction in which the said explosion came from. "Five heat signatures have also been detected from that direction, Misaka-san. All of them belong to Type-94-1Cs…" added Kazari while letting Mikoto know about four Type-94-1C Shiranui Type-1C Tactical Surface Fighters have been detected at the exact same location in which the said huge explosion originated from.
"Hmmm, that is quite unusual to see Type-1C in active duty. Especially when both United States of Japan and ESUN have started transitioning from the original Type-94 Shiranui to Type-04 Shiranui Second…" remarked Ruiko, as she decided to take a quick peek on Kazari's laptop from behind. "It takes time to replace or refurbish every single Type-94 with Type-04, Saten-san. That is why small numbers of Type-94-1C were procured as stopgap until they complete the said process…" explained Mikoto before she decided to let a small sigh out as well, in return. "R-really? I thought they should've completed the process by the end of last year…" argued Ruiko after she listened at Mikoto's explanation just now. It was when Kazari decided to respond at Ruiko's argument on Mikoto's behalf, as she continued to type more and more program codes using her laptop computer.
"It takes time to completely replace and refurbish every single Type-94 with Type-04, Saten-san. Moreover, we haven't also put the cost of doing so into account, Saten-san. That is why ESUN together with United States of Japan decided to fill their rank with small number of Type-1C until then…" responded Kazari while adding her own thought and explanation that justify five Shiranui Type-1C Tactical Surface Fighters' presence in front of them. "That sounds quite bad in my opinion. Since our enemies would never wait, I believe…" replied Ruiko, as she lamented on how ESUN and United States of Japan's inability to completely replace their aging Type-94 Shiranui with the more advanced Type-04 Shiranui Second could have also proven detrimental or even fatal for them in the long run.
"You're right, Saten-san. Although at the same time, things would also be detrimental for them if they end up blowing their defense budget because of this. Because of that, procuring a small number of Type-1C would be far better option at least for a time being…" acknowledged Mikoto despite she also decided to explain the reason behind ESUN and United States of Japan's decision of using a small number of Type-94-1C Shiranui Type-1C as temporary stopgap until enough Type-94 Shiranui has been replaced or refurbished into the more advanced Type-04 Shiranui Second. "I also agree with Misaka-san. Since we have been continuously experiencing conflicts post Frozen Teardrop Incident, ESUN and United States of Japan couldn't afford waiting for that process to be completed Saten-san…" added Kazari, as she was agree with Mikoto's statement and acknowledgement just now.
Ruiko was about to respond at both Mikoto and Kazari when another loud explosion rocked. Accompanied by that second loud explosion, Ruiko together with Mikoto and Kazari saw a lone slim female figure manage to take one of those Shiranui Type-1Cs down easily. Upon closer inspection however, a pale zombie-like hooded male figure was actually accompany the said lone slim female figure in which Ruiko together with Mikoto and Kazari saw initially. Unlike the aforementioned lone slim female figure that has been wearing formal Schutzstaffel uniform, the pale zombie-like hooded male figure was covered in tattered clothes while carrying his oversized obsidian spear with him. One thing that Ruiko together with Mikoto and Kazari have taken a notice almost immediately was a mysterious evil-looking mask in which cover the upper half of the said pale zombie-like hooded male figure's face, as it reminds them to a demonic mask that they encountered in the past.
"What the heck is that? Is that the rumoured ghouls that people has been posting in Urban Legend site before?" curiously asked Ruiko while trying to take a snapshot of the said pale zombie-like hooded male figure and his (its) female companion using her smartphone's camera. "Mou, Saten-san! This isn't the right time to do such thing!" scolded Kazari, as she also glared at her best friend, Saten Ruiko at the same time. "Awww…" pouted Ruiko after she listened at Kazari's scolding just now. It was also when Mikoto decided to answer Ruiko's curious question on whether the said pale zombie-like hooded male figure in which currently fight those Shiranui Type-1C Tactical Surface Fighters was happen to be a ghoul (or not).
"I don't think that he is a ghoul, Saten-san. Since he is different from the one that I've encountered in the past…" answered Mikoto while staring at Ruiko with serious expression shown on her face. "Is he worse than any ghouls that you previously encountered, Misaka-san?" once again asked Ruiko, as she still casually took the said pale zombie-like hooded male figure and his (its) female companion using her smartphone's camera. "I don't know, Saten-san. Although, he certainly is different from other ghouls that I have encountered before…" replied Mikoto for one more time before letting a small sigh out when she noticed that Ruiko has casually been taking a snapshot of those two mysterious enemies in front of them.
"Saten-san! That is dangerous!" scolded Kazari with an extremely low and almost inaudible voice tone after she saw Ruiko's action just now. Ruiko was about to casually argued back at Kazari when she realize that her action has accidentally revealing their current location to the aforementioned pale zombie-like hooded male figure and his (its) female companion. It was when the pale zombie-like hooded male figure let an intimidating roar out before he leaped towards Ruiko, as well as Kazari and Mikoto's current position. "Yikes!" shrieked Ruiko, as her face went pale almost instantly after she saw that. Thankfully, the Academy City's third ranked Level 5 Esper, Mikoto "Railgun" Misaka reacted fast enough, as she stood right in-between her best friend Ruiko and the incoming pale zombie-like hooded male figure in which currently tried to impale them with his (its) oversized obsidian spear.
