Kamen Rider Zero One: Symphonic World

by Red Flame Dragon

When Fujiki Ryouga was on his way back to his apartment after buying Kamen Rider merchandises, he suddenly gets sucked in by a strange portal that led him to another dimension's Earth, but more futuristic. How would he handle this situation? And he would also met girls who uses music to fight? With his knowledge and creative minds, he will fight as Zero-One! Rated M for OC/Harem.

7. Chapter 6

RFD: Konnichiwa to all Fanfiction Readers! Your usual newbie, Red Flame Dragon here will bring you the next chapter of Symphonic World today! Man, last time was really intense, since we have been trying to update new chapter, right? I would've done faster if it wasn't for school and fieldworks, haiz…

RFD's Sidekick: Amen to that, bro. I feel like crap here because of 'study pressure'. Hopefully in 2024, we can get more luck in the future to have a lot of free time as possible, buuut it seems they won't let us.

RFD: Well, fuck them! We're gonna make our way through, regardless. Enough of this, we gotta focus back on our work now.

RFD's Sidekick: Right. *Ahem* So in this chapter, Ryouga will officially met ZEA in his Innerspace as we had mentioned in the last Chapter 5 since the time he got a OC Magia form, and also met the owner of the mysterious voice. What could be the reason of why he was chosen to become Zero-One, and his task in World of Symphogear? Eventually, the answer will soon be revealed, even if it's just a small fragment.

RFD: What he said, and also this one will be another long chapter to read, so I think some rules are meant to be broken from the Chapter 0. Anyway, NO HATE, NO FLAMES, PLZ!

RFD's Sidekick: We don't own TOEI, BANDAI or anything that's related to TV shows or Anime. We also don't own any songs and BGM's. They all belong to their respective owners, including the characters. We only own the Fanfic story and OC's. Please take your time and Enjoy till the end.

RFD: Thank you. Now appear, the gate that will lead us to the unveiled future! Let's RISE! *VRAINS Link Circuit SFX*

---

Episode 6: A Meeting with God!? The Endangered Flower!

(Kami-sama to no Meeting!? Kiken ni sarasareru Hana!)

第六話: 神様とのミーティング!? 危険にさらされる花!

---

(Last time)

Ryouga (narrator): Koremade no Kamen Rider Zero-One: Symphonic World…

Ryouga: "What… the hell…!? That gate… That's the same gate that has suck me into this world in the past!"

*BOOOOOM!* "WAAAAAAAAGH!"

*Gasp!* "Hah, hah, hah… Urgh… What was that just now…? And that strange vision…"

Tsubasa: "This time, I will win!"

Genjuro: "Then let's see if the student has become the master!"

*Drip*

Genjuro & Tsubasa: "HAAAA!"

Zero-One: "You might need to prepare yourself for your worst fear again."

[PROGRISE!]

"Henshin."

[BLAZING DRAGON~!]

Tsubasa: 'Please lend me your power once again, Habakiri.'

~Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron…~

Zero-One & Tsubasa: "HAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Tsubasa: "KONPEKI BAKURENJINKEN (紺碧爆蓮刃剣) EXPLODING AZURE LOTUS BLADE!"

Zero-One: "CHOUZETSU RYUUHAZAN (超絶龍波斬) TRANSCENDENTAL DRAGON WAVE SLASH!"

"ROAAAAAAAAR!"

[BLAZING MEGA IMPACT!] ブレイジングメガインパクト!

*SKZZZZZZ-KABAAAAAAAAAAAAM!*

Tsubasa: "I was told by Tachibana that you had healed me with your power. Thank you."

Zero-One: "You're welcome."

*Thunderclap SFX* [EKAL!]

Ekal Magia: "COME! I'LL SLICE YOU INTO MEAT AND RETRIEVE MY BRETHREN!"

Zero-One: "Keep dreaming! I'll put a stop to your plans, and never let them be used as a worthless tool by ARK AGAIN!"

*FLASH!* [REAPING MANTIS! (Zen Bamboo Flute SFX)]

Zero-One: "Shoufuu Ranbu… Zetsurai (翔風乱舞: 絶雷) Soaring Wind Dance: Absolute Thunder!"

[REAPING IMPACT!] リーピングインパクト!

Ekal Magia & Mamoru: "Thank you…"

*KABOOOOM!*

Zero-One: "Now I know how Aruto-san feels…" *Gripping fist*

Genjuro: "As by your request, we're all here. So what do you want to do here?"

Zero-One: "I will lend the 2nd Division a hand in defeating Noise."

Kanade: "Thanks… for helping Tsubasa back to normal."

Ryouga: "My name is Fujiki… Fujiki Ryouga."

Voice: "Welcome... the new Zero-One… I have been waiting for your arrival…"

*Ba-dump*

Ryouga: "Huh…? Who… are… yo…?" *Thud!*

---

(Ryouga's Innerspace)

The scene has now begun as we saw our main character, Ryouga, is currently lying down, unconscious in a wide, strange place that looks large to no end. Many colorful DNA and aura-like strands are moving around the space, along with numerous cybernetic streaks, with some straight lines made of binary codes like 0's and 1's appearing and disappearing continuously, with the dark blue gene cells background, acting like it was currently night time. He just kept lying down there with no sign of waking up in his motionless state, but not for long as a mysterious female voice calling out to him gently came out of nowhere.

"Welcome… the new bearer of Zero-One… I have been waiting for your arrival…"

Ryouga's eyes now squirmed a bit as he slowly started to regain his senses, but hasn't able to wake up or open his mouth yet as he muttered in his mind, asking who is calling out to him: 'Wh… Who's ther… Who are you…?'

The female voice responded as if the voice could read his thoughts: "I apologize for the sudden action, and I will explain clearly later. Now please wake up… Fujiki Ryouga… Zero-One…"

The young man's eyes senses are now returned as he slowly opened his eyes, started to get up with some struggles as his strength wasn't fully recovered yet from the sudden drain, judged by some small grunts. He finally stood up straight, rubbing his eyes and shook his head a bit, trying to regain his bearings as he muttered: "Mm, ngh… What just happened… The last thing I remember was me being extremely tired, and fall down unconscious… And I think I heard a voice in my head… Am I hallucinating…?" He was proven wrong as the female voice answered to him.

"Negative. There is no hallucination here. I can assure you since we are currently in your Innerspace."

