Three days had come and gone in what seemed like a flash as fireworks were going off in a crazy barrage.
"Hello and welcome! Here we all are. The playoffs! Now normally we would host this tournament style but...Diablo has had other plans." the announcer said.
"Indeed. While a normal tournament style would be fun...I have other ideas." Diablo said snapping his fingers as from the stadium emerged an enormous track that could fit many racers.
"Whoa… That has got to be the biggest track I have ever seen!" David said.
"The rule of this season's playoffs will be different. It will be a long lasting battle. The winner will be the last mech left standing in the track." Diablo said. "Meaning all eight teams will battle on this single track at once."
"So basically...he's made it a long standing battle to the finish." Jexi said.
"He's clearly getting desperate with us now." David said. "Considering who's in this, this is gonna be a bloodbath."
"And lucky us, we're right dead into it." Jack said sarcastically.
"This is gonna be quite the fight of our lives for those participating." Saki said.
"Hearing you say that doesn't make it all that reassuring." Mayumi said.
"That's just her way of saying don't hold back and give it everything you got." Aya said.
"Huh. How humerous. You believe you shall actually win?" Ashe said standing nearby. "I apologize for your foolhardy bravado...but the victor shall be Lord Miasma."
"Just how much of your arrogance is gonna blind you?" Saki asked
"It is not arrogance. Its knowledge. He has been groomed for this his whole life. As his servant, I will give him full aid so he will return home and claim the throne." Ashe said.
"Oh brother, sounds to me like you're doing all the work for him." Kagura said shrugging before feeling a hand around her throat as Miasma held her up.
"Were you...doubting my power?" Miasma said.
"Calm down, sir. We are still in a race." Ashe said before Miasma dropped her.
"You…!" Kagura said going into her Dare Drive before Saaya held her back. "Let me go! I'm gonna kill these freaks!"
"Please calm down sis, they're not worth the effort demon or not." Saaya said.
"If you do that, you would be labeled a criminal and immediately arrested." Ashe said. "Unlike you, we like to consider the consequences of sudden actions."
"Just what the hell do you want?" Aya asked crossing her arms. "Because I don't think you came here to just look down on us."
"We were just standing with you...inferior insects." Ashe said.
"Whatever." Aya said shrugging.
"So...we finally meet face to face...ice devil." a voice said behind David as Astaroth stood over him.
"About time, too, don't you think?" David asked.
"So you're the famous Astaroth huh?" Spade asked.
"Begone, being. I only have business with the Ice devil." Astaroth said.
"What, you want me to beg for mercy? If you really know me, you know I'm not that kind of guy." David said.
"No...I came to say that I will defeat you and raise morale for all demons." Astaroth said.
"So that's what this is about? Revenge for demonkind?" David asked.
"Quite the opposite. You are someone of power that I respect. By defeating you, I will climb the ranks and further my ascension to the seat of Demon Lord." Astaroth said.
"You and Miasma are quite the same in terms of motivation. Sometimes I tend to confuse you two for each other." David said. "The only difference being that you have honor, while he does not."
"True. That is why I have come to wish you luck." Astaroth said as he left.
"Hmm… Never really took him for that kind of guy." David said. "Then it seems, Miasma is the biggest enemy here."
"I have to agree with you, he might be a problem for you and the others on the track." Saaya said. "By the way, are you alright?"
"Yeah. Why do you ask?" David asked.
"Sorry. I just tend to worry over my friends, sometimes I can't help it." Saaya said as she fidgeted with her hands.
"I'll admit. Things are gonna be rough with all of these rivalries going around. But, where my team and I lack in strength, we make up for in willpower. That's one of our biggest assets." David said.
"Kinda like with Ace and us in a way." Saaya said. "Whenever we go through hard times, he's always there to support us, I'm sure he has supported you and friends when you met." She said.
"Yeah. He's got a lot of spunk, that guy." David said. "Kind of reminds me of me when I started out."
"Nah, not exactly. You've always kept a stable mind, no matter the circumstances." Sectonia said.
"I'm gonna contact Guy and Jago to see how Ace is doing." Saaya said as she walked away to contact Guy and Jago.