Using powerful electromagnetic pulse to manipulate iron sand particles around her, Mikoto block the incoming oversized obsidian spear with a vibrating Iron Sand Sword that she has just created from it. She also skilfully flick a small arcade coin with her free left hand and use it as a deadly projectile for her deadly super electromagnetic cannon, "Railgun". Almost instantly, Mikoto's super electromagnetic cannon or "Railgun" tore through the said pale zombie-like hooded male figure's lower left side, as he (it) howled in pain. It was also when Mikoto raise her Iron Sand Sword, as she decided to defeat him, once and for all.
Despite suffered for having almost his (its) left side completely torn from him, this pale zombie-like hooded male figure still manage to completely block Mikoto's Iron Sand Sword while menacingly growled at her. His (its) attempt to intimidate Mikoto has however been failed miserably, as the said Academy City's third ranked Level 5 Esper has instead decided to intensify her assault with powerful electromagnetic shockwave that she create. After she temporarily paralysed her opponent with it, Mikoto decide to once again use her Iron Sand Sword to strike him. This time around however, Mikoto was aiming at her opponent's oversized obsidian spear, as she was actually hoping to disarm him first.
"Misaka-san! Watch out!" warned Ruiko and Kazari, as Mikoto stopped her attack halfway. She was then realizing that her opponent has twisted his (its) body before trying to stab her with his (its) oversized obsidian spear. Because of that, Mikoto quickly raised her Iron Sand Sword to block the incoming oversized obsidian spear's blade in which aimed at her face. It was thanks to Ruiko and Kazari's warning that Mikoto in the end manage to block her opponent's incoming attack, in which she would never been expecting previously. "Thanks, Uiharu! Saten-san! That was close…" thanked Mikoto before once again readying her stance. "A, ha, ha, ha. You're welcome, Misaka-san. Just be careful, as our opponent seems to still have many more tricks under his sleeves…" replied Ruiko, as she together with Kazari once again remind Mikoto to fight more cautiously this time around.
"I will! Although, it might actually be difficult to do so in this kind of situation…" responded Mikoto while simultaneously decided to initiate her first strike towards her opponent. Once again Mikoto's opponent tried to block her strike using his oversized obsidian spear, as he (it) has anticipated the way the said Academy City's third ranked Level 5 Esper would assault him. Unfortunately his anticipation never played out, as Mikoto altered the way she executed her first strike. This time around Mikoto decided to feint her initial strike before she dispersed millions of iron sand particles in front of her opponent shortly afterwards. Using the aforementioned iron sand particles that were created from her Iron Sand Sword, Mikoto executed her signature move, super electromagnetic cannon or "Railgun" at point blank range towards her opponent.
With muzzle velocity of one thousand and thirty metres per second at point blank range, Mikoto was also using the aforementioned iron sand particles that she scattered previously as her signature super electromagnetic cannon's or "Railgun's" projectiles. Mikoto's opponent quickly brought his (its) oversized obsidian spear right in front of him, as he was hoping to block the incoming iron sand projectiles with it. Unfortunately his (its) attempt on doing so wasn't entirely successful, as the incoming iron sand projectiles from Mikoto's super electromagnetic cannon or "Railgun" still manage to tore him. "Cain, pull back! Now!" ordered his (its) female companion, as she summons a crude magic shield in front of him afterwards. It was when the said pale zombie-like hooded male figure growled before leaping away from Mikoto.
"Who the hell are you?" asked Mikoto with an intimidating voice tone. "Oh my, a mere brat like you tried to intimidate me. This world has surely changed and fallen so low…" responded the said slim female newcomer in Schutzstaffel military uniform while playfully smiling towards Mikoto as well, simultaneously. "You have yet answer my question!" demanded Mikoto, as massive surge of electric shockwave began to flicker around her. "No one that heard Babylon Magdalena's name would still be alive today. So, you better be ready to die brats…" once again responded the said slim female newcomer in front of Mikoto before introducing herself as Babylon Magdalena, the eleventh Longinus Dreizehn Orden's apostle or Einherjar. It was when Mikoto grinned, as she summons more and more iron sands from around her.
"That certainly is a bold claim. I can ensure you that such claim would never happen while I'm here!" declared Mikoto, as she charged toward Babylon Magdalena while simultaneously preparing another one of her super electromagnetic cannon or "Railgun" at the same time. Using more and more iron sands that she currently manipulated, Mikoto was hoping to recreate the same burst projectiles in which previously used on her other opponent, the pale zombie-like hooded male figure known as "Cain". Mikoto's method should have work effectively against Babylon Magdalena, in which swiftly tried to use a crude yet strong magic shield and block her super electromagnetic cannon's burst projectiles known as "Rail Shotgun" with it. Unfortunately, unexpected development has always occurred when things seem to progress accordingly, as the said pale zombie-like hooded male figure, "Cain" decided to use his (its) body, as well as oversized obsidian spear to shield Babylon Magdalena from Mikoto's "Rail Shotgun".
