The Rebel Doctor

by Kazragoth

Ren Amamiya, leader of the once renowned Phantom Thieves, now leads a prosperous and peaceful life with his friends, and has left the world of the living, fully content in his aged years. The progenitor of Personas has other plans for him, however. One that involves an already ruined world. Well, at least he's already dead when this happened.

5. 1-4: Demon Lord

"A woman with chaos in her steps."

"Misled by the snake like mice."

"What can Catastrophe Incarnate do however…"

"Against a man who conquered ruin twice?"

- Igor

---

CHAPTER 4

DEMON LORD

The situation of Rhodes has turned for the worst.

Reunion has surrounded Rhodes Island on all sides, with all of their Ringleaders present to ensure the sheer amounts of overkill in this battle. Everyone has exercised extreme caution knowing that Talulah, the dreaded leader of Reunion has personally stepped into the battlefield to meet them and person, and possibly kill them.

Scratch that. Everyone is certain that they will die.

Ren in particular is especially wary of the woman before him. Out of everyone, he is the only person that he is damn hoping isn't her person of interest. Then again, reports of his exploits during their escape as well as his dumb little game with Mephisto must have reached everyone on Reunion by now. Judging by how the eyes of their opposition, barring Mephisto and Crownslayer's forces are aimed at the others though, that kid must have not reported his looks to the others at all.

'Heh. He must have not have informed his buddies of my general appearance. But…"

It's too soon to assume so. The fact remains that everyone will die if Talulah ever tries anything. He looked at everyone's expressions, a mix of fear, stress, wariness, and alert. Talulah's presence has single handedly crushed the morale of all allies, which will deteriorate even further should they remain rooted any further.

"Amiya, take Doctor Ren with you."

Amiya's face contorted with surprise along with Ren's own at Nearl's words, her face filled with great urgency.

"What?"

"Don't ask any further! Just go!"

"No! I can't leave you here alone, Nearl!"

Amiya retorted with an indignant look as she stared directly into the Radiant Knight's eyes. Ren decided to hold his knife tight as he thought of all possible routes of escape. On one hand, Nearl's idea of a diversion is a plausible idea if only they weren't surrounded by a force that outnumbers them tens of times.

"You've seen the ground beneath her, Amiya! Talulah is no mere person! She's a monster!" Nearl argued with Amiya under pure worry and slight fear.

"We'll be fine! We have nothing to fear as long as we work together!"

"At this point I doubt working together is going to save us this time. What's more important is if we can ensure Doctor's safety! If he dies, our mission is over!"

Dobermann's reminder struck a chord over who is more important to save here, save for Ren who is busy contemplating on what would be the best course of action. If even Nearl is panicking, then Talulah's power must be off the charts. Even if he chose retreat, she won't just stand around and attempt to stop them. Hell, retreating would mean someone has to stay behind so they can have even a slither of a chance of survival, and his selfishness demands that that doesn't end up being the case.

The Trickster hated that part of him sometimes. Especially when it involved his friends.

"We're staying."

"What?! Doctor Ren, have you gone mad?!" Came the desperate voice of Nearl.

"Maybe I have gone insane because of those stupid headaches. But what I know is that I don't want anyone to die this day, as selfish as I am." Ren spoke with a tone filled with conviction that no one can understand, all except one.

"I'm with Doctor on this one! Rhodes Island will not abandon anyone, or sacrifice anyone!" Amiya spoke out, much to Dobermann agitation.

"Doctor Ren. I don't know if the mission objective is crammed into your head already, but we have to get you out of this hellhole safe and sound! Hearing you say all this is ridiculous!"

"So? You expect me to just ditch you all to die and suffer a lifelong guilt?!"

The argument quickly devolved over time as they went over what to do in this situation. Some Reunion members found amusement on Rhodes Island's argument. Particularly, one kid was cackling amidst the burning air.

"Look at them, Faust. Look at them squabbling around in their helplessness! I still can't believe they're still even thinking of escape when they should have surrendered to their deaths! With Talulah around, our victory is all but certain!"

"Mephisto, didn't I tell you to not be too confident?"

"Of course I know, friend. But, I can't help it when Lady Talulah is going to personally kill them all! I cannot wait to hear them scream in pain and agony as their bodies melt and burn! Even that arrogant Demon Lord can't do anything against our leader's power! Hahahahaha!"

Faust decided to speak no further as he left Mephisto to his ravings. He felt pity and sympathy over his friend's state, who has devolved into a sadist who can't think for himself and find his own path. Their own lives have been intertwined when they met, and he silently cursed himself for not being able to change his friend's ways.

"You… Hmm…"

Crownslayer stared at the hooded man from afar. The one person who managed to stand and fight against her equally with a knife, unknowing if he too has noticed her presence. An assassin never forgets his or her target, and Crownslayer holds that quote to heart. She's just slightly miffed that his life will be cut short by Talulah's hands. Her loyalty to Talulah is firm enough, but she has her own personal agendas, ones that involved vengeance. Killing him is but a side deal for her, nothing more and nothing less.

Talulah, the supreme leader of Reunion on the other hand, decided she won't have Rhodes Island's arguments any further. She raised her palm, and the air itself began to coil around on her palm and began to heat up at a rapid pace, quickly being ignited. She has heard enough of their words, and as the superheated air on her palm turned into a searing flame, alerting the arguers of what she was going to do…

"Silence."

She fired her Flame Arts towards their supposed objective, the hooded man before her.

- Take Your Time -

The first sensation that Ren felt when he noticed that flame coming towards him was his whole body being knocked down by force, followed by the feeling of searing heat near him that charred the lower end of his coat followed by the scream of another. One that was familiar to him.

Shock was plastered all over Ren's face as he regained his bearings on the ground, to find Nearl with her armor practically evaporated, while the lower part of her dress had burned away. She was coughing hard, trying to regain her footing after she shielded that very powerful attack.

She…had saved him.

"Nearl!"

"Don't come closer! I…I am fine…" Nearl coughed amidst her pained speech.

"Fine? Fine?! That attack melted your armor into nothing! Fighting her in this condition will be suicide!" Dobermann practically cried her words out as she stepped closer to the charred knight.

"I said don't come closer! I will handle her assault, no matter what it takes!"

"Miss Nearl!"

Amiya was gravely worried for Nearl's condition. Defenders have very poor capable defenses against Arts in general, and the Radiant Knight is no exception, especially against someone of Talulah's level. One more attack and Nearl will surely be burned to death. Speaking of attack!

"Get down!"

Ace's warning prompted everyone to literally slam themselves into the ground as a blast of heat invisible to the naked eye was launched towards them. The feeling of the mild inferno washed over their backs as they grit their teeth before slowly standing up.

"What…what the hell was that?!" Ren spoke up, covering his nose as he let out a breath from his mouth.

"Flames…that can't be seen at all. This doesn't bode well for us! We have to fall back!" Ace let out a cough as he viewed his surroundings.

"Just…what are we even fighting against?"

Nearl held her ground along with Dobermann, feeling helplessness encroaching upon their minds at the sight of Talulah. Ren and Amiya stood firm as they glared at the she-dragon before them. Ace in the meantime ordered Greythroat and her Snipers to take aim and fire upon Talulah.

"Rhodes Island…"

"Hrrm?"

Ren didn't fail to catch Reunion's supreme leader beginning her words. His attention is quickly divested to her.

"Resistance has been known to be the seeds of freedom. Know this however…"

"Fire!"

The Snipers began firing upon Talulah in full burst to prevent her from doing anything. However, Ren can feel that something is wrong. Some sort of flaming aura began to pile up within Talulah, and it is slowly becoming stronger.

"Your acts of defiance will change nothing. I will admit that you have proven yourselves worthy of interest, but nothing more."

Her aura soon started flaring up, and as the bolts and arrows got closer to her figure…

"You have made a grave decision this day. Opposing us, the Infected."

A bright flash of light erupted from Talulah's body, along with waves of hellish heat that assaulted Rhodes Island. The air itself felt as if it was on fire, and breathing it in would no doubt burn their lungs. Everyone held their breaths as they covered their eyes before the blinding light. After a few moments, Ren slowly opened the fingers on his palm, only to bear witness to a scenery akin to hell itself. The entirety of the plaza has been set aflame, and the crossbow bolts that were launched towards Talulah have burned into nothing.

"Now this, is hell. Everyone alright?"

That was the only witty comment Ren can dish out. And even he knows that comment sucked ass. The Doctor turned to face his companions, and he beheld them coughing rather harshly due to the stench of sulfur and heat around them.

"We...gah… we are fine, Doctor Ren. But, Amiya. She's…"

Ren turned his face to look at Amiya. She was awfully silent, and she glared at Talulah with a look of great defiance and fury. While everyone regained their breath with Guard paling and panicking at how their attacks have been rendered null and void, Talulah spoke once more.

"You are persistent, capable of liberating the Infected should you side with us. But I grow tired of your presence."

Ren immediately grew on high alert as she drew her blade. Flames began to gather on the tip of the sword as she began to cast her Arts once more. Except the fire quickly began expanding rapidly in terms of scale and temperature. Even the asphalt started boiling with such intensity.

