After gathering allies, stopping the weapons caravan, and meeting with Rai Mei, it was finally time to put an end to Mugen's reign and free Ku from his grasp. Hikari and the Brave Adventurers stood on top of the hill that looked over the kingdom.
"Home at last. With my friends at my back." Hikari said before looking at a note that was written by Kazan.
The moment ripens.
The eagle invites his friends to partake.
Come to Ku, where the feast awaits.
"It seems all the preparations have been made… We must depart at once." Hikari said.
"Yeah. Time to finish this." David said.
The group then headed down as they saw Kazan waiting for them.
"Kazan…" Hikari said.
"The moment is at hand, my friends. I've brought allies. Behold the heroes of Ku." Kazan said as everyone looked to see many citizens of Ku, including Zeto and the Gladiators.
"Lord Hikari…"
"My prince…"
"Where did…?" Hikari asked.
"They've all gathered under your banner, my prince… Secretly, of course." Kazan said.
"Your bravery is much appreciated." Hikari said.
"We said our lives were yours, Brothers and Sisters, and we're as good as our word. If you all will have us, that is." Zeto said.
"Gladly, Zeto. It shall be an honor to fight by your side." Hikari said.
"My prince!" a voice called as Hikari ran over.
"That voice…" Hikari said as a bald man wearing a combat outfit dashed in with spear in hand.
"It appears time has treated you well!" the man said.
"Benkei? You're alive!" Hikari said.
"It's good to see you managed to survive." David said with a bow.
"I told you Mugen's rabble would not beat me." Benkei said.
"Thanks to kind souls from our neighbor, Benkei was able to flee the battle and nurse his wounds." Kazan explained.
"I never thought we'd fight together again." Hikari said.
"Nor did I, my prince. Lord Jigo would surely smile at our reunion." Benkei said.
"Our numbers grow. However, there is one who speaks volumes by her absence." Kazan said.
"Rai Mei will come. Have faith, Kazan." Hikari said.
"Heh. As you say, my prince." Kazan said before they all turned to their army. "Then we are ready at last. Every piece carefully in its place. We march for Castle Ku. A fortress that has stood impregnable for centuries. Countless legions have thrown their bodies against its walls, only to be buried underneath them."
"How would the eagle find purchase?" Hikari asked.
"Nothing elegant: we storm the front gates." Kazan said.
"The front gates? I hope you've thought this through." Hikari said.
"It's quite fine. With the additions of our forces, we have the manpower to manage the assault." Leopardmon said. "Besides, the front gates are the weakest point. Isn't that right, Kazan?"
"Indeed they are." Kazan answered.
"What? They've not been breached once in all of our history." Hikari said.
"And that pride is precisely why they're weak. The fewest number of guards will be stationed there. The vast majority of soldiers are stationed at the obvious flaws. They're bait." Kazan said.
"Bait?" Hikari asked.
"Yes, attacking those points would only doom us all. Our best chance is a full-frontal assault." David said.
"But how are we going to breach the gates? We don't have any battering rams or explosives." Rinwell said.
"True. But we do have the desert itself on our side." Leopardmon said.
"What exactly do you mean, Leopardmon?" HIkari asked.
"Come with me, my prince." Kazan said, leading Hikari to the top of a cliffside where the young prince felt the blowing of fierce winds.
"Wha-?! The wind is howling!" Hikari said.
"'The Valley of Sandstorms,' they call it. Wind from this region is funneled into this pass. At one end we've stacked rocks to keep the wind from escaping. I've delved into the records of this region's weather. At present, strong currents from the eastern sea flow into the valley." Kazan explained. "What do you think will happen when those frigid winds are finally given release? A storm will sweep across the land. One powerful enough to force a gate open."
"That sounds a little too good to be true. You trying to manipulate the winds themselves?" Trish asked.
"Well, Zhuge Liang was able to do it at Chi Bi. It could work here." Leopardmon said.
