(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Readiness for Each)
The time was now 1100 hours. The free time was up, and we all gathered back on the bridge. All of our requests are done. The allied ships around us, along with our new and old allies, departed to the five towers while the Courageous II traveled onwards to the floating fortress. By the time, we could see the fortress itself in view...
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Awakening of the Great Dragon)
The clock struck 1200 and the war had officially begun.
"Both operations are now underway." Towa reported
"Ground forces have engaged on the borders of Crossbell, and of Nord." Alfin said.
"The Imperial Army's advances into Liberl and Remiferia have come to a halt." Elise added.
Colonel Mueller hummed. "It's as we thought."
"This isn't good." Cedric muttered
"Olivert." Schera said to him.
"Right." Olivert stood up and the monitor switched on to reveal the five assigned team leaders. "Commence Operation Shining Steel! All ships, infiltrate the Salt Pales!"
"Aye, aye, captain!" They replied and the monitor switched off.
We could only stand by and wait to hear of their progress, it was to be a grueling long wait, considering what could be on the inside of these spiral towers.
(Liam's pov)
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Betting the Fate of the World)
I was in the Tuatha De Danann and I got curious about Lianne. I found out she's with Angelic's team. I guess it's because of Rose. so I decided to watch theirs as they enter the Salt Pale.
"The Salt Pale… a creation of the beyond… It is high time these anomalies were removed from our world." Roselia said.
"Yes. I will break through any obstacle to open a path for my lady." Sharon nodded
"And it's time we banished the root of all evil. Start by opening the path for Class VII." Lianne added
"Heh, I remember you using a hammer back during our field exercises." Angelica chuckled. " Can't wait to see what that combat shell of yours can do. I'm counting on you, George!"
"Right. You got it, Angie!" George nodded
And so they begin to make their way. They encounter Fiends along the way and bested them.
"Hmph. The Gehenna-spawned beast was actually fairly strong." Roselia comment.
"Perhaps, but it became my prey the moment it crossed into our world." Sharon said
"Indeed. Through it possesses great power, with our combined strength, we overcome it." Lianne nodded
"Hey, George. What was that doll of yours called? Naglfar? It's pretty impressive." Angelica smiled
George let out a small chuckled. "Thanks. You're in top form yourself, Angie."
They continue to clear a path and then activating switches to reach the depth of the Salt Pale. Then encounter another Gehenna creature and soon defeated it.
"Oh, dear. I'm completely exhausted." Angelica sighed but that was false. "I think I need a nap. You'll be my pillow, right, Sharon?"
Sharon nervous smile "My, my, Lady Angelica. You know this is no time for a nap."
"Fine! If you won't help me. I'll have to look elsewhere." And then Angelica begin to snuggle Roselia. "Oooh, so soft."
Roselia immediately panicked. "Eeek! Get your hands off me!"
"She certainly is a lively one, isn't she?" Lianne asked with a sweatdrop.
"Give the girls a break, Angie. This isn't some kind of petting zoo." George sighed
Soon they begin to be ambushed by monsters and then they begin to take them out with ease. Lianne and Rose work amazingly.
"It has been far too long since we fight side by side, Rose." Lianne respond with a smile.
"Agreed. It is just like old times." Roselia added with a smile.
And then once reach the depth.
"Heh, looks like we got ourselves a new playmate." Angelica smirked as she got her gauntlets.
"Yeah. But that's…" George and then a copy of the Aion type -B ll
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Unlikely Combination)
"It appears to be the society's Aion Type-B ll." Sharon said. "But as far as I'm aware, none were produced in this color."
"Yes. Rose, do you think…" Lianne said.
"Yes. It is a product of this singularity. A replica based on the spirit veins' memories of this area." Roselia step in and unleash her aura. "But it matters little. Let us cast it back into Oblivion."
"Yes, Rose. Let us join as one and overcome this trial."
I should head where Mariabell, Shirley, Tartaglia and Campanella are at. I close my Astral circle.
