Episode 40
~ Guidepost to Tomorrow (Part V) ~
Intertwined Wishes and Destinies
"So, how is their movement currently, Fie-san? Have they reach the core of this golden citadel?" curiously asked Juna Crawford while infiltrating the opposite side of Glaðsheimr together with Fie Claussell and Rixia Mao. "By now, they should reach this place's main core and trying to disable it as we speak Juna. That is why, we should also done our part in order to not inadvertently jeopardize this mission…" calmly replied Fie, as she led Juna and Rixia deeper into Glaðsheimr from the opposite direction. "Ah! I should expect no less from Ave-senpai! He and others are certainly live up to their reputation after all…" once again responded Juna before acknowledging her extremely positive opinion over a certain older young Time Diver's candidate, Ave and his allies. Fie in return was only smiled and affirmatively nodded back at her.
Not long after they infiltrate deeper into Glaðsheimr from the opposite direction, Juna, Fie and Rixia stumble upon a mysterious inactivated elevator in which located inside what seems to be a massive munition storage. "Whoa! Look at them! Are they Archaisms?" asked Juna, as she has been surprised to see those inactivated unmanned weaponries stored within Glaðsheimr's munition storage. "They certainly are, Juna-san. Although I doubt that the Society is helping them in this regard…" responded Rixia this time around while mentioning on how these Archaisms in front of them were unlikely belong or even remotely related to the Society, Ouroboros. "So, they might obtain data from the Society's Archaisms and decided to manufacture them. Am I right, Rixia-san?" replied Juna with another question. Rixia in return affirmatively nodded back at Juna before turning her attention towards Fie shortly afterwards.
"What is your thought on this, Fie-san?" politely enquired Rixia, as Fie was only remain quiet for a moment before she decided to respond at Rixia's question just now. "They are slightly different from Ouroboros' Archaisms. That is why, I try to investigate them now…" answered Fie while at the same time keep on investigating those Archaisms in front of her. It was also when Fie decided to use her newly acquired sixth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment, XIPHA to analyse those aforementioned Archaisms. Shortly after performing a thorough scan using XIPHA's analysing program, Fie decided to ask the Artificial Intelligence (AI) of her aforementioned sixth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment's current experimental Hollow Core, Raven EX, a modified version of the original time elemental Master Quartz, Raven that she previously use.
"Did you find anything?" calmly asked Fie while waiting for the Artificial Intelligence installed in her XIPHA's Hollow Core to respond. There was a brief delay before Raven EX's Artificial Intelligence (AI) answer Fie's question with her digitised voice. In the meantime, Juna and Rixia were both amazed on how advance this sixth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment XIPHA is compare to the latest version of fifth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment, ARCUS II in which they previously use. Sadly, even after thoroughly analysing these inactivated Archaisms, Raven EX's Artificial Intelligence (AI) was still unable to find out more about them.
"Unfortunately, I still am unable to verify subjects' identity and origin, as additional information are required for me to do so, Fie."
"That's certainly troublesome," muttered Fie, as she was actually hoping to learn more about these aforementioned Archaisms' identity and origin. "Despite still unable to find more information about these Archaisms, XIPHA is truly advanced. Its data processing capability is a lot quicker and efficient than ENIGMA II, as well as ARCUS II, I believe…" praised Rixia while comparing the performance of the sixth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment, XIPHA with its predecessors, ENIGMA II and ARCUS II respectively. "Still, I have not yet get use of Tactical Combat Orbment to speak like an ordinary human being..." added Juna before mentioning the awkward feeling that she had when speaking with her own XIPHA's experimental Hollow Core, Juggler EX. Especially when she never once dreamt of having a conversation with an upgraded version of her old earth elemental Master Quartz, Juggler after all.
"I also feel the same when using XIPHA for the first time, Juna-san. Since it certainly takes quite some time to get used of having a Master Quarts or to be exact Hollow Core that speaks like normal human being…" acknowledged Rixia, as she stared back and smiled at Juna in return. At the same time, Rixia also mentioned the initial awkwardness that she felt when having a conversation with her XIPHA's experimental Hollow Core, Phantom EX.
Similar to how the experimental Hollow Core installed on Fie and Juna's XIPHA devices were actually an upgraded version of their respective old Master Quartz, Phantom EX was also in reality happen to be an upgraded version of Rixia's old mirage elemental Master Quartz, Phantom. Because of that, despite initially felt a little awkward for having her XIPHA's Hollow Core, Phantom EX spoke and behave like any other human being, Rixia slowly learn to get used to it. Especially when Phantom EX was in reality also happen to be far more advanced and powerful than the old mirage elemental Master Quartz, Phantom that Rixia previously use.
"Soon enough, you will get used to it Juna. I guarantee you that…" reassured Fie before smiling at her as well, later on. Juna in return was only letting a small sigh out, as she also affirmatively nodded back at both Fie and Rixia. It was also when Juna once again took a quick glance at her sleek sixth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment, XIPHA unit and asked Fie something in which also currently related to their mission. "Uhm, do you think that Ouroboros would have anything to do with these new enemies, Fie-san? Since I never heard anything about these enemies before…" curiously asked Juna while staring at the young female senior Bracer, Fie Claussell in front of her simultaneously. Fie was about to respond back at Juna's question when her Jäger and Bracer-instinct noticed something.
"Juna, Rixia, don't let your guard down. Something is not right here…" warned Fie, as she noticed on how Rixia in particular has been readying her combat stance. "Eh? What's going on, Fie-san?" asked Juna before she also felt the incoming threat that both Fie and Rixia have already noticed. Readying her Military Police Academy-issued Gunbreakers, the "Peacemaker", Juna quickly tried to locate any hostile enemies that might have been waiting to ambush her, as well as Fie and Rixia. Sadly however, she was still unable to locate any of these enemies in which happen to perfectly concealed themselves. Fie and Rixia on the other hand could still feel these enemies' presences around them. Fie in particular even decided to aim her recently modified Gunswords, in which fitted with Reinford-issued newest gun unit, Black Raid, at a specific direction.
