Trails of Cold Steel IV - The Great Twilight

by mysteryfriend16

Sequel to Trails of Cold Steel III - Year of 1206. The Great Twilight has been brought forth to bring the end of the world. However, Levi vow to deliver judgment to Osborne, Alberich, The Ironbloods, George and Ouroboros, and find a way to destroy the Curse of Erebonia and the Ebon Knight Ishmelga. Together with Rean, Class VII, and their allies to put a stop to this.

24. The Fifth Rivalry

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - End of the -SAGA-)

After we rested. We made our way on it, it took us up to the next floor that was now becoming a tower area. We keep going up like a spiral like how it did with the Infernal Castle and the Gral. We soon came to a large door with some gold lighting. No doubt Rufus and Alberich are behind that door. This time will be Jusis and Alisa who will join the fight, due to related to Rufus and Alberich. We went up to it, and it opened to reveal a large battle area and at the end, was Rufus, his Divine Knight, and Alberich.

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - In the Darkness of Ignorance)

"So you've arrived." Rufus said.

"Hmph...earlier than expected, too." Alberich added. "And once again, you continue to get in our way."

"That's the whole point you idiot." l rolled my eyes. " So spare me the sarcasm you disgusting existence."

"We've come for you, Rufus." Jusis said as Millium appeared alongside him.

"Did you really think those four from Ouroboros and Liam would hold us up for so long?" Alisa asked.

"It doesn't matter. They've fufilled their role." Alberich replied. "The only thing we require for the Rivalry is the Ashen Awakener. Everyone else is none of our concern. The Azure Awakenar, Vermillion Awakener and now the Argent Awakener and the Sword of the End still have a role to play as well. Campanella, Lord Liam, Tartaglia, Shirley and Mariabell were to thin out your ranks. They were suppose to use their Aion or Lord Liam's familiar or even himself against you. But knowing you can destroy the Aion with ease and you restrain them. Honestly, I have to be careful with my words on Lord Liam. But for the rest. How disappointing."

"Man… say what you really mean, why don't you." Crow glared.

"This guy has textbook villain written all over him." Machias added

"Maybe it's because your goal doesn't quite line up with the Grandmaster's plans." I replied. "They follow the Grandmaster to the end, they don't really follow you or the chancellor. As for Liam. He has his own plan."

"Ouroboros has their own priorities, and we have ours." Rufus said. "We can't expect outsiders to be fully invested in our plans, after all."

"Yes, I suppose that's true." Alberich agreed. "Their organization is only interested in observation. Further cooperation may not be necessary."

"Today's just full of interesting info, huh?" Sara asked

"That's a topic for another time, perhaps." Gaius said

"Yeah, there are things we must do." I nodded. "Set the stage and ensure that we win."

"Rufus Alberea... Knight of Blood and Iron. The man before me is no brother of mine." Jusis stated. "Attempting to take the reward from Rean's victory at the last minute, and for your own selfish reasons. Have you no honor?"

I nodded. "For someone who came from a noble background, what you've done will place you as a criminal."

"Hah. I can't deny it. But even so, noble blood still runs through my veins." Rufus replied.

"Whether you are a noble or not. It doesn't change the fact that you're nothing more of a criminal now."

"Perhaps. Banter aside, I had a war to manage on top of my duties as a Knight of Blood and Iron. Surely you can't fault me for picking the most efficient course of action. Oh, and by the way, I'm happy you were able to recover Millium. Even if she is simply a projection from the sword."

"How dare you..." Juna said, angrily.

"It's okay, guys. He's not wrong, you know." Millium assured. "Sup, Rufus! I wanna say long time no see, but I don't think right now is a good time."

"Yes. And you certainly surprised all of us back at the Gral. But I'm happy, as a fellow Ironblood, that we were able to meet again." Rufus replied. "Although, I imagine my joy pales in comparison to Claire or Lechter's."

"Aww, don't sweat it. We really didn't have that many chances to hang out, anyway."

Rufus turned to me. "Oh, and speaking of which. I presume you were planning on killing the Ironbloods by your judgment, yet you hadn't shed their blood in your hands. Have you a change of heart, Sullivan?"