(Levi's pov)
After yet another period of waiting, we finally got a report on the status of the five spiral towers. We then saw the barrier around the fortress suddenly vanish.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost- That invasion music with the Pantegruel)
We made our way to the outdoor deck, ready to depart from the ship the first chance we get. However, there was an enemy air fleet guarding it with Gilbert's own airship among them. But the Courageous II was ready to fire back with cannons and lasers which hit Gilbert's ship with a critical hit, forcing his ship to retreat from the battle.
Next, we had to confront Aions, automated Soldats, and numerous flying archaisms.
"Aions, archaisms...even Zauber Soldats?" Elliot asked.
"They look unmanned! They must all be sent to autopilot." Emma said.
"Those models have missile jammers and anti-laser armor." Alisa added.
"In that case." I smirked as I snap my finger and appeared my spheres and armaments and then commanded them to charge towards the Aions, automated Soldats, and archaisms and then had them destroyed.
"Yeah, I'm not surprised you would do that." Ash said as he look at me.
"Well destroying those disgusting machines of Alberich as well as archaisms is sweet enough as it is."
Once the way was finally clear, The Courageous II charge their way to the Empyreal Fortress. Me, Emma, and Celine teleported Class VII, and Cedric to the drop-off point which was just outside the entrance to the fortress. The Courageous flew away.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - In the Darkness of Ignorance)
"So, we're finally here." I said.
"Yeah, guess there's no turning back now, huh?" Juna asked.
Gaius nodded. "Right. Our only option is to press on."
"The Courageous II is engaged in a fierce battle, and my father and those at the Salt Pales are still far away." Laura added
"Right… and all of our other allies are scattered across the continent." Kurt nodded
"The only ones here are us...and our foes." Machias said.
"In addition, the war is surely underway by now." Jusis added. "Though the first day will be only light skirmishes, I've no doubt that by tomorrow, it will be a bloodbath. Still… Levi… about with Rufus… I know you mark him for death but…"
"Of course, I'll let you reason with him first." I replied. "That's all I can do for you, Jusis. I know you don't want him to die and I'm one of your dearest friends. But that's all I can do before I judge him. And I will listen to both Lechter and Claire. They still have a chance before I judge them."
Jusis seemed worried, but he nodded. "Thank you."
"Yeah, me too." Millium added.
"In any case. We can't waste any more time." I replied.
"Yeah. The Imperial Army's advance was halted in Liberl and Remideria." Elliot nodded. "But I'm sure before long, they'll deploy my dad with the 3rd and 4th Armored Divisions."
"Cassius guessed that the Imperial Army has a 60 percent chance of winning." Sara stated. "If he's right, Erebonia will take over the entire continent, and so will the curse.
"And then the Great One will have total control of everything." Crow nodded "Everyone on the continent will become its servants, just like the Gnomes."
"Even with Mille Mirage- our plan to stop them-will cause millions of causalities."Musse added. "That carnage will lead to the Great One's completion as well."
"Indeed. Were that to happen, a new battle would begin." Valimar nodded. "One that may very well lead to mankind's extinction."
"However, the only way to prevent that is for me to teleport all the soldiers of Erebonia back to Erebonia." I said. " That includes the warships, tanks, and the Soldats. Once that is done, I will cast an impregnable barrier. It will surrounding Erebonia and holding the curse with it. But doing so would cost me exhausted. I don't know how long it will take to recover. But our foes will target me. Capture me, or kill me to restart the war."
"And that option is too risky." Rean replied. "Without a good place to hide you away from the Intelligent Division. The only way to keep Levi safe, and to stop the war is to destroy the source of all this conflict."
"You're right. However, we can't worry about that now. This will be the turning point." Alisa stated
"Right. Everything's resting on this." Fie nodded."But y'know what? It doesn't really faze me. Probably because we're all here together. As Class VII."
"You're right. We finally have every member of Class VII back with us." Altina smiled. "Including my sister and Ash."
"Aww, Tilly. I'm glad to be back, too!" Millium smiled.
"Hey! I've been back for a while! Don't go digging up old crap!" Ash exclaimed.
I couldn't help but laughed. "Oh Ash. But don't forget. With us as well is Prince Cedric. I'm certain Lianne will join us for the Rivalry."