Ryouga's eyes widened fully as he snapped out of his wonder, sharply turned to where the voice is coming from. "That voice…! Where is it-!?" He then stopped in mid-sentence as he was now in utter shock, seeing himself standing in this mysterious endless space again when he was fighting against Ekal Magia. He seemed to be lost in trance as he started to turned behind and walked a few steps, but didn't really know if it was forward or behind as the space looked endless to him, as if there was no end destination. He muttered: "I'm here in this same place again… But why am I even here…?"

The female voice answered his confused thoughts, "It is created based on your 'conscience'. To put it more simply, it is based on your life's memories, mostly your strong emotions of what you like best, and your desire."

Ryouga muttered in confuse, "My… emotions…?" He then turned behind and gasped at the sight in front of him, was a giant yellow hologram of a giant satellite. But he knew exactly what the satellite is, as he stuttered in disbelief and amazement: "No way… ZEA…!?"

The satellite now named ZEA responded with a gentle tone as her eyes, or the main red core shone lightly, said: "It is a pleasure to meet you directly, Fujiki Ryouga."

Ryouga instantly snapped out of his shock and gave a deep bow in return, greeting back, but still remain in shock. "Ah! N-N-Nice to meet you too, Z-ZEA-san…! I can't believe that we would met like this…! No, I mean-!"

ZEA chuckled lightly a bit from seeing the young man's stutter, which makes him more surprised at seeing her able to express emotions. She then assured him, "Please, no need to be nervous. I don't mind with talking normally."

Ryouga nodded his head, immediately stood up. "Ah, Hai…" He then decided to asked ZEA a question, "So… Were you the one who called me here…?"

ZEA's core flashed lightly as she answered: "Yes, I am. And it's also because you were chosen to become the new bearer of Zero-One."

Ryouga widened his eyes from the answer, said: "I was chosen…?" But he then asked: "But the Zero-One System can only be activated by the person who became the president of Hiden Intelligence, if I recall it correctly. So why a normal person like me…? I mean…" The young man then shut his mouth, decided not to talk any further as he scared of what ZEA would think of him if he say that Zero-One's story and ZEA herself were fictional beings.

ZEA started to wonder why the young man suddenly stopped mid-sentence, but she then realized the reason as the core flashed for a bit, then asked with a soft tone: "I see. Are you scared of what I would say if you say that myself and Zero-One's story were fictional, right?" The boy just lowered his head, as what she said was hit on spot. But he then felt a touch on his hand, his eyes then shifted to the RideModule Hopper appeared out of nowhere, as it was standing beside him and gave a soft croak.

ZEA said to the boy with a reassuring tone: "You don't have to be scared. Even if myself and Zero-One were fictional beings, I'm not angry at you, as I and all the Progrise Keys you have stored carefully are all beings came from your world." The mechanized grasshopper croaked and nodded its head at the boy, as it also doesn't mad at him. Ryouga's eyes softened a bit as he nodded back with a small smile, his worries are gone as he rubbed the grasshopper's head for a thank-you, getting a pleased croak and soft purr as it enjoyed the patting.

He then stopped the patting and looked back at ZEA, as she then said: "Now back to your question earlier, it's true that the Zero-One System can only be activated by the person who was chosen to become the president of Hiden Intelligence, and be granted the permission to use it. But you're the exception, as that rule only applies to Hiden Aruto's universe, which will not affect you to follow that rule either. Me and the Progrise Keys have awakened and gained the consciousness when you came to this 'World of Symphogear', as you called it by through the process of yourself being altered by the unknown tunnel."

Ryouga was now deep in thought by the explanation, as he furrowed his eyes and muttered: "So I was right… From the start, I wonder if my body somehow being 'altered' because of that warp tunnel, and I suddenly developed this Dragon Soul power, but I never thought that it would come to this…" He then glanced back at ZEA, said: "Ne ZEA, you said that earlier I was unaffected by the rule of that world, right? Then do you know about the Dragon Soul that I'm currently possessing? Isn't that the reason why I can interact with the RideModules?"

ZEA's core flashed for a bit, said: "Hmm, I see… I'm also curious about it as well, but I think this person can answer for you."

Ryouga raised a questioned eyebrow, "'This person'?"

The holographic satellite then moved to the side a bit, as she continued: "This person is the one who had awakened me, and also…" She then stopped saying as some data particles started to gather in one spot, slowly creating a path pointing forward. The point that the path pointed at then emits a bright light, somewhat resembles a gate. At the same time, the footsteps could be heard from the gate, as a silhouette of a person started to emerge from the gate, said in a male voice:

"The one who called you to this world."

The gate then slowly faded away, revealing the adult muscular male in his mid-30 years old with light tanned skin. For the outfit, he wore awhite collared coat with long sleeves, dark blue lapels, and gold trimmings decorated with a number of embellishments worn over a light purple kimono and white pants. He also has black and golden armor on his right shoulder, white and purple gauntlets on both arms, and a large golden rope around his neck. He also wears a sage priest-like coat over his regal outfit, and a navy sash around his waist, almost making him a mix between nobleman and a sage, with his equipment was a golden sage staff that reminds him of Sanzang Strike Freedom. Finally, for his face, he has slight long, spiky cobalt colored hair and dark blue eyes. But what makes him more shocked was the adult's face, as his face resembles Acnologia from Fairy Tail, but with more calm and sage-like expression.

Ryouga widened his eyes at this Acnologia-like person, muttered in shock: "You…!"

The Acnologia-lookalike then gave him a light smile, greets: "Greetings, Fujiki Ryouga. It seems we have a lot of issues to talk about."

---

(Inserting REAL x EYEZ by J x Takanori Nishikawa)

[01! 01! 01! 01! x 5]

The song starts with an instrumental, with many numbers appeared from the screen nonstop, starting with Ryouga, who had his eyes closed in the shadows, then shifting to Zero-One with his back turned and looked back at the screen with glowing red eyes. The scene then shifts quickly to Hibiki, Tsubasa and Kanade with their civilian identities and their Symphogear armors respectively, along with some Riders like Vulcan and Valkyries but without their civilian identities; the same goes for unidentified three Riders, showing only their silhouettes with purple, pink and teal blue colors respectively, and shifted back to Ryouga, who had his eyes snapped open with his now dragon-like eyes, punched at the screen. The screen then cracked, changed to the blurred yellow digital background with zeroes and ones hitting the screens, forming the title with burst of red flames and cybernetic streaks, followed by a grasshopper's croak and a dragon's roar at the background.