"And did you forget who youre talking to? The Eagle of Ku is not bound by myth- he makes it." Kazan said. "Lead your forces to the castle. As you approach its gates, take shelter behind something large. After the storm cuts a path forward, follow in its wake like the desert sands."
"We will. We put our utmost faith in you, Kazan." Hikari said before walking up near the edge as he looked at the castle.
"Good. The time has come, my prince. Your destiny awaits." Kazan said.
It was not long before the the plan commenced in all its intricacy. With Hikari and the Brave Adventurers in position alongside Zeto, Benkei and the Gladiators, Kazan then signaled for the rock barrier to be demolished, which was done swiftly. As soon as it was taken down, the howling winds from the sea were released, whipping up three mighty sandstorms that made their way to Ku's front gates, demolishing them in mere seconds.
"The storm has opened the way!" Hikari said. "Fight only those who draw their swords! We're here for Mugen! Now go forward, pride of the sands!"
(Cue: Apex of the World- Fire Emblem Three Houses)
Hikari's army charged forth towards Ku's demolished gates, The Brave Adventuers close to them as Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude flew alongside them.
"Demolishing Ku's front gates using a sandstorm… Kazan is quite the tactician indeed." Dimitri said.
"Yeah, you said it Dimitri. I don't think I could've come up with a strategy like that." Claude added.
"So, you admit Kazan is the better strategist out of the both of you?" Edelgard teased.
"I'd say so. Compared to Leopardmon, half of Claude's strategies warrant any caution." Dimitri said.
"Hey, my strategies are at least a third less risky than most." Claude said.
"You…do know a third is less than half, right?" David asked.
"We are entering the Castle town!" Benkei said.
"We'll finish this later, okay? Let's focus on Mugen." Claude said.
"Indeed. Time we brought down the false king for good." Edelgard said.
Hikari and the Brave Adventurers blitzed through the castle town as the army they gathered covered their backs and cleared the way. They were nearly to the steps that lead into the palace, but suddenly…
"Hikari, watch out!" Craniamon said as he took an arrow for Hikari. "Don't worry, this is nothing."
"Are you sure?" Hikari asked.
"Among the Royal Knights, I am known for my defenses. This won't be an issue." Craniamon said.
"No, but I'm pretty sure they will." Claude said as troopers surrounded them, as a man in black and gold robes with a ponytail stepped out of the palace.
"We remember you for our first trip. You're…Ageha." David said.
"Prince Hikari, you and your friends arrived just in time. You rats have fallen straight into our trap… Lay down your arms and surrender." Ageha said.
"I don't think so. I don't feel trapped. Do you guys?" David asked.
"Nope." Rantaro said.
"In fact, we're exactly where we want to be. Time for Phase 2 of Kazan's strategy." Leopardmon said.
"Phase 2?" Ageha asked.
"That's right, Ageha. We're not trapped in here with you… You're trapped in here with us!" David said.
"Now, Hikari! The Bell of Dawn, just like Kazan told you!" Omnimon said.
"Yes. This bell heralds your defeat!" Hikari said as he struck it, causing it to ring as the sound of lightning struck nearby as Rai Mei arrived with her soldiers.
"Listen well, tyrants of Ku! Clan Mei casts off your iron fist! We will stand by Hikari and his friends' sides and see King Mugen toppled from the throne!" Rai Mei declared.
"I told you guys she'd come." David said.
"Never doubted her for a second." Claude smiled.
"Rai Mei!" Hikari said.
"Apologies for the delay, my friend. I was afraid…but no longer! I won't leave your side again. On the honor of Clan Mei, I pledge my spear to the new king and his allies!" Rai Mei said. "We are the pride of the sands! Watch us dance in the wind! My spear shall pierce the heavens… And bring their judgment down upon my enemies!"
With one good thrust, Rai Mei cut through a few soldiers and took them down with one strike.
"I'll handle Ageha. All of you, go on ahead!" Rai Mei said..
"Don't be so certain…" Ageha said as he and Rai Mei clashed.