"Such is the price one must pay for slaughtering their fellows who have suffered under so much cruelty."

"I don't think you have the right to say so when we both have Infected blood on our hands."

Ren's words halted Talulah for a second as the flames stopped growing, surprising Rhodes Island. However, their surprise was cut short.

"The words of one who will die hold no meaning in this world. Perish."

With a tone of finality, she fired her attack. A massive wave of fire that threatened to incinerate everything on its path.

"We get hit with that and we'll be nothing short of black barbecue! We have to run!" Ren screeched in an alarmed tone.

"Dammit! With that scale and how hot it is, we won't have time! Everyone! Protect Amiya and Doctor!" Ace commanded in desperation.

"It's too fast!"

"No!"

Another blinding flash of light assaulted everyone's eyes as Amiya cried out. By the time everyone came to their senses, bewilderment struck as a great mass of black matter enveloped a wide area before them, much like a barrier of darkness.

And the most surprising part? The young Cautus was the one maintaining the barrier, all alone.

"Amiya? What…"

"You…you will not hurt them. I will never allow you!"

Amiya growled her words out as a reddish glint painted her eyes, maintaining the barrier that was holding off Talulah's fire Arts. The supreme leader in question was watching the ward of dark matter hold off her infernal flames to her slight amusement before launching more Fire Arts to break through her wide shield.

"Ngh… No matter how strong this fire is… I swear I will protect you all!"

"I can't believe it. Amiya is holding back Talulah's Arts all by herself?" Dobermann uttered in bewilderment.

"Even if she is capable of doing so, Amiya won't be able to hold her back for long! Her powers are too monstrous!"

Ren didn't know how many times Nearl's been right ever since she met him, but once again, she speaks true. Amiya was kneeling with her hand stretched out, the large diamond sigil behind her small frame beginning to flicker wildly as she held a strained look.

"Amiya, don't push yourself too hard for this! We can't have you going down on us! Not like this!

"It's alright… Don't worry about me, Doctor!"

Amiya gave the Doctor a weak smile, which only drilled down his sense of helplessness.

"I'll be fine. I want to… No, I must keep you all safe, no matter what!"

No amount of words can deny the fact that the barrier is slowly deteriorating, however. As her pained grunts slowly became more apparent as minutes pass by, Ren can only stand helplessly as his newest and most stalwart companion held the fort for as long as possible. He heavily detested his current situation, yet no matter how he thought about it, is there nothing he can do other than remaining still his own death?

"Her barrier! It's getting inflamed!" Came the feared voices of Guard.

"Amiya! Stop! If you keep going at this rate, your ring will…!" Came the agitated yells of Dobermann. Wait, her rings?

"I don't care! Even if… even if…"

Amiya let out a pained sigh as she smiled weakly at the Ren. It was a heart crushing sight as he held his fists tighter.

"Doctor… I'm sorry."

"No, no. You need not be sorry, Amiya. You're not guilty of anything!"

The same weak smile adorned Amiya's face as she heard Ren's words.

"I'm… I'm happy you think so, Doctor. I've never felt happier… But… I'm still sorry. Even if my powers bring forth disaster… Even if… Even if I were to die today… I don't ever want to… lose the person that is dearest to me… ever again!"

Something had kicked in for the Trickster as she heard Amiya's words.

'Since…Why did I allow myself into this state, when I've seen and fought worse?'

An inexplicable anger washed over Ren's features as he realized something important. When has he ever allowed himself to feel helpless in the first place? Even if all seemed impossible, he would always strive to fight to his very last breath, even when he is on death's door. And this young girl loaded with her own conviction and care for his own being is about to fall against a woman who is known as a monster.

'I've been such a fool!'

So what if she's a monster? Ren himself has faced and killed gods for crying out loud! A Trickster, much less a Phantom Thief, would never shirk away in the face of danger. No, he would face it head-on with confidence and come out on top. Especially since it's only been hours since he struck a deal with Philemon and woke up in Terra, meeting a new slew of friends along the way and learning about the devastation and injustice of this damned world. He'd sooner cry out in defiance than lower his head in defeat. He swore to Amiya, Dobermann, Ace, Nearl, and practically everyone else that he… no, THEY will be the ones to shape the future of Terra for the better with their own hands, to usher in a new era of coexistence and freedom from oppression.

And no one, and he means NO ONE, will stand in the way of his new rebellion.

- Take Your Time –

'So, you have found your purpose once more. It is about time.'

"Gah!"

Once more, the headache had struck Ren once more, this time far worse than the rest. Amiya was too focused on maintaining the barrier to even look at him. The rest, however?

"Doctor?!"

"Doctor Ren?!"

"Is this another headache?! We need a Medic! Now!"

The voices of sheer panic from Dobermann, Ace, and Nearl reached his ears, yet he can't respond due to the sheer pain as he held his head in pure agony.

'You have grown complacent, Trickster. But now is the time to atone. Are you just going to stand here and do nothing to save her, unlike your fellow rebel back then?'

'No… No! You know I will not forsake them! Not until I've changed this damn world for the better!'

What was once grunts turned to wails turned to wails of pain as the Doctor staggered and wobbled in place as the others tended to him, gravely worried for his condition.

'Hmm! That is more like it. If you so wish for my strength, even in a new vessel, let us reform our pact. I am thou, thou art I! You, who have defied the machinations of the gods and brought forth a new future for humanity!'

A medic had arrived on the scene, currently trying to diagnose Ren for his headache, yet with the amount of movement he's making, it's impossible. Only when his head touched the ground as he kneels did she begin.

"Dammit! Why is it happening right now, of all times?!" Dobermann stressed her question out.

"Even if he is suffering, we must not forsake him, Dobermann. I cannot imagine the amount of pain he is enduring. But… we can't forsake Amiya as well!"

"…Wait. Is it just me, or is he emitting something?"

Ace was right. As Ren wailed out in severe pain, a black aura began to emit out of Ren's body and convulsed erratically, drawing the attention of both of the women present.

'Even in this world, a world that has faced ruination, where the weakened faced cruel injustice from the corrupted and misled by a foul serpent, you still vow to change this world. Rise up, and call upon my name. Unleash your righteous fury!'

A dual toned scream was heard that day, as Amiya screamed in agony while the flames have consumed Amiya's dark barrier. Talulah rushed towards Rhodes Island, intending to end Amiya once and for all.

What she didn't expect, however, was the hooded man charging through her inferno, his hood disintegrated in the flames while his blood-soaked coat had burn holes in them, and landing a punch directly into her face, Newton's 3rd law in full swing as she was sent flying slightly, landing on her feet and wiping her lip of the blood that dripped out. She watched the masked figure, actually looking irritated that he actually managed to hit her in the first place.

'Now… it is time you show this world your true strength. Your mask is of no use for one who has become one with the World itself, to be truly honest with thy own. Ye who hath risen from the depths of hell victorious and earned yourself a new moniker...'

Ren stood there, legs wide and his back arched as he stood and staggered backwards slowly. The sounds of panic are coming from his Operators as they urged him to get the hell back to where they are quickly before Talulah kills him, yet he listened not as he began to grip the damned mask that was one him ever since he woke up with sheer force. Talulah, not intending to let him finish what he's doing, charging forward intending to slash his neck off.

'Show this world what it means to be a demon lord. Show the false rebels before you, your resolve and power as the herald of freedom!'

She was too late, however. The metal mask was torn off seconds before she split his head off.

- Take Your Time -

What had happened that day would go down in Rhodes Island and Reunion's history books for all eternity.

The moment the mask was torn off, Talulah was instantly blasted away from the once hooded man as blue flames erupted from his very being followed by a shockwave that shook everyone to their core and took everyone their damnedest to not fall at the sheer power. As she slowly regained her footing, the supreme leader of Reunion, on her knee, took a good look at the man before him. His posture was of that of a deranged man, his whole face drenched with blood as it continuously dripped from his chin, the very mask he tore off now on the ground. What drew her attention even more, was the… creature that loomed over him.

It can be safe to say that whatever that creature was, it looked greatly inhuman. His face was more akin to a long horned mask, sporting a demonic grin as he wore a top hat, a red popped collar suit, a white ruffle tie, a black corset down to its torso, red long pants, and bladed heeled boots. From its back, large black feathery swings sprouted forth as it remained aloft. Its eyes stared upon her and the rest of Reunion as if it's peering into their souls. For the first time in her life, Talulah flinched as she quietly muttered, rising up. Whoever he is, he has gained insurmountable power.

"Who… Who are you?"

The ranks of Reunion in the meantime had a slew of mixed expressions as to what the hell they just witnessed. But it can be commonly split into the ones in complete awe over the very being they are currently witnessing, and the others who are consumed by fear at the sheer power they had experienced. The latter majority is especially scared of the possibility that someone in Rhodes Island may have the power to rival Talulah, or even surpass her. Mephisto's forces in particular are filled with dread over seeing that the man that had outsmarted and harmed their leader has now unleashed his real power. The title of Demon Lord is no longer a fluke in their thoughts.