(Kodaina Archive Access shite) From the start, the screen showed Ryouga went to the junkyard, finding for some useful, recycled metal objects, and shifted the camera to some kind of secret room, with him wearing protective black shade iron mask, heatproof gloves along with a worker's orange uniform, work his magic on some unfinished objects, then suddenly the object flashed with a BOOM from the opened average-sized microwave-like fridge, he got startled and ran to check the finished object with satisfied expression, opening up the mask and wiped off sweats with a 'Phew'.

(Kensaku shitatte I don't think it's right) The scene then changed to Hibiki hanging out with Miku while eating a vanilla ice cream, but they then heard a distressed 'Meow' from a nearby tree. Hibiki then swallowed the ice cream with a big gulp and started climbing to the tree to help the cat, but then suddenly slipped her footing and started waving her arms wildly, causing Miku to ran quick and hold her back from falling with struggles.

(Data wa kako Words wa Sign Kotae wa 404 NOT FOUND…) The scene then changed once more to Kanade, who is hiding behind Tsubasa drinking tea with a calmed sigh, then she made the blue-haired girl spitted her tea with a pranked scream and there goes started a Tom & Jerry comedic chase scene, with Tsubasa screaming angrily at her friend for disrupting her moment, while Kanade is running away with a big laugh; then shifted to the 2nd Division Base, we then saw Genjuro observing the surveillance monitor, and Ryoko who is doing some experiments with other scientists before glancing towards the screen.

[01! 01! 01! 01! X2]

The screen then continuously shifted, from Yukine Chris who is taking a soda can from a vending machine, opened and drank it while glancing at the camera; to a hooded person who is watching Ryouga walking on the road, where Ryouga then turned behind to saw everything is red and ruined, with the Psychogears and Noises army surrounded in a circle, he quickly latched the Zero-One Driver on his waist, then inserted the Hopper Key into the Driver, instantly transformed into Zero-One.

(REAL X EYEZ! Hajimari no AIZU) Ryouga, now transformed into Zero-One, is retaliating against a large army with blurred speed, holding the Attache Calibur in the right hand, destroying them with waves of energy slashes. He then ran to Hibiki and Tsubasa, both are already transformed with their Symphogear armors; with Hibiki fight back the Noises with punches and kicks, and Tsubasa letting out a combo of slashes with accuracy.

(Atarashii jidai wo) The screen then shifts to Vulcan and Valkyrie, in their Shooting Wolf and Rushing Cheetah base forms, with Vulcan holding the Attache Shotgun, using Gatling Hedgehog's ability to bombard the Psychogears with rapid bullets, and Valkyrie, who is leaping in the air, shooting the upcoming enemies with Rushing Blast attack, the energy bullets comes from all angles, destroying them; Zero-One then arrived from behind, hitting a Noise with Rise Hopper's front wheel, and skidded back to the ground with the others catching up to him.

(We gotta SUNRISE! Burning like the FIRES!) The screen now shifted to three unknown Riders with their respective silhouette auras on their bodies with glowing visors, slashing at the screen, making the screen shattered, replaced with Zero-One in his other Trial-Forms, letting out attacks with signature abilities, before shifted to Zero-One with a new armor, but hidden by the black silhouette, leaving only red aura and his glowing green visor, like he was glaring at the screen, before unleashing a fire punch, shaped like a roaring dragon's head.

(Kirihirake unmei wo) The hidden Zero-One then execute some kind of flame tornado slash, with the fire tornado reveals to be an energized swirling dragon, roaring at the screen then headed forward; before holding his hand out to Chris, who is falling into a black void, trying to reach for his hand.

(You wanna REAL X EYEZ! Egaita MIRAI) The screen then shifted to Zero-One Driver, two Shotrisers, two Forcerisers and a Cycloneriser lying on the nearby rubbles with rain pouring down on them; and shifted to Ryouga with battered clothes, some blood leaks from his body and dirts, soaked by the rains. He was trying to walk with struggles, but eventually exhausted and fell down, closed his eyes, thinking it was the end for him.

(Buchi nuite Ikeru no wa) But luckily for him, Ryouga suddenly felt a person's hands hugging on his left arm and head, making him opened his eyes, and started to smile as he saw Hibiki looking at him with a teary smile, her tears falling down on his face, glad that he was alive and safe. She then helped him get up and they both looked toward the blue sky, enjoying the view with a smile, hoping for a promised future.

(You're the only ONE!) [01! 01! 01! 01! 01!]

The screen finally shifts to Ryouga, Hibiki and Tsubasa standing on a colorful cybernetic background, before they glowed, transformed with their respective armors, the screen then splitted in two sides diagonally, with the upper left showing Hibiki and the 2nd Division Base members looking up with determined expression, and the lower right showing Ryouga and Zero-One in Rising Hopper form standing close, looking at the screen with intense gaze.

(End Opening)

---

(Eyecatch 1)

The scene showing Zero-One riding on his Rise Hopper, zooming across many steel piles left and right with amazing skills, and turning to the right direction, ending the eyecatch.

---

(Ryouga's Innerspace)

Continuing the story, starting with Ryouga, as the boy stared at the one calling him looked exactly like that of Acnologia in complete shock. At least he wasn't giving the ravenette murderous intent, but that didn't make him able to calm his nerves, given the situation, judging by his shaking left fist and a sweat of unease slowly falling from the right side of his head.

The Acnologia-lookalike entity asked with a curious tone, "Are you not feeling well, Ryouga-kun?" The moment the entity opened his mouth, Ryouga's body suddenly got his skin jumped in alert, his eyes become shrank almost like a dot, instantly shifted into Dragon Eye, along with his teeth turned into fangs, a small burst of bright red aura formed over his body, especially his left fist coated in more intense red flames, the swirling dragon symbol flashed nonstop, like a warning detector.

"M-Master?" ZEA's eyes flashed a bit, surprised at his sudden burst of aura.

ZEA's voice somehow snapped Ryouga out of his trance, looked at himself covered in red aura, especially his shaking left fist with the nonstop beeping symbol. He became alerted at the sudden change and immediately grasp his left hand, trying to stop the shaking fist. Thankfully, his left fist stopped shaking and the aura then dissipated, turning him back to normal. He then took a deep breath to calm down a bit, and glance back at the entity in front of him, who gave him a confused look, as if he didn't even shock one bit.