"There is nothing we cannot achieve so long as we remain defiant before fear. No matter the obstacle before me. I will not shrink from it. You and your friends gave me that courage, Hikari." Rai Mei said.
"I couldn't have said it better, Rai Mei." Leopardmon said. "Get going, David. We'll handle things here."
"Are you certain. Leopardmon? We will need all the manpower we can spare." David said.
"For centuries, the Royal Knights have lived by a creed to defend the peace of all worlds. You and Sachiko were the ones that reminded us that, back when Theodore brainwashed us. When we went to that Redux in Ylisse, you did everything you could to defy our fates and ensure that we still get a chance to live. Now, it is our turn to return the favor." Leopardmon said.
"We'll help Rai Mei keep Ageha busy here. The rest of you, go with Hikari to take down Mugen and end his reign." Crusadermon said. "You can trust my word, right Sachiko?"
"Of course I do. Since we met in Tokyo, I have always trusted your judgment. I know it's pointless to say this, but… Don't die on us." Sachiko said. "Our summer vacation would be much duller without all of you."
"We won't die, Sachiko." Crusadermon said as Hikari and the rest of the Brave Adventurers dashed into the castle. "I know that for a fact."
As the group ascended up the stairs to the throne room, they found it blocked by none other than Ritsu.
"So, you've all come at last." Ritsu said.
"I had a feeling we'd run into you again, Ritsu." David said.
"From your new attire, its clear to us you've been promoted again. I'd say General, if I'm not mistaken." Alphen said.
"Impressed? Reckon none of you thought I'd be general." Ritsu said.
"You're still hopped up about recognition and whatnot? Hmph. So typical of you." David said.
"Must you stand in our way only because of rising the ranks?" Edelgard asked.
"What am I standing in the way of again? Salvation? Don't make me laugh. All of Hikari's talk about changing the country is just empty words. All that matters is what you can hold in your hands. Its as simple as that, and that's why I can't let any of you pass. That's the path I've chosen to walk."
"How sad. So consumed by your own ego you do not see the forest from the trees." Revali said. "Was I really this insufferable when I first met you all?"
"No, Revali. I don't think you were as bad as this guy." David said. "At least you could back up your talk."
"Ritsu, when we first began this journey, at the time before you defected, we could've walked the same path. And you could still again. But, if you don't step aside, then we will come to blows." Hikari said as he drew his sword.
"Then come, Hikari!" Ritsu said as everyone drew their weapons.
"Is there really no other way? We really have to fight Ritsu?" Sachiko asked.
"Ritsu is so consumed by his own desire for recognition, that he doesn't seem to realize what Mugen is doing to him. We'll have to put him out of his misery. Say, Miu… Do bows still have an effect on him?" Revali asked.
"Yes, I believe they should." Miu said.
"Then would it be alright of you let me handle this one? You'll need your energies for Mugen." Revali said.
"Alright, we'll leave Ritsu to you." Alphen said as they rushed past Ritsu and through the doors.
"Get back here!" Ritsu said, trying to block their path, but Revali cut him off with a rain of arrows.
"Your fight is with me, Ritsu!" Revali said.
"Fine. I'll clip your wings first!" Ritsu said.
Ritsu and Revali engaged in a fierce exchange of sword and arrows, Revali dodging the strikes of Ritsu's katana as he sayed in the air before the two faced off.
"I know you and your friends wish to help Hikari charge this country, Revali… but first I ask: what do you really know about Ku? The country where we lived off the castoffs of our betters. Have you ever felt the misery that pitiful existence leaves us with?" Ritsu asked.
"Somewhat. Among Hyrule's champions, I was the only one that wasn't of a royal bloodline. I had to start from the bottom and claw my way up." Revali said. "Princess Zelda still chose me as a champion, and I carried that title with pride. I'll admit, like you, I do have some problems with my ego. But at least I do not let it control me to where I fight blindly for the wrong side."
