The curtain soon rose once again as it showed a number of monsters lined up against the wall with the Dark Territory's emperor and Ehto leading the charge as the wall broke with multiple knights and soldiers charged back.

Act 5

Alicization Exploding

The heroes were soon standing by as they watched the walls break apart and both sides quickly engaging one another.

"Soldiers of the Dark Empire, at last our time has come. Ravage the humans and their land. Kill everything that stands in your way! Show no mercy!" their ruler, Emperor Vecta, declared as multiple goblins and giants marched into battle.

"Same with you! Engage!" Ehto called out as the demons and goblins moved out first.

"Guess it's time. We can't let any of them take Alice...nor...can we let him win." Theo said, staring right at Ehto.

"We're behind you every step of the way." Cobalt said.

"Okay...all troops! Engage!" Theo called out as the heroes charged into battle.

The battle then began as the group engaged Ethos armies and Emperor Vectas forces. While everyone did their best, Theo and Ethox confronted Etho directly himself, who was accompanied by Sentibug, the Demon King Zenos Road, and a Goblin Lord.

"Hey Ehto. It's been a while since Tanya's world, hasn't it?" Ethox asked. "You've been pretty busy. Never thought you'd actually make the trip into cyberspace just to get to my brother, though."

"Of course I would. It's what my whole purpose of being has been leading to for so many centuries." Ehto said.

"Centuries? Do you really still believe that?" Theo asked.

"Of course I do." Ehto said. "Ever since my first defeat...I've longed to see the day you would die for good. But you kept coming back."

"Strange… As far as I know, no mortal human is supposedly capable of living that long." Theo said. "And if it's true that you don't retain memories of your past reincarnations...then how come you're still saying that stuff now?"

"How dare you. Don't question his…" Sentibug began before Ehto started laughing.

"My...seems you've gained a sense of logic after so long." Ehto said.

"That's right. I know you're not really who you say you are. Isn't that right...Mizuki?" Theo asked.

"Hehehe….oh….well, you're half right. The body does belong to him...but not the soul currently possessing it." Ehto said.

"Just as Kitsuna told us back in the Crimson Fox's encampment." Ethox said. "It's not really reincarnation. Least not for you."

"It's true. Fact of the matter is, the cycle you've believed in and others have adapted to...was nothing but a lie. One I created after the first time you and I battled. Well, your first incarnation that is. Truth is, he succeeded in destroying my original body but I refused to give up just like that, leaving me reduced to a single soul. Since then, I've possessed the strongest warriors from the darkest backgrounds I could find, then located your current selves to wipe them out. But you...you continued to slay each and everyone of them. I was almost delighted when I heard you died by Xehanort's hands. But then I fell into slumber. I realized that as long as you existed, I would never be free. So...I came to a realization. In order to finally be free of you...I need to destroy your body and your soul!" Ehto said.

"And how exactly are you gonna do that?" Ethox asked.

"He's going to use the gift I granted him back in Gaeabrande." Zenos Road piped in. "I planned to use it on the Cautious Hero, but this is a much more worthy cause: the chance to wipe out a reincarnating hero. You see, Ethox… summoned heroes like your ally are sent back to their original world when they die. However…. I have developed a way to permanently destroy souls. I call it 'Chain Destruction'. My master has absorbed it into his sword, meaning when the Hero of the Stars falls to his blade… he will never return!"

"Wow...he's got it completely right. The Chain Destruction is what I needed to end this. Hence, why your usefulness to me has ended." Ehto said.

"What? What do you…?!" Zenos asked before he was shocked to find his head separated from his body. "...My master…?"

"I only needed your army and your weapon. You no longer serve me any purpose." Ehto said, tossing the head aside. "As for a blade, I never had one." he said, removing his cloak. Across his body were multiple tribal markings as he showed sharp razor-like claws on his hands. "These are my weapons. Using the techniques this one acquired, I melded that blade with these claws. I myself have become the weapon."

"Bro, this could be dangerous." Ethox said. "I don't think I need to tell you this, but whatever you do… DON'T let him hit you."

"Yeah, like I was planning on it." Theo said.

"You two. Take command of the army and wipe out all of these heroes. These two are mine." Ehto said.

"Lord." Sentibug said as she and the Goblin Lord took off.

"Now...let's begin!" Ehto said vanishing before appearing close to the two as they quickly blocked his strikes.

(Cue: Bury the Light (w/Acapella Extended Intro)- Devil May Cry 5: SE)

Theo and Ethox leaped back as they both landed in the ground. Theo, with Determination, readied himself with Zodiac Gate with a gaze in his eyes. Ethox assumed a Chinese sword stance with the Way of the East, stance ready. And Ehto raised his claws as he had a sadistic grin before releasing a wave of darkness.

"If you want freedom, that's fine. But you can't get it by taking it from others!" Ethox said as he unleashed an Infestation Wave at Etho.

"Of course I can!" Ehto said, slashing through the light projectiles. "You would never understand how long I've waited just to take it away from this fool of a warrior."

"But he's bested you in every life. Doesn't that make you a fool?" Ethox asked.

