Ben 10: Rising of the Shield Hero

by Chris Chronos

The Story about Ben Tennyson, the Omnitrix Wielder, being summoned to the world of the "Rising of the Shield Hero" with Ben as the Shield Hero. Diverged from the original storyline at a point. After Ben has saved his own universe several times, will he successfully save this world, too? (Ben Tennyson after the events of "New Dawn", with a complete Omnitrix.)

17. Chapter 17: FAKE GOD

BEN 10: RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO

CHAPTER 17: FAKE GOD

How powerful is Alien X?

For plot's sake, I might say he is nigh-Omnipotent.

But the most intelligent of the five galaxies and high-omniscient (*he knows everything because he has experienced) Time Walker said he is Omnipotent. So if you want to argue with Azmuth, feel free to do so, I'd rather avoid him :3

Fun Fact: Ben Tennyson of any timeline or any universe uses the same Alien X. The true body exists in Forge of Creation so it proved the Alien X's omnipresence.

Why Ben couldn't recreate Smoothie – basically Alien X uses the knowledge of the three personalities. Bellicus and Serena know pretty much everything while Ben doesn't. So he took the responsibility of recreating himself and smoothie and… he screwed up.

Thoughts become reality. One wrong thought and it's screwed up.

But still, you can't just make Alien X battle random characters.

And Magnus Avis. I really suck at naming so I used a simple Latin name.

One of the reasons Ben trusts Fitoria is that she is actually protecting the people he still can't. That's why he didn't interfere with the brawl between Filo and Fitoria because he trusted Fitoria wouldn't actually kill. But he was wrong in this part.

Master control isn't just the ability to transform in a blink or mentally command the Omnitrix to transform. It's about all the functions (over a thousand) in Omnitrix, including Teleportation. They had been unlocked once in Alien Force Season 2 last episode but Ben didn't know of them.

He also unlocked a million DNA but he didn't use it because he wasn't familiar with them. Azmuth re-locked the master control away after the battle.

The Omnitrix AI is a replacement for Master Control. If Ben is able to negotiate with AI, it would be extremely better.

"Hey sweet, come see this! It's hilarious!"

"What's that?"

Kevin has been bugging me so I put down my laptop and walk towards the couch he's sitting on. He has a tablet in his hand.

The screen shows the title of Ben 10: Masked Rider Omnix.

"A new tokusatsu show."

I am confused but it sounds like a Japanese term. I learned Japanese but still…

Kevin answers my silent questions.

"They are making a TV show as a tribute to Ben."

"Tribute? Oh, … Why?"

He shrugs off my questioning look.

I grab the tablet off him and read the information about the mentioned show.

In short, it's about Ben becoming one of the Japanese superheroes.

"Will you sue them, Gwen?"

I give it back and facepalm.

"I think Ben would love it."

"Haha, he would."

I look down at the purple Omnitrix given to me by Azmuth.

That old man wasn't nice enough to give away his creation.

But… I must admit. He has changed.

Maybe it's Ben's heroics that changed Azmuth.

Where are you, Ben?

It's been two weeks since he's gone missing.

If you wanna date Ester, I will be happy to approve your relationship.

So please come back.

No, wait, it can be that people of the other world need Ben's help.

For the time being, we must wait for him to finish the job.

Good Luck, Ben.

-(TRANSITION)-

"You guys are welcome to run, but that won't change anything. You'll all just wind up in the chains again. You stand together – you can do anything. Anything."

- Ben Tennyson (Ben 10: Omniverse) -

That night, I had a talk with Fitoria.

She is a nice girl if you ignore her threatening. It's not like I can blame her.

"Is that all? I suppose not."

"No. There is more," she said. "If even one Cardinal Hero when a Wave hits, fighting it off will be exponentially more difficult. If that looks likely, it's better to kill you all and summon new heroes."

For reference, if the absent hero is me, then it's doomed. I don't think the other guys will make a difference.

And please stop threatening to kill!

"Maybe," I whimpered.

"I can't tell you after how many Waves it will happen, but there will come a time when the world demands sacrifices from all life."

It might become a large-scale… hmm.

"Sacrifices?"

It's a word I dislike. Every life is worth saving.

"Yes. The heroes will be forced to choose what they fight for in that battle."

She continued. "And I am waiting for that time to come."

Basically… she is waiting for the time of sacrifices.

"Choose what we fight for?"

"Will you fight for the world? Or will you fight for its people?"

For me, the answer is obvious. Both. But people are the priority.

"If you chose the world," she said. "Many lives will be lost. But you'll be able to fulfill your duty."

Then, it's Option 2 for me.

"Then I will prioritize the people."

"It will be a thorny path," she replied.

A challenge, huh? Well, I'm used to challenges. It's nothing new for me.

"There is a lot I have forgotten, but there is one thing I remember. Saving the world isn't the same as saving its people. Past heroes wished for their successors to save the people."

I sighed.

"I will decide it when the time comes. I will try my best to save both."

"Are you confident that you can do it? I don't think you can't overcome all those hurdles by yourself."

She was telling me all this. It means… she wants us to survive.

"At least, I rate you higher than other heroes."

"Why?" I was curious.

"You raised Filo," she answered. "The next queen. You can't possibly be a bad guy."

Not a bad guy…

"Perhaps."

"Anyway, I believe you have it in you to talk it out with other heroes. Besides you heroes are far too weak."

Is she overprotective or something?

I am level 69 though.

"The upcoming battles are going to be rough. But… please avoid the cursed shields."

I laughed dryly.

"It's so nice of you to warn me though you were like threatening me all. Well, it's not like I need it. And… I have trump cards of my own," I whispered the last part.

She rested her head on my lap.

"Please, shield hero," she muttered at me.

She said she didn't care about what happened to humans but… she still… wants us to protect them.

"Do you remember who raised you?"

"I forgot," she answered. "Filolials have short memories."

But she is centuries old.

"I see," I responded with a pat on her head.

"I won't ask to have faith in me. But remember that I will try my best to fulfill your wish."

-(TRANSITION)-

On the next morning, Fitoria brings us back to the outside world via teleportation.

Why not just take us back home.

"I sense a hero nearby," she says.

"I see," Aria says.

There is no point in disguising now.

Fitoria looks at Filo and says to me.

"Shield Hero, take care of her. And keep your promise."

I smile to assure her. "I will do what I can."

Then we part ways.

"Since we are going to the border, I'd like to fly back to Brambila mansion and let your mom know."

Arian nods. That night, I had a good long talk with Fitoria.

She is a nice girl if you ignore her threatening. It's not like I can blame her.

"Is that all? I suppose not."

"No. There is more," she said. "If even one Cardinal Hero when a Wave hits, fighting it off will be exponentially more difficult. If that looks likely, it's better to kill you all and summon new heroes."

For reference, if the absent hero is me, then it's doomed. I don't think the other guys will make a difference.

And please stop threatening to kill!

"Maybe," I whimpered.

"I can't tell you after how many Waves it will happen, but there will come a time when the world demands sacrifices from all life."

It might become a large-scale… hmm.

"Sacrifices?"

It's a word I dislike. Every life is worth saving.

"Yes. The heroes will be forced to choose what they fight for in that battle."

She continued. "And I am waiting for that time to come."

Basically… she is waiting for the time of sacrifices.

"Choose what we fight for?"

"Will you fight for the world? Or will you fight for its people?"

For me, the answer is obvious. Both. But people are the priority.

"If you chose the world," she said. "Many lives will be lost. But you'll be able to fulfill your duty."

Then, it's Option 2 for me.

"Then I will prioritize the people."

"It will be a thorny path," she replied.

A challenge, huh? Well, I'm used to challenges. It's nothing new for me.

"There is a lot I have forgotten, but there is one thing I remember. Saving the world isn't the same as saving its people. Past heroes wished for their successors to save the people."