"You're just like Hikari… I don't take kindly to anyone looking down on me. You should know that!" Ritsu said, swinging his Katana, but missing as Revali flew into the air as he drew three Fire Arrows. He then fired them off as they all hit Ritsu, capitalizing on his other weakness to fire. He then pelted the General with a multitude of normal, fire and bomb arrows, as Ritsu was battered.
"Damn you, Hikari and your friends, Revali… DAMN YOU! I spent so much time…sacrified so much to get where I am… how is it you're all still better than me?" Ritsu asked.
"We're not, Ritsu. We simply follow the ideals we strive for, and our opposing views create a gap that blinds you. But it's not too late. Cease your attack on me and join Hikari's side again. Together, you can help him create his dream for Ku!" Revali said.
"You're still doing it… all of you are…you're all pitying me! I spit on your pity! The powerless will always be stepped on by the strong! You have to lift their boots off you with your own hands! You think your 'friends' care about you? That's all lies! Strength is all that matters!" Ritsu said. "I have to kill you, Hikari, and all of your comrades. I have to reach the end of this path."
"Strength is all that matters, you say? That way of thinking is simply…asinine." Revali said. "Honestly, I'm glad I didn't end up like you."
"Stop talking and fight!" Ritsu said, charging in recklessly to attack Revali with a powerful blow. That was a big mistake.
"That was your last mistake. Forgive me, but unlike that one night in Ku when Hikari spared your life… I won't be so lenient." Revali said, evading Ritsu's Sandstorm Slash and flying high into the air, using a combination of Revali's Gale and the wind from Ritsu's attack to propel him upwards.
"What?! He used my own move to gain momentum?!" Ritsu asked in shock.
"What did you expect? I am the Rito Champion of Old!" Revali said as he notched one final arrow and let it fly, it piercing right though Ritsu's chest and through his heart.
Ritsu clutched his chest and kneeled on the ground in mortal pain. "Mikka… forgive me…"
"So, you had a sibling. I'm sorry she will lose you this day, but your blind ambition led you to this fate." Revali said.
"No apologies needed… you've opened my eyes. Hikari was right all along, it seems…." Ritsu groaned. "Give to him these last words from me…."
"I am listening, Ritsu." Revali said.
"He…he always… shone so brightly…a… a beacon to everyone around him… I know.. Because I've followed him… for so long… damn it…" Ritsu said. "Tell him.. To change Ku. Create a world… where Mikka... Can be happy…" He said before falling to his knees, dead.
"Don't worry, Ritsu. On my honor as Champion of the Rito, I will see to it that Ku ushers in a new age." Revali said as he looks past the door. "My friends… The rest, I will leave to you. I must give Ritsu a proper burial."
It wasn't long before Hikari, David and the rest of the Brave Adventurers reached the throne room, and came face to face with Mugen himself.
"There you are, Brother." Mugen said. "You and your allies did well to cut through my men. Your strength belies your sullied birth."
"Mugen…" Hikari said before he and their others drew their weapons.
(Cue: In Pursuit of Kingship ~ When Determination Strikes- Tales of Vesperia)
"Your lust for power has caused too much pain. No more." Hikari said.
"Absurd. Your corpses shall rot along with the rest of them." Mugen said as he drew a large sword. "Be honored that your deaths will feed the glory of Clan Ku."
"I think not, Mugen. Throughout our travels, we have seen what power does to people. The lives that they have impacted." David said. "That is why we will be the ones who will strike you down, and put an end to this era of chaos that you yourself have wrought."
"You are but a lowborn mercenary born from a land unknown. What could you possibly know about Ku's strife?" Mugen asked.
"More than enough to know that you will only sow chaos and destruction if left unchecked. That is why we will earn our keep by helping Prince Hikari ascend to the throne he so rightfully deserves." David said. "The Royal Knights, Revali… They all stayed behind so we can reach this moment. We will not let their bravery go to waste!"
Mugen growled before swinging his blade in challenge to Hikari and the Brave Adventurers. The final battle for the throne of Ku had begun!
Demon King of Ku
Mugen
"Tell me, young one. Your eyes shine like Hikari's. What world do you desire?" Mugen asked.