"Meanwhile, we have the biggest race of our lives to prepare for." Mayumi said. "Let's give this everything we've got!"
"Good luck, everybody!" Kagura said in broken english.
"We'll be praying for your safety." Azura said.
It wasn't long before all the racers entered the starting area and entered their mechs as they all approached the starting line.
"Racers...in honor of this being the final race, we will forego the strategy lap and proceed to our main event." Diablo said. "So...all ready...get set….take off!" he said as all of them rocketed out of the starting gate.
"And our racers are bolted out of the starting gate without a moment to spare. This is going to be exciting!" the announcer said. "Oh...and it looks like our feed is starting to cut out."
"Strange, the ability didn't kick in immediately." Sakura said.
"Meaning Marx's ability takes time to build up before its total block out. That's why he was always sent out first." Sting said.
"And it's gonna be happening soon. And when it does, its gonna be an all out beat down from Darkness Emperor." Indigo said.
"But we know these guys. They can handle this." Zelos said.
"That's right. We just gotta believe in em." Skull said before the feed totally cut out. "I hope."
"Hmm. Judging from the audience's reactions, the feed just cut out." Jexi said. "We were expecting this. Jack, try and keep ahead of us."
"On it." Jack said.
"Alright ladies. Just stay calm and whatever you do, do not drop your guard. We don't know what's gonna happen here." David said.
"It's too late. It's time for the shroud." Ashe said before ice shots hit his mech and sealed the vents. "What in the?"
"Ha! You think we're gonna fall for that again?" Cold said.
"Seems the same confusion tactic won't work. But with the feed out...we can still attack." Miasma said as his shadow started to grow as the beasts began to emerge.
"Here they come!" Leonora said.
"We have this!" Bathin said.
"Yes, we can take them out!" Maki said.
"Beasts...attack!" Miasma ordered as they went berserk and pounced as Bathin and Maki tried to protect their respective teams before both were overcome as their mechs were disabled.
"According to our radar, Bathin and Maki have been knocked out of the running." the announcer said. "22 remain."
"Sorry, everyone. We did what we could." Maki said.
"You did good, Maki. Leave the rest to us!" Harumi said.
"Come on! Come on!" Ashe said trying to get the ice to melt as it was slowly dripping.
"Okay...this should be far enough." Jack said aiming at Miasma. "Say goodnight." he said firing before one of the beasts knocked the shot away as it hit Alec's mech, taking it out. "Oops."
"Alec of Undead Party has crashed out." the announcer said.
"Jack's shot was deflected." Harumi said.
"Damn it. I can't get a clean shot with those damn beasts." Jack said.
"We have to do something about those beasts or we'll never take these guys out." Mayumi said.
"Wait, they're only doing this because Marx cut the feed out. So, if someone takes him out, Miasma will be forced to pull them back." David said.
"He's keeping close to the back of the pack. I'll slow down and try to charm him." Graci said.
"Graci… You sure about this?" Mayumi asked. "In that case, I'll handle Ashe."
Graci then started to slow down as she got close to Marx. "Hey, handsome. How about you just drop out, huh?" she said before seeing Marx turn his head as he blushed and shook. "What the?"
"Hahaha! You really think you can charm Marx? He's so anti-social even a small child gives him shivers." Ashe said.
"Shut up." Mayumi said as she punched Ashe's mech.
"You insolent little…" Ashe said.
"Are humans the ultimate species? Are demons? No! My adopted family taught me to love and care for others. Sayuri and Mr. Ishihara taught me discipline. Erza and Morrigan, their powers helped me fight. David and the others taught me about friendship and camaraderie. And Graci… She taught me to be confident in my abilities. They're all my friends!" Mayumi said as her mech started glowing purple and scarlet.
"What the… What's going on?" David asked.
"I don't know if you're seeing this folks, but Mayumi is starting to exude a powerful aura!" the announcer said.
"I have friends, and you don't! That's why...I won't lose!" Mayumi said as her mech let out a powerful aura.
"Not good." Ashe said before seeing one of his vents opened. "This is all or nothing. If I use my smoke with the flamethrower that was built into my mech...I can stop her before she starts." he thought aiming at her. "Burn in hell, girl!" He shouted.