"Don't flatter yourself. I'm still angry and have a reason to kill. But I will judge and listen to their plea. They're unworthy to die. You on the other hand are." I cross my arm

"Heh, is that right?"

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Constraint)

"Sorry to interrupt, but I believe this will have to do for our banter. We should begin the presentations now." Alberich said. "Ideally, this would have taken place during the Great Twilight's climax, but I suppose it may work out. Should you lose to Lord Rufus, he will obtain the Sword of the End, allowing us to be fully prepared for the final Rivalry."

"Sorry, but that's not how it's going to go!" Alisa replied.

"You seem pretty confident that Rufus will win. No. Maybe it's not Rufus you place your faith in, but the Auric Knight." Rean said.

"Oh?" Rufus asked amused.

"Remember what I told you Alberich? I plan on removing you from that body you stole and I will tear you into extinction. So that Alisa can finally be with her real father." I glared.

"Is that so? Well if you think you can, then be my guest, kill me." Alberich said. "In any case, the Divine Knights may appear to be equally powerful, but there is a hierarchy among them. They have engaged in many battles over the past centuries, each time being wiped from the annals of history. All as practice for the true Rivalry of the Seven. The only Knight that did not participate was the Ebon Knight. It may interest you all to know that even if a Divine Knight is destroyed, with time, it will regenerate. Their Awakeners, however, often end up as undead abominations...Nosferatu. Do you remember the field of endless blades you witnessed during your trial below Thors? Each sword marked a Divine Knight's defeat. The grave of yet another of its Awakeners."

"They're already aware Alberich. I told them that almost two months ago." I interrupted. "From what I've known about that lost history, all the battles that occurred, only two knights emerged victorious far more often than their brethren."

"Indeed. " Alberich nodded. "Their strength is second only to the Ebon Knight's. Surely by now, you must know which ones I refer to, correct? They were, of course, the Auric Knight, brilliant as the sun, and the Argent Knight, which glows like the moon. Following them was the crimson demon with a thousand weapons, the Vermillion Knight. Compared to such supremely powerful machines, the Azure, Palatinate, and Ashen Knights are nothing."

"Blah, blah, blah...get on with it. We don't need to hear you insulting the Ashen and Azure Knights."

"My my, such impatience. Honestly. I would like to taught you all for not absorbing the Argent's Knight's power. But a certain someone interferes."

"And we are all glad he did. Rufus's action is an example of why Liam acted as a referee of the Rivalry. To protected the Steel Maiden and the Argent Knight's power. That power rightfully belongs to Rean."

"Still, I did had hopes that Lord Rufus could steal the Argent Knight's energy."

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Still in the Front)

"And it's exactly why I'm going to torment you before you died. Clearly, you had no idea what we're are truly capable of. Let me put it in a way for a putrid parasite like yourself can understand. Every time we hit a bump on the road, every time we lost someone who meant so much to us, we always kept moving forward. The strength, the courage, and the support that we've always given to each other, is what allows us to move ...no, humanity forward. Right now, you're not exactly human. You're just a parasite created by your creator. So you know absolutely nothing. Why else does your creation always end up in failure?"

"He's right." Alisa agreed. "Technology doesn't mean anything on its own. Without human hearts to guide it, it's nothing more than steel and circuits. Once the Great Twilight is over, you say you want to create a world ruled by the Black Workshop. But if there isn't any heart in this cold world you want to make, then what's the point?"

"I'm sure when you made me and Tilly, you never expected us to have feelings." Millium said. "But we went way beyond what you expected. We pretty much became humans."

"Yes. I believe this applies to KeA as well." Altina added. "And it all points to one thing..."

"Right. We meaning in our lives by our interactions with others, and its the bonds between people that shape the world." Rean nodded. "The world you want to create is one completely under the Ebon Knight's control. A world where the inhabitants, like the Gnomes, are enslaved to a higher power without wills of their own. Where people can't find meaning in their lives by struggling and helping each other to move forward. But is there really any meaning to a life like that?"

Alberich sighed. "That same tired rhetoric..."

"Actually, I believe I agree with them." Rufus said. "Still, don't think yourselves unique. I have experienced my own fair share of hardship and struggle. And ultimately, I have no plans to serve anyone, either. Not the Ebon Knight, not Chancellor Osborne." Rufus said

"Then why don't you prove it?" I asked. "Prove to us what you've gone through and we'll answer back with our own strength!"