"A world where all beings, regardless of species, have a chance at peace." David said.
"Such a world is impossible. Nothing more than a self-indulgent pipedream." Mugen said.
"Maybe so. In the end, it's up to the people themselves how long the peace will last. But I know it'll be a reality one day. If not in my lifetime, then someone else will carry the torch in my will." David said.
"...Sentimental fool." Mugen said.
"Well, you can't blame me, can you? After all… I am technically still human. It's in our nature to dream big." David said.
"...I will admit one thing. Your conviction is admirable." Mugen said. "But you and your comrades will pay for that folly on the road to Hell. Come!"
Mugen strode forth and brought his giant blade down upon the group, but it was blocked by Alphen. With a grunt of his own, he pushed it back as he parried more of his giant slashes. As he did that Shionne flanked Mugen and used her rifle to fire multiple shots. Mugen deflected them all before he left himself wide open.
"He's open, lets hit him with some magic!" Himko said.
"Himiko, Rinwell! He's weak to Lighting and Light Magic!" Miu said.
"Perfect for us! Arcthunder!" Himiko said, casting a lightning spell.
"Far beyond the darkest skies, I call upon thee!" Rinwell chanted. "Shooting Star!" she called as a black sphere with a golden glow descended upon Mugen.
"A feeble attack. I can easily evade such a slow moving spell!" Mugen said.
"Maybe when you're moving!" Miu said, summoning her axe legion to clash with Mugen. After a brief struggle, the Axe Legion knocked Mugen off balance and then knocked him into Rinwell's spell just as it exploded, dealing massive damage to him.
Hikari rushed in to attack Mugen while he was off guard, but he was too slow as Mugen met his katana with his blade. He was then pushed back as he narrowly avoided a slash that would've cleaved him in two, but he was blown back nevertheless.
"Weakling… A child could best you." Mugen said.
"This isn't over… My allies…my allies give me strength." Hikari said as Mugen laughed.
"Strength? Strength?! Strength is to exert your will upon others. To make them bend to it. Or break. What do you, or any of your comrades know of strength?! To see your enemy bleed! To make them know their place as your blade runs them through! Today, all of you will know yours!"
"You're wrong, Mugen. We don't need you to teach us about your strength. We already have ours!" David said.
"He's gonna change his stance soon, David. Get ready!" Miu said.
Mugen then blew everyone back with a powerful slash, before he changed his stance.
"His stance is leaving no openings!" Shionne said.
"His weaknesses have been changed too." Miu said.
"Don't worry, I got it!" David said as he changed into Sapphire God: The Honorable and charged at Mugen.
"You got this, David! Mugen's now weak to sword attacks and ice magic! If you can just hit one good blow on him, he'll be down for awhile!" Miu said.
"Roger. I'm comin' at ya!" David said as he drew his blade and clashed with Mugen.
"You fight well…for someone who was brought to this world by that fool of a storyteller." Mugen said.
"So, you've heard about him. Guess the cat's out of the bag now." David said.
"This continent used to be a part of the Adventure Universe, just as Orsterra once was. But, fearing the consequences of our continents being a part of the universe, we were sealed off from the rest of the universe. The higher powers feared what would happen if I lead clan Ku on a conquest beyond this continent. They may have stopped me by separating our worlds, but I won't relent!" Mugen said. "You're welcome to stop me if you dare, but you will not topple me, the great Mugen!"
"Humdreds like you have said the same thing, all fell at my feet when all was said and done. You too will share their fate." David said.
"Then allow me to prove you wrong! Strike me down if you can, for I will do the same!" Mugen said, breaking the clash and prepared to slice David in half. Just when it looked like it did, it was revealed to be an afterimage.
"Too slow!" David said as he came at Mugen with a flurry of slashes.
"Impossible… you can't be this strong…!" Mugen said in disbelief as he was left wide open.