I sighed.

"I will decide it when the time comes. I will try my best to save both."

"Are you confident that you can do it? I don't think you can't overcome all those hurdles by yourself."

She was telling me all this. It means… she wants us to survive.

"At least, I rate you higher than other heroes."

"Why?" I was curious.

"You raised Filo," she answered. "The next queen. You can't possibly be a bad guy."

Not a bad guy…

"Perhaps."

"Anyway, I believe you have it in you to talk it out with other heroes. Besides you heroes are far too weak."

Is she overprotective or something?

I am level 69 though.

"The upcoming battles are going to be rough. But… please avoid the cursed shields."

I laughed dryly.

"It's so nice of you to warn me though you were like threatening me all. Well, it's not like I need it. And… I have trump cards of my own," I whispered the last part.

She rested her head on my lap.

"Please, shield hero," she muttered at me.

She said she didn't care about what happened to humans but… she still… wants us to protect them.

"Do you remember who raised you?"

"I forgot," she answered. "Filolials have short memories."

But she is centuries old.

"I see," I responded with a pat on her head.

"I won't ask you to have faith in me. But remember that I will try my best to fulfill your wish."

-(TRANSITION)-

On the next morning, Fitoria brings us to a place via teleportation.

Why not take us back home!?

"I sense a hero nearby," she says.

"Aw, I see."

She then looks at Filo.

"Shield Hero, take care of her, and keep my promise."

When I look into Filo's stats, I see her strength has increased significantly.

I face Fitoria and smile to assure her.

"Of course, I will. I will do what I can."

After that, we part ways with the Filolial king. She has now vanished on us into thin air.

I turn at my party.

"Since we are meeting a hero, I will fly back to the mansion to let your mom know where we were. It's been two days."

Aria nods in agreement.

"So please wait," I request and take my Aerophibian form and shoot into the sky with hypersonic speed.

"JETRAY!"

Life is good when you are the fastest in the world.

When I come back to where my party is, I see they haven't moved an inch.

"Sorry for making you wait. Let's go, guys."

I wonder which hero we will meet.

I have to prepare my mind, and lines I should tell him.

What should we talk about?

Fitoria? The Dragon Hourglasses in other countries? Or that the heroes must work together?

Filo offers for Melty and I allow Aria on my back.

I fly super-slow in the sky with Filo running on the ground.

After a short time, we are finally out of the forest.

Seeing the plain, we both accelerate our speed.

There is a wall separating the Melromarc and the Siltvelt.

But we don't have time to celebrate.

As soon as we escape the forest, my keen senses capture two figures following us.

These guys…

"Filo, move!"

Filo blinks and subconsciously dodges an attack from her behind as she understood my command.

It was a glowing spear.

"I finally caught up… Tennyson!"

This voice!

Any hero but him…

"You, Motoyasu!"

He wears a scowl on his face… despite losing to me multiple times, he still dares challenge me.

Crap, where has my will to talk things out gone?

I land on the ground, letting Aria get off my body before reverting back to human form.

"Aw, fancy meeting you here, the Devil of the Shield. And his party."

Walking out of the forest is the first princess, Malty Melromarc.

I'm not glad to see that her attitude is unchanged. She smirks as she holds up a hand that's glowing pink.

"Malty? What are you doing here?" (Melty)

"Oh, if it's not my cute little sister. The scouts are right… don't tell me, you sided with the devil?"

Motoyasu widens his eyes in shock as he remembers he insulted a certain blue-haired princess without knowing she is the actual one.

"Ben is not the devil–"

"See, she has been hypnotized. We must take her back to the capital."

Motoyasu's look dramatically changed. He glares at me and…

"Devil! I will fight you, beat you and save her!"

Again, perhaps he has been searching for a reason to attack me.

I tilt my head to command my party.

"Guys, move. Go without me. I have some business with these guys."

"But–"

As Aria tries to complain, I interrupt her.

"No, Aria. This is my problem. I can't get you two or the princess involved in the trouble. Go, Filo, take them."

Filo in her bird form grabs Aria and throws her only her back where Melty grabs Aria to settle her on the big fluffy back.

And then Filo runs away as fast as she can.

I smile at the view and then turn to face the Spear Hero and the spoiled brat of a princess.

"A nice guy, aren't you? But… still, I will–" (Motoyasu)

"Dude, you have lost to me multiple times, please stop challenging me."

I am blunt in this part.

There is a moment of silence.

"You bastard!"

Oh, maybe I made a wrong move.

He charge towards where I was, but I am no longer there.

"Then I will restrain you first and let's talk."

I say, crossing my arms as I float in the air as Big Chill.

"Freak…"

He's not wrong.

When I turn invisible, he is shocked and shakes his spear in the air as if he will strike me.

I float behind him and whisper into his ear.

"I'd prefer Big Chill because my freaky voice sends chills… through your spine."

He jumps forward and turns around immediately to swing the spear at where the voice came from.

"Disgusting! You coward!"

"I don't have the intention of fighting you, so I may be a coward."

Indeed, I can't bring myself to watch a spear guy defeated by an alien circus freak for the fourth time so I don't make the fight legitimate.

Because otherwise, he will just become a laughingstock.

He flings his spear to where he predicts I am but I easily dodge his shot.

"To you,... Ren and Itsuki weren't insignificant to you?"

Why is he bringing them up?

But I have to say… those guys never benefited me, nor did I care about them – other than the fact that they at least tried to fight off the waves on their own, though with the wrong ideas.

However, I believe I don't need to answer.

"I finally understand that you really are a devil."

No, Motoyasu. Perhaps you just have found a reason.

"You tricked us by saving our butts in the battle convincing we were on the same team as heroes and then… you… after all, you are the scum of the EARTH!"

He strikes his spear again but I block the attack.

"To admit, I have never tricked you guys…" I say with a calm voice. I don't still understand the meaning behind his words, but – "nor have I thought you guys as my team even once. A team is built with trust. I don't need someone who doesn't trust me on my team."

"That's the answer? After killing Itsuki and Ren, that's your answer?"

He yells swinging the spear before charging at me again.

Killing Itsuki and Ren… what does he mean?

I narrow my eyes and turn intangible as I enter my thought realm.

He assaults me with his moves several times but no luck for him.

That aside… Itsuki and Ren are killed.

I have been away from the capital for more than a week.

What happened in my absence?

"What? Itsuki and Ren… what happened to them?"

"Don't act stupid!" he yells as he plunges his spear at me multiple times. "You killed them! You are the true devil! As the Church described!"

Relax, Ben. You needn't refuse his statements aggressively. From the looks of it… Motoyasu himself isn't in a fine state.

Regardless of me killing them or not, something must have happened to them. Probably they have been killed.

Fitoria… the only person who I can think would kill the heroes.

Oh, and that "Glass" person.

Fitoria is out of question.

Glass… I am guessing that she isn't from around here and can only come to the human realm when the Waves happen.

I don't have an answer.

Motoyasu begins to suffer from fatigue but his strikes did no damage to me.

Wait, where is that red-head princess?

I turn around and search for Malty but she is no more around.

Damn…

"Where are you looking at? I am your opponent!"

He again charges at me, thrusting his spear while holding his breath.

I block the attack with my snowflake shield and switch on the freeze skill of the shield.

He widens his eyes in shock as his spear gradually freezes to the point he is holding on.

"Let's have a good talk later. But know that I didn't kill Itsuki and Ren."

I mutter to him and transform into Fourarms.

Thunderclap!

I clap two pairs of my palms together, creating a shockwave that sends him flying back into the forest.

Now, then…

Malty… no, she is gonna throw assaults at her sister.

I press the Omnitrix symbol on my torso to take the form of –

"XLR8!" and run off to the plain.