No. Forget Demon Lord. They have incurred the wrath of the Devil himself.

"Wh-wh-what… WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!"

Mephisto was in hysterics as he turned to Faust, pointing at the ethereal winged figure that was directly staring at them from afar. Faust himself was unable to comment due to himself finding it hard to believe that such a creature exists.

"I do not know. But, what I do know is that it is dangerous."

"As if that is not already obvious! Now his death is an even bigger priority than ever! I don't want to die by that thing's hands! I can't!"

Faust can only sigh at Mephisto's comment. As if that fact isn't obvious enough as well. It has been a long time since the Sniper kid seen Mephisto this scared before. Who can blame him, really, when the creature before him is an unknown?

Rhodes Island wasn't faring any better during Ren's awakening, seeing the blood drip profusely from his chin from behind, as the figure who they called Doctor had unleashed powers beyond compare. Most of them are at awe over what the Doctor is actually capable of, while the more perceptive ones are absolutely baffled that the Doctor is actually capable of performing Arts that involved summoning, especially summoning a creature of such size and strength. His whole body is pulsating with black and red auras as he slowly fell back to their company.

"Doctor…"

Those were the last words Amiya uttered before she collapsed from too much exhaustion, falling right into Nearl's arms. The creature that had shadowed over them with its black wings faded away as she fell, and the Doctor turned around. Only then were they able to see his actual face, fully stained with fresh blood which made many Operators feel sick to their stomach. Dobermann, Ace, and Nearl can't even fathom how taking off the respirator mask actually made him lose this much blood, yet he is still standing just fine. The mask he wore which has a now bloody interior is dangling off his coat.

"Doctor…" Dobermann wanted to say something, yet she trailed off, unable to say what she wants to say next.

"Doctor Ren, turns out your title has more than meets the eye, does it? You really are a Demon Lord, huh?"

Ace's words had a certain sting to it, yet the Doctor had a light laugh at the question thrown at him, which confused the veteran Defender.

"Ace, I told you to drop the title, remember. Besides, I'm better off being called Doctor. Feels far less outlandish."

Ren's response prompted Ace to practically laugh his ass off, which in turn confused Ren.

"What?"

"Well, that response just means that you haven't gotten any severe personality shifts, which is great overall. Still, to think a chronic headache can cause, well, whatever you just did."

"Indeed, it is assuring to know that the Doctor is still well and mentally sound. Though I fear the amount of blood he lost would be detrimental."

"I heard that. Reminder that I still have memory loss?" Ren spoke out clearly taking offense at Nearl's relieved statement.

"This is no time for pleasantries, all of you! Talulah and her minions are still right in front of us!"

Dobermann joined the three as soon as Amiya was taken away by the medical team, cracking her whip. All 4 turned to face Talulah who had also fallen back to her Reunion cohorts. With that in mind, the instructor turned towards the Doctor.

"Doctor Ren, as much as I sorely want to interrogate you about what the hell kind of Arts you just pulled off, that can wait until after we manage to escape from this Originium infested city. Now, any idea on how we can break free from this massive encirclement?"

And so comes another time to assess the situation, which would have been left to Morgana and Futaba back in his Phantom Thief days. The most important thing right is taking attention away from Reunion while Rhodes Island attempts their breach out of the central plaza. Ren eyed his surroundings as he looked for possible routes. That's when he remembered about the western route. Even if it's swarmed with Reunion forces, they have all been rattled greatly by Arsene's awakening much like the rest. There's also the issue of the main forces spearheaded by Talulah and the other Ringleaders, who will obviously stop any attempts of escape.

The only plausible option would be to have a small force of Rhodes Operators divert the attention of Talulah's main forces while the rest break through on the western plaza exit. But then there comes the high potential of being pursued by Reunion much like before. And with Crownslayer's pack in the fold, shaking them off will be difficult. They'd need to cut off their pursuit route, and nothing short of a mountain or a massive pit hole will halt their advance. But, how the hell do they plan to do that?!

"I know what you plan to do. Remember Amiya's words, and you should find the answers you seek."

The same deep hollow voice rang in Ren's head again, this time with no headache. As much as he wanted to bite back at him once more, the advice he gave him seems to be genuine despite how vague it was. Heeding the advice given, he ran Amiya's words down his memories in a flash, eventually coming down with a few memories.

"Amiya. You're an Infected as well, aren't you?"

"Yes, Doctor. But it's not just me. Dobermann and most of the others around us, we're all Infected as well."

"Our condition sometimes grants us powers beyond compare. You saw how 12F does his Arts with his tablet and staff, yes? I can do Arts as well, just without the need of a staff."

"That sigil on your back, no?"

Putting two and two together, Ren noticed the large amounts of Originium shards scattered all across the plaza. They may be too small on their own, but clusters of them should cause a large enough chain reaction if his Persona's capabilities can be classified as Arts, only going by a hunch. And no doubt would Arsene would fashion these Originium crystals as great valuables. It was then that Arsene's words rang in his head.

"Know this, Trickster. My wrath rages too violently for your vessel to hold. Should you fall in battle, I will have no choice but to readjust my strength to match your body's own during your unconscious state. Remember, and your grand return shall be a worthy spectacle!"

Well, damn. Thank you so fucking much, Arsene. Now he has to make sure he doesn't suffer too much damage! That aside, combining all the assessments he's done regarding the battlefield, the enemy, his allies, and the conditions he must fulfill, it seems the plan has been set.

"Dobermann. I remember that the Medics gathered Originium crystals back when the Catastrophe struck. Where is it now?"

"They are currently under my possession. It was once with Amiya but I grabbed it when she passed out. Why do you ask?"

"Give it to me. I have a plan. You said what I summoned earlier is the same as Arts, right?"

"Yes, though I do not know what kind of… Wait. What the hell are you planning to do with them?!"

"Seems to me Doctor Ren has another plan popping. Fire away, Doctor."

Ace's chime-in made Ren smile, and he happily obliged them all.

"No doubt that after what I did, Reunion is greatly rattled to their core. A small group, no more than a single team will have to divert the attention of Reunion's main forces while the rest of our forces break through the western exit. After all our forces have managed to escape, I'll hang back and blow off any chances they have of pursuing us. The latter part involves the many Originium shards scattered all over the plaza. How is that?"

What Ren proposed brought him back to when he had to battle hordes of Shadows as a diversion back during their first Jail Break undertaking in Shibuya, and based on his experiences, Reunion's soldiers are on the same level of those very Shadows. He just has to be wary if a Ringleader decides to come after him. While the Trickster reminisced his first re-experience with the Metaverse, his plan was met with a slew of expressions.

"This plan would be a well thought out one, if it didn't involve you staying behind to die! Are you insane?! You won't be able to handle this many goons alone!"

Dobermann was utterly baffled by how bold the plan was. Now she was sure Ren has lost his marbles. However, Ace swooped in to add his own take.

"I don't know about you, Dobermann, but whatever Arts the Doctor has awakened to is nothing to scoff at. If anything, we just got ourselves the very person that can stand against Talulah, one-on-one."

"I stand with Ace in this, Dobermann. Even now, his power is leaking out from with his very body. I feel a great amount of malice within it, but I know that even malice can be harnessed for goodwill, especially in the hands of the Doctor."

The Defenders' votes of confidence won the Instructor over as she sighed and gazed intently towards the bloodstained Doctor.

"Are you sure you want to roll with this plan of yours? You know how many minions they have. Even you will be overwhelmed."

"I've never been this damn confident in my whole amnesiac life. If I wasn't, I'd shave my hair bald."

The same steeled resolve is present in the Doctor's black eyes which Dobermann can now clearly see. Not only do they speak volumes of his confidence, but of great defiance. Plus, he wouldn't be so confident if he wasn't grinning when he said it.

"Very well. Cockiness and confidence have a very thin line between them, but you clearly belong in the latter. Now, care to share your plan with the others?"

"Naturally."

With a nod, Ren turned to face his allies, who stood firm facing him. Should he make another speech, probably no. The enemy isn't going to wait for him soon enough.

"Everyone! First thing I want to say is that you shouldn't worry! Even if I have power literally emitting itself out from my own soul, I still stand with you all! The very creature that you had witnessed with your very own eyes is with our side as a manifestation of my Arts! And with it, I will ensure that we all get out of here alive! If we're going to do so however, then we're going to have to work together! Team E3 will join Dobermann, Nearl, Ace, and I as we hold off Reunion's forces! Medics! I want you all to gather as much Originium crystals as possible and pile them up in sporadic fashion where we all stand! Everyone else will charge into the western exit and secure the area for the others! Once you secured the exit, report to one of us, we'll make our escape together! Who's with me?!"

His short speech and plan rundown was met with rousing cheers as they raised their fists and weapons up high as a show of their spirit and morale, bent on following the Doctor's orders once more. Nodding over their show of resolve, he turned their backs towards them and stepped forward to his closest allies, Dobermann, Nearl, and Ace, stepping forward with his hand pointed towards the Reunion forces.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen! It's showtime!"