"Take this!" Mayumi said charging at Ashe.
"Smoke and Fire combo!" Ashe said creating an explosion before him. "Ha! That will...what?" he said before seeing her gone. "Where'd she go?"
"Over here!" Mayumi said appearing behind him before landing a charged hit at Ashe.
"Damn you!" Ashe shouted before his mech broke down on the side.
"Ashe has crashed out of the race!" the announcer said.
"What was that aura?" Scott asked.
"She's an Enhanced, so this must be some sort of awakening." Erza said.
"An awakening. I never even thought we could even do that." Titanica said.
"Not even when you took out Byaku Shin single-handedly?" Ranma asked.
"Actually, I do remember a bit of a power increase during that time." Titanica said.
"That must've been something like it." Ramona said.
"Yeah. One of my defining moments." Titanica said.
"Interesting, you should tell us about it when you have the time." Stoj said as she read Brynhildr.
"Here comes a hit then!" Graci said charging at Marx who kept dodging and not fighting back. "Why won't you fight?"
"Marx is a pacifist. He's never fought anyone in his life." Miasma said. "One of the reasons he was selected as our third."
"Out of the way fool!" Cheetah shouted as she slashed apart Graci's mech. "He is my prey." she declared.
"Graci has been knocked out of the race." the announcer said.
"Geez, Cheetah's serious about this…" Captain Cold said before seeing Demons Blight advance in formation. "What are those guys waiting for? No biggie. If i take one of em out, they'll be on my resume as reformed!" he said advancing to Astaroth.
"Whoa! What is this?! Captain cold is going for Astaroth!" the announcer said.
"He's nuts!" Stoj said.
"No, he's bold." Jago said. "I should know how, I've dealt with my demons."
"Sorry pal, but you're goin on ice!" Captain cold said firing his freeze blaster at Astaroth.
"So you've gone from helping us to hindering. Pitiful." Astaroth said drawing his blade and slicing apart the ice and cold's mech before it collapsed.
"Captain Cold has been knocked out." the announcer said.
"Lord Astaroth, the longer we draw this out, the more these people will turn against one another." Zagan said.
"True. Zagan, I ask you to go after those trying to cause us problems. Specifically...take out Cheetah and Marx." Astaroth said.
"Of course. Here I come!" Zagan said charging at the two.
"Ivy!" Cheetah said.
"Of course." Ivy said firing seeds onto the track as they quickly grew into gigantic vines.
"I see. Trying to make plants dominant in this race. Unfortunately, that shall not be." Zagan said drawing an axe as he chopped through the vines with ease.
"Damn it." Cheetah said before seeing Sectonia come at her. "The perfect chance."
"Cheetah! We're supposed to team up for now, not turn against each other." Sectonia said.
"I made no agreement. And you came in time." Cheetah said grabbing Sectonia as a shield.
"Here comes….Hell's slice!" Zagan said swinging as the cut hit Sectonia and Marx.
"Sectonia and Marx have crashed out." the announcer said. "And the video has sudden returned and ...what is this?" he said as the shadow beasts were visual on the monitor.
"Hey, someone took out Marx! Everyone can see what Miasma's up to now!" Kazuichi said.
"We know. We heard the announcer, idiot." Sanji said.
"I can't believe this, folks! What you're witnessing on the track by Miasma is a display of pure savagery...that we are allowing?" the announcer said in shock.
"You didn't know because the feeds kept getting cut out." Tapu Bulu said.
"How can this be…? How could things turn out like this?" Miasma asked. "Well….my team is gone...my secret is out...there is no other choice….I must go all out!"
"Uh….did he just say all out?" Jack said.
"My lord! You mustn't!" Ashe said.
"I don't care about keeping up the appearance anymore. I will destroy everyone here!" Miasma said as the beasts began to converge on him as a sphere of darkness began to grow.
"What's going on…? Is he...transforming?" Mayumi asked.
"Forbidden Dark Art! True Shadow Beast!" Miasma said as the sphere took the form of a gigantic beast.
"This cannot be good!" Roy said.
"Ashe! What is going on?!" David demanded.