Mikoto's "Rail Shotgun" immediately shredded through "Cain" albeit failed to even scratch Babylon Magdalena's crude magic shield. Nevertheless, Mikoto has failed from annihilating "Cain" completely, as she has made him even more enraged instead. "I should've known that. He isn't an ordinary ghoul and his characteristic has been uncannily similar to the second Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar, Tubal Cain…" muttered Kazari, as her face went pale almost instantly after she stared at her best friend, Ruiko. "Eh? What is Tubal Cain?" asked Ruiko with a mix of confused and concerned look shown on her face.
"It is an entity made from reanimated human remains, Saten-san. Similar to undead from your favourite horror movies, it has no free will on its own and follows only its master…" explained Kazari while staring intently at Ruiko. "Eh! T-that's bad, as undead's curse is contagious Uiharu! We must warn Misaka-san about it…" immediately responded Ruiko, as her face went pale. "How are we going to do that, Saten-san? You're not suggesting us to also fight those two hopefully…" asked Kazari before she also warned Ruiko to not give her any weird suggestion in which proven to be extremely dangerous as well, at the same time.
"Still, we must somehow try to help Misaka-san!" argued Ruiko while clenching both her fists and teeth in frustration. "But how? Those enemies would effortlessly kill us in no time, Saten-san!" responded Kazari with another argument, as she tried to drill some common senses into Ruiko's brain. Instead, Ruiko was only grinning back at Kazari before she pulled a metal baseball bat from inside her backpack. "This should do a good job. Yep! I'm sure of it…" stated Ruiko, as she also pulled a blue baseball batting helmet and wore it afterwards. "I don't think it would work, Saten-san…" exasperatedly replied Kazari while letting a small sigh out as well, in return.
Ruiko was about to argue back when she saw wreckages of five Shiranui Type-1Cs that fought both Tubal Cain and Babylon Magdalena not so long ago. The fact that none of them together with their pilots or Eishi have survived the battle made Ruiko realize over the danger in which Tubal Cain and Babylon Magdalena possessed. Her best friend Mikoto might be more than capable of fighting them in equal ground. Yet, unlike Ruiko in which happen to be just an ordinary fourteen years old teenage schoolgirl, Mikoto was Academy City's third ranked Level 5 Esper that has fought in many battles before. Because of that, she could still fight both Tubal Cain and Babylon Magdalena alone.
Such realization started to hit Ruiko, as she inhaled deeply and let a small sigh of frustration out. "It sucks to be weak and hopeless like this. Damn! If only I have half of Misaka-san's strength…" stated Ruiko, as she was complaining over her powerlessness. "Unfortunately none of us have it, Saten-san. That is why we should never act carelessly and end up giving Misaka-san more trouble in the process…" responded Kazari before wryly smiling towards Ruiko as well, in return. It was when Ruiko gave Kazari an affirmative nod and turned her attention towards Mikoto, in which currently still engaging their enemies in intense combat.
Unlike any opponents that she together with Mikoto, Kazari and her other friend Shirai have encountered in the past, both Tubal Cain and Babylon Magdalena were proven to be extremely dangerous, as well as deadly. Ruiko, in which has been previously involved in both First Defensive War and Gaia Saviour Incident could somehow feel the unprecedented threat that Tubal Cain, Babylon Magdalena and the rest of Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar possessed against her newborn world. In comparison to any enemies that she together with her friends and allies have been encountered, Longinus Dreizehn Orden by far proven to be the most dangerous one, as each one of its Einherjar could in theory destroy her world in a heartbeat. Because of that, it truly frustrated Ruiko as such grim reality alone has made her aware of her own limitation.
"If only Shirai-san is here with us, Misaka-san could easily defeat them," lamented Ruiko while mentioning Shirai's name as well, simultaneously. "I don't think so, Saten-san. Especially after I realize the extend of our opponents' true power as they fight Misaka-san…" replied Kazari before giving Ruiko a wry smile of hers as well, in return. "No way…" responded Ruiko, as Kazari's reply has certainly made her feel depressed. Sadly, Ruiko was unable to do anything about that. Since she unlike Mikoto, Shirai or even Kazari was incapable of exhibit any Esper Power that would allow her to fight against these enemies. It was when the slightly depressed Ruiko briefly saw Mikoto's face and much to her surprise, the said Academy City's third ranked Level 5 Esper smiled.
Mikoto has been completely covered in sweats, dirt and bruises. Yet, she still fought both Tubal Cain and Babylon Magdalena with the exact same tenacity that Ruiko has always been witnessing in the past. Despite fighting against dangerous and deadly opponents alone, Mikoto manage to reassure Ruiko and Kazari that everything would definitely be fine in the end. It was from Mikoto's brief reassuring smile, both Ruiko and Kazari once again remembered on how their presences alone has actually give their best friend, the renowned Academy City's third ranked Level 5 Esper herself a strength, as well as unyielding spirit to keep on fighting. Unbeknownst to Ruiko, her, as well as Kazari's friendship with Mikoto has motivated the latter to always done the right thing and fight for what she believes in.
Remembering and realizing that simple fact alone has made Ruiko, as well as Kazari smiled. Especially Ruiko that felt a little depressed just a moment ago. Mikoto's reassuring smile has also in return encourage both Ruiko and Kazari to always believe in themselves. Since contrary to their own self-doubt, Ruiko and Kazari were more than capable of achieving what Mikoto unable to achieve with her strength, as well as status alone. Because of that, both Ruiko and Kazari decided to support Mikoto by witnessing her battle against those two Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar until the end. Since Ruiko and Kazari's constant unyielding support would in the end gave Mikoto strength to emerge victorious, as well as courage to keep on fighting for what she (they) believe in.