"What can I say. I'm an enigma. I'm full of surprises." David said as his blade glows blue. "Haven't used this in a while. Sapphire God's Secret Art: Radiant Hawk!" he said as he slashed the air, an icy blue hawk emerging from it as it flew at Mugen.
The attack hit him dead on, causing big damage and halting his assault.
(Song fade)
"Gh…! Why…?" Mugen asked in pain.
"It's over, Mugen." Hikari said.
"I wont lose to those of such low birth…especially you, Hikari! Clan Ku is proud, and was made great by its forebears, who crushed their foes to dust… but our father tarnished himself with the company of a commonoer. That wretched woman corrupted him, her compassion infected him, and the light of her bloodline lives on through you…" Mugen said. "Her clan had once, long ago, attempted to save the world. To deliver it from the Shadow."
"The Shadow…?" Hikari asked. "David…do you remember what Connor warned us about? On the voyage to Stormhail?"
"I sure did." David said.
"Perhaps he is right, and there is a threat even bigger than Mugen on the horizon-" Hikari started.
"Hikari…"
Suddenly, darkness started flowing from Hikari.
"Damn it. This again?" David asked as he reverted.
"What? It speaks to you?" Mugen asked.
"No. But I am somehow able to sense him." David said.
In front of Hikari's eyes, his dark self soon manifested, right in front of Mugen.
"Hikari… take his head. Show him that your bloodline is the only one worthy to rule. The strong prevail, and the weak are struck from the pages of history. Such is the nature of the world, right?" Dark Hikari asked.
"Go away. You're not wanted here." Hikari said.
"Come now, Hikari, It's time we decide which of us is worthy to carry on. Which of us is worthy to bear our name!" Dark Hikari said.
"No… Today… Today I end this accursed blood feud!" Hikari said.
With that, Hikari challenged the darkness inside him to a duel, just him against himself. The two were evenly matched, but Hikari was able to gain the advantage… until Dark Hikari stopped fighting fair and proceeded to take over Hikaris body by force when his guard was down.
"Stop it. Don't you dare do it!" David said. "Hikari isn't like you. I know this for a fact."
"Hehehe… its pointless for him to resist… Today, Hikari becomes me!" Dark Hikari laughed manically from within Hikari's body.
"No. He is still in there. I know it. He will not surrender to you." David said.
"Hikari! Remember your friends, what they've said to you! And don't forget, we're behind your dream too!" Alphen said.
With that, Hikari soon remembered Kazan and Rai Mei's words to him. And even Ritsu came before him in spirit to encourage him. With that, Hikari was able to move again and purge Dark Hikari from his body.
"What..? Im…possible… beaten.. By this whelp…?!" Dark Hikari asked in disbelief.
"Attaboy. I knew you could do it!" David said.
"I was weak before… but I'm not alone. I wont cower in fear anymore. Not from you." Hikari declared as he rushed in and delivered a mighty slash that defeated his dark self once and for all.
"Hehehe… don't forget Hikari…. I'll always be watching over your shoulder. Waiting…" Dark Hikari said before he faded away.
"Farewell, impostor." Hikari said.
"You conquered it..? You, the shame of our bloodline… how?" Mugen said.
"It's over, Mugen. Surrender the throne to Hikari, or this ends badly for you." Edelgard said.
"Silence, you fool. You proud, arrogant fools! I have not been defeated yet!" Mugen said before drawing a strangely shaped sword that was radiating with darkness.
"What is that?" Sachiko said.
"The Darkblood Blade…?! He would go this far?!" Raine said.
"Raine, what's wrong? You know this blade?" David asked.
"It's a forbidden item, which Ku keeps hidden away. It's cursed with dark magic, but no one is crazy enough to wield it, because the dark magic inside is impossible to control." Raine said.
"You underestimate me, half-elf! I will be able to use it! The Darkblood Blade shall…give me power!" Mugen said as the blade itself pulsed with dark energy. "The power to crush my foes… To enshroud the world in darkness! Behold…my strength…and kneel!" he said before it enshrouded him as he screamed.