"Malty! You can't do that!" (Melty)

"Yeah, I can so well do that. I can just attack you and blame the shield–" (Malty)

I decelerate myself and stand between the trio and the red-head.

"Who's gonna blame whom for what?"

My high-pitched raspy voice fast-talks and interrupts her speech, with a scowl on my face concealed by a visor.

Seriously, who gives away the strategies to enemies? Is she a retard?

"Your speed… how did you get here!? Where is Motoyasu?"

"If you seriously think that guy can defeat an alien freak, no wonder you had to give up the position of a crown princess."

Fast-talk lets me speak long sentences in a short time. Hey-yay I can compete rapping against Eminem.

But her speed is impressive. She ran after a filolial and caught up in no time.

No, Filo didn't go far away, why?

She glares at me and thrusts a hand glowing with pink energy forward.

"Tell me what happened to Itsuki and Ren."

"Don't give me that crap after killing them, devil. No matter how fast you are, no matter what kinda freak you are, I will defeat you."

A typical villain speech. It's boring that her words are too slow-paced for me.

Melty and the party are shocked to hear that I killed the bow and sword heroes. Because I was with them all this time.

"Alright, I have heard those words like a hundred times. Not very wise, though. And I didn't kill Ituki and Ren. Why did you guys jump to that conclusion? Anyway, you guys," I turn at Filo. "Why didn't you go far away?"

Aria speaks up. "I-in case you need help, we can back you–"

"No, have faith in your boss. I won't say those words to others but you guys. Have faith in me. Now, go… go to the border."

They are hesitating for some seconds and when I push them away, Aria and Melty again climb onto Filo, and the trio leaves the battleground.

"Who isn't very wise?"(Malty)

I see Motoyasu has recovered and escaped the forest.

If Malty was lying to Motoyasu that I killed the two heroes,... or just an assumption of the Spear hero?

I have one job.

I press the Omnitrix emblem again and instantly transform myself into Gravattack.

The green light blinds the enemies and the new form strikes fear in their minds.

It is a big red planet-like rocky alien with an exposed core in the stomach.

"Wh-what is…" (Motoyasu)

"If you are not gonna let me talk it out, I have to use the hard way. Hear me out, spear guy. You can hate me all you want, but heroes are supposed to work together."

Malty panics and warns Motoyasu with conspiracies.

"Don't listen to him. He isn't a hero but a monster. A devil. He brainwashed my poor little sister! And I suspect he did the same to his party members!"

Good.

I should have stopped her before she finished.

Motoyasu listens better to women than men.

And I am not in a condition to argue and convince him, standing up against a woman because he knows me as a devil.

"How despicable! I knew you did it to them using the hypnotizer shield!"

I roll my eyes.

"Such a shield doesn't exist. Come on."

He swings his spear and grips it tightly.

"Don't try to talk your way out of THIS!"

Then he thrusts the spear that is now glowing with blue energy, at my planet-like body.

But the spearhead miserably bounces off the strong gravity field around my shield.

I don't see it in him… there is no chance in this condition.

But I did promise to Fitoria who is actually protecting things that I still can't… that I will make the heroes work together.

Even if I am not with them, it should be fine.

"Hear me out, Motoyasu. I am begging you. I don't have the intent–"

"Maybe I was summoned to this world," he declares. "To stop you!"

He still has a purpose of wanting to become a hero, then.

But he doesn't have the traits of one.

I swipe the fireball from Malty away and then Motoyasu fling the shield at me, hoping I'll off-guard.

I block the spear with my shield before sending them flying into the boulders nearby, via gravikinesis.

"What… kind of … magic is this?... so powerful," Malty gasps.

"It's the greatest fundamental force, Gravity."

I smirk.

"Gravity magic?" Motoyasu questions.

"Maybe, maybe not."

I cancel the gravity projection to release the duo.

"Now, care to talk?"

"Meteor…" Motoyasu prepares his spear.

"I guess not," I mutter as I ready my shield to brace for the impact.

"THRUST!" he yells as he thrusts his spear into me but I block his weapon again.

"Damn you are so stubborn," I say as I swipe away an energy ball.

"So are you," Malty says, firing another pink energy ball at me.

What a pain…

At this rate, I won't be able to reconcile with the heroes. Ren and Itsuki are assumed dead.

Damn…

Whatever is the outcome, Fitoria killing Motoyasu is set in rock.

And then she won't be able to summon another batch of heroes since I won't die.

I won't let myself die…. At least before saving everything and everyone.

I can't die before making sure that everything is at peace.

I hurl the energy ball back at Malty, sending her flying back into the boulder.

"Tsk…" Motoyasu stands up again as he points his spear at me.

"I will… avenge Itsuki and Ren."

Gravattack is more than enough to restrain both of time.

I mustn't waste my time.

I extend my hand in the front creating a spherical gravity field around the Spear Hero.

"Well, I did hold back."

But I needed to be aware of my surroundings more.

""Princess…""

Two girls from the Spear Hero's party arrive at where we are and help Malty get on her feet.

Malty creates a blue sphere in her palms and throws it at us.

I hold up my hand to block it but it doesn't go for me.

It rises into the sky above our heads, creating a barrier that contains us.

Now… Spear Hero's party and I are the only ones in the barrier.

"Oh, a perfect place for a fight… Motoyasu, you are not a clown. You are the entire circus."

"You can insult me all you want. I will… avenge my fellow heroes."

Alright, I am gonna play a villain here.

"Hahaha, do you seriously think you can defeat me? Not in a hundred years, no, in a million."

The spear boy grits his teeth and leaps into the air pointing the spear at me.

I transform into XLR8 and dodge his charge attack. He throws a series of swings and attacks which are all dodged perfectly.

I sense three energy attacks coming for me.

I decide to make a joke and switch places with the spear guy in a millisecond.

That causes Motoyasu to be thrown away to the side.

FRANKENSTRIKE!

The humanoid zombie-like bulky creature with grey skin and two tower-shaped conductor coil-like generators on his back appears in my place, hitting his fists together.

The Omnitrix symbol lies on my torso. Bolts exist in several places on my body.

The shield is just a small silver circle-shaped shield with 5 bolts surrounding the core on the surface.

Perfect for a villain.

"Creepy."

One of Motoyasu's girls comments.

"I know right," I reply with a tone of sarcasm though my intimidating voice doesn't seem to suggest it is funny.

"Just how many forms does this guy have?" another girl mutters.

I don't bother myself to interact with them anymore, instead, I look back at Motoyasu who took great damage from the three energy charges.

"Sorry, man."

Frankenstrike is just bulky… he can't absorb the energy.

I know it. But this form would look threatening.

Motoyasu grits his teeth and forces himself to get on his feet.

"Care for a second round?" I joke.

He takes it seriously.

"I… don't… have… a reason to GIVE UP!"

Oh,... this guy is persistent.

I just want to find out how Itsuki and Ren were killed, for now.

"Zweit Air Shot!"

The girl in witch getup hurls an air attack.

This form isn't a good choice… I regret.

Anyway…

I punch the ground and summon an electric attack that sends the spell caster flying.

But the gales are still active.

I can't just punch off the tornadoes.

I don't have anti-magic either.

XLR8! Manipulating friction around my legs, I spin at supersonic speeds thus creating a tornado that not only nullifies the gales but also gathers Motoyasu and the gang in a place.

Immediately after that, I vanish into thin air.

Unknownst to them, it was a ghost.

GHOSTFREAK!

If the battle takes long, outcome will not benefit me anyway.

So time to end the battle.

"Ahem…"

Malty fakes her cough to grasp the attention of her party member.

"I have something to admit, Sir Motoyasu."

Does she sound off?

I won't normally use Ghostfreak to possess or manipulate people. In fact, I myself fear this guy, as much as I dislike Toepick.