"Right. Although I'm only here because of the Rivalry. I am honored to walk among Class VII as if I am a part of it." Cedric smiled
"We're glad to have you, Your Highness." Kurt said.
"Now that I think about it, this really is the first time we're all together." Emma replied. "Crow wasn't with us when we fought the Dark Dragon."
"You're right, Emma. He was still on the wrong team back then." Rean nodded
"Hey, get off my back, okay?" Crow sighed. "Can we just let my dark past go already?"
"It's your own fault. Let's not forget your little stint as C, either." Celine replied
"Looking back, the whole 'masked terrorist' persona you had was rather cringe-inducing." Jusis said
"Just admit it, Crow! You love that edgelord look." Machias smirked.
"Don't call it that! I looked badass, okay?!" Crow muttered
I couldn't help but laughed. "Oh look at us. Here we are joking and having fun as the world is about to end."
"Yep. Same as always." Alisa giggled.
"Maybe it's because the world's about to end. But now, we know what we need to do. All that's left is to move forward." Juna smiled
"Yes. Every member of Class VII will move as one. Together, we are a single blade, forged by our bonds." Laura nodded
"Agreed. This may be the greatest challenge we've ever faced, but I know we will rie to meet it." Kurt said. "As a swordsman of the Vander School, I must fight for what I believe in, no matter the challenge."
"Yep. Plus the Panzer Soldats are in top condition." Venti nodded
"I trust they'll be of some help in the battle to come, alongside Ordine and Testa-Rossa." Musse added
"Yep. Anyways, we have to move out. Right, Rean?" I asked.
"Indeed." Rean nodded. "Listen up,-"
"Hold on, Rean." Crow interrupted. "You think we're gonna let you do the big speech all by yourself, again?"
"Crow's right!" Millium agreed. "You've been hogging the spotlight on your own for way too long."
"Seriously." Venti grin.
"Haha. That's our hero for you." Cedric chuckled.
"We talked this over and decided we should do this as a team." Elliot said
"Let's give the final order together." Altina nodded
"It's a big responsibility, but you don't need to do it alone. Share it with us." Sara chuckled.
"Okay, you win. Let's do it, then. But only if you promise to make it the best one yet." Rean chuckled.
"You bet." Machias smiled
"Sheesh. Way to put the pressure on." Celine muttered
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - The End of -SAGA-)
Laura was the first to speak."Members of Class Vll! Our final mission begins now. Fierce battles await us. The Auric, and Ebon Knights stand in our path."
"And we'll also need to face their Awakeners." Kurt nodded
"Rufus Albarea, the Jade Rook… Leader of the Ironbloods and the governor general of Crossbell. And now, the Awakener of the Auric Knight." Jusis nodded
"Claire Rieveldt, the Railway Military Police's Icy Maiden, will be waiting for us there as well. Though she's not an Awakener, She'll stand against us as one of the Ironbloods." Altina replied.
"Same goes for Scarecrow. Major Lechter Arundel, member of the Intelligence Division and another one of Osborne's Ironbloods." Ash added.
"Then there's Liam. The very man who help me walk this path. Although he is not affiliated with any of Erebonia's officials and government positions. He will fight us." Cedric nodded
"And the same man who created not only me… But my brother too." Venti nodded
"Yeah…" I nodded. "There are questions we need to ask him."
"Ouroboros will also stand in our way. Such as the Mysterious Enforcer No. 0, Campanella the Fool, the Grandmaster's right hand." Gaius said.
"Not to mention, Bloody Shirley… the Sanguine Ogre." Fie added
"And let's not forget about Enforcer No. XVI... Tartaglia... The Belligerent Paragon." I nodded. "He'll be one of our most dangerous opponents we ever face."