- Take Your Time -

Talulah was irritated, and that alone is an understatement.

When the black barrier fell before her fire Arts, the supreme leader of Reunion didn't expect a lone man to blindly dash through her flames, let alone punch her straight on the face, leaving her with a bleeding lip. When she tried to lop his head off for his sheer audacity, she was met with a great wave of force that sent her flying meters back. When she came to, she saw the man before him with a face bathed in blood and rage, and a large creature that she can only assume as a being summoned by his Arts staring at her with glee. It would be straight foolish to assume he is the same man as before. Hell, she can feel his dark aura bathed in negativity, as if it were a thousand curses. Now back with her main forces, she called for the two Ringleaders that marched with her.

"Mephisto. Crownslayer."

"Yes, Lady Talulah!"

"What is it you need?"

The silverhead Medic and redhead assassin ran to Talulah's side, ready to receive her orders.

"Unleash your forces against Rhodes Island. Leave none of them standing."

"As you command, milady! Everyone! Now is the time we have vengeance against this damned Demon Lord! Faust, you come with me as well!"

"Very well, Lady Talulah."

As she watched her subordinates mobilize their troops for their assault against Rhodes Island, Talulah sheathed her sword and sat atop a piece of rubble, mulling over the words that escaped Mephisto's belligerent mouth. She had heard of the word "Demon Lord" a bit too much from him, regarding how he managed to outsmart him in his own distasteful excuse of a game and outright injured him in a surprise attack. She looked upon the battlefield, a dark glare aimed towards the person that bent her pride 90 degrees sideways.

"So, you are the Demon Lord I've heard from Mephisto. Let's see then, what you can do against my subordinates."

While the command is set in motion for Reunion, Rhodes Island has begun their plan of escape. The Medics have begun scrambling around, gathering as many Originium Shards as they can find and condensed them into piles under the protection of a few Guards and Snipers. The rest of the extraction team except Team E3, who became the diversion team have begun pushing their line against the Reunion forces entrenched on the west side, and a heated battle ensued. Ren, Ace, Dobermann, and Nearl in the meantime stood their ground as they beheld the forces charging towards them. Large groups of the usual Soldiers followed by a few hooded assailants and crossbowmen. Considering that they lack medical support and Arsene doesn't have any healing spells, they'll need to fight very carefully.

"For the record, are you sure you want to fight with us, Nearl? You took a heavy beating back there." Ren turned to look at Nearl, seeing that she's practically unarmored now. He was also sure her arm broke back at the park. If it was, she's doing a very good job at hiding it.

"I have recovered well enough, Doctor. Even if I am to be fully defenseless, I will fight till my dying breath."

"Chivalry to the absolute maximum, huh. Don't push yourself too much then." Ren let out a mild chuckle.

"That little runt's forces are coming at us!" Came the result of Ace's observation.

"That hooded squad leader is coming for us as well. It'll be hard to handle them with just us and a single team!"

I believe this would be the right time for a proper demonstration of the Doctor's newfound powers. Doctor Ren, would you like to give a presentation?"

"Gladly. Come!"

At his command, Arsene appeared behind him in all his thieving glory. Raising its hand, Ren's left hand became imbued in dark energy before the Persona disappeared, and he slammed it towards the ground. Swirls of darkness appeared beneath the feet of the charging soldiers, and anyone unfortunate enough to be in the swirls was consumed by a dark blast of malice filled with ghastly wails, causing them to fall limp onto the ground, unconscious.

It was a tried and true Maeigaon no matter how you mince it, delivered in pure Striker fashion. The Operators that were with him are left speechless.

"Wh-wh-What the hell was that?!" Came the voice of Guard, shook.

"…Did, did those blasts have a face on them? And I misheard that creepy noise from that attack, right?" Ace was the first to speak, clearly rattled.

"I'm afraid you are wrong, Ace." Nearl was next, looking rather firm.

"Honestly making me wonder how powerful your Arts is, Doctor." Dobermann looked at Ren with twitching eyebrows.

Greythroat just opted to glare at Ren, making him sweat.

"You tell me. And I tell you that they're still coming at us! We don't have medical support, so stay sharp, everyone!"

He wasn't wrong. The assault is still coming in full swing and soon enough, the clash has begun. Soldiers and hooded assailants came towards them in force, and the diversion went underway. Nearl bashed her shield against 3 Soldiers with 5 more dead trough Greythroat's snipers while the other Soldier that was about strike her from behind was slammed to the ground by Dobermann's whip. Ace charged onto the fray, busting through hordes of Soldiers ending with Ren leaping over him, summoning Arsene, and launching another Maeigaon, crippling groups of Soldiers in one attack. Through a cycle of bashing, whipping, slashing, and a barrage of crossbow bolts and high tier Persona magic, Reunion is actually being held off by only a single team of people, in which Talulah grew even more irritated, as if her pride isn't the only thing she needs to stress about anymore.

Right when Ren was done dealing with an Avenger, robbing him of his weapon over the fact that Yusuke would love a flaming katana due to the artistry of its creation even if he's not here, the sound of a flash of steel entered his ears and he barely ducked in a nick of time before rolling away. After regaining his footing, he saw his next opponent standing before him.

"Crownslayer."

"You've grown stronger."

A Soldier came charging at Ren as the redhead Vulpo commented on his newfound strength, blades up high. A Soldier that was sadly met with a fist on his face, knocking him out.

"Is it obvious? Are you still gonna come at me despite me pretty much overpowering you now?"

"Yes. Your death is necessary."

"So much for-"

His words are cut off as he leapt away slightly, only to find a ballista bolt embedded where he stood. If the size of the bolt was of any indication…

"I'll be right back." Ren spoke casually as he prepared to bail.

"I won't let you!" Crownslayer yelled out, clearly bent on hunting him down.

Welp, so much for letting the fox go off on her own.

- Take Your Time -

For the first time in Ren's life of battle, he dual-wielded.

In light of recent facts that he is now hounded by ballista bolts on top of being chased by Crownslayer and the occasional stray Soldiers, Shielded Soldiers, and even Avengers, Ren had no choice but to divide his attention between fending off his enemies while trying to find where the hell the damned ballista kid is. It's a good thing Third Eye exists, and he's put it on the moment he knows he's a sniper's target. Only now did he realize that Third Eye also acts as a tracker for ranged attacks. Why didn't he use it more liberally back then in Japan?!

As he practically limbo'd the next shot aimed for him while blocking Crownslayer's knife slam with the Avenger's katana on his right hand, he sweeped the Vulpo's leg with his knife wielding left hand on the ground, throwing her off balance. With his body nimbled up by pure adrenaline and Persona augmentations, he bounced back and launched a low hook, hitting her stomach and sending pain into her body. She let out a grunt of pain as she held her belly, writhing in pain. With a follow-up that was delayed due to another ballista bolt involving a face hold and slamming her onto the ground, she coughed as stinging pain assaulted her head, her knife loosely gripped, eventually dropped onto the ground. Once her face is free, she angrily glared at the person that had bested him, now pointing a katana belonging to one of her Avengers towards her face.

"Stay down. Don't even try making me do something I'll regret."

"Grrrrh…."

The Demon Lord stared the growling assassin down with an emotionless glare that promised more than just stab wounds decorating her body unlike Mephisto's soldiers. Crownslayer had to admit that the so-called Doctor had her beat in every aspect. Not only was he able to match her movement even after she shifted through the battlefield trying to strike at an opening, he was able to easily overpower her whenever they clashed blades whether it be with katana or knife, especially since there were moments where he clashed with 2 enemies at once. Overall, she blamed the newfound Arts he had just awakened to moments earlier.

Still, as merciless as the Demon Lord is, she has seen that his attacks had thought put into each strike he landed, especially when it involved which opponent he's facing on the side. All the time, she has suffered cuts and slices on her body and arms, bleeding lightly along with some punches thrown into them, with the same treatment done on her Avengers. The only time he really showed his brutality was against Mephisto's raving Soldiers. Unlike the Avengers who are just unconscious, anyone from Mephisto's forces that dared to interrupt their duel are dead from either several deep stabs from his knife or severed limbs or head from his katana. She didn't know if it was possible to have preferential treatment during a war, but if there was, he clearly showed it.

"...Fine. I'll yield." Crownslayer finally, and begrudgingly spoke.

Ren's expression had a degree of relief when she relented. A look she was lightly surprised to see considering what he just did.

"Happy to know we can come to an agreement. Need help standing up?"

"I don't need your help."

The hand extended to her was slapped away, and he sighed.

"Suit yourself. Pull back your forces, my final advice for today."

She silently glared at her as he turned his back over to her and sped away, katana sheathed in the stolen scabbard and knife stuffed in his coat pocket. As soon as he's out of sight, Crownslayer slowly got up from the broken ground, her hands fully unscathed as she sat up and stared at her arm, suffering from many light cuts that have dried off, fatigue setting in her system as her breath became ragged. Despite the injuries she sustained, not one of them have been fatal.

'Did he leave me like this on purpose, just to wear me out?'

"Crownslayer! Are you alright?!"