"Shut up!" Ehto called out as he landed a kick to Ethox's side and sent him into the wall.

Theo charged in and clashed with his opposite, claws against keyblade as they resumed their inevitable clash.

"You wouldn't remember any of it, but in every body we've battled in, you've always spared me." Ehto said. "You didn't finish me off, because you represent light and justice. What do you see in me that prevents you from ending it?!"

"Maybe because I know...that it's not really the real them fighting." Theo said.

"A shame. That means you won't have the guts to end this life either." Ehto said. "That's where we differ. You cannot even bear to sacrifice a single life for the sake of humanity."

"Since when is that a weakness?" Ethox said, now empowered by Claw Booster as he slammed his Keyblade into Ehto's side, sliding him away. "The power we have is to save people, not kill them! Even though we have to stop you… we're going to save Mizuki, no matter what!"

"You have no chance! Look around you!" Ehto said, showing the number of enemy troops battling the human army. "Our combined army greatly outnumbers you. Even if these heroes are strong, it won't matter in the end. All of you are destined to die."

"No...they aren't." Theo said getting up. "There's been enough death surrounding this tragic story."

"So you're surrendering?" Ehto asked.

"No...I'm going to purge you from this boy...and see to it you never bother anyone again." Theo said.

"You fool! Don't you get it? No matter how many times we battle, the outcome will remain the same!" Ehto said assuming a crouching position as darkness shrouded him as nine ghastly tails came from behind him. "Except this time...you have no chance of slaying me."

"As a good friend of mine largely involved in this would say… Screw fate." Theo said.

"Screw fate? Hahaha, what a fool! This is no fate...it's a promise!" Ehto declared as he lunged at him.

"Please...I need your help…" Theo said to himself as his blade glowed as the light seemed to spread across the battlefield.

(Shift- We are One and All- Persona 4 the Animation)

"Whoa...now what is this? Some sort of powerup?" Naofumi said, noticing himself and Subaru glowing.

"Theo." Ace said as he saw Seiya glowing.

"This...what sort of sacred art is this?" Alice said seeing herself glowing as well.

On the outside…

"Whoa...now this is just crazy." Rimuru said, seeing himself glowing.

"Wh-what's going on? Why are we glowing like this?" Naomi asked. "It's Theo… He needs us."

"I think you may be right." Ainz said. "He's calling upon all our power."

"Looks like it's destiny time." Luz said as the glow shined bright.

Back in Underworld….

"What...what is this?" Ehto said, seeing all of the 10 Isekai standing right by Theo. "The ten...he succeeded."

"Naomi, you're here!" Ayase said.

"Our apologies for being late." Naomi said.

"All of you...lend me your power." Theo said as the glow from all of the ten flowed right into his blade.

"You...you can't win! So what if you kill this boy? It won't end there! I'll just do it again!" Ehto said.

"You're right...you will do this again. So...I'll make sure you won't." Theo said. "I call upon the 88 heavenly bodies and the 10 supreme lights. Grant me your power, your energy, let my blade purify this poor boy and seal away this evil that plagues him." he called as his blade glowed in a rainbow color.

"You're done! Crimson Fox Ultimate Technique: Kyuubi's Destructive Claws!" Ehto called out as he lunged at Theo.

"Galaxy...Slash!" Theo called out as he slashed through Ehto.

"What...what is...Ah!" Ehto called out as a dark essence was purged from the boy's body as it fell lifeless on the ground. "But...this is...no! No!" Ehto said as he started to condense into a single small sphere. "NOOOO!" he called out as all that remained was a small sphere as it fell to the ground. "No! Let me out!"

(End song)

"It's over… You've finally lost. And no one will have to suffer through your machinations ever again." Naomi said as she attempted to pick up the sphere, albeit hesitantly.

"You think I'll just sit by and… what is this? I cannot break free." Ehto said.

"Of course you can't. That sphere is created from the power of the stars...no...from entire galaxies. It won't break over for millions of years. Maybe it'll give you enough time to reflect on your actions." Theo said. "Maybe you'll start being nicer when you get out."

"How dare you…" Ehto said before Naomi put the sphere in a small bag.

"Yeah, he was done." Naomi said as she checked on Mizuki. "The dark possession took a lot out of him, but… Maybe with time, he'll recover."

"I'm just glad he's okay. And that we fulfilled our promise to Kitsuna to save her son." Ethox said.

"And since we took out their top commander...yep." Rimuru said seeing the human empire starting to get an edge over the Dark Territory and Ehto's faction.

"Yeah, we're winning!" Kazuma S cheered. "We got this in the bag now!"

"Oh you think so." a voice said as they saw a black knight approach. "Wow...so these are the ten isekai...and even Alice is with them. Honestly, why did there have to be so many goddamn Japanese?"

"Well, Japan is kind of a gateway to other worlds, didn't you know?" Naomi asked.

"I'm not gonna let someone as disgusting as you lecture me." he said drawing his sword. "Prepare to die!" he said as a bright light filled the sky as a chasm opened up under him as he fell in. "No way…" he said looking up at a figure in the light. "So she came too…"

"Wow...that was my first time using it...but glad to see it worked out." they said as standing there was Asuna.