In the end, Mikoto manage to somehow defeat Tubal Cain and Babylon Magdalena albeit with new reinforcements that has been arriving not long after she gave Ruiko, as well as Kazari her reassuring smile. Despite having successfully defeat Tubal Cain and Babylon Magdalena; Mikoto, Ruiko and Kazari knew very well on how their struggle were far from over. Especially with the floating golden citadel, Glaðsheimr still looms above them. It was when another prolonged battle about to begin, as Mikoto together with Ruiko, Kazari and their newly arrive reinforcements decided to infiltrate Glaðsheimr. This time around however, they were confident that their unbreakable friendships and bonds would enable them to win. Since in the end, through those unbreakable friendships and bonds, Mikoto, Ruiko, Kazari and ultimately Shirai could rediscover the meaning behind their true courage, strength, tenacity as well as unyielding resolve against these unprecedented threats after all.
ED Theme Song: Iris (Performed By: Aoi Eir)
"Don't you think this place has drastically changed from the time when we first infiltrate it, Einhalt-san?" innocently asked Vivio, as she infiltrated Glaðsheimr together with her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt. In return, Vivio's cherished older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt Stratos affirmatively nodding back before answering her question as well, not long afterwards.
"I do believe so, Vivio-san. It seems to be a lot bigger and more intricate than before…" calmly answered Einhalt while instructing her faithful Device, Asteion to update the older map of Glaðsheimr's interiors as well, at the same time. Vivio in return was only casually nodding back after she listened at Einhalt's answer just now. Simultaneously, she also decided to let her own faithful Device, Sacred "Chris" Heart to update the older map of Glaðsheimr's interiors that they obtained from their past infiltration mission. The process to update Glaðsheimr's map however was not easy for both Vivio and Einhalt. Especially when they were performing such update process during their infiltration mission.
Fortunately, no enemies have tried to ambush Vivio and Einhalt, as they so far manage to infiltrate Glaðsheimr unimpeded. Despite Glaðsheimr's interiors that have changed drastically from the time they first infiltrate it, Vivio and Einhalt were able to manouvre themselves across its intricate corridors without any significant problems. Because of that, they manage to finally arrive at the designated point on time and began to plant multiple Anti-Eclipse devices around the area. Also during that process, Vivio decided to ask her beloved beautiful older girlfriend, Einhalt another question related to their unexpected recent confrontation with Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar.
"Uhm, what do you think of our involvement in this fight, Einhalt-san?" asked Vivio while planting the final Anti-Eclipse device at the centre of this massive chamber. Einhalt meanwhile decided to remain quiet for a brief moment before she calmly answer Vivio's question afterwards. "I believe this fight has become inevitable for us, Vivio-san. Especially when Longinus Dreizehn Orden began to invade our world…" answered Einhalt, as she was staring at Vivio's beautiful mismatched green and red eyes simultaneously. "I also agree with you, Einhalt-san. Despite at the same time realize over how dangerous it would certainly be for us to fight them…" replied Vivio before staring back at her beloved older girlfriend's equally beautiful mismatched purple and blue eyes in return. It was when Einhalt briefly took a deep breath before she smiled and responding back at her younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend's reply just now.
"It certainly is becoming quite unfortunate that we must confront Longinus Dreizehn Orden, as well as other old enemies back in our own world. Nevertheless, I believe that we would better off fighting than regretting our own inaction later on, Vivio-san…" calmly responded Einhalt, as she also decided to gently smiling at her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio. "Don't you ever feel scared, Einhalt-san?" once again asked Vivio while staring at her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt Stratos in return. "Certainly, the existence of Longinus Dreizehn Orden has frightened me as much as everybody else. Nevertheless, the prospect of having my loved ones harmed by them are more frightening, Vivio-san…" calmly answered Einhalt before staring back at her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend with her beautiful mismatched purple and blue eyes.
"Therefore you decided to fight them. Am I right, Einhalt-san?" responded Vivio with another question, as she tried to reconfirm Einhalt's answer just now. In return, Einhalt affirmatively nodded at Vivio before answering her question back. "I believe others would also be doing the same. How about you, Vivio-san?" calmly answered Einhalt while asking Vivio on whether she would fight to protect her loved ones, as well as overcame her own fear towards Longinus Dreizehn Orden at the same time. Vivio in the meantime decided to give Einhalt's question a brief yet deep thought before responding back at it with a confident smile shown on her face. "I will fight without having to fear any of them, Einhalt-san. Since none of us are alone in this struggle after all…" confidently responded Vivio while grinning towards her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt Stratos as well, shortly afterwards.
"It certainly is a commendable thing to fight them without fear, Vivio-san. Since we literally fight against enemies with unmeasurable godlike power…" replied Einhalt, as she praised her younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend for her positive attitude and confidence at the same time. "Indeed Longinus Dreizehn Orden's members possess unmeasurable godlike power that could in theory easily obliterate us, Einhalt-san. However, some of our friends are also strong enough to fight and defeat them. That is why, we shouldn't let fear consume ourselves and win this battle…" reminded Vivio in her respond on Einhalt's reply just now. "Are you referring to Ave-san and other Time Divers that agree to help us, Vivio-san?" asked Einhalt, as she activates those Anti- Eclipse devices in which she and Vivio just installed.