"With pleasure, Sullivan. My path is clear! I will be the one to surpass my 'father'!" Rufus drew out a golden jewel sword.

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Belief -SAV-)

"The Holy Sword of Ishnard!" Jusis said

"That's one of the twin blades the Albarea family used to slay Nosferatu in ages past!" Laura added

We draw our weapons and then Jusis draw out a silver version of Rufus's sword.

"Ah, so Arnauld delivered the Holy Sword of Elvars to you. This is simply perfect. We can have ourselves one more sparring match before the Rivalry."

"Do as you wish, but we must begin our preparation." Alberich said as he brought out his combat shell.

"Zoa Balor!" Altina exclaimed

"The original combat shell!" Fie added

"That's right. Even Estelle and the others had a tough time dealing with it." Sara stated

"It pains me to see what's become of you, Father. But I still believe the love you had for mother and me." Alisa said as she brought out her Orbal Gear. "So I'll prove it, right here and now. I'll prove to you that your love was not a lie!"

"Hahaha, stubborn as ever, Ms. Reinford. You leave me no-" Alberich paused for a moment, but then glared. "You leave me no choice but to snuff out that foolish hope of yours for good! To prove to you that my master is this world's only truth! Not Chancellor Osborne, nor the Lionheart Emperor... No, I will serve Ishmelga to the very end!"

"What a laughable imagination." I remarked "You won't live to even see your detestable master when I'm done with you. And once I sever the head of its dog. Your master will be next, parasite!"

"This will be it, Jusis." Rufus said as he use the Fortress' power. "Your last opportunity to challenge me before I transcend humanity! Now let us cross blades!"

"You damn fool!" Jusis growled.

Then we charge against them.

I link up with Rean as usual and then I begin to slash with Both Alberich and Rufus and then push them back and the rest begin to join in and slash. I begin to charge at Alberich and as his combat shell interferes and uses its craft. I evade and strike at it because it's annoying and kick Alberich in the face as it lift him into the air. I wrap and kick him down hard and slam him down before a plunger attack onto him as Alisa and the others follow up. I use Penetrate Hurl on both Rufus and Alberich and then follow up with Spiral Pillars with Rean and the other's follow-up attack. As I see an opening my allies open up for a follow-up attack. I use Hamsuke's wrath and strike critical on them and then we all did an all-out attack on them. Alberich launched some lasers at us but I cast my magic and created mirrors and reflected back at it. Alberich dodge in time but Alisa launch a rain of fire onto Alberich. I swirl my Galive and ready my form and launch myself to Alberich, his combat shell got in front of him but I leap to the left and slash Alberich from behind. And then eventually we begin to take Alberich down. He's that weak. Next one was Rufus. Rufus cast a powerful wind Art onto us. Venti begin to use his wind powers and manipulated Rufus's arts to strike at him. Then Rufus launched a elegant strike onto us. But I launched a parry at him and caught him off guard for the tiny moment. Soon Jusis begin to clash with his brot- I mean cousin along with me and Rean. And Rufus was an annoying and all balance one. Both magical and physical. Rufus launched some powerful jab attacks to push some of us back. Soon he end up clashing blades with Jusis. Both landed some strikes onto each other. Soon Rufus launched a powerful wide slash to push Jusis and us back. Alisa fire her arrows while I warp to Rufus and strike as we slash. I swirl my Glaive as he parry back. Soon I cork to evade his attack. Rean step up and then launched a Gale attack onto him. Perhaps the battle with Liam somehow made this a little easier. Soon Rufus buff himself and then launched a powerful downfall slash on me to push me back. Then Jusis cast a strong Wind Art onto Rufus. Alisa fire her Space Arts and launch a strong High Level Arts. Soon we begin to use our powerful crafts, break him and then push him back along with Alberich.

"Haha. You certainly are a worthy adversary, Levi." Rufus praise from the damage I given him.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere." I remark.

"Ugh... Damn you...!" Alberich muttered from the pain I've given Alberich.