Toepick might make Motoyasu experience nightmares for a month. It's a bit overkill.

"This is in the battle. We don't know where that brat went. Let's talk later, Malty." (Motoyasu)

"No, it's important, and… the Shield Devil must know the truth."

I try to sound as arrogant as I can in this body.

"What truth?"

"He didn't kill Itsuki and Ren."

Motoyasu and the party widen their eyes.

"What do you mean?"

He inquires with apparent shock in his voice.

"Act… Actually, I…"

But I don't know if Malty killed them. I shouldn't lie about this part.

"I don't know, someone killed them. It was a perfect situation… so… I threw all the blame onto that brat… so…"

"What are you talking about?" (Motoyasu)

"Ms. Malty? Are you not feeling well?"

The mage girl asks.

"I am… a little dizzy… but I am telling the truth, trust me."

Then I fly off her body and go to the other side of the barrier as fast as possible before revealing myself as DIAMONDHEAD.

I shoot a crystal fist at her, instantly knocking her out and regaining the attention I deserve.

"Finished your little talk?"

Motoyasu hesitates for a moment and then regains his senses. His scowl never disappeared.

"You! What did you do to Malty?"

I raise an eyebrow as I wear a dumb-founded face which makes his party members pause and rethink their actions.

Nice, it was convincing.

But wasn't for a beast.

This form is one of the aliens that defeated the Spear Boy in the past.

He will never know that, though.

"Chaos STAB!"

I thrust my hands forward to create a silicon wall. It easily blocks the glowing spears.

This guy isn't just giving up.

"Air strike Javelin!"

XLR8! I again start the engine and dodge the hits.

"Guys, combo!" (Motoyasu)

"Zweit Fire!" "Zweit Air!"

The wind attack and flames move towards the head of the spear thus strengthening the spear.

"Behold this combo skill involving fire, wind and my spear!"

UPCHUCK SHIELD!

The shield turns grey and now has a mouth-lip slit.

This is gonna be ugly.

He shoots the enhanced glowing javelin at me but my shield suddenly opens it's mouth and three tongues escape, warping around the energy javelin, then consuming it.

"What!?" (Motoyasu)

Counter-attack!

I smirk at the gang. The shield is now breaking down the javelin's energy and enhancing it with its own energy form.

It only costs me a second before I throw back a green energy ball at the Spear Boy hurling him at his beloved Malty.

"Time to end this!"

I speed up and run towards their gang and then spin at a supersonic speed, triggering a tornado. The gales bring him and his teammates into the centre of the tornado, raising them in the air. After some seconds, I stop spinning and move from the site as they fall to the ground.

"Don't say I am cruel. You failed to hear me out."

I declare as I threaten them with my claws, clenching and unclenching them.

"Even… So… I have to… avenge Ituski… and Ren."

The spear boy rises from the ground relying on his spear.

"Because I am! The spear–"

I strike him down with my tail before looking around.

"If you are gonna spout nonsense, stand down," I rap.

Strange. Why are my instincts telling me something's gonna happen?

"Incoming!"

I shout at the gang.

Good thing I am in XLR8 form. Even this incoming meteor is slow for me.

I hastily press the Omnitrix symbol and transform.

"ATOMIX!"

I leap into the sky at high speed and then punch the incoming meteor.

"Nuclear WINNER!"

Triggered huge explosion mid-air.

But it wasn't a meteor.

Crap…

I clench my hands and throw my nuclear explosion-resistant shield at the spear guy and his party.

"Atomic Shield PRISON!"

A large silver and grey colored hollow sphere appears containing the spear hero and his party

This energy meteor isn't as strong as a nuclear bomb but…

I must make sure they made it.

It's an immense energy attack.

"CHROMASTONE!"

I tell as I try to push the shield prison up as much possible as I can.

Though the explosions are redirected from the prison, the impact is still…

HUMON~ GOUSAUR!

"Grrr!"

I growl as I lift the shield prison from below while bracing for the impact.

I fail to be aware of my surroundings at the time being.

I can't help it.

The immense energy falls to the ground for like a minute.

"GRRR!"

Finally, it stops. I place the prison down, breathing heavily as I deactivate the atomic shield prison skill.

"What… the heck… just happened?"

Malty gasps, noticing we are now about 30 metres deep in the ground.

"Just a brawl with a meteor. But too bad, it doesn't even fire me up," I joke.

Even with Humongousaur's strength, it takes a toll on my muscles. What the hell just happened?

"Is he OK?" I ask, pointing at the spear guy.

"After you have tried to kill me?"

Motoyasu barks back. Oh, he isn't unconscious.

"Save it for later, man. We got a job."

"What the heck are you talking– huh?"

He becomes aware of the surroundings we are in.

It is a crater.

The ground was burned and the immense heat turned some of the ground into magma. Smoke is still coming out.

"Ben!" "Master!"

My teammates jump down into the crater and surround me.

"Are you OK, Shield Hero?" (Melty)

"I am good," I answer, reverting back to human.

I look back at Aria and Filo who are standing between me and the Spear Boy.

"You should be grateful that Sir Ben was here to save your butts!"

Aria declares with her arrogant tone. Filo follows her declaration.

"Yes, yes! Be grateful!"

Motoyasu grits his teeth.

"That aside, I think an army is coming here," Melty states. "We saw a group of thousands on the way so we turned back to warn you."

"An army?" Motoyasu asks.

"Don't tell me… It's…" Malty seems to know something. But it's not time so I decided to not ask now.

"They don't have weapons so not, particularly an army. But they all wear the same outfit. Like…. People from some weird cult." (Aria)

Weird cult? It reminds me… I haven't checked on the Church and the Pope for days. I don't know what they planned… Wait… Malty worked with the Church. Maybe she knows something.

"I think it's the Church of the Three Heroes. They have a large number of believers, though the number has decreased in past months."

"Weird cult, the Church…" Malty mutters.

Motoyasu holds her shoulders and shakes her.

"Wait, you know something about that?"

"No, I don't… I…" (Malty)

A voice interrupts our chatter. Along with applause.

"My, how wonderful," the voice says. "You take the high-class multi-caster ritual magic, Judgement, head-on and remain standing?"

It is him. With his signature creepy smile, he claps his hands together.

"I'd expect nothing less from the shield devil."

"The Pope?" (Malty)

No, not just him.

I can see his followers standing behind him.

"The Pope, huh?" Now everything is connected. It wasn't a meteor, it was a magic attack by the pope.

"Oh? You remember who I am? Then you must be aware of your sin as well."

"My sin?"

"You deceived the people naming yourself the Savior of the Heavenly Fowl. And you also led people to turn against the country."

How did he know?

"Hence, I shall purify you all in the name of God."

"Pope Balmus!"

His speech is interrupted by Malty.

"Do you realize what you have just done? You nearly killed the Spear Hero and the next queen!"

"So you care about Melty?" I mutter.

"No! I am the next queen!"

" Nonsense." I laugh dryly.

Pope Balmus continues. "The Spear Hero's Party and the next queen were killed by the Devil of the Shield. Or, well, that's how the script goes."

The Spear guy and his party widens their eyes in shock.

"In other words, you are all walking corpses."

"What? Myne, what the hell is he talking about?" (Motoyasu)

"And if walking corpses become real corpses, that just means all is right in the world. It is all as God desires."

"Is that so?"

I question.

I bear an uninterested look, folding my arms... Floating right behind him. I have transformed into Big Chill and activated the ID Mask.

"I thought I was the only one who had eyes on you. Now... You had eyes on me, too."

"Devil of the Shield." He tries to keep his smile. " As excepted of the monster."

"Devil or monster, whatever I am. I am not gonna let anyone be killed in my presence. Even if I have to challenge the Gods."

I declare right at his face.

