10 days after the Battle of Tiegenhoff, Imperial Strategic HQ…
"So, the threat of Zenos Road has ended…" Rerugen noted as he, Deputy Director Hans von Zettour and Deputy Chief Kurt von Rudersdorf sat with Tanya. "Not only that, but seeing as the events of the battle are nearly impossible to cover up, knowledge that the Empire is being supported by powerful allies has…cost the Federation some of its courage. With luck, they won't plan an attack like this again for some time."
"If that is the case, then we should press the advantage while we have it." Kurt suggested. "These allies of ours would allow us to sweep across the East effortlessly-"
"I'm afraid that's not possible, sir." Tanya spoke up, getting everyone's attention. "That army…it was there because Zenos was there. They are not here to win the war for us. They aren't loyal to us."
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense, as unfortunate as it is." Hans said. "Though, on the subject of loyalty…there is something we'd like to discuss: your request to continue acting as a liaison with the Mythos Hearts guild."
"As you're no doubt aware, this war is far from over." Kurt said. "And, to be blunt, the 203rd is the most effective mage unit we have."
"I'm honored you think that, sir." Tanya replied.
"Then you must also be aware that your battalion would be more useful on the front lines than venturing beyond our world?" Kurt pointed out. "We have a high opinion of you, major. So, why would you ask to stay where you are? Tell us the truth."
"...If you say so, sir." Tanya sighed. "Before reinforcements arrived, we were being overwhelmed at Tiegenhoff. We came within a hair's breadth of being defeated. After that, and looking at several factors, I've come to one, unavoidable conclusion: we are destined to lose this war."
"You're saying that we won't be able to defeat the Federation?" Hans asked.
"No. If it was just the Federation, we could win, grueling as it would be." Tanya said. "But the Federation isn't the only one we have to worry about. In the last battle, we encountered a multinational unit of mages. What's more, soldiers from the Unified States were participating in this."
"The U.S.?" Rerugen asked, the three men looking concerned. "You're saying that they may join in this war? How so? How do you know they would join a war happening across the ocean?"
"Because…it has happened before." Tanya said, pulling out a folder. "Reformed Society helped me to create this, on the condition that it would only be shared with the three of you."
"What is it?" Hans asked as he took the folder.
"That is a file on the history of a country much like our own, on a different world." Tanya explained. "It contains details on what happened during a great war they went through…and the aftermath of their defeat." she said, emphasizing the last word.
"Surely you're not suggesting that we'll suffer such a defeat because they did." Kurt questioned.
"Perhaps, perhaps not…but I urge you all to read that file carefully, and ask yourselves: is what's in there a future we want for the Empire?" Tanya asked.
The three men looked between each other, their eyes having an internal discussion before they turned back to Tanya. "Thank you, major. For the time being, we'll allow you to stay where you are…but depending on what's in this file, that may or may not change. For now, you're dismissed." Hans allowed.
"Thank you, sir." Tanya said, standing up and saluting. "I must be off. I have a celebration to get to, after all…"
Adventure Universe, Unified Divine Realm…
(Cue- Jump Around by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas)
"Cheers!" Most of the members of Mythos Hearts called as they clinked their mugs in celebration, filled with drinks.
As it so happened, a huge party was thrown for Zenos Road's defeat. It was held in the Unified Divine Realm, and appropriately so because Mythos Hearts were able to complete their mission at long last. And who decided it was a good idea to throw a party in the Realm of the Adventure Universe gods?
"Only you would think it a good idea to throw a big party in the Unified Divine Realm, Ethox." Mirror Match said.
"Don't judge, it's fitting! We've beaten Zenos road, and all the Gods and Godesses were so happy Zenos was finally gone, so they let it happen." Ethox said.
"Most of them, anyway." Mirror Match said. "As you can tell, Aqua could not re-enter the realm."
"Oh, right… she got disheveled from the realm thanks to Kazuma's request." Ethox remembered. "Where is she, anyway?"
"She's with Ainz and the others in Nazarick, since they are not exactly invited into the realm either." Mirror match explained.
"Well, I guess it would make sense. Their kind are not exactly the most affiliate with holy powers." Cheetah said.
"Same can be said for Simon too." Koenig said. "At least you were able to make it to the party, Yuri."
"Didn't think I'd be allowed to enter given my history." Yuri said.