"Mariabell Crois, Ouroboros' Third Anguis and the daughter of Crossbell's former mayor. Also known as the Wellspring Alchemist, she's a genius with a twisted personality." Sara nodded
"There's also Enforcer No. I, Mcburn the Almighty Conflagration, whose full potential is still a mystery. Perhaps that wavering shadow we saw was his true form." Emma stated
"There's also the chief of the Gnomes and head of the Black Workshop… Franz Reinford, now known as Black Alberich." Alisa nodded
"And finally, the Awakener of the Ebon Knight—Gilath Osborne, the Blood and Iron Chancellor. He is also the reincarnation of the Lionheart Emperor, Dreichels Reise Anor." Musse nodded
"Not only is their power in a completely different league from ours, they'll be well-prepared. But we are just as ready as they are." Elliot replied
"It's taken us two and a half years to get here, and we've learned a lot on the way. And on top all that experience, we have the spirit of Thors and the will of the Radiant Wings at out backs." Machias nodded
"There's no way Gramps and the others are gonna beat us! We'll take 'em on anywhere, any time." Millium smiled
"Right, All that's left is to prove it. There's no barrier we can't overcome! After all, we're Thors Militart Academy's Class Vll!" Juna smirked
"Right. We are the light who will stand tall against the darkness that has spread throughout the world." I replied. "With everyone who stand with us, we will continue to fight and shine, no matter what!"
Rean chuckled.
"We shall lend you our power." Valimar respond.
"Defeat El-Prado and put a stop to the Ebon Knight's madness." Ordine added
"Know that we will stand with you to the very end." Testa-Rossa added
"I'll be with you guys every step of the way." Celine nodded
"The Empyreal Fortress is, what? 1200 years old? That's not bad for a final stage." Crow replied. "Now, everyone. Let's get started. Let's bring an end to this crappy fairy tail. Once and for all!"
"Right!" Everyone nodded
"My, my. That was quite the speech, as I would say if I was listening in. Can you repeat that?"
Then we heard Liam's voice just now and then a screen appeared in front of us and Liam was there. We can see where he is somewhere in the fortress.
"You!" I exclaimed
"You done well making it this far. But it was to b-"
"Ooh!" And then we see Mariabell appeared and interrupt Liam who has been gentle push and see. "Now this is interesting! This looks like a keyboard and flat-screens from an Orbal computer that appeared in the air!"
"This is amazing!" And then Campanella gentle shove Liam who is squished by those two. "Is this magic? I've never seen this type of magic turn into a magic computer."
"Oh, now you got me curious!" And Shirley just join in. "Let me see, let me see!"
And then we see Liam with an anime tickmark and then leap back and then use his magic and push the three out of the way.
"Whoa/Wha/ Wah!" They exclaimed.
"Would you three mind!?" Liam shouted as he turn to the left.
And we sweatdrop.
"Well, looks like the curiosity got the better of them." Tartaglia said on the background.
"You're telling me." Liam sighed "Anyway. You have done well on making it this far. But it was to be expected that Class VII, old and new, would make it here with the help of everyone by their side. As you are just given the spoiler. I'm with Ouroboros right now. You will all faced several roadblocks throughout your incursion into the fortress. Good luck, you're going to need it." And then the screen vanished.
"Several roadblocks huh?" I asked. "Let us go."
We made our way inside the fortress. I could already feel the presence of powerful dark forces. We enter long hallways in this ancient got into a few battles, and continue to go further, activating pedestals and unlocking large doors. We then reached a large area that looked like a garden.
"What is this place?" Juna asked as she look around.
"It feels significantly different than where we were before." Kurt added
Fie look around. "There's no sign of enemies." Fie replied.
"Hmm… Perhaps this place is a garden." Venti replied.
"That might have been what it was, originally." Celine said.
"One of the three gates are locked." Altina said.
"I'm guessing that each of them leads to a different section of the fortress." Sara said.
"Looks like a good place to take a breather, but let's do that later." Crow advised.
"Yes, we've only just started exploring this area." Gaius nodded.
"Let's look for the Ironbloods first." Ash advised.
"Yeah, but which path should we take?" Rean asked.
"Let me try." I said and then begin to use search magic and explore the area. I look at the gate in front of us and on the right. The right one leads to the Ironbloods. While the center leads to the same stage but no one is there. "The path to the right leads to the Ironbloods. The gate in front of us has nobody. But I do sense something within that location."
"Then let's head to the right. Then we can check out the gate in front of us, after."
We turned right to enter a large hallway route. We can see the outside but this path leads to the Ironbloods. A few minutes have passed. We reached the light and got outside, two familiar foes were waiting and in different outfits.