"Can you feel them, Fie-san?" asked Rixia with an extremely serious and concerned expression shown on her face. "Uhn, they definitely have us completely surrounded. It would undoubtedly difficult for us to break their formation if we let them do so even a little longer…" calmly replied Fie while suggesting that they should do something about these unseen enemies of theirs. "That might actually be difficult. Especially with these enemies remain hidden from our sights, Fie-san…" reminded Rixia before closing her eyes briefly and tried to locate these enemies using the remaining four senses that she trained as the successor of "Yin", an ancient legendary assassin from the east. Juna in the meantime was nervously staring at both Fie and Rixia, as she once again tried to locate these enemies without any success.
"H-how many of them are there to ambush us? Are they human or something else, Rixia-san? Fie-san?" asked Juna, as switched her Military Police Academy-issued Gunbreakers, "Peacemaker" from its "Striker" to "Gunner" mode at the same time. "So far, at least twelve of them have us completely surrounded. I fear more are coming to our way as we speak, Juna-san…" answered Rixia while readying her upgraded two-handed ultra greatsword, "Yatagarasu Modified" as well, simultaneously. "N-no way…" replied Juna, as her face also became pale almost immediately when hearing Rixia's answer just now. "Sadly however, more of these enemies are likely to come, Juna. Since they are trying to isolate us from our allies after all…" added Fie before she decided to also letting a small sigh out afterwards.
The answer that Juna received has undoubtedly made her worried. Since their answer have also simultaneously made Juna more aware of these enemies' true strength and deadliness. Unlike any opponents that Juna fought before, these enemies could completely surround her together with Fie and Rixia unnoticed. These enemies' capabilities to maintain their composure, as well as formation have certainly remind Fie, Rixia and Juna of Red Constellation's members that they fought in the past. In fact, these aforementioned enemies were even more dangerous than any of Red Constellation's members according to Fie and Rixia's brief assessment just now. That was why Juna began to wonder on whether she could together with Fie and Rixia defeat these enemies after all.
They once fought and survive Great Twilight together. They also successfully defeat Elysium and destroy Reverse Babel in the past. Nevertheless, Juna, Fie and Rixia clearly understood about their current enemies' strength, ferocity, as well as deadliness. They have heard about Longinus Dreizehn Orden during mission briefing two days ago. Fūka Reventón and Rinne "Brünnhilde" Berlinetta have also warned them about any danger that Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar, as well as other combatants possessed. Lloyd Bannings, Estelle Bright and Joshua Bright have also reminded them to be extremely cautious when infiltrating Longinus Dreizehn Orden's stronghold, Glaðsheimr. Even Fie's former instructor, Sara "Purple Lightning" Valestein have personally helped them by providing detailed mission plan, as well as advices.
The amount of support, as well as warning that Juna, Fie and Rixia received has certainly illustrated the extreme danger in which Longinus Dreizehn Orden has possessed. These advices, reminders and even straight warnings that they received might seem to have been exaggerated. Nonetheless, Juna, Fie and Rixia were once again clearly aware of the severe consequences that would await them if they take Longinus Dreizehn Orden lightly and fail their mission. Because of that, Juna, Fie and Rixia have been greatly concerned with these enemies in which still manage to somehow outsmart them.
"Shall we try to break our way through them, Fie-san?" suggested Juna despite knowing that her suggestion was actually quite desperate and careless. "Rixia and I would have done so if such thing is even possible. Sadly, their ironclad formation is extremely difficult to break…" replied Fie while explaining on how Juna's suggestion was unfortunately happen to be unrealistic. "I also agree with Fie-san's statement, as unlike any enemies that we have fought in the past, these Longinus Dreizehn Orden's combatants are more dangerous if not deadlier. That is why none of us are willing to strike them first, Juna-san…" added Rixia before she decided to also let a small sigh out as well, in return.
"S-so, what should we do now? We can't just stay here and do nothing at all…" argued Juna, as she was also wondering on whether Fie and Rixia might have thought of a different strategy to break their enemies' ironclad formation. Rixia in the meantime was about to give her respond at Juna's argument when five of these enemies have started their move simultaneously. Suddenly, an unexpected thing has happened, as Fie and Rixia were about to respond at those incoming five previously unseen enemies' advance. Juna, in which reacted slower than Fie and Rixia was happen to be the first one noticing this unexpected development when she saw a segmented scorpion tail-like stinger rushed towards those aforementioned five enemies and stab them simultaneously.
"W-w-what was that?" asked Juna in disbelief, as both Fie and Rixia also quickly halted their move when they saw this incoming scorpion stinger. Shortly after the said stinger pierced through those five previously unseen enemies, multiple shots were heard echoing through the entire area, as another two of the remaining five enemies collapse almost instantly. "Whoever done that, he or she is as skilful as The Blitz himself…" stated Fie while personally approving the sharpshooter's skill that successfully took those aforementioned enemies down with precise sniping skill. The last remaining three enemies were about to escape when Rixia use her "Dragon Claws" to pull them towards her. She was then swiftly slicing those remaining three enemies horizontally into half using her two-handed ultra greatsword, "Yatagarasu Modified".
"Glad that I've made it on time. Or else things might go out beyond our control…" greeted the said sharpshooter, as she walk towards Juna, Fie and Rixia while retracting the segmented scorpion stinger back to her black long coat's tail coat. This sharpshooter also armed with a custom bayonet rifle named after a purple-coloured lily, "Brodiaea". "Thanks for your help, I guess. Although, there are still some questions that we would like to ask you as well…" responded Fie after she thanked this sharpshooter for her help. In the meantime, Fie, as well as Rixia also noticed the true strength that this petite young female sharpshooter was trying to conceal from them. "My name is Mia, Mia Karnstein. I'm here to help as per-Executive Officer Takamachi and Executive Officer Lanster's request…" replied Mia Karnstein back by introducing herself towards Fie, Rixia and Juna. Other than introducing herself, Mia was also gave Fie, Rixia and Juna a quick explanation behind her completely unexpected arrival.