"The devil may defy the God, no wonder." He says. "The heroes are no less. We worship the ones who save the people and the world from the Waves. But... The Spear Hero released a sealed monster upon the world. The Sword Hero caused an epidemic. And the Now Hero tried to conceal his standing and hide from his duty."

Motoyasu can't refuse.

"Heroes who cause harm across the country and damage the people's beliefs are nothing but fakes."

"I... I did it because I thought it would help the world. Ren and Itsuki were trying to help, too. And you call us fakes?" (Motoyasu)

"Your foolishness speaks volumes." The Pope says, turning back at the crater.

I know all the way that the Pope is just finding a reason to kill the heroes and take over the country. But...

"Oh, I agree with that part. You all think you tried to help, but in reality you caused MORE troubles," I say with a disappointed tone. "Your idiocy doesn't have limits. You did it all because you are IDIOTS."

"Shut up! You demon!" Motoyasu yells.

"I also found out that a merchant who is called the Savior of the Heavenly Fowl, traveled around the countries and solved the problems the Heroes caused. It was no other than the Shield Devil himself."

I don't know if the Pope is praising me.

"What?" (Motoyasu)

"For the other two, they recently started investigating something beyond them," the Pope continues.

"investigating?" I ask, thinking this might be related to their death.

" That's why... " he answers, tilting his head to look at me. "... God's judgement fell upon them."

God's Judgement... Wait... That meteor attack!

I can't imagine if they can survive that kind of massive energy explosion.

"God's Judgement?" Motoyasu repeats. "W-wait a second! Didn't the shield devil kill them?!"

The Pope laughs with his creepy voice. His laugh makes me seriously want to punch him right in his face.

"You've put on quite the amusing farce, but enough."

He extends his hand as if he asks for something.

His followers in hooded black robes try to capture me but their hands just phase through my body.

Another follower brings some sort of weapon to the Pope.

I doesn't interrupt because I find it interesting. But... Well, I can't risk lives.

Nothing reaches his hand, instead, a punch flies right into his face.

"I don't know what you are planning but let me intervene."

Before the weapon violation punishment activates, I drop the weapon, that is like a golden sword, into the crater where my gang and the Spear Boy's party exist.

"Don't touch the weapon until I say to do so."

I order.

But the Spear Hero's party seems to disagree with me.

"Why would I have to obey you– ah!"

The brat of a princess picks the weapon up from the ground and tries to activate it... But it seems to drain... Energy?

When I turn back at the Pope, he is not there anymore. The cult believers carry him and jump down the slide, sacrificing themselves.

"Don't let them reach–"

I was late.

The Pope reaches the sword just before Filo can kick him.

Filo's kick is blocked and then the Pope swings the sword at Filo.

"Filo!"

I exclaim, descending into the crater.

Fortunately, three sparks of plasma energy pushes the weapon away from Filo.

It was Aria.

"Nice weapon, but the divine will punish you and–"

He swings the sword at Aria but it stops mid-air and begins to freeze.

"Aria, you OK?"

I say holding the sword and freezing it. Aria nods in response.

"You must be a devil believer. Too bad, your devil is gonna –"

"High KICK!"

Filo sends him flying into the wall by a kick.

Nice, it's a reason not to talk during a fight.

We and the Motoyasu's party keep our guards up as we watch the dust cloud die down.

"For the false Spear Hero..."

Of course, he isn't down, yet, still with a smile. He slowly rises into the air among the dust with the sword faintly glowing.

"And for the Devil of the Shield clinging so desperately to life like a cockroach, let there be the purification of Holy Judgement."

Then he lands on the ground outside of the crater.

"And..." he continues. "For this country, righteous order!"

He holds up the sword that is glowing brighter and brighter...

"Sir Ben, watch out!" Melty warns me. "That sword is..."

"Why?" I inquire, switching my shield to Eye Guy's energy shield, so I can protect others from whatever the incoming attack is.

He then points the sword at us and shoots a yellow energy beam.

Damn.

Air Strike Shield + Energy Barrier!

I mentally command as I throw my shield forward, my shield forming a visible green energy barrier mid-air, thus blocking the incoming powerful attack.

But the impact is strong, creating the warm gales around us. Being Big Chill myself, I am not feeling anything but I blanket Aria, Filo, and Melty with my wings to protect them from the hot winds, right after deactivating the ID Mask.

I subconsciously forgot the Spear Hero's party though.

Damn... This attack is strong... Possibly even stronger than Glass' moves.

After some seconds, the beam stops and the shield returns to me.

"For a devil, you are pretty tough and powerful." He says, with his creepy smile unflinching. "That'll be enough trial shots. Now face the real thing."

He again holds up the sword that changes into a spear in the glowing light.

I glare at him in disappointment as I flutter my wings to rise to the ground level.

"Wh-what?" (Malty)

"I-is that..." (Melty)

"H-hey! That sword turned into a spear!"

The Spear Boy points out the obvious.

"There is no mistake. That's a replica of the Cardinal Weapons!"

Melty answers our questions.

"A replica?" (Aria)

Replica of the cardinal weapons that can switch between the weapon class. Interesting... Who created this for what reason?

"In the past, an attempt was made to duplicate the four weapons of the legendary heroes," explains Melty. "To make the ultimate weapon that could change forms and use each weapon's skills. I was taught that it was lost many centuries ago."

"I-it's not fair!" Motoyasu exclaims. "Say, Myne. Is it true?"

"H-how would I know?" she stammers, possibly lying.

"It is so famous," Melty says. "Anyone dabbling in Melromarc's and the Church's history would know of it. Finding it should've been huge news."

Judging from Malty's expression, she is more or less involved in the matter.

"It is possible that either they kept it hidden or lied about its loss." (Melty)

Then why'd they summoned heroes?

"That weapon is mighty, but it consumes a massive amount of mana. Just that one swing earlier must've drained dozens of magicians of their mana," she continues explaining.

That's why Malty almost collapsed when she tried to activate it.

"No wonder you're first in line for the throne, Princess Melty," the Pope teases. "You have educated yourself well. Completely unlike your sister who is too busy conspiring to study."

Malty glares at the Pope.

Now I have gained information about the weapon but... it's powerful. I can't just charge in and leave my gang unprotected in my back.

Even the so-called trial shot from the weapon cost a great amount of mana of dozens of people and it seems to deal good damage if not for my combo shield.

Damn...

"The mana this legendary weapon requires will be provided by all the believers here."

The Pope claims. There are thousands of believers and nuns in the back saying their prayers. Damn... Should I take them out first? It's not a very logical way. And I don't have an alien that can take down this number of living things without hurting them.

Furthermore, such a large mana pool will also give them high resistance so it will be a pain to take them down.

Should I go grab the replica weapon with speedster forms of mine? That's more realistic.

"My brethren, this is the battle between our lord and the Devil of the Shield," he announces. "It is a holy crusade in the name of God. Offer your prayers to the legendary weapon imbued with the divine power.

I hate the way he is still smiling at us, one of which is me who is floating in front of him with a glare.

"And we shall purge this world of the fake Spear Hero and the Devil of the Shield."

Damn it! The energy from the believers gathers and flies to the spear glowing brighter and brighter with mana as it consumes the energy.

Several dozens of believers fall to the ground as they don't have any more strength to even stand firmly.

I must take down the Pope somehow. I don't find any other way to save them.

"I shan't stand for this!"

Motoyasu yells. "You manipulate us for your own selfish goals, and want to get rid of us as soon as you're done! That's evil through and through!"

If this isn't a battlefield, I might possibly facepalm for Motoyasu.

"As a hero, I cannot overlook it!" He shouts why he wants to say as he runs his mouth without a break, posing the heroic stance.

"This jerk says hollow things," Aria bluntly comments.