"The lost cause group themselves." I glared.
"Bastards…" Ash muttered
"Instructor Claire…" Juna trailed off.
"They're dressed in the same outfits we saw on that broadcast earlier." Musse pointed out.
"If they're wearing that, it means they're fully committed to their cause." Millium sadden. "They won't back down, no matter what."
"Hmph. I shouldn't be surprised. But neither do we." I said.
"Right. We won't give up in battle, and we won't give up on our future!" Rean nodded
"This will be The first test of our ability here at the Empyreal Fortress." Laura added
"No matter how deadly or cunning our enemies, we've gotta outsmart 'em. Period." Crow said
"Sounds like I'm up to bat, then." Ash replied.
"I've known those two for some time. I may be able to anticipate their moves." Altina said.
"Then we'll be counting on you both." I nodded. "Although we do share our history with them… we should think this through and choose who will fight this battle."
"I'll back you guys up! We've got this!" Juna nodded.
"Double-check that you're ready for this." Fie advised.
We rushed on over a pathway and up to the giant area that looks like a stage. The one who will be fighting is me, Rean, Ash and Altina. Supporting us in case is Musse, Laura, Juna and Elliot.
"'Sup guys." Lechter greeted.
"We've been waiting for you." Claire added.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sensitive Talk.)
"Instructor Claire..." Juna trailed off
"You seem pretty sure we'd show up." Ash said.
"Eh, the odds were about 50:50." Lechter replied. "After all, you'd have to get past the Aions, and disable all the Sale Pales. If it were anyone else, hmm...I'd give 'em maybe a 1 in 1,000 chance? Oh maybe more like a 1 in 10,000."
"And despite the odds, you managed to succeed." Claire said. "Perhaps, it was fate."
"It's not fate, it was all thanks to our determination." Millium appeared alongside us.
"Oh...Millium." Clare respond in joy 'I'm so... happy you're back."
"Wow...guess Liam wasn't joking." Lechter said. "You really threw us for a loop at the Gral, huh?"
"Haha, yep! But it was super hard pulling one over on you two. Especially you, Lechter. I had to get really clever." Millium replied. "And by that I mean I snuck off while Jusis and Rufus were fighting!"
"So that's how you were able to do that." I said.
"I'm amazed you managed to pull that one off with everything that was going on…" Machias added
"Heh, you really got us, Millium." Lechter sighed. "But I guess we only have ourselves to blame."
"Yes... Among the Ironbloods, Millium was always the quickest to learn and adapt." Claire said. "Meanwhile, we were each trapped in our pasts. We had no choice but to accept the curse. We even treated Altina as if she was nothing more than a tool to be discarded."
"Claire..." Millium sadden
"Major Claire..." Altina trailed off
"If you feel that way, why do you still insist on standing in our path?" Kurt asked. "Not as the Ironbloods, but as the Knights of Blood and Iron."
"Those whose fates are intertwined with the curse of Erebonia. Its keepers." Musse described. "The keepers whose fate is to fall in tragic fairy tales called the Great Twilight."
"Yeah. That's our job. Our final role, so to speak." Lecther replied. "We're the conduits linking the fires of war, below this fortress. There's no way you're gonna win against us, unless you bring out your Divine Knights."
The emblem appeared in their eyes as dark aura appeared around both of them.
"That's..." Gaius paused
"The curse has linked them to the fortress itself!" Emma said.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Belief - SAV-)
"The path further into the fortress won't open until you defeat us." Claire respond. "Throw everything you have into this fight. Your Divine Knights, Panzer Soldats- everything. Defeating us here, and perhaps you stand a chance of putting out the flames of war."
"Major Claire..." Alisa trailed off
"Why..." Elliot sadden
"Cocky, are we?" I smirked. "Hmph. I doubt we will need the Divine Knights and Panzer Soldats for this."
"Yeah. We'll fight you if we must." Rean nodded as he, along with me, and Altina, Ash. "As Levi said. We don't need the Divine Knights or the Soldats to beat you. In fact, we won't even need our entire group."
"Go ahead and use whatever powers you're getting from the fortress or the curse or whatever. Doesn't matter how determined you guys are- we're gonna break through." Ash smirked.