"Eh? I never thought that Ave-senpai and Teana-senpai would already ask someone to assist us…" remarked Juna after she listened at Mia's reply just now. Mia in the meantime was only smiling before she decided to further elaborate her reply towards Fie's respond not so long ago. "I'm not the only one that Executive Officer Takamachi and Executive Officer Lanster have asked to support their infiltration mission, miss Juna. Especially when there are also others that began their infiltration around the same time with me as well, I believe…" once again replied Mia before she briefly paused her explanation and staring at Juna, as well as Fie and Rixia. "I personally believe you, Karnstein-san. Since I could also notice their presences in multiple different corridors across this entire golden citadel's structure itself…" affirmatively responded Rixia by acknowledging Mia's explanation towards her, as well as Juna and Fie.
"Some of these presences are actually quite overwhelming though…" calmly added Fie while mentioning on how she could actually feel overwhelming presences across multiple different sectors within Glaðsheimr itself. "Overwhelming but reassuring I would say…" replied Rixia before in return smiling towards Fie. It was when Mia approvingly nodded back, as she gave Fie, Rixia and Juna more information over these reinforcements that has just arrived with her. "There are five groups in total that infiltrate Glaðsheimr together with me. Although none of us have planned this beforehand, we believe that our action would greatly help our allies fight Longinus Dreizehn Orden. Am I right about that?" responded Mia with a rhetorical question instead. "Uhm, have we met any of these reinforcements before, Mia-san?" curiously asked Juna, as she was replying back at Mia's respond and explanation just now.
"You have met some of them before, miss Juna. That is why they insist to participate in this infiltration mission as reinforcements…" replied Mia before once again gave Yuna a reassuring smile of hers in return. "I have a feeling that Kasane and Sagiri are among them. Correct me if I'm wrong here…" added Fie, as she mentioned two of her old acquaintances' name, Kasane Randall and Sagiri Sakurai respectively. Fie met with these two when they requested Bracer Guild's assistance in the past. Fie also remember very well on how her mentor, Sara Valestein was the one that Kasane and Sagiri actually requested. Only after Sara personally recommended her that she has been given permission to participate in this aforementioned request.
From everything that Fie could still remember, this request arrived shortly before Northern War or Northern Campaign broke out. This request was originally come from VTX Union's Special Section 3 to recover confidential data in which secretly in one of the Orbal Server located beneath Principality of North Ambria's capital city, Haliask. VTX Union's Special Section 3 sent one of their senior employee, Sagiri Sakurai together with an improved version of Personal Trooper Gespenst for her to pilot. According to Sagiri, this confidential data contain vital information that would determine VTX Union's future, as recovering it would be paramount.
Unfortunately, Northern War broke out right before Fie and Sara could accompany Sagiri enter Haliask to recover this confidential data. Also, to make a matter worse, Sara received an urgent mission from Bracer Guild's main headquarter to infiltrate Haliask and help evacuating its citizens. This unexpected development has left Fie to accompany Sagiri alone by herself. Because of that, Fie would always vividly remember of this particular dire predicament that she experienced almost immediately after becoming Bracer under Sara and Toval's tutelage.
Unbeknownst to Fie back then, Ave has also been secretly infiltrating Haliask as per-admiral Leti Lowran's order. He together with genius (OSF) Otherworldly Suppression Force's operative, second lieutenant Kasane Randall already infiltrated Haliask the day before Northern War officially broke out. Fie vividly remembered on how she has by a chance encounter Ave that fought against Imperial Army of Erebonia's jet-black heavy armoured Panzer Soldat, Hector and its pilot, brigadier general Wallace Bardias in an intense one-on-one duel at Dnieper Gate on North Ambria's southern border. Due to the confidential nature of his mission, Ave was also seen piloting a GN Drive Tau-powered second generation Gundam Astraea that has been fully equipped with Caledfwlch Techniques and (ZCF) Zeiss Central Factory's experimental High Manoeuvre Test Pack instead of his quasi-fourth generation Gundam Exia R3.
Thanks to Ave and Kasane's arrival, Fie together with Sagiri could in the end recover the said confidential data that has previously been stored within Orbal Server beneath Haliask. Ave in particular has also give both Fie and Sagiri enough time to escape Haliask by holding brigadier general Wallace Bardias' Panzer Soldat, Hector in stalemate using his GN Drive Tau-powered and High Manoeuvre Test Pack-equipped second generation Gundam Astraea. At the same time, his as well as Kasane's arrival also provide an ample of opportunity for Fie's mentor, Sara Valestein together with Railway Military Police's captain Claire Rieveldt, Intelligence Division's agent, Altina Orion and Erebonian Empire's national hero, Ashen Chevalier, Rean Schwarzer to evacuate Haliask's citizens from their burning capital.
At the end of Northern War, in which lasted for two weeks straight, Fie manage to finally learnt the true nature behind confidential data in which Sagiri successfully recovered, as well as Special Duty Section 6's special operation that Ave together with Kasane participated. From everything that she manage to finally learn, Fie began to suspect that Erebonian Empire was also targeting VTX Union's confidential data and wish to obtain it when invading North Ambria. Knowing that having this aforementioned confidential data fell into Erebonian Empire's hand could be disastrous, Time-Space Administrative Bureau secretly agree to assist VTX Union on recovering it.
Meanwhile, Time-Space Administrative Bureau has also learn that the "Society" or Ouroboros together with Chimera Corps were secretly providing North Ambria's government with Archaisms and advanced giant bipedal combat machines that could rival Erebonian Empire's Panzer Soldats. Because of that, they decided to send one of their operative, Executive Officer or Enforcer Ave J.C. Takamachi to secretly assist VTX Union recover this aforementioned confidential data while at the same time protect Haliask's fleeing citizens. Together with Kasane Randall, Ave infiltrate Haliask in order to secretly assist VTX Union recover their confidential data and protect Haliask's fleeing civilians. It was also when their mission brought them into direct confrontation with Erebonian Empire's Panzer Soldats, especially the one that began to invade North Ambria through its southern border.