"Whaddya mean?" Koenig asked.
"Well I am the Savage Mockingbird after all. There are a lot of things I've done and almost did in my past that I really can't let go of." Yuri said.
"True. But here and now in this moment, none of that matters. You helped us defeat Zenos, and you were there during the raid as well. I'd say you more than earned your place to celebrate here." Ethox said.
"I suppose that's true." Yuri said. "Though I can tell after this, there's something big in store on the horizon. That mysterious girl and bracelet that Byleth mentioned has me intrigued."
"Hold on. Did this girl happen to have red and blue hair, cut down the middle?" Cheetah asked.
"From what Byleth said, she did. I suppose that means you have interesting info about her?" Yuri asked.
"Could the rumors be true after all?" Cheetah asked.
"Rumors?" Yuri asked.
"Ah, never mind. I won't know for sure unless I see her for myself." Cheetah said.
"I see. I suppose I'd better let the rest of my team know later as well." Yuri said.
As the celebration continued, Rista soon appeared in the festivities, although she wasn't looking so happy.
"Hey, there's our accomplished goddess! How'd it go earlier, did the Gods and Goddesses acknowledge you as a true Goddess of Healing?" Ethox asked.
"...They congratulated me on finally having my hero defeat the Demon Lord…" Rista sighed. "But…since it took so long, they decided that I wasn't qualified to become a high level goddess yet. So now I've gotta find another S-Class world to save."
"Just being able to find one is a task and a half in and of itself." Valfor said.
"Ah, don't worry Rissy, you'll get there one day." Ethox smiled.
"Yeah. If you can survive two years with us, an S-Class world will be easy." Kazuma snarked.
"Very funny!" Rista said.
"Have the higher ups at least still permitted you to stay with us in the guild?" Megumin asked.
"Actually that's what I was getting to!" Rista suddenly smiled. "Ishtar thinks that it's a great idea for me and Aqua to stay with the guild. Two young goddesses like us could learn a lot from living alongside and interacting with regular people… well, as regular as the guild gets."
"So you're stuck with us." Kazuma said.
"Ha, pretty much." Rista said good-naturedly.
"Speaking of staying with us…Seiya, you said you were only going to stay until Zenos Road was defeated for good." Tanya recalled. "Does that ultimatum still stand?"
"Yeah, it still does. My job's done, so I'm leaving the team…" Seiya said.
"What?! After everything we've been through, I thought you could've at least changed your mind, and-!" Ethox rambled.
"...'s active roster." Seiya finished.
"Huh?" Ethox asked.
"I'm still gonna be part of the guild. But I'm goin' solo." Seiya said. "After Zenos got beat, my stats reset. I gotta train back up."
"For what, may I ask?" Mirror Match said.
"I've got unfinished business in Ixphoria." Seiya said. "Soon as I'm ready, I'll see what I can do to get there and save it for real. Show Ultimaeus I'm not the same guy he took out the first time."
"That sounds like a great plan, Seiya." Michiru smiled at the idea, having seen Seiya's past for herself. "It's a great way to redeem yourself."
"It might take a whole lot of time to train up though. Ixphoria, since Ultimaeus defeated Seiya, has become an SS-Class world. One even more deadly and dangerous than Gaeabrande." Ariadoa mentioned, coming up.
"And Seiya's not gonna have the luxury of training in the Divine Realm after this party. Where exactly are you gonna get ready for it?" Ethox asked the Cautious Hero.
"The only place with a higher level of power: Tempest." Seiya answered.
"Wait, that close? Hey, that's great! We can come visit you every once in a while!" Ultra pointed out.
"One question, did you bring this up with Rimiru?" Nemo asked. "I mean, I know the guy's chill about his turf if you're not attacking, but…"
"Don't worry, we talked. He's cool with me crashing in his town." Seiya said.
"...and of course you and him spoke already." Rista said. "But still, if you're planning to go back to Ixphoria one day, I hope I get assigned to it. Because if I do… you're going to be who I choose as its hero." she smiled.
In response, Seiya flashed a rare smile back at her. "You stay safe out there, okay? I've managed to save you this time…so don't mess it all up by getting yourself killed."
"I'm the one who should be telling you that." Rista laughed. A moment passed, before she went over and hugged Seiya. "Good luck out there, Seiya."
"Thanks…Tiana." Seiya responded, returning the hug.