"Spear Guy's annoying," Filo agrees.

Last but not least,

"Pope! I will defeat you! And avenge Itsuki and Ren!"

Then he aims his spear at us.

"Lightning Spear!"

His spear begins to spark. I move out of the way as a lightning-like spear shoots out of his weapon making contact with the Pope's spear which blocks it with an energy shield.

I had to cover my eyes because it was too bright.

"Ahahahaha," the Pope laughs in a villainous manner.

"We can't even scratch the Pope unless we break through that force field." (Melty)

"She's right," Aria agrees.

"It can't be helped, back me up, Tennyson," Motoyasu attempts to order me around.

I roll my eyes. Well… I made a promise to Fitoria… Still…

I turn invisible and try to punch the Pope but he swings his spear to swipe me away. Motoyasu takes advantage of this and shoots a "Meteor Thrust!".

The Pope holds his hand up and forms an energy shield that easily blocks the meteor attack.

"What! Even Meteor Strike doesn't work?" Motoyasu gasps.

"The magical shield is impregnable!" I say as I try to freeze the replica weapon but fail. The magical barrier surrounding him and his spear is strong enough to counter the icing.

"It's no devil's shield, after all," the Pope unflinched.

Damn…

"GRAVATTACK!"

I take the form of a gallien, deactivating the ID Mask thus revealing my monstrous planetary form.

"Let's see how you counter gravity!"

I smirk as I hold my hand up, creating a gravity field around the Pope while the other hand is swiping away the believers that try to interrupt, via gravikinesis.

"What… Kind of magic is that!?" he gasps as his body rises into the air.

But something unexpected happened.

He holds the spear down but still, can't break free of the field. But the power of the replica weapon seems to be struggling with the gravity itself. The Pope descends to the ground level, again, and the weapon of his weapon makes contact with the ground, surprisingly attached to the earth.

"Impressive… I'd say. But devils… May never win over God!"

He declares as he raises the weapon, and triggers an attack at me, making me lose balance.

"You seem to be underestimating the believers of God, … Hahahah!" he lets out an evil laugh.

"It's my turn, false spear hero," he announces as he swings his weapon, forming an energy ball and throwing it at Motoyasu and the people.

Motoyasu and his gang, and my party brace themselves to shield the explosion.

But the third-party blocks the attack.

"Absorbs" is a better term for it.

"Hmm!?" The Pope exclaims as his energy attack evaporated into nothing.

"CHROMASTONE! The word "God" isn't a puppet that you can use as you see fit!"

A god for a god! Chromastone, the God of the Petrosapiens.

Thanks for the food. I absorb all the energy the Spear emitted and then throw it back to the Pope as an ultraviolet ray. The immense energy finally breaks the energy field around him causing him to almost fall to the ground.

"Your Holiness!" One of his followers exclaims as he runs and catches the injured Pope.

But… he wasn't "injured."

The Pope's smile isn't even flinched… it's the replica spear that blocks and probably consumes the ultraviolet way I sent back.

"I am fine. You are becoming more and more interesting, Shield Hero. You are giving me an opportunity to take time and enjoy punishing you all… Hah! I will fulfill your suicide wish."

Another energy ball is shot towards me, which later disappears into my body, making my crystalline horn glows.

"No, I am giving you time, right, but it's for you to consider giving up," I declare with my index finger pointing at him. "I may look gentle and hold back at times, but that doesn't mean I can't defeat you."

I have many alien forms that can finish the fight in no time. But I am trying to accomplish as many things as I can.

The first is, making the Pope realize his mistake of justifying everything he wants as the god's desires. I won't question religions, nor did I complain about the hate of the religion towards me. But I can't stand someone using religion as a tool in making people obey.

The second is, Motoyasu joining me in the battle. I plan to work together with the Spear Boy, enduring his nonsense hero acts and possibly backing him. As powerful as I am, I can probably defeat this Pope guy. He is still nowhere near the likes of Zs'skayr. But there is no point if I defeat him. Logically speaking, I am at the peak of humans. But I need to back others up and help them improve.

The third is, I have to make sure no one is injured. I have a number of aliens that can counter all sorts of attacks coming from the Pope but the Spear Hero, his party, and my gang can't. Aria is a rifleman, Filo is a fighter, and Melty is a mage. None of them has resistance to the likes of a legendary weapon, and this replica seems to be even more powerful than an original one.

I am keeping everything in check but still… I also need to end this in the shortest time possible. I like to fight but as long as a fight goes on, only the injuries and fatigue will increase.

"You are a formidable opponent, Shield Devil. But the evil shall perish no matter how powerful it is!"

The Pope declares throwing another shot at me, but this time, I pull another move. I extract the ultraviolet ray that can overpower his shot from my body. The two attacks of energy in opposite directions repel each other, making a huge explosion midway but my shot eventually sucks the energy ball and pushes it back into the Pope.

"That settles it…"

But… it wasn't a success.

"Hahaha…"

The Pope swipes away the incoming energy attack with his spear.

"All this power, with a single wave of my hand! This power can even annihilate a devil!"

Damn… I grit my teeth and fly high into the air, hurling several energy attacks at him but all of them are canceled easily by the wave of his weapon.

"Meteor Thrust!"

Taking advantage of the Pope busy with blocking my attacks, Motoyasu shoots an energy javelin at the Pope but unfortunately, the Pope is on guard.

He holds up a hand that creates the field that blocks his attack.

But it doesn't end here.

"Hundred Swords!" "Meteor Shot!"

Several glowing blue blades and a golden arrow come out of nowhere, disassembling the energy field.

I don't know who did it, but thanks! My turn!

I concentrate the energy hastily in my torso then shoot into the Pope, catching him off-guard from panic and sending him flying back into the crowd.

I look around and see the two heroes who have returned from dead.

Ren Amaki and Itsuki Kawasumi are on the opposite side of the rim.

"Looks like we made it in the nick of time," says Ituki to Ren. Ren says nothing back. And the two heroes jump and slide down the slope into the crater to join the party.

"Is that Tennyson?" Ren asks with a monotone in his voice.

"Yes. That's the devil!" Malty answers.

"But the title is no more," Itsuki disagrees as he draws his bow aiming at where I and the Pope are. I chuckle as I turn back to the Pope and his followers.

"You came back to life!?" (Motoyasu)

"Don't assume we're dead," Ren responds coldly, stepping forward to enter the stance to pull another move.

Now then… let's rob the Pope of his weapon!

I jump into where the Pope is surrounded by the nuns and the believers. I push away the hindrances as I walk to where the Pope is recovering.

"Looks like you took damage," I say. "Now, surrender your weapon and give up all of your actions. You are outnumbered!"

Poor choice of words. There are thousands of his followers while the number on our side is less than 20.

"Hundred Swords!"

I don't stop Ren's incoming strike of blue glowing blade. I step aside for the Pope to take more damage. But he holds up his weapon, letting consume the incoming blades.

"Hah, laughable. No matter how powerful the evil is–"

I try to grab onto the replica spear but he is fast. I didn't think this old man had such reflexes. I am thrown away by a mere wave of his hand.

I stop myself mid-air just before hitting myself with a stone wall.

Damn…

"JETRAY! This guy is tough."

I mutter as I fly at hypersonic speed. Then I again attempt to rob him of his weapon.

This time my legs reach the handle and try to push his hands off his weapon.

But a force field suddenly bursts out pushing me away again.

I fall into the crater but regain my balance just before hitting the ground. I land in front of Melty and Filo.

"Damn, he is tough."

I mutter, reverting to human form.

"How is the situation? I thought you have powerful forms. You even defeated that "Glass" lady," Itsuki asks.

I nod in affirmative. "But the destruction is much. I can pretty much destroy this whole area but no point as the way things are now. People are gathering around the Pope. And I think they are willing to sacrifice for him."