Ryouga composed himself with a 'Ahem', and stuttered a bit, trying not to anger the entity, "Um… s-sorry about that earlier. I don't know what came over me, but you look like, err…"

"'Acnologia', was your thought?" The entity finished, causing the ravenette got his skin spooked. The entity just raised his right hand, signaling the boy that he didn't get offended, and said with a calm smile. "It's okay, I'm not offended. And for your question, I found the Earth's knowledge very interesting, even their creations like manga or films."

Ryouga nodded dumbly, didn't even know that an entity would have an interest in Earth. "Uhh, okay…" The young man then calmed down, and asked the entity: "So, can I ask who are you exactly? And the reason why you brought me here? Are you a God?"

The male entity replied, "Oh no, I'm something more complex. You could say that I'm more like a Guardian God, the one who protects the flow of time and history, mostly keeping planets from interacting with each other, whichever sounds better for you. God only controls a part of the Earth, after all."

'Riiight… at least he isn't a 'trolling' Loki.' Ryouga thinks, feeling extremely cautious and worry at the same time. He then said: "So is your role the same as that of Supreme Kai of Time?"

The entity shook his head lightly, said: "Not exactly the same, but yes. I'm also the observer. But back to the matter, the reason why I called you here because I need your assistance."

Ryouga narrowed his eyes, catching the hint behind the sentence, one part of him understood the situation while the other part of him felt dread of what the next sentence would be as he then asked the entity, "And how could I possibly help you?"

The entity then narrowed his eyes in a business-like gaze, said: "I need you to protect the flow of history from the outside forces' invasion."

That sentence caused Ryouga to swallow a big gulp inside his throat, decided to keep quiet as he already know what the 'outside force' would be, didn't really want to ask for the confirmation. He then asked, "But why me? I'm just a mere human being, intelligent or not."

The entity smiled, "It's because you caught my interest. You are one of the few humans who could understand the meaning of humanity's infinite potential. And you also have a strong will and pure soul." The sentence caused Ryouga to sport a confused expression.

While it may sound ridiculous to others, but after spending time watching many shows, reading books and playing games, Ryouga became more interested in humanity's greatest power was 'infinite potential', meaning that as long as they don't give up, humans can always reach their goals and fulfill any dreams, and that's what keeps some driving forward till their last breath.

The ravenette now looked humble, scratching his right cheek and said: "Well, I don't know if I should be flattered, but I wouldn't exactly call myself 'pure', as you know, err…"

The entity just gave him a fond smile, said: "It's because you won't hesitate in making a decision before acting, and also being aware of the fact that humans have both light and darkness resides within. You don't want to deny any of them, instead, you choose to embrace both. From my view, you indeed, are very unique. And I could understand if you have secrets that you don't want to tell, so I will stop here as I already know about it."

Ryouga didn't know what to say, except looking really flabbergasted as he wouldn't expect himself to be 'praised' by an entity. He could only give a small respectful bow to the entity with a humble tone: "Umm… T-Thank you…" The entity nodded with a sage-like smile.

Ryouga then said with a serious tone: "So about the task, do you need me to protect the Symphogear Universe only for that?"

The entity now reverted to a business-like person, sporting a serious expression as he then said: "Before I give you a proper answer, let me tell you this in case you accept my request. You won't have to worry about your world and relatives. Time in this dimension is considerably faster in comparison to your homeworld, so nobody will notice your absence. The only problem is the amount of time you might spend there to complete your task and it will be long before you be allowed to return."

'And here's the drawback…' Ryouga now looked grim in thought. Of course it would be, as this was definitely a hard task and most people would back off quickly because of the said 'time' it may take to be done. He then narrowed his eyes, thinks: 'But it needs to be done, either way, or else the Multiverse is doomed forever, including my world.'

"Anything else I should be cautious?" Ryouga asked for confirmation.

The entity nodded, said: "Yes. As farfetched as it may sound, dangerous Kaijins and other monsters will be released in this universe. Of course, I'm sure you're already known what I'm implying about."

Ryouga nodded, thought in his mind: 'Everything.'

"For the Kaijus, as you would think, yes, it's real. And they can't be killed by the Symphogear unless they become stronger to your level and can only be sealed in a certain object that you probably know with your Ultraman-verse's knowledge. And they could only be finished by an Ultraman-based attack."

The ravenette let out a frustrated groan, muttered: "Seriously, 'Ultraman's attacks'? Then I'm in a disadvantage…"

The entity then noticed Ryouga's frustration, raise a finger and said: "But… you're the exception." That caused Ryouga to snap out of his grim thought and glanced at the entity with a question mark on his head, as he then smiled and pointed at his left hand, which caused the young man's left hand to pulse softly with small bright red aura, revealing a white symbol, resembles a swirling dragon with flames sprouted from the mouth, caught Ryouga by surprise as he stared at his left hand.

"The Dragon Soul, as you dubbed it, seemingly resonates with your knowledge from the shows, provides you with your imagination and creativity skills to let you execute many various attacks, even an Ultraman-based attack. What makes me even more surprised about the power you're holding is that it somehow amplifies your connections with the spirits by your strong emotions, granting you to summon monsters in battle or use their powers and abilities." The entity explained while being impressed by Ryouga's power.

"Wait, 'amplifies'!?" Ryouga exclaimed with wide eyes, causing the mechanized hopper standing near him to let out a shocked croak as well. Both the ravenette and Hopper could only stare at the left hand in shock, as he then muttered: "That sounds too OP…" Which gained him a response from ZEA as she also muttered in surprise and wonder by the explanation, "Truly unbelievable…"

An idea then flashed in Ryouga's head as he asked the entity, "Come to think of it, do you also know about this power as well? Can you explain it to me why I had this?" The young man then brought his glowing hand over to the entity for examination, as the entity then walked closer to look at the left hand with the glowing dragon symbol. He then touched the left hand and closed his eyes, as the entity's body glowed with faint light aura, causing Ryouga to flinch a bit, but remained standing still and just let him to do the examination.

After a minute of examination, the entity's body then stopped glowing, signaling Ryouga that the examination was over as his left hand also dimmed out, leaving the symbol remaining. The entity then opened his eyes, which caused Ryouga to ask for confirmation with slightly nervous look, "So… the result is?" The entity glanced at Ryouga with deadly serious eyes, making the ravenette to slightly lower his eyes in unease, as he feared of the grim answer. The entity then suddenly shifted to a smile soon after as he then said:

"Don't worry, it is fine. And to lessen your concerns, your life has no connections to any of the gods, if you're wondering."