"Miss Sagiri and miss Kasane are currently infiltrating Glaðsheimr from different locations. Nonetheless, they aren't the only one that you have previously met and know quite well, miss Fie…" once again replied Mia before she also approvingly nodded at Fie as well, in return. "They would certainly give Longinus Dreizehn Orden a major headache, Mia. Especially after they have survived both Northern Campaign and Great Twilight last year…" casually responded Fie, as she decided to also remind Mia on how Sagiri and Kasane's participation in both Northern Campaign and Great Twilight have made them even stronger. It was when Juna decided to also adding her own thought on Fie's respond just now.
"Both Sagiri-san and Kasane-san have shown us their strength during Operation Reconquista, as well as Operation Radiant Wings. That is why they would be without any doubt more than capable of helping us defeat our enemies, Mia-san…" added Juna while simultaneously getting her Military Police Academy-issued Gunbreakers, the "Peacemaker" ready for combat. "I agree with you, Juna-san. Since it certainly is reassuring to know that Sagiri-san and Kasane-san has also participated in this infiltration…" politely and affirmatively responded Rixia before she decided to also readying her combat stance as well, simultaneously. Juna in return only sheepishly smiling back at Rixia before once again turned her gaze towards another group of enemies that have just arrive.
"Their tenacity has somehow started to become really annoying…" flatly stated Fie, as she decided to swiftly dispatch the nearest four of these enemies using her prized gunswords, "Black Raid". Mia in the meantime was only affirmatively nodding back at Fie before simultaneously took another pair of these enemies down with her Blood Veil's tail-like razor sharp stinger. "Each one of them is mass produced Lancer and Saber-class Held Krieger Servants. None of them possess any decision-making ability on their own, as they only fight in accordance to each of its master's bidding. That is also why they become increasingly annoying, miss Fie…" explained Mia while calmly responding back at Fie's statement just now.
"Unfortunately, we still need to defeat them all. Since only by doing so that we could infiltrate Glaðsheimr further…" added Rixia, as she and Juna fought another group of Held Krieger soldiers in which armed with crudely made oversized battle axes and machetes. Using her recently upgraded two-handed ultra greatsword, "Yatagarasu Modified", Rixia skilfully fight four Held Krieger soldiers simultaneously. Combined with those skills and experiences that she has been obtained up until now, Rixia quickly demonstrate her ability to fight and ultimately defeat these four Held Krieger soldiers single-handedly. Certainly, it wasn't so surprising for her to achieve such feat, as Rixia that also inherit the title "Yin" has been more than once fought and successfully defeat many dangerous enemies in the past.
"Despite behaving mindlessly, these enemies are still quite dangerous. So, don't let your guard down even for the slightest, Juna-san…" warned Rixia, as she crushed the last Held Krieger using her "Dragon Claws". In the meantime, Juna quickly give Rixia an affirmative nod while simultaneously fought the remaining other four Held Krieger soldiers in front of her. "Hai! Rixia-san!" responded Juna before releasing her Gunbreakers' limiter temporarily. Shortly after she has done that, Juna unleashed one of her signature ultimate attack known as "Valiant Charge" using "Peacemaker", the Military Police Academy-issued Gunbreakers of hers. Almost immediately after she unleashed her signature ultimate attack, "Valiant Charge", Juna successfully took the remaining Held Krieger soldiers down with it.
Together with an unexpected help that they received from Mia just now, Fie, Juna and Rixia could now resume their infiltration unhindered. Despite having multiple group of Held Krieger soldiers as their opponents, Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia manage to still defeat them in the end. Because of that, after making sure that every single one of those Held Krieger soldiers has been completely defeated, Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia decided to further infiltrate Glaðsheimr. It was also when Mia started to learn more about Fie, Juna and Rixia, as she decided to accompany them through this entire infiltration mission.
From Fie, Juna and Rixia's story, Mia began to learn more about what happened prior to her encounter with Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Special Duty Section 6, as well as a certain young Time Diver's candidate in which also currently happen to be their youngest Executive Officer or Enforcer, Ave J.C. Takamachi. Their story started almost immediately after October War or sometimes better known as Erebonian Civil War broke out. Fie in which helping her fellow students of Thors Military Academy fought Noble Alliance's rebel forces received unexpected help from a small group of Special Duty Section 6's operatives that visited Erebonian Empire one and a half months prior to its civil war.
According to another story that both Juna and Rixia decided to add shortly afterwards, three Special Duty Section 6's operatives decided to visit Erebonian Empire almost immediately after the terrorist attack during West Zemuria Trade Conference as per-arrangement made by prince Olivert Riese Anor. In order to secretly investigate the link between the infamous terrorist attacks on West Zemuria Trade Conference with other similar incidents that took place within the Erebonian Empire's border beforehand, prince Olivert Riese Anor has requested Time-Space Administrative Bureau's assistance. Since it was also due to a heavy restriction that Erebonian Empire has been placing upon Bracer Guild's presences within its territory that prince Olivert decided to ask for Time-Space Administrative Bureau's help instead.
Fie would later resume her story, as she also elaborate more details on how these three Special Duty Section 6's operatives have help brought Erebonian Empire's civil war towards its swift conclusion. Despite their success on ending the aforementioned civil war that would also well famously known as the "October War" swiftly, Erebonian Empire would then still continue with its move to invade, occupy and finally annex Crossbell afterwards. It was a move that Fie has been personally condemned, as she found nothing should justify Erebonian Empire's decision to invade, occupy and annex Crossbell. Sadly however, she alone was unable to prevent it from happening, as one of her fellow and dearest friend, Rean Schwarzer decided to serve in the army and took part in annexing Crossbell.
Because of that, Fie often felt guilty for not being able to help Rean by shouldering some of his burdens when he literally sacrificing his own personal consciences in order to save more people, as well as protect her and others in the process. Even after she became one of the youngest full-fledged senior Bracer under Sara Valestein and Toval Randonneur's guidance, Fie was still sometimes question her own ability to help her friends, especially Rean this time around. It was also around the time after she became one of the youngest full-fledged senior Bracer that Fie often work as Bracer Guild's liaison for Special Duty Section 6 together with her instructor, Sara Valestein. In the end, thanks to their role as Bracer Guild's liaison for Special Duty Section 6 that Fie and Sara once again reunited with their Time-Space Administrative Bureau's allies, in which also include a certain enigmatic young Time Diver's candidate, Ave J.C. Takamachi.