"Makes sense," Ren enters the conversation. "The cult is weird and the followers are dedicated. Perfectly balanced."

I don't know if he is telling a joke but he's right.

"Tell me what happened to you guys," Motoyasu asks Itsuki and Ren.

I scroll the dial and transform into…

"ATOMIX! Time to get serious."

Ren widens his eyes in slight astonishment. But he redirects his attention to Motoyasu.

With a humanoid robotic appearance, I now have a green and white body with large cylinders on my arms near my wrists, that are full of green energy with dark green bubble-like spheres, which constantly move. In this form, I have the same energy on my Omnitrix-shaped chest. My head is a pointed, armored helmet. I don't really have a mouth.

Atomix form wears the Omnitrix symbol on his green and white belt. The shield is now a rectangular one that's made mainly of metals. An Omnitrix symbol lies on the center just above the core of the shield which is surrounded by cylinders filled with green energy.

"We did nearly get killed. But their attempt failed. That's all."

"That's all?" (Motoyasu)

I float mid-air to defend the rest in case the Pope pulls an attack.

"Itsuki and I didn't trust the Church of the Three Heroes so we began investigating them in secret," Ren continues. "One of our party members found a secret file in the Cathedral's archive."

"It mentioned the existence of a replica of the Cardinal Weapons so we decided to check out the place where it was hidden," Itsuki explains. "They must have not taken kindly to that. The Three Heroes Church lured us to a fake shrine and tried to assassinate us. We barely escaped with our lives, thanks to a squad that called themselves shadows and said they served the Queen."

So the Queen also checks on them. It was luck.

"I think the Three Heroes Church were the ones who stole my reward. You were framed, Ben Tennyson," Ituski concludes.

"Framed, huh? You must have zero luck," Motoyasu tries to laugh off his mistake.

"What is the plan, now?" I ask, with a Russian accent, folding my arms.

"We should work together. See, even our most powerful attacks didn't work. We must find his weakness," Ren says glaring at the Pope who's standing on the rim.

His smile never faltered.

"Whatever strategy you false heroes bring up, we, the God followers, have the guaranteed victory! I shall terminate the shapeshifting monstrous devil and bring punishment to everyone who sides with him!"

He declares waving his weapon.

"So is that the replica of the legendary weapons?" Itsuki asks.

"Yes, as far as we've seen, it can change its shape into a sword and a spear," Aria answers. They can't get their eyes off the Pope.

"How about a bow then?"

The Pope converts his weapon into a bow and hastily draws it, aiming into the sky.

I don't know what he's gonna pull so I attempt to interrupt but the arrow escapes me into the sky, splitting into several glowing arrows before rain-falling to the crater where the heroes and the adventurers are.

Damn…

JETRAY with ATOMIX shield + Air Strike Shield!

I fly off the rim at supersonic speed, again casting a large floating shield with Atomix durability.

Ren and Motoyasu swing their weapons to strike off the incoming arrows.

I change the direction of the arrows with my neuroshock blasts.

But I forget to watch my back.

A beam hits right on my back, striking me down to the ground.

"Ben!" "Shield Hero!" "Master!"

"Meteor Shot… is it what you called?" The Pope mocks, reverting his bow back to a spear.

"You… don't hurt Master!"

Filo in her bird form leaps into the air, and readies her legs to kick but the Pope easily strikes her, causing her to lose balance and fall from the edge of the rim.

"Damn."

I stretch my injured wings out and shoot towards where Filo is and catch her with my legs before hitting the ground.

"Don't be reckless," I mutter, looking around to see several green plasma blasts that comes out from the rifle of Aria.

Crapppp it hurts!

I hurry to the safe area and drop Filo before converting my DNA to a methanosapien one.

"SWAMP~ FIRE!"

"Just how many forms does this guy have?" Itsuki whimpers, taking a glance at me. Then he draws his bow again to shoot an arrow at the Pope. That arrow is later deflected by the replica weapon.

"This one… stinks," Ren makes a cold comment.

"I know right, now, you guys, try to figure out the most efficient way to take him down. I will try to… hold him."

"Why would I–" Motoyasu protests.

"Not a good time to complain, Motoyasu," Itsuki says, shooting another batch of arrows.

"He's right," Ren agrees.

I smirk as the injuries on my body instantly disappear with the pain on my back.

I punch the earth, summoning the vines underground that make their way up to the rim and then bind the Pope.

"Now!" I signal the rest of the heroes.

"Hundred Swords!" "Meteor Thrust!" "Meteor Shot!" "Zweit Air Shot!" "Zweit Fire Shot!" "Zweit Aqua Shot!" "Zweit Tornade!"

Aria cooperates by shooting her own plasma blasts at the Pope.

The vine restraints are broken apart by the lightning that escapes from the replica but I summon more batches of vines to hold him down.

The combo attacks of the heroes and adventurers are going straight to the Pope.

However…

Again, with a swing of his hand, he destroys all the restraints and then leaps out of the way in the last second.

Tsk…

"Fighting together with the Devil of the Shield?" His smile… "A foolish act befitting the fake heroes. You leave me no choice but to purge you. Not a trace of you must remain."

The prayers of all the believers in unison follow the declaration of the Pope.

"We pray to our God, the source of all power. Decipher the law of nature, bring about a miracle, and protect the blessed ones!"

"High-Level Multi-Caster Defense Magic:..." the Pope says the spell. "Catherdral!"

A dark orb rises into the sky and then stops mid-air several meters right above the center of the crater area.

Damn… I don't know what it is but I must do something.

"CHROMASTONE!" I shout as I shoot into the sky thrusting my hands upwards to make contact with the orb.

But the orb explodes right before I would come in contact with it, and sends me falling to the ground.

I can sense the immense energy radiating from the orb.

The orb turns into a frame with a golden-domed ceiling and walls that enclose the whole area.

With the help of Filo and Aria, I get up from the ground and glare at Pope Balmus.

"Welcome to my Cathedral!" he declares. "This is your final destination!"

"F-final destination!?" (Motoyasu)

No, Motoyasu. Man, this guy is arrogant as f.

But the heroes don't seem to give up.

"Thunderbolt Slash!" "Thunder Shot!"

The Sword and the Bow Heroes try their attacks but the energy is nullified mid-air by an unknown force.

"Aria! Back me up!"

Aria nods, holding up her rifle to aim at the Pope.

"CRASHHOPPER!"

I become a green grasshopper-like alien with three horns, the middle of them being the largest. My shield is a spiked green shield with a core in the center.

The three-jointed hind limbs push me into the air as I jump towards the ceiling. Just before crashing the ceiling with my horn, I perform a backflip, redirecting myself at the opponent.

I shoot towards the Pope and transform in HUMONGOUSAUR mid-air and punch the energy field.

He was pushed back by the punch but other than that, nothing does good.

I transform into GHOSTFREAK and try to possess his body.

But… the resistance and the life energy is pretty high, probably the work of his followers.

Damn…

I take the form of FOUR ARMS and punch the energy field several times only to be swiped away by the sword and fall to the crater, again.

Damn it…

"Surrender, shield devil. Your moves won't work."

HEATBLAST!

I form rocks around my feet via geokinesis and hover myself in the air again flying towards the rim Pope Balmus is standing on.

I form a super-hot fireball and throw it at the Pope.

Yet, it bounces off the force field, pretty conveniently.

He points the sword at me, triggering strong gales that leave me off balance and almost fall.

"This is the Cathedral blessed by God. You will never me defeat me here."

He declares blasting an energy beam at me.

"Do you hear me Bishop?" he asks, tilting his head. "In order to show the might of God, I need further prayers from the believers."

"But sir," the Bishop from the other side of the wall responds with a worried voice. "Almost a third of them has already run out of mana. If they keep going, their lives may be in danger."