Hearing the positive answer from the entity somehow caused Ryouga to suddenly sigh in relief, as his legs were almost stumbled to the ground if the result was heavily severe. The ravenette exclaimed with an exhausted tone, "Please don't scare me like that… Gosh, I'm almost fainted…" The mechanized hopper then went to his partner, using one of its legs to give him a reassuring pat, which the young man just sighed in defeat, getting short chuckles from the entity and ZEA.

After done weeping to himself, Ryouga steeled himself back to the matter and asked the entity, "So about this thing, have you discovered any results about my power?"

The entity nodded, "Yes, I have. But sadly, I will explain it to you after you wake up through a message, because we only had few times left."

Ryouga quirked an eyebrow in shock, said: "Wait, already that long?"

The entity shook his head, replied: "No, the time we spend in your mindscape is separated from the outside world, as one second from the outside becomes three minutes passed. I thought maybe you want to go sleep early."

Ryouga shrugged his shoulders, said: "No, I don't mind having a long conversation, because I need to be ready for everything. Besides, I have some blanks need to be filled, too, so I'm already accustomed to both waking up early and late."

The entity nodded with a small smile, as this was the first time he met an Earthling who fully understood the situation. "Very well, then. Let us continue with the matter."

Ryouga nodded, then questioned the entity: "Right, so about my 'bizarre' experience while in the warp tunnel… Was that your doing?"

The entity nodded, being unaware of what the ravenette implied, said: "Yes, it is. You see, us gods can't exactly transfer a person through a safe gate because the force of the barrier that separate worlds is strong, and can't be easily manipulated, so we decided to leave it be with normal circumstances through the warp gate, as it would be easier to transfer a person. Why do you ask?"

After hearing the explanation from the entity, Ryouga suddenly lowered his head, his bangs covered his eyes as he said with a monotone: "Oh… is that so…?" He then cracked his knuckles, causing the entity to snapped his eyes open in a millisecond, realized a bit too late as he explained without knowing.

As the ravenette calmly walked to the entity with his left fist clenching tightly, causing veins to pop out, the entity then snapped out of his sage-like character as he then holding out his right hand in a defensive manner, trying to calm the ravenette down with a mix of apologetic and scared tone. "Waitwaitwaitwaitwait, Ryouga-kun! Please calm down! I can explain-" But sadly, his pleas didn't work as Ryouga then lifted up his head, his eyes turning comedic red of a demon as he raised his left fist up and yelled:

"SPARE ME YOUR EXCUSE!" And do a high jump with a diving Falcon Punch, making the entity to let out an almost girl-like Dr. Eggman shriek.

"AIIIIIEEEEEEEE!"

*KA-BOOONK!*

The entity now sitting in a dogeza on the ground with a large red bump on his head by Ryouga's punch, who is now looking down on the entity with an extremely angry expression with his smoking fist. ZEA and Hopper just watched the scene at the side in silence, with an animated sweat drop on their heads. Wait, does ZEA even sweatdrops!?

Ryouga started to chastise the entity with an angry tone, said: "Do you even realize how extremely painful it is for me!? That was the most horrific experience any normal human beings want to forget! And you don't even transfer to me all of my stuff after I got transported!? HOW IGNORANT CAN YOU BE!?"

The entity continued hung his head down in shame, with an animated cloud hung above his head as he said in a depressed tone: "Menbokunai (I'm deeply sorry) …" But he then smiled sheepishly at the young man while scratching the back of his head, "But hey, at least everything sorted out in the end, isn't it? Thankfully, you didn't get hurt in the process-"

"Mind saying that again?" Ryouga said with a threatening tone with his Dragon Eye glowing, causing the entity to get his skin spooked at the angry ravenette, with his eyes literally screaming in a 'bloody murder' tone: "I'M LOSING MY PATIENCE HERE!". He started to sweat a lot comically, holding his hand in front of him as he tried to calm down the angry Ryouga.

"I'm really sorry! What I had told you is all truth, which none of them are all LIES! There really was no other way to send you safely without harming, and I've been developing the way to do it! Please have mercy~!" The entity said with a frantic tone, started bowing to the ground.

Seeing the entity bowing with honesty, Ryouga then stopped his scolding with an angry sigh, shaking his head in defeat as he muttered: "*Sigh* I swear gods are really complicated…" He then stared at the bowing entity, and walked to him, patting his shoulder and said with a slight tired tone: "Okay, please stop bowing. I admit that I'm really mad at this fact, so I could somewhat understand. But at least try to remind it when you're going to transfer my stuff, alright?"

The entity immediately raised his head, now with a look of gratitude and relieved, stood up and nodded, raised his hand as if he was making an oath and said with a resolute tone: "Thank you, and I promise to embed it deep in my mind."

Ryouga stared at the entity with a deadpanned look, said: "I'm not entirely sure about that… but since you say it that way, I'll trust you not to break the oath for now." Which gained him a nervous chuckle from the entity as he replied to the ravenette.

"Y-Yes, of course. I'll never do that to anyone, I'll make sure of it, hehe…"

At that time, ZEA and Hopper are still staring at the conversation between the two males, sporting a somewhat awkward expression. ZEA was the first to broke the silence as she asked the ravenette with a curious tone: "Um… can I ask what was that conversation about?"

Ryouga and the entity response in unison with a comically dead tone, "Trust me, you don't need to know."

ZEA and Hopper immediately understood, decided not to question. "Right."

Ryouga then turns back to the entity, proceed to lead back to the matter as he asked: "So with that aside, you did mention earlier that I was the exception, right?" The entity gave him a nod. "And that means only I can use the Zero-One System, isn't it?"

ZEA's eyes flashed as she answered: "Your question is correct. With your connection to Zero-One and the Progrise Keys, that will grant you as the sole user of the Zero-One System. And if you're wondering about the system being 'hijacked', I've been developing the vaccine, along with several firewall protection systems to not let the system being hacked by anyone, even the imposters who pretends to be you."

Ryouga nodded in gratitude. He then asked the hologram satellite, "Good to hear it. So ZEA, can I ask you a favor?"

ZEA's eyes flashed, replied: "Yes, Master. What is your favor?"

Ryouga then realized something as he says, "Oh, before that, you don't exactly need to call me Master or anything. You can call me Ryouga as normal. There's no one above or below. Everyone here are equal. Is that alright with you?"

ZEA's eyes flashed, being quiet for a few seconds and gave him her answer, "I understand, Ryouga. It'll take some time for me, but I'll try my best."

Ryouga smiled, nodded. "That's all I need." He then glances back at the entity, asked: "You said earlier that we're currently in my mind, right? So if I imagine something, can it be real?"