"So, have you met Executive Officer Ave prior to that, miss Fie? Is he happen to be one of those three Special Duty Section 6's operatives that you mentioned before?" curiously asked Mia after she intently listen at Fie, as well as Juna and Rixia's story just now. "Well, we met before when I visited Heimdallr and Roer during my field study. I remember him being quite a laid back person despite working as SDS 6's newly minted Executive Officer back then…" casually replied Fie while smiling towards Mia as well, at the same time. It was also almost immediately after Fie's replying back at Mia's question that Juna decided to ask her another question related on Ave's past visit to Roer.
"I never know that he has ever visited Roer before. Is there any particular reason for him to do so, Fie-san?" asked Juna, as she was also curious to hear more about it. "According to Alisa, Ave was visiting Roer Institute of Technology and Reinford Group's 4th Development Division for official business. Other than that, no one ever know if he had other reason for visiting Roer in the first place…" once again replied Fie before she started to also wonder if Ave's official visit might also related to a development of certain unit in which Reinford Group has been collaborating with Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Technical Division 4, Caledfwlch Techniques, VTX Union and Epstein Foundation.
"I think Tio-senpai once mentioned a collaboration of four biggest R&D divisions post-Break The World in which commander Yagami of SDS 6 personally funded. One of them being United or Unified Maintenance Plan in which Four Leaves Technology's modified Gespenst Mk-IV, Weissritter Flügel and fully refurbished version of Tsukimura Heavy Industries' Type-82 Zuikaku originated from, I believe…" casually acknowledged Juna, as she was also mentioning United Maintenance Plan, a project in which Special Duty Section 6's commander Hayate Yagami has personally sponsored and funded. "Sorry for asking but what is Weissritter Flügel? Since I only learn about it from you just now, Juna-san…" innocently asked Rixia, as her question seems to surprise Juna. In the meantime, both Fie and Mia were also surprised for a totally different reason.
"Gespenst Mk-IV Modified, also known as Weissritter Flügel is Ave-san's personal combat unit. It also is happen to be a precious birthday present that he received from commander Yagami probably last year…" explained Juna in her respond towards Rixia's question just now. Unfortunately, her explanation has instead adding more confusion among them. "Actually, I heard a different story about it, Juna. Also, the story that I heard never once mention Gespenst Mk-IV's existence in any of it…" calmly responded Fie, as she never actually heard about its existence. "I thought Exia R3 is the actual present that commander Yagami gave Executive Officer Ave on his birthday last year. Since he started to pilot it after Frozen Teardrop Incident has been resolved…" added Mia, as both Fie and Rixia approvingly nodded when they heard that. Juna on the other hand was confused, as she the only one that remembered everything differently.
"T-that's not how I remember it everyone. Perhaps these altered timelines do mess with some of my memories…" sheepishly responded Juna before she admitted that the way post-Break The World's timelines have been ceaselessly altered have certainly confuse her. Especially when it related to some seemingly trivial yet important details that she should remember up until Frozen Teardrop Incident that took place last year. "I thought so as well. Since Sara also said the same thing when she couldn't remember some minor details about what happened during that aforementioned time period, Juna…" acknowledged Fie, as she was also mentioning similar situation in which her former mentor, Sara Valestein has experienced.
"For me, I never actually pay any attention to it. Although, I could also vaguely recall some minor discrepancies in my own past memory…" added Mia while sharing her own thought, as well as experiences with Fie, Juna and Rixia. Juna in the meantime was about to respond at Mia's statement when she noticed that they have all finally arrived at the very centre of Glaðsheimr itself. Because of that, instead of responding back at Mia's statement, Juna decided to say something else. "I think we should postpone our discussion for now everyone…" suggested Juna before she decided to remind Mia, Fie and Rixia that they have all arrived in their destination. "I agree with that, Juna-san. Especially knowing that our conversation has somehow derailed from and become completely unrelated to Fie-san's initial story, it would be better for us to postpone it for now…" affirmatively responded Rixia while smiling back towards Juna as well, in return.
Soon after they all agree to postpone their discussion for the time being, Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia decided to continue infiltrate Glaðsheimr's central area further. It was also during this time that Fie began to ponder upon the aforementioned discussion that she previously had with Juna, Rixia and Mia. From everything that Juna has told her, as well as Rixia and Mia, Fie once again remembered on how post-Break The World's timeline has been continuously altered up until the Great One's defeat at the end of Operation Reconquista, Miles Mirage, Radiant Wings and Shining Steel. Because of that, everything that she remembered up to that particular point of time was different from what Juna personally remembered. Even though Juna was somehow happen to be the only person that remember everything prior to the Great One's destruction differently from Fie, Rixia and Mia.
At the same time, these differences seem to have been minor and insignificant. Since details pertaining major events, incidents and circumstances were largely remain unchanged from the original post-Break The World's timeline itself. Sara and Toval more than once reassured Fie that nothing important would have been altered drastically by it. Since any drastic changes that has been made deliberately across time and space continuum could completely destroy not only this particular newborn eternal reality but also countless others out there. That was also why both Amitie and Kyrie Florian have decided not to carelessly tamper with these issues when they rewrote these newborn eternal realities' timeline.
In the end, Fie could now feel rest assured that nothing has changed fundamentally ever since. Despite having the timeline of her newborn world changed for more than once, Fie was still capable of remembering every single important thing vividly. It was also when Fie decided not to worry about any minor differences that she witnessed each time Amitie and Kyrie Florian rewrote these countless newborn eternal realities' timeline. Since only by doing so that Fie could focus her attention and energy on the more important mission in which she and others have currently been participating.
"Uhm, is this the right direction? I never thought that it would be this massive…" innocently asked Juna, as she together with Fie, Rixia and Mia had already exploring Glaðsheimr's central area for quite a while. "From the data that Arios-san and Teana-san gave us, we should be walking towards the right direction Juna-san…" calmly replied Rixia while simultaneously reassuring Juna that they have not been lost. "I also agree with Rixia. Since the interior of Glaðsheimr's central area is very straightforward and less intricate after all…" added Fie before smiling towards Juna as well, in return.