"Is that a problem?" the Pope replies coldly. "This is a battle between God and the Devil. Perishing as martyrs here is the greatest honor for one of the Three Heroes Church's disciples."

I widen my eyes in shock and clutch my fist.

This kind of… heartless people… do exist?...

I have seen Vilgax… Highbreed… Eon… and more.

But I was never concerned with their disciples. Their minions.

"You have to take them (DNAliens) down. Not out!"

- Ben Tennyson (Final Battle - Alien Force Season 2) -

"As you say," the stupid Bishop accepts the order. "Everyone! Provide the Pope with more prayers!"

"This man is a jerk. I will murder him!" Aria mutters.

"No, please not," I warn. "Don't murder him."

"They'll probably still follow his orders though." (Melty)

"Indeed," the Pope says proudly. "We are one in body and soul. With their prayers and the sacred weapon's greatest attack, I shall grant you all complete purification. It is the greatest mercy that God may bestow."

He holds up the sword with both hands. The sword glows brighter and brighter as he is building up energy in the weapon.

After hesitation and doubts for a long time… I decided to use it.

Otherwise they are gonna die.

No one is gonna be killed in my presence.

"God… hah… this is the answer, huh?"

"... if the light reaches all the way to the top…" (Melty)

" … a huge attack will follow, huh?" (Itsuki)

"Hey," Motoyasu calls out to me. "Can't your powers do something?"

"Of course, I can…" I declare at the face of the Pope. "God… never was your plaything, Pope Balmus. I shall not… hesitate and waste any more time."

"Hah, whatever you say. You shan't defy God. Our victory is guaranteed!"

"So how about I become a god myself!?"

"Huh?"

I hit the Omnitrix symbol and transform again.

When I open my eyes, I am floating in space… no, it's a pocket dimension. Floating before me is two large green human faces.

Bellicus and Serena.

"Hmph!"

Bellicus reacts to my arrival like that.

Serena looks at Bellicus and then faces me, raising an eyebrow.

I turn around as I recall something.

It was Alien X.

My physical manifestation is a humanoid figure whose entire body is solid black, excluding his hands, which are white. He has tiny white star-like spots all over his body, giving him the appearance of a starry night sky. His eyes are green and lack pupils, and his forehead bears three horn-like protrusions.

"Guys? Wanna do it?"

If Bellicus and Serena had eyes in their sockets, they would probably roll their eyes to avert embarrassment.

"""ALIEN X!"""

Three voices of a teenage boy, a middle-aged man and a woman come out in unison.

"Guys, another one! Please."

"Ha…" Bellicus wants to disagree. Serena sighs.

"Seconded, we should do it. It isn't much of an effort."

"OK, OK, if you say so, Serena. You better be grateful to us, Ben Tennyson."

I nod with a smirk on my face.

"""MOTION DENIED! WE WILL NOT BE KILLED!"""

Nothing special, just letting out some signature words.

"We are the most powerful being of the universe. We change the very nature of Space and Time."

I declare as Alien X.

Floating in the pocket dimension are us three personalities of Alien that form the mind together and a screen that connects us to the outside world. Indeed, they can be as many sights as we want, but we confiscated them all because we don't need them.

Bellicus and Serena gave me a free pass so they won't take part in decision-making.

Now… as much as I hate it, let's play god for some time.

"It seems you were up to something, but everything is ready now," the Pope says holding up his sword. "This is goodbye, Devil of the Shield."

He then aims the sword at me, blasting the most powerful energy beam at me.

I merely hold my hand in the front and snap my fingers.

The energy beam is stopped as if time stops for it.

"What?" The Pope gasps in horror.

"What kind of magic is that? Anti-magic?"

Not actually. I change the nature of the beam into a solid glowing golden rod.

Then I float in the air and merely touch the frozen beam with my index finger, causing it to shatter into pieces.

"What the…" Finally, the smile has disappeared from the Pope's face. "That's one of my strongest attacks!"

"If you want to see God, we are a god now."

I declare floating away from him while freezing another energy beam from him.

Bellicus looks at the view with an uninterested look.

I hold up my palm to the torso level as I begin to create a replica weapon of my own.

"Creation… isn't magic. For us, at least."

I say as I convert my weapon into a spear, a bow and a shield.

"But… this thing is too dangerous for mortals. So let us confiscate it."

"No. You can't-"

I merely think of his replica weapon out of existence.

It vanishes on Pope Balmus, mysteriously.

"What… what kinda… it's… you…"

"You can take this one."

He hastily opens his hands to accept the replica from me.

But as soon as the weapon reaches his hands, it turns to dust.

"What… what can this guy do?" Motoyasu says. "He's kind of overpowered."

"This is cheating," Ren comments. "But it's good that he's on our side."

"What is his power?" Itsuki asks in astonishment.

"Alien X…" (Aria)

"... his thoughts become reality." (Melty)

"""WHAT!?"""

"Impossible!" the Pope struggles to catch his breath.

"I remember this form! Master created a world with Alien X!" (Filo)

"I knew Tennyson is kinda OP but…" (Itsuki)

"The hell…" (Motoyasu)

"Now in this form… we must say what we have to." I say restraining the Pope with metallic cuffs that I created out of nothing.

"Listen to us. Heroes have to work together. The Waves will get stronger and more dangerous in the future. If you don't work together, you won't survive. Think carefully before performing anything. You don't need to pretend like a hero. You are a hero already. You just need to act like one."

Good, they dare not talk back.

Alien X is powerful and dangerous. One wrong thought and I may fuck up the whole reality. I messed up recreating Mr. Smoothies and it's now fucked up forever, no turnback. Well, it's not like the original still exists somewhere in the multiverse, anyway.

I wave my hand to snap the Cathedral frame that's covering us, out of existence.

"A true hero doesn't murder for a silly reason. He fights to protect people."

Pope Balmus trembles in fear.

The believers fall to the ground as they see their lord arrested.

"His Holiness!" the Bishop calls out.

"He is the Bishop, right?" I ask Serena and Bellicus. The aggressive man looks away whereas the woman of compassion nods silently.

I extend my arms, thinking to heal the whole group of believers and nuns and then form walls to prevent them from running away.

The Bishop stares at me in amusement.

"This power… you… you must be God!"

Maybe a god but I'm not the one they mention though.

I don't bother to respond verbally, instead, I create cuffs around his limbs to arrest him.

"Eh?" he looks down at the cuffs in horror.

"What!"

I lift the Pope via telekinesis and move towards the crowd of believers.

"You all are arrested! Don't thank us for healing you. If you want to follow a god, feel free to do so. But don't attack other people for your stupid religious reasons."

It was an Overkill… but the best solution. No one was hurt, the heroes saved the day. Nothing's better.

I return to the crater via teleportation.

"""MOTION CARRIED!"""

Before reverting back to human form.

"Whoa… it was… quite an experience," I say stretching my muscles.

"Tennyson, it was…" (Itsuki)

"Should I call you Lord Tennyson already?" (Motoyasu's party girls)

"Sir Shield Hero!"

A feminine voice interrupts our victory celebration.

It is… the Queen's Shadow.

"Shadow… oh you guys save Itsuki and Ren," I say pointing at the mentioned two heroes.

"We can't thank you enough," Itsuki says and Ren nods silently in agreement.

"Sir Shield Hero, Her Majesty is in Shieldfreeden. You must go there as soon as possible."

"What's the matter?"

"The Shieldfreeden plans to declare war on the country of Melromarc because the Melromarc announced you as the Devil and the enemy of the Church and arrested you."

I think of the solutions for a moment.

Then I face my party.

"Guys…"

CHAPTER (17) IS CONCLUDED HERE.

Thanks for reading and writing reviews on my chapters.

Christopher Paradox Chronos.