The entity replied, "Yes, as you said, anything you want becomes real. For an example…" He then closed his eyes and waved his hand a bit, a can of CocaCola instantly appeared on his hand. He then opened the lid and drank it with a sip, commented: "Hmm, fizzy."

The ravenette now sported an amazed expression as he muttered: "Wow… Okay then." Ryouga also closed his eyes, following the entity's example as he concentrated, drawing out the object he wants to. He then waved his right hand a bit, a bottle of water instantly appeared and fell on his hand softly. He opened his eyes and smiled as he saw the result, commented: "Hehe, nice." He opened the bottle cap and slowly taste the water, and nodded soon after. "Hmm, it feels like real water."

The entity gave a small smile, said: "While the thing you desire becomes real, it could only give us a temporary satisfaction to fill our heads."

Ryouga nodded, "Yeah, but still, it couldn't be hurt to imagine. It'll be easier for me to forget about the starving while in trainings." He then waved the bottle in his hand as it disappeared into thin air. The ravenette then turned his attention back to ZEA. "So, about my favor…" He closed his eyes again and bring out his hand in front, small bits of data started to gather in his palm, slowly shapeshifting into a big black briefcase as he grabbed the handle. He put the briefcase in the ground, immediately unlock both dial locks and opened it, showing the contents inside the briefcase to ZEA.

"I was hoping if you could 'customize' these gadgets."

ZEA's eyes flashed a bit while examining the contents inside the briefcase as she muttered in surprise, "These are…" She then stared back at Ryouga, realized the meaning as the entity also glanced at the ravenette with a fond smirk and slightly widen eyes, looked like as if he was amazed by Ryouga's thoughts of planning ahead. After a minute of silence and observing, ZEA replies: "Understood. I'll start working on it."

Ryouga nodded, smiling. "I'm counting on you, ZEA."

Hopper then walked to Ryouga, which then got his attention as it tilted its head to the side, wondering what the ravenette was talking about. He glanced back at Hopper, said in realization: "Oh right, I almost forgot. Come here." He gestured Hopper to come closer as he kneeled down a bit, and started whispering to the mechanized grasshopper as its eyes widened in realization. It then nodded with some croaks, showing that it understood his words.

The ravenette then stood up, asked: "So you're good now, buddy?" Hopper nodded with a croak, making Ryouga smile as he rubbed its head, granting him a pleased appreciation from the grasshopper as it closed its eyes and let out a blissful sigh, enjoying the headpat from its partner.

The entity smiled as he watched the headpatting ritual by Ryouga, commented with a curious tone: "You sure have quite a strong bond with spirits, even able to communicate with the RideModules, although they are machines."

Ryouga stopped his patting, said: "They're not just machines. 'Every machines created by humans have their own heart and souls embedded in them by their creators', is what my uncle told me." He then gazed back at Hopper with a fond smile. "Besides, they are also a part of my family since the day I lost my parents." After he said out the word 'parents', his eyes slightly lowered down a bit.

The entity noticed his slight downed look, said to the ravenette after hearing what he had said, "I see… I'm sorry for my curiosity."

Ryouga shook his head, reassured: "No, it's fine." He then stared at his left hand, which the symbol reappeared on his hand. "In fact, I'm really grateful for this power, since it could help me communicate with other Progrise Keys and the spirits."

The entity smiled, "You sure are a strong person."

Ryouga scratched his head a bit, said with a humble tone: "I may be strong, but I'm not perfect. But still, I'll do my best."

The entity just nodded, still retaining his sage-like smile. Soon after, Ryouga steeled himself back to the matter, said: "Is there anything more I need to note down?"

The entity nodded, also reverts back to his business-like expression. "Yes. As the time went by, I want you to prepare for any possible incoming ambushes by other forces, which means I will lend you a hand with the training schedule. Also, as far as I've seen, you have taken your training seriously when you first came here, but sadly, I think it will not be enough for you, even if you've awakened Dragon Soul."

Ryouga muttered with a slight down tone, "Not enough…?"

"So that's why, I'll give you a boost to your strength, defense, speed, reaction, immunologic system and mental resistance, alongside the high pain tolerance." The entity explained, and smiled soon after as he saw the jaw-dropped expression from the ravenette. "You said that you've learned the basics, right? I think it should be a useful gift for you."

Ryouga shook out of his jaw-drop, instantly composed himself and said with an amazed tone: "'Useful'!? It sounds TERRIFIC to me! I'll gladly use them well."

The entity chuckled at Ryouga's amazed expression, said: "Be sure to use it well. And also, you can achieve the Bukujutsu (Flying Technique) when you complete your training, which I will make a space for the 'training' later. For now, these stats can help you gain the advantage while the enemy will give you no chance to transform."

Ryouga nodded, immediately noted down the entity's word in his mind. "Right." An idea then flashed in his head. "Oh, wait. Since my power can help me to summon monsters to aid in battle, can I also summon and use the power of the monsters I defeat too?"

"Yes, you can. It's also helpful to increase your strategy in battling." The entity replied, getting a nod from the ravenette.

"Also, you will be able to obtain new powers through one more way." The entity said, getting a raised eyebrow from Ryouga.

"Really? How?"

"Simple, when you are fighting in certain moments, a certain phenomenon might appear in front of you, as if calling for you. It's like a storm that is caused by an unknown power that runs through the Earth, or more accurately, the galaxy since it's very creation. You can imagine those moments in the situation where a person experience strong emotions and thus allow them to earn new powers, weapons or item to further evolve themselves." The entity explained.

"So 'infinite potential'…" Ryouga muttered.

"It means those who fully understood the meaning can only access to it. If there is a person who dares to force-access it with science technologies or many other ways and use it for one's ambition, then that person will trigger the storm's wrath and be swallowed by the storm itself, making them as good as dead. The outside forces are also no exception." The entity answered.

Ryouga gasped in shock. "I-I see…" And then thought with dread, 'That was really no joke…! If someone's trying to force-access it by any means, they just unknowingly signed themselves more death wishes! There's another warning to be noted down…'

"Anyway, to obtain new powers, try to look inside of your heart, inside of yourself, of your soul." The entity said.

"Look inside of my heart…? But how?" Ryouga questioned.

"I'm sure you'll be able to find a way. Trust your feelings, your instincts. And don't worry, you can still be able to contact me in your dreams so I can later answer whatever questions you come up with and help you train." The entity assured with a thumbs-up.