Mia in the meantime was also about to voice her thought before she suddenly stopped. "Is something wrong, Mia?" asked Fie, as she was the first person that noticed Mia's action just now. "Ah! It's nothing miss Fie. I only suddenly feel that someone is secretly spying on us…" replied Mia while simultaneously letting Fie and everyone else know about the possibility for an unexpected enemy's ambushes. Almost immediately, Mia's warning has prompted Fie, Juna and Rixia to quickly readying their respective weapons, as each one of them was ready for any unexpected ambushes. Almost immediately after Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia decided to get ready for any unexpected ambushes, another group of ten Held Krieger soldiers suddenly teleported right in front of them.
"Are they the one that you have sensed just now, Mia?" asked Fie, as she wasted not a single moment to execute her first strike towards the nearby greatsword-wielding Held Krieger soldier. "These enemies aren't the one that I sensed just now. Yet, they still are dangerous, Fie-san…" replied Mia before she tried to take a pair of Held Krieger soldiers down with her small-framed custom bayonet rifle, "Brodiaea". At the same time, the remaining seven Held Krieger soldiers in which each armed with either spear and two-handed greatsword have decided to fight Juna and Rixia. Soon enough, these seven Held Krieger soldiers began to overwhelm Juna and Rixia with their sheer amount of raw strength alone.
"W-what should we do, Rixia-san? If we don't do anything differently, these enemies would soon destroy us!" asked Juna, as she started to panic when realising on how these Held Krieger soldiers have undoubtedly more powerful and dangerous than the one that she fought not so long ago. "Don't falter, Juna-san! We will going through this, together!" reassured Rixia, as she parried three Held Krieger soldiers' attack simultaneously. Juna was about to respond back at Rixia, as she unconsciously let her guard down for even just a slightest moment. It was unfortunately also when one of those Held Krieger soldiers that she fought use this particular moment to strike Juna with its two-handed greatsword.
"Juna-san!" shrieked Rixia, as she jumped in front of Juna while simultaneously trying to block the said Held Krieger soldier's two-handed greatsword from decapitating Juna's neck. Nevertheless, despite successfully protecting Juna from the said deadly attack, Rixia has now been left vulnerable to any incoming enemies' attack. It was when another Held Krieger soldier seized this opportunity by stabbing Rixia with its own spear. Thankfully, Rixia still manage to react fast enough and caught the incoming Held Krieger soldier's spear with her "Dragon Claws". Simultaneously, Rixia yanked the said spear-wielding Held Krieger soldier and use its massive body to protect her from another multiple incoming attacks.
"Never let your guard down, Juna-san! Since these enemies are more dangerous than the one that we just fought!" warned Rixia, as she undoubtedly found that these Held Krieger soldiers in front of her to be way stronger and deadlier. "H-hai!" affirmatively responded Juna while parrying and counterattacking a two-handed greatsword-wielding Held Krieger soldier with her Military Police Academy-issued Gunbreakers, the "Peacemaker". Unfortunately for Juna, the sheer amount of raw strength that the said two-handed greatsword-wielding Held Krieger soldier possessed manage to completely threw her off balance only with a single full horizontal swing. It was also when Juna fell on the ground, as her enemy began to raise its two-handed greatsword and ready to vertically slice her into two.
Juna in the meantime quickly raised both of her Military Police Academy-issued Gunbreakers, the "Peacemaker" in front of her. By doing so, she was at the very least hoping to protect her from the said two-handed greatsword-wielding Held Krieger soldier's killing blow. At that very moment, everything seems to have been over for Juna, as none of her allies could do anything to help. These Held Krieger soldiers were extremely more dangerous than the one that Juna and others have just fought not so long ago. Unlike the one that they previously fought, these ten Held Krieger soldiers were arguably also more skilful in dealing with their opponents. Because of that, they manage to fight Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia separately while also keeping them away from one another.
Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia were sadly realize this unfolding reality a little too late, as these ten Held Krieger soldiers have already separate them from one another. So far, Fie and Mia manage to fight their opponents in standstill. Rixia on the other hand has been forced to fight defensively, as she was trying to also protect Juna at the same time. The entire situation has became more and more hopeless, as Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia unable to decisively defeat each of their opponents. Suddenly, as this entire fight seems to drag even longer than it supposed to be, a pair of three arge tall Spiricle Armours emerged from out of nowhere and started to rain those ten Held Krieger soldiers with their built-in machineguns, rocket and grenade launchers.
Unlike Koubu F2 Spiricle Armour units that Paris Combat Revue's Flower Division has employed, these two Spiricle Armours were bulkier, heavily armed and armoured. One thing that Fie immediately noticed, their appearances were uncannily similar to "Eisenkleid", old Spiricle Armour units used by the long disbanded European Army's Star Division. Nevertheless, these two Spiricle Armour units were significantly more advanced than the old "Eisenkleid" or even Koubu F2.
Based on their movement, agility and firepower alone, these two advanced Spiricle Armour units have proven to be more than capable of helping Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia by keeping their opponents away from them. Such achievement alone definitely became a solid testament for these two Spiricle Armour units' combat capability, as well as their respective operators.
"Are they related to Paris Combat Revue's Flower Division?" curiously asked Juna, as she never seen any of these Spiricle Armours before. "I don't think that you have seen them before, Juna-san. Since they might actually just arrived from another newborn eternal reality via Crossgate…" replied Rixia before mentioning Crossgate in her reply as well. "Such possibility does exist, miss Rixia. I also am certain that these Spiricle Armours' pilot also happen to be the one that spying on us…" added Mia while sniping three of those currently preoccupied Held Krieger soldiers down with her bayonet rifle, "Brodiaea".
"Really? I never know that…" responded Juna in surprise, as she never actually guessed that these Spiricle Armour units and their respective pilots would also be the very same people in which not so long ago spying on them. "I kind of expecting that, Juna. Although to see that actually happening is weird…" added Fie while casually replying back at Juna's respond just now. It was also almost immediately after Fie finished her sentence that she decided to help those aforementioned Spiricle Armours' pilots fought their remaining opponents. Juna and Rixia in the meantime decided to also join Fie help these two Spiricle Armours' pilots as well.