That's right. Your determination will never match ours…" Altina nodded. "Because you're both so focused on your past mistakes, while we look to the future!"
"Ouch..." Lechter chuckled
"Heh, nice one." Crow smirked.
"She's right, Instructor Claire nodded." Juna nodded
"There is no honor in fighting foes who have already given up." Laura replied
"So come on. Show us what you really believe in!" Sara added
"Okay!" Claire got her Orbal gun ready. "I'll give this everything I have!"
"All right, then… Guess it's time for me to get serious." Lechter nodded.
"Good luck, everyone! Claire and Lechter, give it your all, too!" Millium cheered
I combat link with Rean and Altina with Ash as we begin to charge onto Lechter and Claire and slash onto them. Claire was shooting powerful orbal energy shots as Lechter jabbed and slashed with his blade. But the rest of us counter and then slash them back. I end up using my craft Spiral Pillars and drag both with immense damage. And Rean follow up with a powerful Arcane Gale. Then Ash and Altina use their crafts along with everyone else as Claire use her Dis orders and their crafts onto us. I think it time I do something about it.
"Rally and Strike: Astral Virtue!" I use my Brave order and destroy their Dis order as we power up.
"Say what?!" Lechter exclaimed
"But how?!" Claire exclaimed as she dodge an attack from Altina.
"I expected better from you both." I said as I begin to use Hamsuke's wrath. "My powers repels the curse. That includes your Dis Orders."
Then an open was strike for Rean to strike.
As I begin to clash and combat with Lechter with some swift slashes and swirl strikes. He was sent flying and with heavy damage and then I begin to cast my Arts onto Claire and Lechter. Then Ash use his craft and launch a strong shockwave onto both Clare and Lechter. Then Lechter and Claire use their craft onto us and then land some powerful attacks onto us but that doesn't stop us. And then Luminescence Rain on them and deliver heavy blows. Leaving an opening.
"All for one Rean!" I quote for a rush
"And one for all Levi!" Rean replied as we both zoom and team attack Claire and Lechter.
Altina landed some strike with her combat shell and then Ash follow up and then landed some dart attack on both of them.
As Claire and Lechter power up and use their S craft onto us. It wasn't enough to stop us. And then Ash and Altina use their new S craft onto them in return and then… It was done. Lechter and Claire were beaten, despite bringing all they had against us.
"Heh, told ya." Ash smirked.
The dark aura around the Ironblood Knights vanished away.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sorrow Flower)
"Hah...the war below has greatly amplified the fortress' power." Claire said. "After we linked to it, you should have had no chance of victory. And yet… you use Levi's powers to repel our dis orders."
"Hmph. Even if I didn't my powers to repel the dis orders you two use. We still came out on top." I replied.
"Man, you're really beating the odds today, aren't you?" Lechter asked.
"That's right. After all, we defeated the Jaeger King and the Steel Maiden." Rean replied.
"Learning and growing are both part of being young...and I'm right there with you guys." Sara said.
Fie chuckled. "Keep telling yourself that."
"But sometimes, there are some people who get lost along the way while they are learning and growing. And they end up going down a different path where there's no turning back." I added. "And now, because you two have lost, I believe it's time..."
I walked toward them and I could tell Millium looking worried.
"Levi?! Wait!" Milliam exclaimed
"Millium, it's okay." Rean assured. "You should know what he's going to do."
I stood close to Lechter first.
"Heh, I should've expected this." Lechter sighed. "But whatever, just make it quick."
"Make what quick? My judgment?"
Lechter look at me.
"Do you regret everything you did just now?"
Lechter took his moment then lower his head. "To be honest. Both yes… and no. I have done something unforgivable… since that day I thought I lost Millium… I chose this path… to never let this happen again. I don't regret my actions."
"I see. I have passed my judgment onto you Lechter." I said and then I grab his head with my left hand. "Here is my judgment. Your stupid role in all of this is over." I then gave Lechter a punch in his stomach with such force. He was on the floor covering his stomach.
Millium gasped. "Levi..."