Ryouga nodded, "Thank you. It actually helps a lot."

"Good, but one more thing." The entity then called out to the ravenette with a serious tone, as the boy also turned serious as well. "No matter what happens, you mustn't let the Rider System, along with your power, anything, to fall into the wrong hands, as I don't want to observe the worst consequences will occur on this world. Heck, it could even spread out through the Multiverses."

Hearing the warnings coming from the distressed entity caused Ryouga to swallow a dreaded gulp inside his throat as the atmosphere turning deadly silent. After a few seconds, the ravenette then broke the silence with a question. "'To not let it fall into the wrong hands', you said… Does that mean…?"

The entity nodded grimly. "Yes, in later future, some beings will detect your presence in this world and could be trying to obtain those powers for their own gains."

Ryouga nodded slowly with a concerned frown. "Right… I'll remember that." And thought, 'Of course, 'No pain, No gain.''

"Now then, I'll ask once again. Fujiki Ryouga, are you sure you want to continue your mission in a world that is much more dangerous than yours? If you want to quit, then I won't stop you." The entity asked with finality.

Ryouga closed his eyes, trying to memorize all the information he had been given. After a minute of thinking, he then opened his eyes, now with newfound determination and resolve as he replied: "Yes. This is no longer the problem about my world nor the Symphogear's world only, but also the Multiverse's problem as well. I'll do my best to stop the outside invaders!"

The entity still retained his serious look, as he then asked once more: "Is that your final answer?"

Ryouga glanced at ZEA and Hopper, who is now standing near him. He then glanced back at the entity as he and Hopper gave the entity a sharp nod, which the entity nodded back. "Very well. Then I wish you luck on your mission."

Ryouga then said: "Before that, I need to do one last thing." Getting a "Hm?" from the entity.

The ravenette then scratched his head and said with a humble tone: "Well, about that, I remember that you didn't name yourself, so… how about I call you Kairos? I think beside the Guardian rule, you can like, err… detect the 'weather flow' of time. At least, that's what I thought."

The entity looked at Ryouga with puzzled expression for a bit, before he realized. "Ah…" And he then chuckled, said: "You're right. Most of us didn't really name ourselves. Okay, you can call me Kairos."

Ryouga nodded. "Then I'll see you later, Kairos-san."

The entity nodded back. "Of course. Have a good sleep. Oh, about your 'essential stuff', I'll deliver them to you in two days. But there could be a few things I could miss out, so don't feel bad, okay?"

Ryouga nodded. "Oh, well that's good. Please just take all of my belongings, except the apartment's properties." And gave a deadpan stare at the entity now named Kairos soon after. "If there's something even lost in the vortex, then I'll add you to my debt tab, so make sure to remember that clearly, alright sir?"

Kairos sweatdropped with a nervous smile, raised a hand. "Right… crystal clear."

Ryouga nodded. "Right, I'll see you guys later in another time." He then closed his eyes as he disappeared out of thin air, leaving only Kairos, ZEA and Hopper standing.

Kairos then looked up above, which is the supposed starry night sky, while in deep thoughts. 'Be careful on your mission, Ryouga-kun. From what I saw in your soul, your fate will be much harder with unveiled events in front of you…'

---

(Back to Reality)

Now back to reality, Ryouga's eyes squirmed for a bit before slowly opened, as he then got up from the floor with soft grunts. He then sat on the bed, holding his aching head with his left hand, as he started to regain his bearings and gathered all the information on what he learned from Kairos. To be honest, it was really heavy, if he dared to say as he then thought:

'But, that's what to be expected for the usual Isekai role.' He then lowered his left hand and stared at it with a small smile. 'I'm glad that the power I'm currently possessing has no relation to any of the occults, because if it was, I would probably shit myself out of shock and fear! Phew, what a relief…' Ryouga then frowned soon after.

'But what makes me concern even more is aside from the Symphogear's enemies, there will be Kaijins and Kaijus appear in near future. *Sigh* Guess it's another side effect of my arrival in this world, isn't it?' The ravenette shook his head, and slapped himself few times to push away the doubts. 'Alright, calm down, Ryouga! No times mulling to yourself now! I need to focus more on my training. And with the 'boosted' stats Kairos-san give me, I mustn't let it go to waste! Hopefully ZEA can customize the gadgets I asked for, since there would be a risk that somehow I can't use the Zero-One Driver or else. I need everyone to be on full alert for 'everything'.'

Ryouga nodded to himself and stood up, walked to where he had fallen unconscious, picking up the Zero-One Driver and the Progrise Keys on the ground. He stared at the Keys for a moment before letting out a soft sigh, went to his closet to put them in the briefcase, putting up the dial lock and closed the case. He took out his Iphone, muttered: "What time is it…?" His eyes then widened when he checked the time.

"The hell…? 1:00 AM!?" After done staring at the time, Ryouga then slowly put his phone near the lamp, and ruffled his hair in annoyance as he cursed out in anger: "Darn it! I don't even get to eat my dinner yet…!" With no other choice, he let out a small agitated sigh as he went to his fridge, opened it and look at the inside.

'Guess I'll have an overnight meal…' Ryouga thought with a tired, annoyed frown as he took out what's essential for the late meal, prepared himself for a 'vexed' day.

---

(The Next Day)

"Sorry for the long waiting." Ryouga apologized to the customer before setting down drinks. "Here's your order."

"It's fine. Thank you." A woman said, thanking the ravenette for the order before she and her small family started talking as he went back to take more orders, letting out a slight tired sigh in the process.

At the owner's desk, the owner lady then noticed Ryouga's somewhat tired expression as he walked back to take more orders. The owner lady went to the ravenette, immediately tapping his back, caught the ravenette's attention as he raised his head and shifted his attention back to her. She then asked with concern, "Hey, Ryouga-kun. Are you alright? I saw you really tired just now."

Ryouga widened his eyes a bit, shook his head, trying to give her a straight smile, although the keyword 'tried' doesn't really helped much. "Nah, I'm still fine, Owner. Just a little bit tired from working hard."

As to be expected, the lady didn't really believe him, as she gave him a skeptical look with a doubtful tone. "A little…?"

Ryouga stared at the lady for a bit, and then sighed in defeat, decided to spill the truth out. "Okay, you win. I had a rough night for working hard, because I stayed up late."

The lady widened her eyes a bit, asked: "What? Why did you stay up late?"