Running towards her was an Avenger with special red outlining in his attire, a Hateful Avenger. Despite the name though, he was greatly worried for his leader, who looked to be greatly wounded.

"I…I am fine. Just tired."

"You look far from fine, Crownslayer! Did the Demon Lord do this?! We have to chase him down, now!"

"Don't."

A single word rooted the Avenger sub-leader as he watched her rise up, dusting her clothes.

"Crownslayer?"

"Singe, order all our forces to fall back and carry our wounded."

"But, but why? Those Rhodes dogs will just pursue us with our backs turned like that, right?"

The Hateful Avenger, codenamed Singe looked perplexed at his leader, seeing her look towards the direction the Demon Lord ran off to, and nonchalantly uttered these words out.

"I have a feeling he won't allow them to."

- Take Your Time -

Faust was perplexed at the change of situation. As much as he wanted to finish him off when he was talking to Crownslayer, the Demon Lord of Rhodes Island somehow managed to evade every single ballista bolt aimed at him. Even as he was sure would get a clean shot when he got stuck holding off 2 people, he would quickly push back the assault and roll away from the fired bolt, resuming his face off against Crownslayer and the stray offender. He too saw the preferential treatment the hooded man gave to the Avengers and Soldiers, and that confused him somewhat. What's even more confusing was when Crownslayer's forces began their retreat, he gave out a command to stop all attacks on her forces, immediately shifting their attacks to Mephisto's Soldiers and his Phantom Crossbowmen. Only a fool or someone overly compassionate would issue that command against a fleeing enemy, yet his allies heeded his commands all the same.

"He's no fool, but, to show mercy at this time…"

Such a move triggered a mix of expressions within the dark haired boy. For one, his preferential treatment made him think if he purposely did so due to how bad of an impression Mephisto gave him. An action he can't really blame him for due to how his friend acts. Two, how he ordered Rhodes Island to stop attacking the retreating Avengers is a rare show in war, to no longer attack enemies who no longer desire harm. The Demon Lord of Rhodes Island, based on his observations so far, is compassionate yet merciless to those who got on his bad side, honorable yet unafraid to play dirty. He is also one who will openly express his thoughts without fear, as shown when he'll defy the whole country of Ursus for their treatment of the Infected. Add that to his newly acquired Arts, and Faust can only lament that he's their opposition, for he'll easily be a squad leader in Reunion's ranks, even if he's not Infected.

But alas, an enemy is still an enemy. And enemies are meant to be taken down as per orders. The only issue is that his target, the Demon Lord, is seemingly not on the battlefield. Even from his vantage point on the roof, he should be easy to see due to his face painted in dry blood, his frizzy black hair, and his overall bloody attire, not forgetting the katana he now wears on his waist. He really needs to save his shot for when he shows up, because the last ballista bolt is already locked and loaded on his weapon. All he can do is watch in vigil from one of the rooftops as the battle raged on before him, a large load taken off Rhodes Islands as they now only have to deal with Soldiers, Shielded Soldiers, and his Crossbowmen.

What he didn't expect however, was the two awfully strong and sharply blunt blows that struck his back.

"Gakh!"

Faust was forced onto his knees, barely gripping his ballista as he got crippled by whatever just hit him. As he staggered his way into looking back, he saw the Demon Lord in the flesh, his summoned creature right behind him in its bluish fiery glow. Surprise quickly overtook Faust as he realized that he never noticed that the bloodied man coming to his vantage point, shook at the level of stealth. As for Ren, his Third Eye provided him with enough info to find where the bolts are coming from, just from seeing it fly towards him. Wasting no time, the Sniper aimed his ballista towards the creature and shot his bolt, believing that shooting it down will cripple the bloodied man. His morale dropped the moment the creature disappeared before the bolt struck true, clicking his tongue. The Demon Lord aimed his knife towards him as he approached with blinding speed, and with a quick thrust, he drove his knife into his leg, making him bite his own lip and grit his teeth hard just to endure the pain. He writhed in agony as he knelt down, looking up at the man in slight fear as he is now unable to move or act, practically impairing his movements since his leg just got a flesh wound.

"First rule of war. Do not get complacent in the slightest. You should have known."

Twas a rule that Faust had no choice but to agree. He had lowered his guard down in a situation he least expected.

"I'm sorry. This is going to hurt my conscience a lot more than its gonna hurt you."

With blade in hand, and visage behind him, the man swung.

Meanwhile, at the same time…

"Nearl, have you seen that Sniper kid around?!"

Dobermann called out to Nearl as she laid the hurt on a Shielded Soldier, the Crossbowmen under assault by Ace's Defenders. The retreat of the Avengers led by Crownslayer was great news to be received. The command to shift their focus entirely onto Mephisto's troops an leave the assassin's troops be gave everyone a very sound idea to the cause of their retreat. Some Operators became perplexed over the thought of letting their foes go, but they obeyed the Doctor's command nonetheless, with a few awed by his capability to show their enemies compassion even in times like this. Now they only have two forces left to deal with, and the only one worth giving a damn is the leader of the Crossbowmen.

"No, I have not. We have to be alert nonetheless. We've already seen what he is capable of with that ballista. I admit it is troublesome considering the amount of enemies at their disposal." The Radiant Knight remarked as she disarmed two Soldiers by swinging her mace before bashing them away with a frontal strike with her shield.

"True enough. Dammit, real pain to handle an awfully fast sniper like him. We don't even know where he is in this crowd!"

Right when Dobermann uttered that response, the Sniper in question was flying out of a rooftop as if he was blown away before falling downard, then, right on top of him was Ren as he followed after him, landing right in the middle of a swarm of Soldiers being held off by Ace. Ace himself jumped backward to make room for the newcomers. The once mobile Sniper coughed up blood due to the impact, watching the Demon Lord landing before him with ragged breath, attempting to stand up to no avail. A shrill shriek was heard from the distance.

"FAUST!"

Ren looked upon the direction of the shriek, then turned to the kid before him, the kid that gave Nearl trouble back at the park. He was wearing a coat with a piece of cloth that had Reunion's insignia on it wrapped on the arm, a black shirt and black pants. This isn't the time to judge his emo fashion sense though. The moment he heard that familiarly annoying screech, every enemy in the vicinity turned to face him, and are now charging towards him and Faust.

"Really takes me back. Arsene!"

His Persona appeared before him as looked at the Infected hordes mindlessly charging to their demise. Unsheathing the Avenger katana for his right hand and his knife in left hand, backhand style, he stood firm, ready to send Mephisto's forces to their doom, much to his self-pity.

- Take Your Time -

"First the hooded leader and now that runt. I thought he fared well against her earlier. But this?"

"He just curbstomped those two as if it was nothing."

The man with the remark was Ace, who was busy cutting off Mephisto's and Faust's forces alongside everyone else from reaching Ren, and especially Dobermann. The instructor turned to Ace with a raised eyebrow after punching a Soldier down, letting him continue.

"I know what you're thinking, Dobermann, and I gotta admit. I'm curious about the Doctor's Arts as well. Not only is it so powerful as a summoned creature, it seems to have boosted his overall performance by a large margin. Just as a reminder, every battle we fought in is recorded, no?"

It has always been a common staple in Rhodes' Islands battle conduct to record all forms of battle Rhodes Island does on the field in the form of Battle Records, let it be from drills, covert missions, escort missions, and large operations like this one. How they even managed to do so has not been divulged, other than it all has to go through one Operator known as Recorder. With how the Doctor has been commanding and fighting this whole time, especially this whole battle alone, Ren's endeavors will net them so many Strategic Battle Records.

"Yes. Once we get out of here, we have to evaluate these records extensively, especially Doctor Ren's records. The way he fights alone is unnatural for someone who is just starting out, and I doubt anyone would be able to fight this well this quickly, unless that is a long forgotten secret of his."

"That's our agreement then."

While the secret agreement took place, Nearl has taken to charging through the enemy forces the moment she realized what was happening. Now she fights side by side with Ren, a knight and a rogue taking on the ire of a whole army. The Reunion soldiers themselves aren't faring any better against the two, having their skulls bashed, bodies slashed, ribs crushed, and their whole being consumed by dark malice emitted from Ren's "Arts".

"Quite a force to contend with, isn't it, Nearl?" Ren spoke as he knocked a Soldier out with a back kick.

"Indeed, Doctor. But even still, this army is no more than thugs riled up after seeing what you have done to their leader. How did you manage to take him out?" Nearl inquired as she swung her war hammer, disarming a Shielded Soldier and just as easily knocked out with a shield bash.

"Trade secret." Ren answered dismissively as he summoned Arsene, swinging his knife in a wide arc, blowing a charging Soldier group away.

"I see. About the Sniper..."

"You mean the kid right in our circle? He won't harm us. He's fresh out of bolts."

Faust was in the middle of the whole scuffle, staring at Ren and Nearl who have been holding off Mephisto's forces as they continued to chatter. He looked at his injured leg, a deep bloody cut occupying the area where the Demon Lord hit. A wound like this can be easily healed at the hands of a Medic, but for someone like Faust, who capitalizes on his speed to confound opponents, he is pretty much knocked out of the game. Seeing a lull in the battle before the next wave, Faust spoke up.