"Lord Miasma. While I pass him off as someone of arrogance. In truth he is the opposite...a cruel and evil individual who would kill all if I did not keep him in line." Ashe said.
"So that's why you used Marx's curse to your advantage, to conceal Miasma's true self!" Mayumi said.
"Part of it, yes. Though once my lord has unleashed this form...I'm afraid it's impossible to stop it. See...he does not have full control of it." Ashe said as it let out a gigantic roar.
"Impossible? Please… Have you seen the things we've fought?" David said. "If there's one thing I learned in all these travels...it's that nothing is impossible!"
"He's right. There's still a mech. I can just disable it with an EMP bomb from my mech." Dawn said trying to get close.
"No! Get away!" Ashe said as Dawn's mech sparked.
"Here it comes!" Dawn said before the beast smashed Dawn's mech against the wall like a fly.
"What? It's resistant to my bomb?!" Dawn said in shock.
"Dawn has crashed out! Undead Party is out!" the announcer said.
"This is not looking good." Jexi said. "That beast is something else entirely. We really do need to cooperate if we wanna knock it out."
"What? I'd soon take out Ishihara than work with him!" Cheetah said.
"This isn't the time to pick fights! He's right. If we want to take this guy down, we're going to have to work together!" David said.
"I would…" Cheetah said before Astaroth pointed a sword at her.
"Your choice. Cooperate or leave a disgrace." Astaroth said.
"Fine. But until the beast is slain." Cheetah said.
"I've just finished a scan of it. The beast doesn't have a solid form...buts its heart is Miasma. If we can get Miasma out...we might have a shot." Abby said.
"As strong as he is, most of us will end up as scapegoats just to create an opening." Rinea said.
"No...just me." Jack said as he fired at the beast, making it more angry. "We need to keep the beast busy while someone goes inside."
"Leonora...you are the only one here able to use light power. You have the highest chance of piercing through the beast, but there is also a high chance of damage to your mech." Abby said.
"If my sacrifice will save everyone here, that's a risk I'm willing to take!" Leonora said.
"Once the beast goes after Jack...that will be your chance." Abby said.
The beast roared as it leapt towards Jack.
"Now is the time!" Leonora said as her mech glowed as she lunged at the beast as it was landing at Jack. She pierced through as her mech was being attacked on the inside of the beast. As she passed through, she was surprised to see Miasma's mech in pieces as only he himself was floating inside the mass unconscious. "Miasma!" she said as she grabbed him. "There!" she said coming out as the beast collapsed as she crashed to the ground with Miasma in her mech's arms as her mech collapsed along side Jack's.
"Jack, Leonora and Miasma have crashed out. Darkness Emperors have all been defeated." the announcer said.
The beast soon dissipated into darkness leaving nothing behind but pieces of what was Miasma's mech.
"She really did it. She managed to pull it off." Harumi said.
"Yep. I'm proud of her. She really took one for the team." David said.
"But the event is not over yet." Mayumi said.
"That's true. Let's finish this thing." David said.
"Quite right." Cheetah said. "Our alliance has now ended...so…" Cheetah said lunging at David with claws out on her mech. Before a hit could land, Kabuki attempted to block only for her to be slashed apart.
"Kabuki has lost!" the announcer said.
"You…" Cheetah said.
"We are on opposite teams this time...but you will never touch my master." Kabuki said.
"Kabuki…" David said. "You don't need to say anything, Cheetah. I am fully aware of what this is about. I get it, you're mad at me because I took the chance to defeat Wonder Woman away from you. But I wasn't just going to sit by and watch as a new Regime would be formed to oppress the people again. I couldn't allow that to happen. There was no other way."
"So be it. Then you gave me enough justification...to claw out your eyes!" Cheetah said as she and David clashed.
"The perfect chance." Ivy said about to fire seeds before Jexi came and slugged her.
"Sorry, but this is a fight between David and a rival. I won't let you interfere." Jexi said.
"Fine. Then I suppose it's time you were dealt with." Ivy said making whips as she whipped at Jexi before he grabbed them.
"Sorry but it's about time you went!" Jexi said smashing her mech against the walls as it fell apart.