"Yup! Ave-nii is not the only Time Diver that also decided to help us, Einhalt-san. Since the stake of our, as well as other newborn worlds' survival are high in this battle, they decided to put aside any of their differences and fight with us…" cheerfully answered Vivio while grinning at her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt Stratos as well, in return. "It reminds me of our final battle against Chimera Corps, Vivio-san. Since some of our adversaries are also helping us to defeat The Black Charisma and his Chaos Lemure back then…" added Einhalt while responding back at Vivio's answer just now.
"In particular, we never expect that the newly appointed Time Diver, Cobray Gordon and his Astranagant would assist us, Einhalt-san. Especially when each world should only have one Time Diver to help maintaining its balance…" replied Vivio, as she very well aware on how only one Time Diver or its candidate should exist in any given universe. Since the existence of two or more Time Diver or Time Diver's candidates would and could in theory destroy the very foundation of infinite multiverses' karmic balance. Thankfully, none of Cobray Gordon's involvement has been detrimental or even damaging toward this third newborn world's karmic balance.
"Under unprecedented circumstances however, they were allowed to work and fight together, Vivio-san. At least that is what Claus' memories have once shown me…" calmly argued Einhalt while responding back at Vivio's reply just now. "Still, they need to thread each one of their step carefully. Since one small mistake could always end up disastrous, Einhalt-san…" once again replied Vivio, as she stared at her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt Stratos with her beautiful mismatched green and red eyes. It was when Einhalt gave Vivio an affirmative nod after she listened at her reply and thought about it carefully. In the meantime, Vivio's reply has also remind Einhalt of another Time Diver's candidate in which previously help them fight Gaia Saviour's rebellion during Operation Reconquista.
Ing Wish was the aforementioned another Time Diver's candidate's name, as he first appeared during Gaia Saviour's terror attack on ESUN's annual general assembly last year. Using GAT-X105E Strike Gundam E or "Strike E", an enhanced version of Cosmic Era's GAT-X105 Strike Gundam and its Integrated Weapon Striker Pack or "IWSP", Ing Wish help Special Duty Section 6 to protect Prague, in which ESUN's annual general assembly was held last year. Back then, Einhalt and certainly Vivio never actually expect Ing Wish to be another Time Diver's candidate, as their beloved Ave-san (Ave-nii) has been the one and only Time Diver's candidate that the third newborn world endorsed. Since only one Time Diver or Time Diver's candidate should exist in any given universe, Ing Wish's existence has invalidated that theory while simultaneously create an unexpected development, as well as outcome over these countless newborn multiple multiverses' destinies at the same time.
Ing Wish's arrival on that day has undoubtedly surprise Einhalt and Vivio, as they were ultimately aware on how this unspoken law of infinite multiverses work. Especially Einhalt, in which personally inherited her ancestor, Claus G.S. Ingvalt's memories as well as vast knowledge on how more than one Time Diver that exist in the same universe could end up lead it towards perpetual conflict and ultimately its own demise. The same rule has also applied on Time Diver's candidates, in which similar to their full-fledged counterparts could destroy infinite multiverses' karmic balance only by existing simultaneously in the same universe. Thankfully, Ing Wish's arrival didn't actually causing any unprecedented catastrophic disaster, as he instead helped Vivio, Einhalt and everyone else defend Prague from Gaia Saviour in the end.
Remembering on how some of these Time Diver and Time Diver's candidates manage to actually assist them without causing any damage over the infinite multiverses' karmic balance has once again made Einhalt smiled. Since these Time Diver and Time Diver's candidates have demonstrated their absolute understanding on how delicate the foundation of multiverses' karmic balance actually is after all. They have acted cautiously while at the same time fulfilling their objective without fail. Einhalt also in particular remembered the time when she together with her beloved Ave-san (Vivio's beloved Ave-nii) fought together, side by side with Ing Wish in his Strike Gundam E IWSP to protect Izu Base prior to his stint during ESUN's annual general assembly in Prague. In this battle, Einhalt together with her beloved Ave-san and Ing Wish fought against a rogue Time Diver's candidate that suddenly emerged out of nowhere while trying to destroy Mao-Isurugi Heavy Industry's new prototypes, the Extra Hűckebein or PTX-EX Exbein-series.
This mysterious rogue female Time Diver's candidate that also pilots a high-performance Personal Trooper unit known only by "Code Evil" name successfully destroy five out of eight Exbein-series together with one of the three PTX-GT Guarbein Mk-III units that were stationed there. Together, Einhalt, Ave and Ing manage to fend off this mysterious rogue female Time Diver's candidate after a long gruelling battle. Thankfully, the fateful encounter and conflict between three Time Diver's candidates have not resulted on the third newborn world's destruction. That fact alone has made Einhalt remembered on how multiple Time Diver or its candidates could in reality still coexist without inadvertently destroy the very fabric of multiverses that they are in.