Lechter groaned in pain. "Damn… that… hurts a lot…"
I cast a magic circle to restrain him and did a quick search to find a small dagger and I confiscated it. I then went over to Claire and she looked at me with various degrees of guilt.
"Do you regret everything you did just now?"
She close her eyes. "Yes… What I have done is unforgiving. Worthy of death. I allow the Great Twilight to usher and unable to stop it. Because I am pathetic as a human being. I was indecisive. And all the things I've done… the loss of Millium… and treated Altina as an object. I deserve something worst than death."
"Then I have passed my judgment onto you, Claire."
I grab her head and then did the same thing to Lechter and punch her stomach with such force and lay down.
"Gwuuh! I see...so you made my choice for me." Claire said as she groaned in pain.
I cast a magic circle to restrain her and I then searched her and found a small gun. I also confiscated the gun. I use my magic and force them close together. Then place my hands on their faces. Use my powers and then pull something out from them as they lay on the ground. It was the orbs of the curse. I crush the orbs with my strength as they dissipate.
"I have taken away what Osborne has gifted you both. Severing your roles as Blood and Iron Knights. You two have committed an unforgivable crime, Lechter Arundel and Claire Rieveldt. This is your punishment. You two will live and atone for your crimes, then watch you die in shame and cowardice. That is my judgement and your punishment. How you will atone for it, I will see. But just in case if you tried to commit suicide or had someone murder you. I will cast a spell to prevent that. Millium and so many others would rather see you atone your sins. If you atone for your crimes, all will be forgiven."
"Thanks, Levi." Millium smiled with graditude.
"He's right." Juna agreed. "You lost. Just accept it and move on. Take some time to rest, you know?"
Claire weakly chuckled. "You're right… that might be best."
"We're going to go on ahead now. You may not be able to see this through to the end, but we'll let you know if we survive." Rean said. "After all, Erebonia may need you both after we've put an end to the Great Twilight."
"Yeah! You gotta do your best for me, too, 'kay?" Millium added
"Even though I despise you now Claire. I forgive you." I said, much to her surprise. "You may have betrayed my friendship with you. But I will give you a second chance to make amends. Just like how I did with Vita, and with Crow. Don't waste this chance. I'm looking forward on working with you again Claire."
"Rean… Levi… Millium…" Claire tears begin to came out. "Well, when you put it like that, I guess I've got no choice... Thank you, Levi. I will carry on my sentence."
"Sheesh, you're really asking a lot. But fine, guess I'll find some way to atone for it as well." Lechter said. "But you're not in the clear yet. Lord Liam, The Fool, the Third Anguis, the Sanguine Ogre, and the Belligerent Paragon are waiting. You're the only ones who can put a stop to this. Good luck, you guys."
Then both Claire and Lechter collapse. And a symbol has appeared after they collapse. I use my powers and heal them both, then I cast a spell onto them. A barrier of light to prevent them from killing themselves or having someone hired by them to kill them. However, if someone else is hired to kill them. I can't do anything about it.
"There." I said.
"They're out cold." Machias said staring at them.
"The curse and tapping into the fortress' power must have taken their toll." Gaius said. "But what was that orb you crush, Levi?"
"That was the 'gift' that Osborne granted them. That orb is linked to the curse. Osborne use the power of Ishmelga to create it. It allows anyone to amplify its power without being affected like how the people have. The orb enter the body and sync with it."
"So that is what that was."
"And with that. The crest that appeared just now is a sign of a new path. We should head back to the garden."
"Yeah." Rean nodded then turn to Altina and Ash. "Ash, Altina- excellent job. And everyone else, thank you for your support!"
"You really nailed it!" Millium cheered
"Thank you." Altina said.
"I'm relieved. That could've gone SO much worse." Juna sigh of relief.
"Heh. It was nothin'. I wouldn't say no to a breather about now, though." Ash smirked
Then we begin to head back to the garden.
I'm glad that Lechter and Claire will atone for their crimes. Levi forgiven Claire too. No doubt she's happy. Next up will be Class VII vs Liam and Ouroboros. Something tells me we'll finally learn about Liam, and Levi and Venti's purpose. And something also tells me we'll have one hell of a fight.