"...Demon Lord. I have something to ask of you."

"Hrrm?"

Ren turned around to face the Sniper, looking at his dulled eyes. Knife in hand, he approached him.

"Before we get to your question, first of all, your name, please."

"My name is Faust."

"Faust. I see. Ask away."

"Why did you simply force your knife into my leg? You could have struck me down and be done with it." Faust questioned him, highly perplexed by what he did.

"Let's just I'm not like your friend. I value the lives of others as much as I value my own. And the way I see it, if I let my guard down for a second, I would have been shot by you dead center. Besides, you're only following orders, and there is no good in killing those who can't do any form of self-defense, especially someone as good as you. I recommend staying put however, because I'm sure my friend here is still sore after what you did."

"...I see."

"Doctor Ren. More Reunion thugs are coming after us."

"Alright. Let's get to work."

Faust remained silent after hearing the Demon Lord's answer, affirming his deductions on his personality. Unlike his friend, Mephisto, the Demon Lord of Rhodes Island doesn't kill the fun and excitement, which he found to be sickening. Rather, he only kills when needed, with Crownslayer's Avengers being a prime example. Even for his opponents, he shows respect for them, and isn't above admitting his short-comings.

'He really would make a great leader for Reunion, if Talulah isn't around.'

Nearl in the meantime sighed with an acknowledging smile, giving Ren a silent praise for his honorable behavior as they continued to ward away the incoming Reunion forces. With the chain of command practically disoriented with Faust being out of commission and Mephisto commanding his forces to kill Ren minutes ago, Mephisto's forces soon suffered far more severe casualties when compared to Rhodes' diversion team who lacked Medics since they were busy collecting crystals for the Doctor's plan. Speaking of Medic…

"You!"

The Medic Ringleader of Reunion, Mephisto is right in front of Ren, Faust, and Nearl with a squad of Soldiers. Nearl immediately positioned himself in front of Ren, yet he stepped to her side, in which she decided to do nothing against since she knows how well he can defend himself. In a nonchalant manner, Ren began the small talk.

"Oh. It's you. I was wondering when you'll show up."

Mephisto is not having his nonchalance, and replied furiously as he pointed at Faust.

"You… You devil! What have you done to Faust?!"

"You dare call the Doctor in such a fashion and you are far more inhumane?!"

"Be quiet, you bitch! You will soon die after I am done with him!"

Nearl was just about ready to teach this belligerent runt a lesson in humility by force when Ren raised his hand, signaling her to stop, surprising her.

"Doctor, why?"

"Let's just say that I don't care what he calls me, especially considering he's only good at leading his forces, and even I find his way of leading to be trash. As for you."

Ren pointed towards Mephisto, who he was sure would bite off his finger at the first chance he got, or have one of his men chop his arm off. Which is why he had his katana ready if they ever tried something. He isn't as fast as Yusuke with the blade, but he's fast enough to counter, at least.

"Your friend, Faust, was it? I just punctured one of his legs, nothing more. You know, compared to you, I actually felt bad bashing him like that. He's got a good head, speedy feet, and is just trying to do the work you dumped on him. If I was his friend, I would have taken some of his burden in the fight, unlike you who didn't try to stop and think if fighting me is a bad idea instead of just blindly obeying Talulah just like that."

Ren aimed his katana towards Mephisto and his forces, the enraged child watching him lift Faust up with his gloved hand, hearing him let out a pained grunt as he slowly stood limp. The Doctor then swayed his katana at them until he pointed at a particular soldier

"Lucky man number 5! Mind carrying your friend for me? I'd figure you have safer hands. Take him, and kindly get lost."

"Hrrrh… Do what this fool says, for now. And treat Faust's wounds while you're at it!"

The perplexed Nearl can only stare dumbly as a Soldier right behind Mephisto nodded as Faust got transferred from Ren to the Soldier, immediately retreating after it's done. It was then that the good Doctor turned to Mephisto while tossing his knife in a nonchalant fashion.

"Now, I can tell that she's grown so goddamn irritated watching you all drop like flies. So, why don't you take your sniper buddy here, call off your troops, and piss off? We really don't have time anyway."

If only it was that easy. The manic smile returned to Mephisto as he aimed his staff towards the Doctor.

"Ah... haha… Hahahahaha! How foolish of you to assume that I will simply yield to you after what you did! Everyone, strike this man and his whore of a woman down!"

"Foolish?"

Arsene once again rose from behind him as Mephisto's forces rushed towards him and Nearl. With a single swing of his katana, a single wave of force knocked them all back. If that wasn't enough, a palm filled with dark energy was slammed onto the ground, and a Maeigaon consumed the poor souls, leaving them on the ground unconscious, with Nearl in awe of his strength. Mephisto is slowly stepping back now that he is cut off from the rest of his forces, the first signs of fear on his face as the Demon Lord looked at him with an insane yet calm smile.

"I'm sorry. What did you say again?"

"How… How…"

As for Ren, he's going to enjoy himself.

"Nearl, give me your war hammer."

"With pleasure, Doctor Ren."

Nearl is all too content with Ren wielding her war hammer, if her poker faced expression is of any indication. Both the Radiant Knight and the Trickster had the same idea of doling out divine punishment for this foul-mouthed brat. Dragging Nearl's war hammer across the ground with Arsene looming over him, Mephisto's fears grew exponentially with the Demon Lord coming for him in dramatic fashion, the sounds of battle reverberating around him.

"No… No! Back off, you wench! You can't do this to me!"

"Wench? Oh, you sorely underestimated me. I've pretty much seen far worse scum and heard more profane words. After all, don't you think this is a splendid end to our rigged game?"

The Demon Lord's words are calm, yet there's no telling how furious he really is underneath that poker faced exterior. The childish yet insane Ringleader was consumed with fear.

"No! It cannot end like this! It… it can't!"

"Can it? Honestly, if I wasn't in such a good mood, I would have committed a crime and killed you right here and now. But, I suppose you should be grateful, because I won't end you just yet."

"…Really? Hah…haha… I'm actually being spared… by the likes of you…"

Mephisto had no idea how relieved he was knowing that the Demon Lord of Rhodes Island would spare him unharmed, laughing weakly as he stopped in his tracks.

A fatal mistake, since he lunged and gripped his neck.

"Spared? I only left you with a single punch. I was thinking of leaving you be, until you disrespected my friends, and life itself."

"Akh! Hah! Why you…!"

Mephisto was struggling to no avail under Ren's grasp as a dark shadow loomed over the Tricksters eyes, Arsene staring at him in a demonic glee. In no time, he gripped Nearl's war hammer as he tossed the Ringleader quite a few ways, dashing towards him.

"And I'll make sure you won't even try to do this in front of me ever again, until you die."

The last thing Mephisto ever saw at that battle was the Knight's war hammer, wielded by the Demon Lord, coming straight for his body.

- Take Your Time -

"What is the situation?"

"Mephisto has been knocked out, Lady Talulah! The Demon Lord has taken him out! If this continues, we'll all be done for!"

The moment she heard that report, her flaming aura began to leak out from within, scaring the scout. Not only did he forced Crownslayer to retreat, he also managed to put Faust and Mephisto out of commission. Honestly, it was foolish for Mephisto to not retreat when given the chance, but the chance of paying the man that injured him back had clouded his judgement, and he paid the price for it.

Nevertheless, she has stayed out of the battle for far too long. It's time for Talulah to finally bring Rhodes Island to an end with her own two hands.

"Have the survivors pull back and carry the dead and wounded. I will personally see to their deaths."

"Yes, milady!"

As the scout returned to the battlefield barking out orders for retreat, Talulah stepped up from the rubble she sat on and began her move towards the battlefield, her fiery aura circulating around her, ready to be unleashed. Crownslayer along with her wounded Avengers can only look on as their leader took to the battlefield with the intention of burning their opposition to a crisp.

As for Rhodes Island, the same command had been given by Ren as Mephisto and Faust's squads began their retreat, finally getting their chance for a breather as they crowded themselves near Ren and Nearl. The Radiant Knight with her war hammer back raised her weapon high up, and began to chant.

"Oh, light of Kazimierz, in our short moment of reprieve, I pray for thy powers of healing and offer myself to thee, so we can mend our wounds that have ailed us after our long fought battle."

With the chant finished, light began to pour down from the skies as Rhodes Island basked themselves upon the healing light called upon by Nearl, feeling their wounds close and heal, along with their stamina being restored. Ren himself was in awe over Nearl's capabilities to call upon divine light.

'So she is more than just a knight. She's a paladin. Well, good to know.'

With that fact stored in mind, Ren was almost tempted to sit down on the ground as the divine light dissipated over their heads. But fate once again decided to screw them over with Guard instantly panicking.

"S-s-s-she, she's back! Talulah is approaching us!"

All eyes turned to the northern end, and they were right. The supreme leader of Reunion is marching towards them, her flaming blade already drawn, and her expression unreadable much like ever. At the same time, an Operator who hailed from the assault team, a Caster, came running from behind, gasping for air as she reached the diversion team.