"That voice… Asuna? Is that really you?" Sachiko asked.

"Yeah, they logged me in here using the Stacia goddess account." Asuna said.

"What about the others? How are they holding up?" Cheetah asked.

"They're fine...at least for now." Asuna said.

"What do you mean?" Ace asked.

"The others in the Ocean Turtle are in a tight spot and can't exactly escape without getting shot at." Asuna said.

"I see...that makes sense. They were getting shot at." Zoro said.

"We did hear gunshots last we heard them. We could tell something's going on outside." David said.

"Mercenaries have taken the Ocean Turtle and the main control computer. They came for Alice." Asuna said.

"They're here for Alice?" Mark asked. "...Well then, that's a big no right there. We won't let them take her."

"We've already dealt a large blow to their army. Not much more they can…" Asta said before they saw large pillars of light pepper the land as standing there were knights clad in red. "Did they...create reinforcements?"

The knights then started charging in and cutting apart anyone be they from the human empire or the dark territory.

"Man, this is awesome. We get to hack and slash these guys and they even have boss characters that look like members of the Hero Alliance." one of them said.

"Yeah, man. This beta test is tight." another said.

"Beta test...they aren't constructs...they're players." Ainz said.

"Geez… This is all just a game to them. Things are really getting crazy outside." David said.

"Judging from how they sound...they're American gamers. They must think this is one big beta test." Subaru said.

"Guess they got some master hacker on their side. And what sucks is it's gotta be the afternoon so the entire US is up and about." Kazuma S said.

"We can't just let them steamroll us. We need to keep fighting back." Eri said

"Then I guess we have no choice. We'll have to knock them out." Cheetah said.

"Gotcha, let's school these noobs." DJ said as he charged into battle with the rest of them as they battled the American players.

Rimuru bounced his way through a bunch of players in slime form, avoiding their attacks and immobilizing them.

"Dammit, how the hell is some weak-ass slime schooling us so hard?" one of them said.

"Cause I'm not as weak as I look!" Rimuru said, cutting down a couple of the players.

"Three Sword Style...Purgatory...Oni Giri!" Zoro called out as he cut down a number of players in his way.

"Wish I brought a marker. I'd sign autographs on their displays. Least they'll be worth a screenshot." David said.

"Ah! Oh my god...I got my hand chopped off by David Ishihara. That's so awesome!" one of them said.

"Uh… Hehe… Thanks. I guess. Wish I can give an autograph." David said.

"No no, this is an honor." they said. "Hey, is it true that your catchphrase is keeping it cool?"

"Well… One of them is." David said scratching the back of his head.

"Okay...so, will you let me...gah!" they said before Tsubaki pierced them.

"Sorry, he's not taking requests today." Tsubaki said. "Geez, didn't realize the Hero Alliance was so big in America."

"What did you expect? We're basically celebrities at this point." David said.

"Yeah...just wish we were meeting these people under better circumstances instead of inside of a warzone and they think we're bosses in a game." Theo said.

"But who let them into the world?" Ethox asked. "Isn't this place still supposed to be under development? Who'd be crazy enough to put this out to the American public?"

"One of the mercs probably. They likely have a computer expert in their ranks and they shared this government server with the American public as a new beta test. These people don't even know they're infiltrating a Japanese government server." Tanya said.

"And given how hard core these guys fight, we may be in it for a long haul." Connie said.

"Oh don't you worry. It won't be like this for long." Ainz said as a ray of light was fired, taking out a number of the players. "About time you people showed up."

"Sorry we're late...we were busy cleaning up the mess." Hope said as he and the Galaxy King group stood on a large hill.

"Hope we didn't miss out on anything too big." Zacian said.

"Nope. You came just in time." Ultra said.

"No way! Even more alliance members!" one of the Americans said. "The entire group is here!"

"Well… Not exactly all of us." Cheetah said.

"Some of our members are still keeping the personnel in the Ocean Turtle safe. But they'll be fine." Dan said.

"Until then...hope you players are ready. You get the chance of a lifetime. A legendary raid battle against a majority of the alliance." Hope said.

"Come and get it." Ajna said.

"Yeah!" the Americans called out as both sides collided.

Back on the outside…

"Damn...these heroes aren't messing around. Better import another 20,000 players just to play it safe." said a guy behind a computer as a man with a scar on his face arrived.

"Hey, send me back in, Critter. Come on!" he growled.

"No can do. There were only two Dark Territory accounts and you just wasted the Dark Knight, Vassago." Critter said.

"Hmm...how did you get these players in there?" Vassago asked.

"Easy, all I did was convert their temporary accounts into the software." Critter said.

"That right?" Vassago said as he wrote something down. "Here, I'm going back in using this special account." he said, handing it off to Critter as he turned and walked off. "Time for the Prince of Hell to make his grand return." he smiled as the scene turned dark with the Laughing Coffin emblem appearing in the backdrop.

Act 5: Alicization Exploding

END