Ethox watched, before he smiled. "Group hug!" he declared.
"Wait, hold on-" Seiya started before most of the group members rushed over and joined the hug. "Dammit, I did not agree to this!"
"Getting squished here…!" Rista gagged.
"And so it goes that we have finally defeated all of our targets." Koren said. "With Zenos Road defeated, we have now defeated all of the targets identified by Luffy on Onigashima, as he promised."
"It's almost like the journey's ending." Poison Ivy said.
"Or maybe a new one is just beginning." Zamazenta said. "For Mythos Hearts, and the rest of us."
"Yup. but for now after this party, I think the guild's gonna get a break. Kazuma's taking Subaru on a real vacation, the others are gonna relax, and best of all, Tanya's away from the front lines again." Captain Cold said.
"I wouldn't jinx 'er, Len. You know how she always gets her luck reversed just when she thinks she's beaten 'ol X." Yangus said.
"Yangus is right. That girl is never truly out of the fighting for long." Esmeralda said.
"You're right. But hey, she's filled out applications to be at the rear to do research on combined battle tactics. What's the worst that could happen?" Captain Cold asked.
"Whoa, Cap. Be careful, because as soon as you say that…" Rayleigh started.
In the Time of Two months Later on Tanya's world…
"Any objections?"
"None at all. All the research will be quiet useful. And there's no person more qualified to lead it."
"Very well. Major Degurechaff will be given command of the experimental kampfgruppe: Salamander. They'll see test uses on other worlds before being deployed here. Rest assured, we won't let the fate of alternate nations be our own…"
"...the universe accepts those challenges."
Reformed Society watched as Rista opened a portal to the world Tempest was on.
"Let us know when you get settled, will you?" Mirror Match asked. "And do try to keep your cautious nature at a reasonable degree."
"No promises." Seiya said. "I'll see you guys later."
Ethox then hugged Seiya. "Good bye! Have a good time at Tempest!"
With that, Seiya, Masakado Black strapped to his back, walked through the portal to begin his training.
"Well, there goes our powerhouse…" Kazuma remarked.
"Ah, we'll be fine." Ethox assured. "Now then…who's up for heading back to the guild and seeing if there's any quests on the board? I don't know about you guys…but I'm up for an adventure!"
"Yeah!" the Fatebreakers agreed as they headed off, eager to see what the future held.
(Credit Song: Hologram - SiD)
Fatebreakers: Zenos Road Saga
END
Post-Credit Scene 1:
On the Galaxy King, a girl laid on a bed in the medical wing, unresponsive to the world. Upon her finger, a ring began to glow.
Post-Credit Scene 2:
"We've just gotten a report, sir. The 203rd and their allies have disappeared once again." a soldier spoke to Drake somewhere in the Commonwealth. "It's just like last time…"
"Well, that's some good news at least." Drake sighed. "With luck, we won't run into them for a long, long time."
"Um…sir?" Vivi asked, walking up to her commanding officer. "How's…?"
"Warrant Officer Sioux is recovering. The White Silver almost killed her." Drake responded before he let out another sigh. "I knew she wouldn't have just thrown away her grudge that easily. Damn it…I can't even send her home, thanks to her magic levels."
Another soldier then ran up, looking perplexed. "Sir? We…have…visitors." they said.
"Great, what now-?" Drake started to ask before more people entered, their appearance causing him to widen his eyes in confusion:
They certainly had the air of soldiers, but they wore uniforms unlike any Drake had ever seen. They were black, with orange, glowing lines contrasting. However, it was the man they were flanking that stood out the most. A man in white robes, with his face hidden by a golden mask, with spikes at the top that made it resemble a sun.
"Pardon the intrusion." the man said in a cold voice.
"This is a secured military outpost. You don't have authorization to-" Drake started.
"The Morningstar trumps all authority." the man stated calmly. "I am not here to destroy you. I am here…to offer you a way to ensure your survival."
"...What are you talking about?" Drake asked.
"You saw, yes? How the girl was nearly killed by the Devil of the Rhine?" The Morningstar said. "I can give her power. Power that will allow her to stand against those from other worlds. The same, of course, applies to the rest of you."
"Other worlds?" Drake asked. "Who…are you?"
"We are without number. Without end." The Morningstar stated. "We…are L.E.G.I.O.N."
To be continued…