Nevertheless, she clearly understood the very concern that her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio had over that theory, as well as the entire new development that began to unveil another new reality in front of them. Time-Space Administrative Bureau and ESUN's confrontation with Longinus Dreizehn Orden in the middle of Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War was something that Einhalt, as well as Vivio would never expected before. Certainly no one, or even the Church of the Saint King's head knight and director, Carim Gracia would ever predict such unprecedented dire situation to take place right in front of them. Especially when such aforementioned unprecedented crisis also threaten the very survival of these infinite multiverses' existences. In the end, this entire new unexpected development has validated Vivio's concern, as Einhalt could definitely empathize with that.
"I also agree with you, Vivio-san. Since there is nothing wrong to carefully thread our steps, as even the smallest mistake in our part could have been proven catastrophic in this case…" affirmatively responded Einhalt before smiling towards her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio in return. "That is why our confrontation with Obsidian Round Table's sorcerers are scary, Einhalt-san. Although, I also am at the same time believe that Nanoha-mama, Fate-mama, Ave-nii and everybody could still defeat them regardless…" acknowledged Vivio, as she replied back at Einhalt's respond just now. Once again, Einhalt gave her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio an approving nod while performing one final inspection at those Anti-Eclipse devices that they installed. Vivio was also doing the same, as she inspect those Anti-Eclipse devices in front of her while secretly thought about their unprecedented confrontation with Longinus Dreizehn Orden. Especially when this aforementioned confrontation took place in the middle of Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War together with other new threats that plague their third newborn world and over stretched ESUN's resources inadvertently.
"This should do the job. Now, shall we move to our next destination Vivio-san?" asked Einhalt after concluding her final inspection on those aforementioned Anti-Eclipse devices that she and Vivio just installed. "Ah! Eh? S-sure, Einhalt-san!" affirmatively responded Vivio, as Einhalt's question seems to have startle her. "Uhm, are you okay, Vivio-san?" once again asked Einhalt while staring at Vivio with concerned expression shown on her face as well, simultaneously. "Ah! I'm fine! I'm fine! There is nothing to worry, as I only just having a little thought about this unprecedented situation that we face in front of us, Einhalt-san…" reassured Vivio before sheepishly grinning at her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt Stratos in return.
"Is this unprecedented development has made you worry of our newborn eternal reality's future, Vivio-san? Or it has other factor involved in there as well…" replied Einhalt with another enquiry, as she tried to further question Vivio with it. "W-well, it certainly is make me worried, Einhalt-san. Especially when I also started to remember some of our past experiences because of that…" sheepishly responded Vivio while admitting that this unprecedented encounter and conflict with Longinus Dreizehn Orden has made her worried. "You can always share those concerns with me, Vivio-san. Since we might have actually been worrying about the same thing after all…" once again replied Einhalt before encouraging Vivio to share those concerns with her. It was when Vivio smiled back, as she also agreed to share her concerns with Einhalt.
Vivio began to share some of her concerns with Einhalt, as they move deeper into Glaðsheimr. Einhalt in the meantime listen at Vivio's story tentatively while at the same time ponder upon them. From Vivio's story, Einhalt began to learn more about this unprecedented situation that brought their third newborn world into direct confrontation with Longinus Dreizehn Orden. It also made Vivio extremely concerned, as she realize on how this unprecedented confrontation with Longinus Dreizehn Orden has inadvertently over stretched Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Special Duty Section 6, ZEUTH and ESUN's combat capabilities. Especially when such worrying development has further exacerbated by ongoing conflicts that already existed beforehand.
Despite having more and more capable new recruits joining both ZEUTH and ESUN's ranks at the end of the First Defensive War, they were still somehow struggle to fight multiple fronts simultaneously even with Time-Space Administrative Bureau's help. Einhalt never actually thought about it until now, as Vivio's story has made her realize that. She previously thought that they could easily safeguard their newborn universe's peace and balance even when unexpected dangerous threat such as Longinus Dreizehn Orden suddenly arrived right in front of them. Unfortunately that wasn't really the case, as Vivio's concern has made Einhalt realize the difficulty that ZEUTH and ESUN face in this particular unprecedented situation alone. It was when the keen and perceptive Einhalt started to understand the very concern that her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio had in mind ever since they first encounter and fought Longinus Dreizehn Orden.
Unlike any enemies that Einhalt and Einhalt previously encountered, Longinus Dreizehn Orden was proven to be the most dangerous threat that they ever face by far. Einhalt in which has also been fighting countless of different opponents across multiple different multiverses could truly attest that. Even some of the most ferocious Yharnam's Old Hunters that manage to injure Einhalt in the past were pale in comparison to any of Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar after all. That realization alone has made Einhalt fully understood of Vivio's concern over the entire unprecedented development in which currently took place right in front of them. Thankfully, Einhalt and Vivio were not alone in their fight against Longinus Dreizehn Orden, as their trusted family, friends, allies and comrade in arms were also fighting this war with them.