"Aww, do you still want more you disgusting-"

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Rivalry of the Seven -Excellion Kreig-)

I got interrupted when the huge swirl appeared once again. The Rivalry is starting.

"It's happening!" Gaius said

"The Rivalry is starting!" Emma nodded

But then I felt Liam's presence. He suddenly appeared behind Rufus and Alberich.

"Liam?" I asked

"Hmph. It seems you're losing your grasp." Liam replied with a smirk.

"What are you-Gh..." Alberich however seemed to be in pain. "I... I am...No...I'm..."

Alberich suddenly changed appearance, his hair went from white to pale blue and his outfit went from black to white.

"Father?!" Alisa exclaimed.

"Ali...sa? What's...happening?" He then changed back. "No! I am forever a loyal servant of Ishmelga! I am Black Alberich! I have no need of you...FRANZ REINFORD!"

He suddenly vanished away.

"Father...?" Alisa said.

"Could it be...its losing its control on him?" Rean asked.

"Damn… I should had capture him when I had the chance." I muttered

"Ah, what a pitiful sight when the puppet has been cut loose from the puppeteer's strings." Rufus said. "Perhaps the Ebon Knight can no longer be bothered to divide its attention when the end is so near. Come forth! El-Prado, the Auric Knight!"

"As you command!" El-Prado respond.

Rufus went inside his Divine Knight as Liam walk to his left to get out of the way.

"Heed my call... Valimar, the Ashen Knight!" Rean raised his hand high

"Come, Ordine, the Azure Knight!" Crow raise his hand high as well

"To me, Testa-Rossa, the Vermillion Knight!" Cedric raise his hand high as well.

"Acknowledged!" The Divine Knight's voice respond.

The Divine Knights appeared. Rean, Cedric and Crow begin to head inside of their respectful Divine Knights and the fifth Rivalry battle was set to begin. Then the Zauber Soldots versions of Musse, Venti and Ash soldots appeared to lend Rufus his aid. Automatic, huh?

"This will be the last Rivalry before the battle that will decide this world's fate. Once I've proven victorious here, I will hold the power of all the Divine Knights you've defeated as well as the Sword of the End. As well as Levi's power. Then, I will discard my life and become an Immortal! Finally, I will challenge my 'father' and surpass him at long last! Only then will I be able to prove my life was worth more than that of an unwanted bastard child. I will be the one who decides the meaning of my existence!"

I remained silent. So that's his reason? What a brat.

And so the battle begin. Good thing Cedric is here to make thing easier due to his Divine Knight's ability. The battle begin to launch into chaos as Divine Knights clash into each other. Cedic launched a powerful bow strike onto Rufus and those disgusting Zauber Soldots. Rean launched a large slash while Crow toss his Duel Saber. Rufus launched a powerful sword swing wide as his Zauber join with him on the attack. One just fire dark bullets and then another launches a slam attack. Ream entered a counterattack form. As Rufus launches an attack. Cedric and Crow took damage while Rean counter attacks it. And then Enlighten Domination them. Both Zauber Soldots destroy. Rufus cast a powerful Art onto them. Cedric strike-through Rufus. Crow launch a powerful attack. While Rean launches a hexil. Rufus powered up and then launch a wide slash onto them. Soon he begin to launch a powerful wide slash. Rean charged in for the opening and strike with a follow-up. Cedric launches a spear attack on him and then follow up. Rufus launches a powerful Arts. Then Crow launched an attack and push him back. Then the three of them launched a union attack against Rufus and force him on a break state. Then they begin to attack him. Soon he recovered. And then Rufus power up again. And then soon Rean launched a hexil attack and then launched another union craft. That was the final attack. El-Prado received static as he fell on his knee. They won. In the end, it was another difficult battle for the group. Rufus came at them with all he had, but he still lost. Rufus was force out of his Divine Knight, on his knees. Realize that he had lost. Considering he's alive. He's not an Immortal.

"I...lost?" Rufus asked weakly.

Rean, Cedric, Crow, Jusis and myself walked up to him.

"Yes." Jusis answered. "You've been defeated, Rufus."

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sorrow Flower)

"Hah...I had the Auric Knight and the fortress' power. It should have been more difficult for you to win." Rufus replied then glared at me. "Curse you and your radiant powers!"