Soon enough, Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia were able to defeat their opponents thanks to the help that they received from these two Spiricle Armours' pilots. Together, they decided to form a temporary alliance and help one another in their quest of infiltrating Glaðsheimr. It was also after they decided to work together that Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia learnt more about these two Spiricle Armours together with the identity of their pilots. Unlike Koubu-series Spiricle Armour units, these two Eisen-series Spiricle Armour units were known as Spiricle Striker. Spiricle Striker itself was a successor of Spiricle Armour that originated from alternate newborn timeline beyond a certain Crossgate Paradigm Portal, in which also happen to be located beneath the third newborn world's Arctic Ocean.
In that alternate newborn world, a Great Demon War took place, as many if not the entire existing Combat Revues from Teito (Tokyo), Paris and New York have been completely wiped out. Also in that aforementioned alternate newborn world, Combat Revues' existence has became public knowledge, as United Nations' backed World Luxury Operatic Federation (WLOF) began to consolidate and reorganise newly minted Combat Revues across the world under their command. One of these newly minted Combat Revues was Berlin Combat Revue, as its combat division, "Schwarzschild" known to be the strongest among its peers. Currently two of its prominent combat operatives have been accidentally stranded in this third newborn world before they also stumble upon an unexpected dire predicament.
It was when they decided to help these third newborn world's defenders while simultaneously trying to also learn more about their world. Together with these third newborn worlds' defenders that they met inside Glaðsheimr, the aforementioned two Schwarzschild Division's combat operatives have successfully defeat their opponents, cementing their status as the strongest combat division of the strongest Combat Revue in that alternate newborn world itself. Because of that, as they accompany Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia while piloting their strongest Spiricle Striker units in which also happen to be the successor of Eisen-series Spiricle Armour, the "Eisenjäger", these two combat operatives of Berlin Combat Revue's Schwarzschild Division decided to introduce themselves.
From their introduction, Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia could finally learn more about them. Since in the end, despite the seemingly stoic and rigid personality that they have shown them, these two combat operatives of Berlin Combat Revue's Schwarzschild Division, Elise and Margarethe were trustworthy allies after all. That was also why Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia have decided to completely trust Elise and Margarethe, as they work together to infiltrate Glaðsheimr further. Although unbeknownst to Fie, Juna, Rixia and Mia, their fateful encounter with both Elise and Margarethe would later brought them into an inevitable struggle that would also span across multiple different newborn multiverses.
ED Theme Song: Iris (Performed By: Aoi Eir)
Ave was once again alone, as his prized quasi-fifth generation Gundam Exia Flügel finally reached Glaðsheimr's innermost sanctum. He decided to descend deep into Glaðsheimr's core while Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins were staying back to safeguard his escape route. Initially, Ave was a little reluctant on leaving Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins behind, as he knew very well over the danger in which Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar or apostles have possessed. Nonetheless, the three of them have insisted him to keep moving forward and infiltrate deeper into Glaðsheimr's core. Since in the end, it was the only way for them to complete this mission and protect their third newborn world, as well as countless other newborn worlds out there without fail.
While convincing Ave to leave them behind, Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins decided to also inform him of another allies that have successfully infiltrate Glaðsheimr from different locations. These aforementioned allies were initially not included in any of their infiltration team until Special Duty Section 6's commander Hayate Yagami has decided to hastily add them not long after the commencement of this mission. One of them according Nanoha would also soon reached Glaðsheimr's core, as she suggested that Ave would probably should work together with him or her. Not long after he remembered on what Nanoha has suggested him, Ave received an incoming transmission from one of this mission's tactical operator, warrant officer Azuki Sawa, in which currently stationed in the second Space Noah-class battleship, Hagane.
"This is Hagane's command post. Do you copy, Long Arch 07?" greeted warrant officer Azuki Sawa, as her crisp and refreshing voice has once again reminded Ave of her cheerful personality. "This is Long Arch 07. I can hear you loud and clear, warrant officer Sawa…" calmly responded Ave while smiling at the said young and cheerful female tactical operator of Hagane. "It truly is a relieve to know that you are safe, Executive Officer Takamachi. Since, we haven't been able to establish any proper communication with most of infiltration teams ever since this mission's commencement…" replied Azuki before letting a small relieved sigh out, in return.
"Am I the only one that you have successfully been contacting, warrant officer Sawa?" enquired Ave while at the same time wondering on whether he was happen to be the only one that Azuki manage to successfully contacted. "Uhm, I actually manage to contact second lieutenant Arrière Ogre that should currently be on her way to your current position, Executive Officer Takamachi. Other than her, I manage to also communicate with Latune-chan and princess Shine, in which currently has been infiltrating Glaðsheimr from its abandoned underground tunnels…" replied Azuki, as she decided to update Ave with Arrière Ogre, Latune Subbota and princess Shine Hausen's recent movement across Glaðsheimr.
Unfortunately, Azuki was still unable to establish any contact with other infiltration teams in which also infiltrating Glaðsheimr from multiple different directions. Currently more than twenty small assault teams have been infiltrating Glaðsheimr in this massive joint-military operation between Time-Space Administrative Bureau, Earth Spheres United Nations' Peacekeeping Force, Chaldea Security Organization and ZEUTH. Most if not all of their members were highly trained and highly experienced operatives in which previously participate in the First Defensive War, Purge of Blood, Frozen Teardrop Incident, the Sealing War and Operation Reconquista. Because of that, nothing bad should have befell them, as they have done similar infiltration missions before, in the past.
Nevertheless, Azuki couldn't help herself from worrying about it. Especially after she learnt about how dangerous Longinus Dreizehn Orden is from the mission briefing two days ago. From everything that she learnt so far, Longinus Dreizehn Orden was as dangerous as Great Tomb of Nazarick's inhabitants that terrorize an old world in which Ave's past old life has been originated from. That also why Azuki knew very well on how dangerous this infiltration mission would be in reality. Once again she decided to remind Ave to act cautiously and never once let his guard down at the same time. Ave in the meantime was only affirmatively nodding back at Azuki before he decided to also reassure her that everything would definitely be fine.