"Hah… hah… Doctor Ren! Instructor Dobermann! We've secured the western exit! We're ready to retreat at any moment!"

That was the first good news they've heard in a long while. Dobermann made for a response.

"Excellent work. Have the medics finished their duties? What of the assault team?"

"The medics have finished gathering all the nearby Originium Shards and have clustered them just like how Doctor Ren requested it! They've now fallen back and tended to our wounded back at the assault team!"

"Alright. Return to the others. We'll follow you shortly. Dismissed."

The hasty Caster saluted before the Instructor before running back to the western exit. Everyone then turned to Ren, knowing his plan from the very start.

"You all know what I have to do, right?" Ren addressed every notable Operator present along with Team E3.

"Yes. Honestly, after witnessing everything that you did, I think you might pull this off. You better come back safely. I still have to interrogate you." Dobermann smiled lightly.

"Even with your moniker, Doctor, your sense of justice and benevolence shines through. I pray that you return to us so we can continue our crusade in this world." Nearl solemnly spoke, her lips all curved down into her own smile.

"You may not remember me, Doctor. But I remember you, and I know what kind of a person you are. And I sure as hell know you'll try your damnedest to fight and live. So don't go kicking the bucket now, alright?" Ace placed his hand on Ren's shoulder with a look of pride.

"Boss is right, Doc! And I gotta say, you've turned out to be a badass! You can't go dying on us now!" Guard exclaimed with a pep in his tone.

"Just don't die. That is all I'll say, Doctor." Greythroat stared at Doctor with a glint in her gray eyes.

"Everyone, thanks a lot for trusting me so much to do this. You have my word as a Doctor that I will come back safely. This I swear!"

Everyone nodded to Ren's vow of conviction. With everything now set in stone and their retreat plan almost complete, Dobermann gave out the final command.

"Everyone, Fall back! Retreat to the western exit!"

With the command out, the diversion team began to fall back, running away to the western exit. On their way, they witnessed clusters of Originium Shards clustered everywhere near the blocked southern exit, covering at least 15 meters in length. If a wide scale Arts were to be used in that area, it would cause a massive explosion from the chain reaction alone. Dobermann did not forget to drop the Originium Shard containers on her as well, dropping the contents onto the ground.

Now on his lonesome, Ren turned to face the supreme leader of Reunion, Talulah herself. Honestly, he felt honored being able to face a 'final boss' this early in the game. But he can't get complacent, even with his superpowered Arsene by his side. With his dark aura flaring up, he marched onward onto the Originium infested battleground, eager to fulfill his part of the plan fearlessly.

After all, Ren has experienced outright deletion before. Death by burns is the least of his issues.

- Take Your Time –

A man and a woman, standing across each other with their weapons drawn. The woman, the leader of rebel group consisting of various diseased man and women who has been tormented and persecuted by the public for their own ailment, harboring vengeance. A woman capable of burning a whole city to ash if she wills it. The man, a Fool, a Trickster, a former Phantom Thief, and a Godslayer. A man thrust into the world that has suffered ruin, and has vowed to bring upon a new age of freedom for Terra itself, with a pharmaceutical company that is more than it seems. Both have begun to stare each other down, their auras flaring as if they're fighting each other off, gauging each other's strength.

"So, you are the so-called Demon Lord of Rhodes Island. I can see why you've earned that title." Talulah spoke first, breaking the silence.

"Yes. And as much as I want to deny that, I no longer see the point. Why seek us out to kill us? We share the same goal, no?" Akira replied under a calm façade.

"Do not claim to think so when you have brought harm onto our kind, the Infected that have been celebrated for our deaths alone. The people deserve no mercy for what they have done, and I will bring them the vengeance they seek, giving rise to a new order of equality."

"Yet you never stopped to think that if you were to finish that path of vengeance, it would be no more than a hollow victory. You would be no better than the tyrants you swore to bring down, and you would end up being the same as them."

"Wise, but hollow words. What promise do you even have to bring to your own rhetoric? If you do not stand with us, then you stand against us, and you shall be brought down like the rest."

"A flawed sentiment, considering that you have torn down a whole clinic dedicated to treating your people of their ailment. You would tear down your own kin when they refuse to side with your cause when they are innocent to their core. Do you not realize that behavior is the very same act that sows distrust, even amongst the Infected? You don't even know the first thing about your people and the amount of suffering they've endured deep within! You are nothing more than a hypocrite, who is using the façade of saving the Infected for your own sinister gains!"

Silence swept across the battlefield as the fires raged on with Ren ending his argument right then and there. He wasn't sure if he saw it correctly, but he saw Talulah smiling. Afterwards, she spoke once more.

"I see my words do not sway you in the slightest, Demon Lord. Your conviction and bravery is admirable, yet misplaced. If you remain opposed to us still, then I shall burn your hopes to ash with my flame."

Talulah brandished her fiery sword, and in turn, Ren unsheathed his knife. In an instant, he heard a familiar voice.

'The flames she wields is no ordinary fire, my fellow King. Attempting to fend off her infernal sword is an exercise in futility with your meager knife and blade. Fight this battle with extreme caution.'

'I don't need you telling me something that is already obvious.'

'Then you should know what to do. Confound the woman with your speed, perform hit and runs, and when the time is right, display your Arts to the fullest.'

The deep voice in his soul surfaced once more just to give his monotonous guidance, leaving Ren with no choice but to heed it. On the contrary, he already knew that fact the moment he saw Talulah burn the Sniper bolts away. If he were to try and block Talulah's sword with his knife, it would surely be slashed clean off along with his skull. He wasn't sure if the katana would fare any better. So, guerilla tactics it is.

"Ready yourself for retribution, Demon Lord." Talulah declared.

"Retribution comes for only the unjust, and in this gray world, I will exact my own justice." Ren countered just as staunchly.

The two leaders readied themselves in a stance, with equally serious stares. One promised death, while one promised his defiance and freedom. Amidst the burning wreckage and Originium ruins, silence pervaded as no one dared to make a move, waiting for a mark to strike.

The sound a shard falling reverberated, and the two began to dash towards one another. Talulah began with a horizontal slash that sent away billows of flame which Ren deftly avoided by sliding under it. Under that position, the Trickster used that momentum to do an ukemi, in which Talulah sidestepped her way out. Flames gathered on the supreme leader's palm as she moved, and she fired it at her foe. With the Third Eye active for Ren, however, he cartwheeled sideways to avoid the flames, yet it did nothing for the heat that invaded his body. In a counterstrike, the Doctor summoned Arsene briefly, and hurled a warbling orb of darkness towards Talulah. The draconic girl raised her blade to block, yet the orb stopped right before her, before deforming into a swirl and blasting her with dark malicious energy, catching her off guard. To be honest, nobody would, even amongst Persona users.

"Nobody expects a frontal Eigaon anyway."

As the blast subsided, Ren beheld Talulah who held her blade, coughing as she brushed her dress off of dust, smokes of darkness wafting on her body. The draconic girl grew irritated, yet she had to hand it to him for being crafty. Ren brandished his knife, dashing in towards the Reunion leader with purpose of slashing her. Talulah raised her flaming sword to block, but that was all a feint, as Ren switched grips on his knife, purposefully missing and launched her knee towards her torso, making her stagger before changing grips again and slicing her on the knee, making her bleed before falling back. Talulah felt as if her pride is being demolished by this so-called demon, which angered her as her aura pulsed stronger.

"Are you simply toying with me, Demon Lord?" Talulah spoke calmly, which Ren can tell is bullshit due to how strong her aura is right now.

"Let's be honest. I have no intention of ending you right here and now. You saw where my friends went. It should be easy for you to figure out why I am here." Ren replied in a cool tone with a smile, sheathing his knife.

"So you would lay your life for your so-called friends, unknowing that they may abandon you at a glance? You truly are a pitiful creature." Talulah scoffed at him with fake lamentation

"You underestimate just how far trust can go when it's not just blind faith, Talulah. And please, kindly drag this conversation even further. It would really work for my benefit." Ren snarked back, his smile ever so present.

"I think not. Your paltry games will not ridicule me any further."

It was then that Talulah instantly dashed towards Ren and slashed diagonally, with the Trickster barely leaping out of slice range, yet the heat that spilled from the attack left him with quite a burn that he immediately snuffed out with his hand. His dark aura flared in defense, but Talulah was not done, for she dashed onward, slashing continuously and releasing heat whenever she did so. Ren's augmented agility was working wonders in evading her, along with the enhanced endurance resisting her fires. Eventually, however, he made a fatal slip and fell downward. The chance didn't slip by the she-dragon, and she made for a downward stab. At the last second, he rolled sideways, the asphalt melting under her blade. Ren is now backed onto a defensive as Talulah's agile attacks left him no room to recover or even summon Arsene as he scrambled about trying to evade. At one opportune moment, he stopped Talulah's attack by gripping her heated hands holding the hilt of her sword. Talulah held no expression, but she is intensifying her own body heat, and Ren's hands felt as if on fire. Through blood and sweat, however, with the infernal blade barely making contact with his face, the Trickster continued to resist and defy her, gritting his teeth. What did he say about being complacent again?