"Are you seriously blaming him, Rufus?" Cedric asked

"Ha! Flattering, and blaming me for your defeat won't get you anywhere, I have nothing to do with your Rivalry." l smirked. "Rean, Cedric and Crow were the ones who defeated you on their own."

"Gh...then... Please... tell me why.." Rufus asked

Jusis looked at me and I nodded, allowing him to have a chance to talk to Rufus. "It's because you refused to rely on anyone but yourself."

"Yep, that pretty much sums it up." Millium said. "You had people you coulda relied on, but you chose not to."

"Despite your issues with House Albarea, your bond with Jusis was real, at least." Rean added. "But still, you shut him out. You chose to walk this path all by yourself."

Machias nodded. "And you didn't even rely on the other Ironbloods. That's the legacy you've made for yourself, being just too good to need anyone else."

"And a mindset like that...it's just not healthy at all." Juna said. "You even pulled string after string to keep Crossbell under your thumb. But that was only a temporary measure. What kind of future would that lead to?"

"Yes. In governing Crossbell, you relied mainly on deception and force." Musse agreed. "Though they served you well the past few years, they are brittle tools that break easily. You can't rely on them forever."

Ash smiled at her. "Yeah, couldn't have put it better myself."

"No matter your methods, there is only so much you can accomplish alone." Altina said.

"You may have accomplish and gain power, but without allies to aid and support you, even the mightiest of foes will fall. Which is what happened to you. We fought as one. While you stand alone." Cedric added

"Yep. Your approach is pretty much the opposite of Prince Olivert's." Sara added.

Kurt nodded. "It's true."

"Heh, I can't argue with that." Rufus replied. "At least contributing to the formation of Class VII was one of the few things I can be proud of. So then, Sullivan, what will you do? Will you kill me next and end my legacy?"

Jusis and Millium looked at me with slight concern.

l slowly walked over to him and cross my arm. "Tell me Rufus. All of this. Was the crimes you commit. Was it worth it?"

"Yes. All I wanted was to recognize for myself. Then some unwanted bastard child. My whole life was nothing but meaningless. All the power was nothing more than just some role I play. But there is no hope for a man like me. I deserve your best judgement."

"So that's your answer huh?" I asked as I kneeled down. "Rufus, we're thankful for all the good deeds you done for us, but I'm afraid all of your actions against us and countless people you threaten far beyond redemption. But would you listen to yourself for once? You want me to kill you, so you can take the easy way out? Pathetic."

Rufus looked up at me.

"As far as I'm concerned, giving you death would be too kind for the despicable criminal you've become. You're going to live and atone for all the crimes you have made, your reign as Ironblood leader and Mayor of Crossbell...are finished!"

I then punch Rufus in the gut with force as he lay on the floor. "That… was for your action at the Stella Sanctuary." Then I stomp on Rufus's back with force. "That, was for the horrible actions you've caused." Then I grab Rufus's head and then slam his face to the ground with force with a small crack on the floor, but not enough to kill him. "And that, is for trying to kill Arianrhod and trying to rob the Argent Knight's power." Then grab his face and did the same thing to Lechter and Claire and remove the emblem of the curse and destroy it. "I have severed your role of the Knight of Blood and Iron. You will atone for your sins by living, then die in shame. If you do not wish to face my wrath again. Then choose your best way to atone your crimes."

"Levi…" Jusis smiled.

Rufus weakly laughed "I guess…. I had this… coming…. Gwuuh… you don't hold back your punishment. Very well, I won't fight back. You've defeated me, you'll discover that the fortress' garden has changed. There, you'll find a path to the very core of this fortress. The Blazing Demon waits for you. He will be your one of your most difficult battle yet. Hehe, what am I saying… he will be fighting you, Sullivan. I wish you good luck against him. Prove to me you have the strength to see this through to the end with everyone by your side... And what lies beyond… is the final Rivalry. Haha. To think it's nearly over after all this time. In the end, I was nothing but a fraud. Inferior in every way to their real sons."