"Uhm, are you listening Einhalt-san?" innocently asked Vivio, as she noticed on how her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt seems to space out just now. "Ah! Of course I'm listening, Vivio-san. So, what is the last part that you have just told me before?" responded Einhalt with her slightly startle voice before asking Vivio about the last part of her story that she (Einhalt) might have missed. "Mou! Daydreaming in the middle of discussion is a bad habit Einhalt-san…" scolded Vivio after realizing that her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt has been spacing out just now. "I'm sorry…" meekly apologized Einhalt while staring at Vivio's beautiful mismatched green and red eyes at the same time. Vivio in return was only letting out a small giggle, as she found that Einhalt's slightly panicked expression and meek apology has been quite amusing.
"A, ha, ha, ha. I'm not angry with you, Einhalt-san. So, don't you worry about it, okay?" replied Vivio before reassuring Einhalt that she wasn't angry with her for daydreaming just now. Shortly after she listened at Vivio's reassuring reply and letting a small relieve sigh out, Einhalt decided to continue their conversation by asking her (Vivio) another question. "Thanks, Vivio-san. By the way, what is the last part of our conversation that I miss before?" thanked Einhalt while asking Vivio another question that could restart their conversation. It was when Vivio once again letting a small sigh out, smiled and began to retell Einhalt the last bit of her story that Einhalt might have missed in their initial discussion.
This time around, Einhalt decided to listen at Vivio's story and explanation more tentatively. She also decided to discuss Vivio's story and explanation actively instead of just merely listen at them. By actively exchanging thoughts and ideas with her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio, Einhalt also learnt new useful information that she wasn't initially aware of. That was also why Einhalt manage to learn more about the whole situation, as well as the threat in which Longinus Dreizehn Orden possessed from her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio's very own personal perspective.
Both Einhalt and Vivio were still engaging in robust, as well as meaningful discussion related to their current situation when they enter the adjacent corridor that would soon lead them towards an indoor amphitheatre made from dark grey cobblestones. Almost immediately, Einhalt and Vivio stopped their discussion, as they saw an intense battle took place in the middle of the aforementioned indoor amphitheatre itself. "Someone is currently fighting Obsidian Round Table's sorcerers, Einhalt-san! We should help them!" encouraged Vivio while at the same time informing her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt of the situation that has been unveiled right in front of them. "Certainly, Vivio-san. Since they seem struggling to keep up against their opponents' relentless onslaught after all…" responded Einhalt before in return affirmatively nodding back at her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio Takamachi.
Almost immediately Einhalt and Vivio recognised a group of fighters that currently fight a pair of opponent that they also quickly identify as Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Apostle, Kazıklı Bey and an immortal mercenary, Nosferatu Zodd. This aforementioned group of fighters were actually Vivio and Einhalt's close acquaintances that they met, as well as befriended in the past. Their leader, the famous Rogue Hero, Akatsuki Ōsawa was a strong combatant that has also been expert in swordplay, hand-to-hand combat and pressure points. He met Vivio during the latter's accidental visit to the mystical world of sword and magic known as Alayzard. It was during this fateful encounter that Akatsuki introduced Vivio to his adopted younger sister, Myū Ōsawa together with other two members in his own self-proclaimed hero's party at that time, Kuzuha Dōmoto and Chikage Izumi.
Using her Old Belkan protective visor that she just had equipped, Vivio scanned through the entire unfolding battlefield in front of her with Sacred "Chris" Heart's help. Einhalt at the same time was also doing the exact same thing with Asteion's help, as she noticed on how the aforementioned Rogue Hero, Akatsuki Ōsawa, his adopted younger sister, Myū Ōsawa and their other friends, Kuzuha Dōmoto and Chikage Izumi were struggling desperately to defeat Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd. Armed with a two-handed greatsword made from Beast Lord's steel that he purchased during his recent visit to Alayzard, Akatsuki fought Nosferatu Zodd in stalemate while letting Myū and others face Kazıklı Bey. Sadly, Akatsuki, Myū, Dōmoto and Chikage were still incapable of defeating their opponents, as it was only a matter of time before they get completely overwhelmed.
Knowing fully that their friends would be completely overwhelmed in no time, Vivio and Einhalt decided to swiftly help them by joining the fray. Vivio was the first one that leaped in front of Akatsuki, Myū, Dōmoto and Chikage while executing the newest, as well as more powerful variant of her signature shooting spell, "Sonic Shooter Phantom Shift" at Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd's direction. Vivio's sudden arrival has also somehow manage to catch both Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd off guard, as they were forced to retreat while blocking the incoming barrage of cluster magical bolts from the aforementioned newest, as well as more powerful variant of her signature (guided) shooting spell, "Sonic Shooter Phantom Shift". Almost immediately after Vivio executed her surprise attack towards Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd, her beloved older Shutra's Hegemon-girlfriend, Einhalt Stratos decided to also executing her surprise attack towards those aforementioned two.
Einhalt that has jumped and landed right behind Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd swiftly clenched her fist before executing her ultimate signature magic-enhanced attack, "Hegemon Sky-severing Knuckle" or "Haō Dankū Ken" towards them. At point-blank range, Einhalt's ultimate signature magic-enhanced attack, "Hegemon Sky-severing Knuckle" or "Haō Dankū Ken" manage to successfully inflict significant damage on Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd while simultaneously crashing them at Glaðsheimr's wall as well, in the process. "That was a close one. I never thought that you would suddenly jump and enter the battlefield like that, Vivio-san…" remarked Einhalt before letting a small relieved sigh out as well, not long afterwards. Vivio in return only sheepishly laughed and responded back at Einhalt's remark just now.