"Poison Ivy has dropped out." the announcer said.
"Go get her, brother!" Harumi said.
"Though while David and Cheetah battle it out, it appears the remains of team Valkyrie Maidens are trying to go for Astaroth." the announcer said.
"This was to be expected. Fine. Come at me!" Astaroth said wielding his sword.
"No...I shall face you!" Zagan said coming to his aid. "These maidens are not worthy of your power."
"In that case, it looks like it's time for some tag team!" Rinea said.
"Quite. Let's go, Rinea." Teresa said.
"Zagan, the witch is yours." Astaroth said as they split off.
"So, that's how it shall be." Rinea said as she engaged Zagan.
"I apologize for what happens next." Zagan said raising his axe high.
"We are sorry, as well." Rinea said as her mech starts to generate fire.
"Yaaahhhh!" Zagan shouted.
"Haaaa!" Rinea shouted as both attacks hit each other dead on, destroying both mechs.
"Rinea and Zagan have both dropped out." the announcer said.
"Zagan...your sacrifice will not be in vain." Astaroth said as Teresa came at him.
"You're finished, Astaroth!" Teresa said.
"Do not mock me." Astaroth said swinging his sword as Teresa's mech was sliced in half. "I am only allowed to lose to one person if the situation seems fit."
"Teresa is out. Valkyrie Maidens have been defeated." the announcer said.
"Looks like Astaroth is going to come after us now." Mayumi said.
"I'm still busy with Cheetah. Stall him." David said.
"Got it." Mayumi said. "If he manages to take me out, I'll leave the rest to you."
"Right." David said.
"This is where you meet your end, boy!" Cheetah said coming at David once more with her claws.
"I don't think so." David said. "About time I got some real fighting." he said drawing a sword as he blocked her claws.
"How dare you!" Cheetah said continuously attacking his blade.
"You won't defeat me...with moves like that!" David said swinging his blade, slicing Cheetah's mech diagonally as it fell apart.
"Cheetah has fallen. Reformed Society has been defeated." The announcer said.
"I will accept your further challenges anytime." David said as he went after Astaroth.
"It is about time." Astaroth said standing over Mayumi's defeated mech. "Now I can get a real challenge."
"Mayumi has been defeated." the announcer said. "Only 5 remain."
"I'm sorry. I did what I could." Mayumi said. "The rest is up to you now. Win this thing, and become champion!"
"Right! You can count on me!" David said.
"I have been patient. Now...we shall have our battle!" Astaroth said wielding his blade.
"I've been looking forward to this, too. Don't go disappointing me now!" David said.
"Funny...I was about to say the same about you." Astaroth said.
"Let's do this!" they both shouted as they clashed.
"Wow! I guess all Astaroth wanted was a challenge!" Akane said.
"As for Jexi and Abby…' Hope said as the two of them were clashing with Harumi.
"You really think you can beat us two-on-one?" Jexi asked.
"Indeed. Your chances are slim, Harumi." Abby said.
"Maybe. I may not be as strong as my brother, but I still have my family's fighting spirit!" Harumi said.
"Then I guess we'll have to restrain it." Jexi said going behind Harumi and restraining her mech. "Do it now, Abby!"
"You're gonna sacrifice yourself?" Harumi said.
"Eh...always next season." Jexi said.
"Here comes. Initiating Battle App!" Abby said as her body and mech filled with a fierce fighting spirit.
"This… This aura is…" Harumi said.
"Here comes...fierce fighting spirit!" Abby said delivering precise punches as they tore apart Harumi and Jexi's mechs as they fell to pieces.
"Harumi and Jexi have been defeated. Silent Blades are out!" the announcer said. "Its down to Abby, David and Astaroth!"
Meanwhile, David and Astaroth continued to clash blades with each other.
"Only three of us remain. Seems we really have dwindled down to the best." Astaroth said.
"Quite. I wouldn't want it any other way." David said.
"It's a shame all must end here." Astaroth said. "This is our final bout!" he said swinging his sword.
"Haaaaa!" David shouted as he swung his blade. Both stood on opposing ends of the track as the wind blew. It wasn't long before David and Astaroth's mechs both collapsed.