"Stop being negative. And don't make me pity you." I said, much to Rufus surprise. "You really need to let go of that nonsense in your head. A 'bastard son'? Truly, Helmut really is a scum of a man. You are far from a 'bastard son'. We all have issues. Sometimes you just need to let it go. Let go of that cling, otherwise you won't be able to move on. Jusis."

"Yes. Thank you… Levi." Jusis said before he went over to Rufus. "We'll take care of it from here. Please rest, brother. However, before you do so... I need to knock some sense back into you."

Rufus let a small gasped then smiled. "Go on then."

He then punched him out cold which surprised me, and the Auric Knight's power was absorbed by Valimar. Valimar's form changed. Then that symbol from the fortress floor appeared and vanished. We have unlock another the path Rufus mention.

"You done well. All of you." Liam said as he walk towards unconscious Rufus. "Heh. What a spoiled brat he is. And you chose his punishment well Levi. If you were going to kill him. I would had interfere. Poor Rufus. I hope one day, he can let go of his past and move on to the future. And have humanity within him. I wish you all good luck."

Then Liam disappeared.

(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Things to Tell You)

"Looks like It's finally over now." Machias said.

"Yes. I've been bottling this up for so long, but now I've told him everything that needed to be said." Jusis replied

"That's a releif." Rean nodded

"Yeah! I bet that took a real load off you, huh, Jusis?" Millum smiled.

Jusis turn to us. "To all of you… you have my sincerest thanks for your help. I wouldn't have been able to come here and confront Rufus without you."

"Of course." Alisa smiling.

"Aw, look who's gone all humble on us now." Crow chuckled.

"And thank you Levi. For not killing him as you were planning too." Jusis said to me.

"It's no problem. Giving him death is too much of a kindness. Living to atone is the greatest punishment then death. But…" I look at Rufus. "He truly had a rough life. I do hope he will learn from his mistakes."

"I do as well."

"It's all the more precious for how rarely we see that side of him." Laura smiled.

"That's Jusis for you!" Elliot nodded

"We really should have recorded that- for posterity." Machias sighed.

"Don't you think that's kinda harsh? I don't think he's THAT standoffish." Juna sweatdrop.

I chuckled "You haven't seen Jusis back in his school days. You would understand if you seen him what he was back then. But that's enough of the teasing. I'm a bit tick off at the moment."

"Huh? Why?" Emma asked.

"You all saw Alberich suddenly change, right? Ishmelga must be losing control over him. I should have grab him when I had the chance… Sorry Alisa…"

"It's okay." Alisa replied. "We'll run into him again. So I'm counting on you to free him."

"I will. Alisa, Jusis. You both have become strong."

"Thanks Levi. But let's not talk about it now. There's one more Rivalry to clear, and another obstacle before that."

"Yeah…" Rean nodded as he look at me. Soon everyone did

"Hey, don't stare at me!" I blushed red. "I do understand your concern because I will fight him on my own." Then I've notice something as I stare at Crow. I look at him suspcious. "Crow, you're thinking it, aren't you?"

"What?" Crow blink.

"'Glad we're not the one righting him this time.'"

"Whoa! Are you a mind reader?!"

"No, it's written all over your face."

"Hey now come on. Okay, maybe I was. Mcburn was already a pain to begin with, and now with that other form you've seen, he's straight up a monster."

"Yeah. But I'm somewhat the same as a monster."

"True. You do pack one hell of a bunch. So good luck."

"Thanks Cr- wait… were you betting on me?" I look at him suspiciously.

"How the hell could I possible do that?!"

"Alright, alright. I think we're all pretty exhaused right now." Gaius said. "Let's take a break in the garden first."

"We've been promised a new pathway from there as well. Why don't we see what that's all about." Musse added

"Valimar, Ordine and Resta-Tossa deserve a rest, too. After everything." Rean nodded

"I appreciate the sentiment." Valimar said.

"We'll go ahead and teleport to the camp." Ordine replied.

"Do be careful on your way." Testa-Rossa added before teleported away.

---

And boom! The Fifth Rivalry is complete. Honestly, I wasn't going to let Rufus live. But considering the Trails of Reveries coming up in 2023. I can't wait! I WAAAANT that game! Plus Rofus does have futures roles. Anyway. Next battle is between Levi and Mcburn! Oh yeah. I'll update the Master Quartz next chapter.