"Uh, well… a surprise attack seems effective on them. Am I right, Einhalt-san?" sheepishly responded Vivio before she decided to also turn her attention at Akatsuki, Myū, Chikage and Dōmoto afterwards. "Still, one small mistake on your part could have backfire, Vivio-san. That is why you shouldn't act carelessly like that in the future…" argued Einhalt while scolding her beloved younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio Takamachi as well, in return. "A-anyway, I'm okay and we manage to rescue Akatsuki-san, Myū-san, Chikage-san and Dōmoto-san in time. So, let us agree that we have made a right choice together. Aren't we, Einhalt-san?" once again responded Vivio while trying to convince Einhalt that her reckless action just now has been necessary after all. It was when Einhalt let a small sigh out before reluctantly nodding back at Vivio.
"Vivio-chan? Is that you?" asked Myū in disbelief, as she and the others were surprised with Vivio and Einhalt's unexpected arrival in front of them. "Yup! It has been a while Myū-san. Although, I never thought to see you, Akatsuki-san, Chikage-san and Dōmoto-san here in Glaðsheimr…" answered Vivio by greeting her friend, Myū in return. Simultaneously, Vivio has also been surprised with Akatsuki, Myū, Chikage and Dōmoto's involvement in this infiltration mission. "ESUN's top brasses has decided to draft BABEL into their fighting forces. So, we have no choice other than to participate in this mission…" replied Akatsuki while explaining his, as well as Myū, Chikage and Dōmoto's involvement in this supposedly confidential infiltration mission. "Still, it unexpectedly is turn out to be a good thing isn't it. Since we could meet Vivio-san and Einhalt-san, albeit in not so preferable circumstance…" added Dōmoto, as she was personally pleased to see both Vivio and Einhalt again. "Likewise Dōmoto-san. Since it actually is our pleasure to see you and others again…" calmly responded Einhalt before smiling at the youngest member in Akatsuki's hero party in return.
"I agree with Class Rep-chan. Since it would be wiser for us to postpone our reunion and win this fight first, Vivi-chan, Haru-chan…" affirmatively added Chikage before turning her attention at both Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd afterwards. "Yikes! None of Vivio-chan and Haru-san's attack seem to have any effect on them!" yelped Myū, as her face went pale almost instantly after realizing that Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd manage to get away with just few scratches. "Heh! This certainly is interesting to see that even Vivio and Haru are unable to defeat them…" remarked Akatsuki while spinning his supposedly two-handed greatsword single-handedly and grinning towards the now even more hostile Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd.
"We just need to try different tactics to defeat them, Akatsuki-san. So, Einhalt-san and I are also looking forward for your further instruction Class Rep-san!" reassured Vivio, as she smiled at Akatsuki and Dōmoto in return. "Uhm, don't you think Ōsawa-kun is more suitable for leading us, Vivio-san?" replied Dōmoto before once again readying her Arms Device or AD, an oversized wooden mallet known as "Ditto" that has been said made from the mythical Gigas Cedar itself. "I don't think so, Dōmoto-san. You have once successfully led us to the victory against Ruina in the past. So, none of us have any doubt that you are happen to be the most suitable person for becoming our leader after all…" added the aforementioned Shutra's Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos, as she also in the meantime reassuringly smiled towards her (Dōmoto).
"Do you think so as well, Izumi?" once again asked Dōmoto after listening at Vivio and Einhalt's recommendation just now. "You will definitely do just fine, Class Rep-chan. Since again, it hasn't been your first time to lead us in battle isn't it?" reassured Chikage as well before she grinned and gave Dōmoto a thumb up using her right hand afterwards. It was also right after Chikage finished from reassuring Dōmoto to once again take the leadership role that Myū decided to encourage her as well. "We have a faith on you, Class Rep! So, please lead us to victory once again!" encouraged Myū while using her signature Arms Device, a magical staff known as "Holy Tin" to create a unique green-coloured magic circle and summon multiple lightning bolts from it.
Dōmoto in the meantime let a small sigh out before smiling towards Vivio, Einhalt, Chikage and Myū after she listened at their reassurance, as well as encouragement just now. Her insecure feeling as well as little self-doubt that lingered in her mind has once again dissipated after she listened at them. That was why Dōmoto could once again rediscover a small yet strong resolve, as well as self confidence that Akatsuki helped her find in the past. It was when, with a newfound resolve and self confidence, Dōmoto decided to accept the leadership role in which her new friend, Vivio has personally recommended.
Under Dōmoto's leadership, Vivio, Einhalt, Akatsuki, Myū and Chikage manage to finally defeat both Kazıklı Bey and Nosferatu Zodd. Unbeknownst to them however, their supposed victory was actually part of Longinus Dreizehn Orden's machination to completely wipe these entire infinite newborn multiverses out. By sacrificing each of its Einherjar's souls, Longinus Dreizehn Orden tried to recreate a miracle known as the "Third Magic" or "Heaven's Feel", in which capable of completely erase infinite newborn multiverses and have them remade afterwards. Because of that, their attempt to defeat every single one of Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar has completely been backfire and instead brought these aforementioned infinite newborn multiverses a step closer to their own ultimate demise.
To Be Continued…