"Even when you face death, you will still not surrender, Demon Lord? Relent, and I will make your death swift." Talulah spoke her threat, pushing Ren down into kneeling.

"You clearly do not understand then, Talulah. A demon never shirks away like a coward. Even if I am no demon, I will fight until the very end no matter what." Ren growled his words out in defiance.

"If you do not claim yourself as Sarkaz, what are you then, to be so arrogant to name yourself a Demon Lord?"

It was then a smirk appeared on Ren's face, even as Talulah's aura grows ever stronger, threatening to roast him alive. He still has one last card in his hand.

"I…am a Joker. Arsene!"

The very same visage that had blown Talulah away appeared before her, yet she was not daunted in her slightest as she continued to press down.

"You would summon your creature to aid you? I have seen what it is capable of. You assume that it will be able to stop me?"

"Yes."

The voice that answered Talulah was not of the man she is pushing down, but a deeper one that practically echoed. The next thing she knew, she was grabbed by a large clawed hand, belonging to the very same creature she deemed unable to aid him. Its mask like face stared deeply at her, and the bluish aura it had around its very being had disappeared.

The winged creature had transcended its ethereal form into corporeality.

"Ngh! Grrh! Who are you!?" Talulah seethed out as her aura practically coiled around her as she tried to struggle away from its grip to no avail, even as the creature's black hands began to turn shades of orange and red from the unbearable heat.

"I am Arsene, Pillager of Twilight. Your notion of a rebellion has sickened me to the core, woman. Thy just claims are no more than a rancid farce, and this ruined garden has no want or need for more foul serpents feeding lies to its inhabitants. Now, be gone!"

With his tone full of disdain, the winged creature, known as Arsene, hurled Talulah sideways with great force sending her rolling onto the ground until she crashed into the very rubble she sat on, surprising her forces greatly, especially Mephisto and Faust's surviving forces who are now even more scared shitless seeing their leader being hurled like an unwanted toy by the winged beast.

Ren in the meantime wiped the sweat off his forehead and stood up, yet staggered lightly. His energy is almost spent, and he's prone to falling at any moment.

"Rise up, Lord of Demons. You would fall right before the finale? I have thought you have more class, or has it dulled with your age?"

"Urgh… Nice to know you still have my back."

"It refreshes me knowing that ye hath returned to your grandiose nature. You would do well not to disappoint your audience."

"Right. It's show time!"

Dashing towards the Originium gathering point, Ren leapt up high, with Arsene flying right behind him. Their opposition, Talulah, was nowhere in sight, which was fine enough for the Phantom Thief.

"Arsene!"

"Indeed. The finale has come!"

Spreading his wings wide, Arsene let out a guttural roar that echoed all over the plaza, and a hail of large and sharp black feathers rained upon the melted road, a majority piercing the Originium clusters as it landed. Even if Talulah were to strike now, it would be folly due to how robust the feathers are. It continued on until the whole area near the western exit became a field of feathers, and Ren landed right in the middle of it as he ran towards the exit.

"And now…"

"Boom."

Arsene disappeared behind Ren, and with a snap of his fingers, the feathers began to glow shades of red and black. Within the next moment, implosions of dark energies riddled the plaza like a mine field, its destructive potential exponentially increased by the Originium clusters strewn about, culminating in a massive explosion that shook Chernobog to its core. Ren just casually walked away from the fireworks, regretting the fact he doesn't have shades. Now however, he made a mad chicken dash to catch up to Rhodes Island.

- Take Your Time –

Talulah looked down upon the damage that the explosions have caused. A massive portion of Chernobog's inner areas can be seen amidst the smoking steel and crackling cables, as if a giant hand decided to puncture a hole in the streets with its thumb. Pursuit is basically impossible now.

Yet, even if she is defeated today, Talulah was smiling once more as she remembered Arsene's words. Nay, she was laughing.

"…this ruined garden has no want or need for more foul serpents feeding lies to its inhabitants."

It's rather funny, really. When was the last time she… no, he had been called by that moniker? A vile serpent? The idea that such a revolting creature, a creature that is close to a primal being embellished with modernity actually calling him a serpent is of all things almost too funny to be true. Hell, he almost cackled in that body of a woman. The hilarity of it all!

"Lady Talulah, what should we do now?"

The façade must continue, however. And the supreme leader turned to address "her" Vulpo assassin, wearing a calm look.

"Fall back to the plaza. We have done all that we can for today."

Crownslayer nodded to her leader's command, leaving her to her own devices. Talulah on the other hand continued to smile as she gazed upon the destruction had caused.

"I'll remember you… Demon Lord of Rhodes Island."

Elsewhere, Ren ran for minutes on end, silently cursing himself as he didn't know where their next rendezvous point would be. He was in luck, however. A large group of familiar coated people can be seen in front of him, and their voices can be heard.

"Hey, who's that?"

"Wait, is that the Doctor?!"

"Holy shit! He's alive! He's actually alive!"

"Doctor Ren!"

The Rhodes Island extraction team had noticed him, and relief washed over Ren's very being, knowing that they're all alright. His energy has all but left him, however. His foot slackened, his movements slowed, and he eventually fell to the ground mid-run, unable to move anymore.

The last thing Ren heard before he fell into unconsciousness was the parade of footsteps and the cacophony of panic.

---

Squad Loadout (Ordered by Rarity)

1. Joker (7)

2. Ace (6)

3. Amiya (5)

4. Nearl (5)

5. Greythroat (5)

6. Dobermann (4)

7. Guard (4)

8. Yato (2)

9. 12F (2)

10. Noir Corne (2)

11. Rangers (2)

---

Personas

Arsene (During Awakening)

Level: 65

Resists: Dark

Weak: Ice, Light

Skills:

- Blackjab (Close-range Heavy Phys attack with high chance to Dizzy foes)

- Rebellious Swing (Wide-range Heavy Phys attack that pushes foes back greatly)

- Evasive Shot (Wide-range Heavy Gun damage + Sukukaja)

- Eigaon

- Maeigaon

- Veil of Shadows (100% Max HP Shield + Rakukaja)

- Phantom Show

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Reading notables! Because duh!

JeaSonDash: That is for you to guess, buddy.

: I appreciate your concern greatly.

kerrowe: Might wanna dial that number down.

Rambukala: Time to button mash. Once you're done with P5, watch Strikers, or play it yourself!

Missingmoney: All of these concerns will be addressed in due time, with the aid of someone unexpected.

WordBound: Appreciate it, my fellow Persona X AK writer.

RealEWF: I even went to Google Translate for the translations, man. Checks out, especially when you look at lupines and Hearthstone Vulperas.

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Author's Notes

Did I forget to mention that I suck at making prolonged fight scenes?

By the way, for those who practically hounded me with the question of when Ren will awaken Arsene (Excuse me for poor language), here's your long awaited answer! Rejoice!

9 days spent making this chapter. Fun fact. With only the beginning words and the chapter itself to count, this whole chapter is 14K words! Whodathunk?

But seriously, writing this chapter has been a huge wreck for my mentality, because I pretty much tried my hardest to deliver this chapter since this point in canon is a major turning point. If I went through with this alone, I would have thrashed myself harder than my own current itchy coughing. Thankfully, I had a friend that is willing to help me iron things out (and criticize me rightfully for my errors)

The name is Cryocene, a fellow writer here on the .Net (I suggest reading their fics) who delves in the same vein of series like me including SMT, Persona, Highschool DxD, Date A Live, and Arknights. A really good friend that commonly discusses hypotheticals, mythology, tragedies, and sometimes mundane stuff with me, like the fact that Ch'en's Chi Xiao - Unsheathed is on the same power as Hereward's Rebellion Blade, and that Persona users on end game have the HP of Guards, the ATK of Snipers and Casters, and the DEF of Defenders. Based on our discussions, here's the conversion chart. See if that checks out.

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Arknights HP = 4 - 5x Persona HP

Arknights stats = 8.5 - 10 Persona Stats

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Also, the part about the "no ordinary fire"? I got it from our discussion as well. Apparently it's possible that Arts in Terra is a mix of an element + Almighty, like in Persona 2 with some skills. Basically, Makarakarn be fucked. Tetrakarn is still fair game because of the low number of Physical Arts. That's enough on our professional relationship though.

All in all, I hope this chapter is to your liking and satisfies all your wants, because damn, I need to chill out for a while after this. On the flip side, by the time I published this, in 6 hours, we'll all be able to follow Gavial's Footprints in Arknights, and I bum rushed Thorns' second Promotion for Ultimate Supremafist status, so that's a plus! Any of you lot got Zumama? I got her on 4th pull, I think?

Next up, the Devil of Babel will soon meet the Demon Lord of Rhodes Island. How do you think this will roll? By the way, Cryocene and I thought that W and Ren would make for some delicious angsty romance. What do you guys think? Leave all thoughts and criticisms as always in the review section.

And as always, take your time.