Unlike the time when he and his allies tried to infiltrate Great Tomb of Nazarick, they have now better prepared, as well as equipped to tackle every single obstacle that awaits them. Despite knowing that Glaðsheimr has always been as equally dangerous as the Great Tomb of Nazarick itself, Ave strangely felt less worry about it. Certainly he has currently been piloting a state-of-art quasi-fifth generation of GN Drive-powered Gundam unit, Exia Flügel instead of his second generation Gundam Astraea. At the same time, he together with his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms have also been learning a lot from that experiences. Because of that, it wasn't surprising to see Ave manage to keep his wits and composure when infiltrating Glaðsheimr, as those experiences has helped him with this infiltration after all.
After reassuring Azuki that everything would definitely be fine, Ave decided to ask her another question. "How is the situation outside, Glaðsheimr? Things must be very hectic out there, warrant officer Sawa…" asked Ave while simultaneously guessing that the situation outside Glaðsheimr has almost been certainly quite chaotic. "At the moment things have been calmed down, Executive Officer Takamachi. Since together with miss Angelise and mister Ernesti, we have successfully been repelling any enemies that came from Glaðsheimr…" replied Azuki with a slightly cheerful tone on her voice, as she was certainly appreciated the assistance that both Angelise and Ernesti has been providing towards Hagane and its allies.
According to Azuki, Hagane's SRX Team and its allies have actually been struggling to repel Glaðsheimr's mechanized units. Unlike any enemies that they previously fought, Longinus Dreizehn Orden has proven to be as equally formidable and dangerous as the Great Tomb of Nazarick's accursed denizens itself. Since none of SRX Team's members have previously fought any of these Great Tomb of Nazarick's Floor Guardians and Pleiades, they were completely unprepared against the true threat that Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar has been possessing. Thankfully, Angelise and Ernesti were there to help them, as their experience from fighting Longinus Dreizehn Orden in another parallel dimension has proven to be extremely useful in this circumstance.
Other than Angelise and Ernesti, Ave's new allies that he met in this aforementioned another parallel dimension has also been assisting Hagane, as well as SRX Team. Despite previously experiencing the threat that Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar or apostles have possessed, Ave's new allies still decided to help Hagane and SRX Team. Since only by doing so that they could hope to defeat Longinus Dreizehn Orden and return to each of their own respective worlds.
After listening at Azuki's reply and explanation just now, Ave once again smiled. He could now feel less worried about what might happen to Hagane, SRX Team and their other allies out there. At the same time, he could also now refocusing his energy and attention on his own infiltration mission, as his allies out there would certainly be fine after all. Because of that, Ave decided to respond back at Azuki's reply and explanation by thanking her for every update, as well as information that she just provided him.
Azuki in return was only smiling, as she certainly appreciated Ave's respond and gratitude towards her. Since it was also through Ave's respond and gratitude that Azuki once again remembered the time when she first met him. During a certain covert mission that took place during the warmest day of Finland's supposedly short summer, Azuki has been assigned as one of Ave's tactical operators. The mission itself was quite simple and straightforward, as Ave in his second generation GN Drive-powered Gundam Astraea would infiltrate one of Chimera Corps' research facilities together with his adoptive older sister, the Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Ace of Aces, captain (instructor) Nanoha Takamachi.
Nevertheless, Azuki was still nervous when she became Ave and Nanoha's tactical operator for this mission. Since it was also Azuki's very own first time to work directly with Time-Space Administrative Bureau's operatives such as Ave and Nanoha. Unlike the time when was working as one of Hagane's tactical operators, Azuki required to constantly adjust her strategy, as well as mission plan to compliment Ave and Nanoha's very own combat doctrines better. Especially when the way they fought significantly different from any of Steel Dragon Battalion's combatants that Azuki knew and has been working together with in the past.
Despite the aforementioned difficulty that she encountered however, Azuki still somehow manage to successfully help Ave and Nanoha with her tactical advices, as well as readjusted mission plan. Because of that Ave and Nanoha manage to finally accomplish this mission, as they would also forever grateful for Azuki's help. In fact, Ave and Nanoha even decided to personally thank Azuki for helping them. Since without Azuki's assistance, it would be a lot more difficult for both Ave and Nanoha to accomplish this aforementioned mission after all. Shortly after they accomplished this mission, Ave, Nanoha and Azuki started to work together in several occasions while simultaneously improving their synergy, as well as compatibility.
Sometimes Azuki would also be working together with other tactical operators such as Feldt Grace of Celestial Being's Ptolemaios Team and/ or princess Alfin Reise Arnor and her best friend, Elise Schwarzer of the Radiant Wings in some major military operations that members of ESUN, ZEUTH and Time-Space Administrative Bureau were participating. Operation Shining Steel and Operation Reconquista were examples of when Azuki has been working together with other tactical operators to ensure each of their successes. It was also from such major military operations that Azuki has been improving her skill exponentially and soon became one of the best tactical operators in these post-Break The World's newborn eternal realities.
Through these experiences and her own personal growth, Azuki once again decided to continue helping others, as one of their most skilled, as well as dependable tactical operator. Since only by doing so that Azuki could also help to ensure their safe return after accomplishing what they meant to accomplish in the first place. It was the decision that led her participating in this infiltration mission as Azuki wished to personally help any of its other participants. Despite not being the only tactical operator that participated in this infiltration, Azuki understood very well on how her contribution would still help others that infiltrate Glaðsheimr, as well as waiting outside on standby to safeguard their escape routes.
Because of that, Azuki decided to also continue on fulfilling her role as one of the most skilled tactical operators in which post-Break The World's newborn eternal realities has to offer. Once again, as she concluded her conversation with Ave, Azuki decided to continuously support SRX Team, Angelise, Ernesti and others in which currently getting ready to fight another wave of enemies that came from Glaðsheimr. Since only by doing so that Azuki could always without fail hope to protect those in which she truly cares and hold dear.
To Be Continued…