"He's transforming. Get ready, everyone!" David said.
When the dark miasma died down, Mugen reappeared as a large, six armed demonic asura being clad in his own armor. In each of his hands, he carried different weapons. the Dark Bloodblade in the middle right, a staff on the upper right, a knife on the lower right, a spear on the upper left, an axe on the middle left, and a bow on the lower left.
"Quench the flames… Call out to the night…" the Enshrouded King said.
"He's been consumed entirely." Hikari said.
"It's similar to how those without crests would become Demonic Beasts if they were foolish enough to wield a Hero's Relic." Dimitri said.
(Cue: The Journey for Kingship Ends - Octopath Traveler 2)
"Even so, we will allow him no quarter. One way or the other, we fight for the final time, Brother." Hikari said.
Demon King Consumed in Shadow
The Enshrouded King
"Quench the flames… Call out to the night…" the Enshrouded King repeated.
"If he wasn't a demon before, he is one now." Claude said. "But this won't be a problem, for you. Will it, David?"
"Yep. No problem at all." David smirked as he put on the Bracelet of The Three Houses.
"He's now weak to swords, spears, bows, staves, lightning, and wind!" Miu said.
"We will break his defenses. David, when the time is right, engage with the emblem bracelet and strike him with all your might!" Hikari said.
"Got it." David said.
"Look out!" Himiko called out as David was knocked back with the bracelet sliding off his arm.
"No!" David said as some debris blocked him off.
"I saw you on the desert plains…" the shrouded king said. "Better to keep you from transforming than trying to get an edge."
"So he learned…" Hikari said.
"Now…let's end this quickly…" the Enshrouded King said, preparing to lop David's head off as time seemed to stop for a moment.
"Huh?" David said.
"Well…seems you got yourself into a situation there." a voice echoed. "Honestly, you're not quite as Drafendi described you to be."
"Drafendi? Who are you?" David asked.
"Right. Should probably do this properly. I'm known as the Thunderblade…but Brand is fine." the voice said.
"Brand? Wait, I know that name!" David said.
"You should. I'm one of the gods who helped you and your friends in the last world." Brand said. "Well, I only helped the kid with the brown hair and scarf but you get the idea."
"I see. So you were the one Jexi spoke of." David said.
"Yes. Now…let's get down to business. The moment time unfreezes, your head is gonna go flying off. I don't think you want that. So…we're going to make things more…challenging for him…if you don't mind taking on new power." Brand said.
"Oh, I'm all for it. Thanks to the proficiencies the Bracelet gave, I'm ready to go full throttle." David said..
"What if I said…you could have more than that?" Brand asked.
"I'm listening." David smirked as a bright light consumed him.
Time soon unfroze as the sword clashed with a spear.
"What?" the shrouded king said as David stood there, a sword in one and and a spear in the other. On his side were a dagger and staff while on his back, he carried an axe and a bow.
"What is that? I've never seen anything like this!" Tsumugi said.
David knocked the king back before looking at the emblems that were shown next to the Hunter one he got from Drafendi. "Brand…thank you so much." he said as he looked to Mugen. "You know, Mugen… In a lot of ways…you're right. I'm weak. I can't do much on my own. I'm better off as the brains of the group, but even my intellect can only do so much. So, I make up with my lack of raw strength with utility in many different movesets, but that seems to clutter things up. Especially since I usually stick with swords. But now… With all these new weapons, I feel like I can expand my horizons even higher. In fact, you gave me inspiration for my newest form. Take a good look, everyone in this castle has the honor of first seeing it!" he said as energy started to gather around him as within a minute, his aura surged as it spiked outside the castle for those outside to see. When it dispersed, David was now clad in heavy armor with a mask covering his face with shining blue eyes piercing from it, and four icy hands emerging from his back to grab hold of the axe, bow, staff and dagger.
"Sapphire God! ASURA!" David called out.
The Enshrouded King growled, before he roared, charging straight at David with all six weapons primes to strike. But that was a fatal mistake.