"We...both got hit? I've never seen this happen before." David said.
"Inconceivable." Astaroth said.
"Astaroth and David have fallen. Shining Ice and Demon's Blight are out. Leaving...Abby. The winner is...Team Rising Risks!" the announcer said.
"Wow. She got her surgery and won to celebrate it. Good for her." Driver said.
"Seems now we have a reason to meet again in the future." Astaroth said.
"Indeed. Honestly, this IGPX thing...was the most fun I've ever had." David said.
"Same here. Maybe we'll compete next season too." Astaroth said.
"That's not all guys. Remember, Abby won, so that means Rising Risk qualifies for the IG-2."
"Oh it is more than that." a voice said as Diablo stood over the audience. "Rising Risks...for winning the IG-3. I am going to give you a prize...a mandatory membership to Talent Corp."
"What?" Jexi said.
"Yes. The true reason I sponsored this race was for fresh talent. Talent I can use to replace my defeated Talented Twenty. Of course, joining means Jexi and Jack will have to disband their groups." Diablo said.
"And if we refuse?" Jexi asked.
"That is not an option." Diablo said raising a hand as Daisy's contract flew out of her arms and into his hand.
"How did you?" Jexi said.
"I made the contract. I can recall it." Diablo said. "Now come!"
"Stop!" a voice shouted as a small ship descended as the doors opened as a figure walked out.
"No...no way." Hope said as walking out was Makoto Naegi.
"I know you. You're the new headmaster of Hope's Peak." Diablo said.
"Diablo...I've come to ask you to stop. A source of mine from Central City has told me everything. Shut all of this down immediately." Makoto said.
"Sorry...but no. I've come too far." Diablo said.
"Fine...then I'll have to play by your school's rules. And initiate the most powerful of challenges." Makoto said.
"You want to declare a Talent War?" Diablo asked.
"Yes. You vs the Ultra Hero Alliance." Makoto said. "If they win, you lose all the contracts ever made, Talent Corp, God's Core...all of it!"
"But you have to give up something of equal value." Diablo said.
"I have one." Makoto said holding up a document. "This declares ownership of Hope's Peak. Win and it's yours. We have a wager or not?"
"It...is accepted. 3 days from now...Central City...at Talent Corp. We will begin our Talent War!" Diablo declared.
"Makoto, are you nuts?! There's no way we can go against Talent Corp! They're all superathletes!" Hope said.
"If I didn't have faith in all of you...I wouldn't have made such a wager." Makoto said.
"Makoto…" David said.
"You're...David Ishihara, right? I heard about you from the archives. I'm terribly sorry for what happened with Junko Enoshima." Makoto said.
"It's quite alright. It was because of that event that I became who I am now." David said.
"When this whole thing is over, would you like to come to Neo City? I'm sure the revived victims would want to see you all again." Makoto said.
"As flattering as that is...we aren't sure yet." Jexi said.
"I see. I suppose they can come on their own if able." Makoto said.
"We've got a long road ahead of us, so let's get moving. After all, it's not just the entire multiverse at stake anymore." David said.
"If we lose, everything will be lost. And Daisy will have no choice but to work for Diablo." Hope said. "But I can't let my family down again, Talent Royale, Talent War, bring it on! I'm in this thing for Daisy, and my family!" Hope said.
"Yes. It's time we brought an end to all of this. Our final battle. Us against the Hobbyists." Jexi said.
"What about you guys? You want to join in, too?" David asked the Spirit Force.
"You can count us in, David." A voice said as the sound of wings flapping were heard.
"Ace! You're feeling better!" Betty said.
"That's a hell of a way to make an entrance…" Josuke admitted.
"Yeah, things have changed in me. I'm sure you noticed." Ace said as he showed his transparent angel and devil wings before they disappeared.
"Glad you could come. We'll need all the help we can get." Ty said.
"Now that everything's settled, let's head out!" David said.
"Right…" Ace muttered with a troubled look.
Everything has now boiled down to its surprising conclusion. The final battle is about to begin! The climax of the Hobbyist Saga!
To be continued...in Dimensional Heroes Revolution: Talent War!