"Conqueror's Sword: Cosmic Roar!"
"Guardian…Liondog!" David said as he slashed at Mugen with a flurry of sword strikes.
"I-Impossible!" the enshrouded king said.
"Now, the grand finale." David said as he rushed at Mugen, dealing multiple strikes with his dagger and lance, before firing energy arrows from his bow, blasting energy spears with his staff, rushing with a heavy strike from his axe before finally drawing his sword. "This is the end… It's over! Winnehild's Battle Cry!" he said as his sword glows, slashing across the entity.
(end song)
The Enshrouded king let out a primal scream, before he collapsed to his knees, dead within his own armor as the Darkblood blade left his body and was stuck in the ground.
"Mugen…it's been so long… I forgot your face. You've aged under that armor.. Become a corpse yourself. The curse of our clan took everything from you." Hikari said.
"Prince Hikari, everyone!" a voice said as Kazan appeared.
"Kazan…" Hikari said.
"Is it finished?" Kazan asked.
David soon reverts, having exhausted a lot of energy. "Yes… Mugen has been slain!"
"Well done, all!" Kazan congratulated. "Now, it is your turn, my prince. Everyone's waiting. We need someone to lead the cheer to our victory."
"Of course." Hikari said. "David, I must leave you and your friends for now. When we meet again, I shall be the King of Ku. Thank you all so much, for everything you have done for me, and my kingdom."
"It is no problem, Hikari. We are happy to be of service." David said.
"And I am happy to have it." Hikari smiled before running off to signal the end of the battle. After this historic moment in Ku's history, Hikari would then go on to become King of his nation. A king who would usher in a new era for Ku. An era of peace.
"Well done, David Ishihara." a voice spoke in David's head as time froze again. "It seems you are more suited to the path of the Warrior than that of the Hunter. But don't tell Draefendi I said that."
"Your secret's safe with me." David said with a wink.
"That speech you gave certainly eliminated all thoughts I had of you before. Not only did you prove yourself an honorable warrior in your own right, one who weilds a blade not to conquer, but to protect… but you also led the one most worthy to lead Ku to the throne." Brand said. "That makes you more than worthy of the skills I have granted you. From now on, you will not only wield the powers of a Warrior, but a Warmaster as well."
"I am honored, Lord Brand. I will not let this go to waste." David said..
"But like your last adventure in a world such as this, your journey is not yet over. There's still much to do… and a great evil you must face soon. Be prepared for when that day comes." Brand said.
"Understood." David said.
Time then resumed as David returned to his friends.
"So… that was what it was like to witness one of the Eight tales." Shionne said.
"It's an experience, I'll tell you that." Law said. "But something tells me it's not over yet."
"No, it's not. There is still more to be done. We'll just have to wait for the others to finish up." David said. "Ah, that reminds me. The Bracelet slipped off my arm during the fight. I'm gonna search around for it. You guys go on ahead."
"You don't have to do that by yourself. We'll do it together." Himiko said. "Hikari isn't going anywhere. We have time."
"Yeah. But Revali and the Royal Knights are probably outside right now. We shouldn't keep them long." David said with a chuckle.
"You're right, let's go see them. We have to make sure they know we survived too." Rinwell said.
After spending a minute recovering the Bracelet, the Brave Adventurers headed out to reunite with Revali and the Royal Knights. Thanks to their efforts together with Hikari, Ku was now at peace. And with Hikari as king, he would make sure it would stay that way for a long time.
Meanwhile….
In a dark cave, Ageha was holding his bleeding arm as he stood before a blue flame.
"Why? I don't understand. Why are…ah!" Ageha said before being stabbed by the Darkblood Blade.
"It's all necessary for the eternal night." a voice in the darkness said before they emerged as Kazan. "Hikari and those visitors have served me well. Just as you will." he said as Ageha's life faded and the light from the torch went out. "One down…3 to go. The others must be just as busy. Of course…none of this could be possible…without this…" he said as his sleeve rolled down to show an Emblem Bracelet on his arm.