Ryouga nervously scratched his head, says: "Well… Besides working for the restaurant, I actually doing other works too, like helping with some constructions, and so on, hehe… Honestly, I guess Hibiki's habit is starting to rub on me." And privately thought in his mind. 'Please take the bait, please, please Owner! I can't really tell you the truth!'

Thankfully for the ravenette, the lady accepted his 'truthful' answer as she also gave a soft sigh. She then says, "I see… I can understand that. Truly, that girl is making a 'big' influence on everyone here. I didn't think that you would be caught by her, though." Both of them then laughed a bit, remembering the time when certain cream-haired girl walked to the restaurant with some leaves and twigs on her body because of trying to save the cat.

Putting the memory behind, the lady then looked back at Ryouga, who stiffened a bit, started to feel unease of her being wary of his lies again. After a few seconds, her expressions then changed to one who had an idea and nodded to herself. She then says, "Okay, seeing you tired like this, I decided to give you a temporary rest."

Ryouga widened his eyes, surprised by her giving him a free day. He shook his head, said back with concern: "Wha-? But Owner, I can't accept this… Surely you can't handle the orders alone by yourself? What if you get sick?"

The lady waved his concern off. "Oh nonsense, I'm not that weak. You've done a lot enough for this restaurant, and I'm also glad that the customers enjoyed it. And I'm sure you don't even think for yourself a rest sometimes, do you?" Ryouga was about to say back, but then shut his mouth and lowered his head a bit, as what the lady said was right. He didn't actually think about having a rest for himself back at his world, as he keeps working all day to finish the tasks without complaining or asking for a rest, which makes his friends and acquaintances worry about him a lot. It took a lot of persuades to make him concede and begrudgingly accepted a break.

Seeing the ravenette still hesitate, the owner then put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a soft smile. "Don't make that look. You helped us a lot of efforts. Taking jobs is necessary, but it's also important to take care of your health, too." The ravenette pondered about her words for a bit, as she then said: "How about this? We almost run out of ingredients, so can you go out and buy some more? I'll make you some treats afterwards."

Ryouga still unsure if he needs to rest, but decided not to say anything. He then sighed a bit and nodded in reluctant. "Yes Ma'am, I think I can at least do that." The lady nodded, as she walked to the desk and took out some bills for him to buy the ingredients, which he accepted. The ravenette then went to the clothing room and changed back to his casual clothes.

"Sorry Owner, for making you worry. It's just…" Ryouga apologized to the lady, which the lady just nodded.

"It's fine. You don't have to say more. Don't push yourself too hard, okay? I don't want my number one assistant to faint on the road." The lady said, smiling and joked a bit, making the ravenette chuckled a bit.

"Right. I'll be back soon." Ryouga said before heading out, the lady waved back to him. He went out of the backdoor and hopped on the Rise Hopper, putting on his helmet before drove off.

After Ryouga drove off to buy ingredients, the lady then went back to the restaurant, sighed a bit for some thoughts. She once again remembered how tiring it is to take orders and preparing them all by herself, after she saw Ryouga's tired expression. She had an OK life. She had nice parents, nice friends, and now she had this restaurant which she owned when the original owner decided to sell the place and so here she is, running a surprisingly popular restaurant. She prided herself in that a bit. People who came here loved her foods which makes her even more happy. Sure, it was tiring, but she still got through, that is until Ryouga arrived. She then remembers when Ryouga first arrived, walking into her restaurant and stood in front of the owner's desk, wearing in an almost employee-like black high school outfit. When she asked him what he liked to have, he just came with a greeting and said…

"Yes. I would like to attend a job here."

The straight answer from the boy caught herself in surprise a bit. It was the most straight-forward and blunt answer she had ever heard. Usually, a person would start with some small talk and then ask for a job, but he just came and said it, no small talk or whatsoever. Maybe that's why she accepted his request in the first place, because he was interesting and hard-working, also reliable. She was glad to have accepted his request as her burden was lessened by a lot. She could focus more on preparing whatever orders Ryouga took and would have them done in no time.

The lady then lowered her eyes a bit after seeing Ryouga's tired expression, one part of her concerned for the boy's well-being, scared if he suddenly collapsed on the road or something. That makes her couldn't stop thinking about the possible facts, but then shook her head out of those thoughts soon, and focused on the positive thoughts while waiting for Ryouga to return. "When he comes back, I'll give him a big treat later." The lady thought out loud with a determined smile.

The sound of the door opening caught her attention and like always, she welcomed whoever came. "Welcome to the Flower." She looked at the man from head to toe. The man wore in a black suit with a business-like coat on his back. He has long black hair, split on both sides with a simple glasses and holding a brown cane in his right hand. Accompanying him were two men in a business suit. And little does the lady know, she would be seeing herself in a great danger since Ryouga won't be come back to warn her.

The man then walked to the owner, asked: "Pardon me, miss, can I ask you something?"

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"Is this the place where a person named Fujiki Ryouga currently working?" The man asked with a curious tone.

The lady raised an eyebrow in confusion, but inside she felt that the curious tone from the man was really giving her unease feelings. She then asked with suspicion: "Why do you ask about him?"

The man hummed a bit, muttered out loud: "Hmm… it looks like that boy is not here. Oh well…" He then snapped his fingers, the two men immediately responded as they transformed into sickly-looking green pupae bug-like monsters, its feature making them the Salis Worms.

The owner and the customers screamed fearfully at the sight of the human-impersonating monsters, as the man just smirked condensingly and ordered the Salis Worms. "He's gonna lose his job today. Leave nothing behind." The Salis Worms started walking in front, readying their claws for some huntings, as the people started crawling back in fear. But before the monsters could reach to their neck, they were halted by a voice.

"Excuse me, sir." Out of nowhere, the man in a black-hooded jacket tapped the man's back, which got his attention. "Hmm?" He suddenly teleported in front of the cowering customers, caught the man and Salis Worms by surprise as he gave a strong swing kick, blasting them out of the restaurant. The hooded man then decided to chase after them as he 'teleported' again, leaving the jaw-dropping people behind.

---

(Outside the Flower, Random Location)

Both the man and Salis Worms now landed with a heavy thud, leaving the ground indented by the crash. The man growled in pain after got hit by an unknown hooded human, muttered with annoyance: "Damn…! Who the hell dares-" He didn't get to finish the sentence as both Salis Worms suddenly screamed in pain, prompting him to turn behind as the monsters got consumed by incoming large fireballs and exploded into nothing.

"What the-!?" The man widened his eyes at seeing his minions destroyed in an instant, but then got hit in the face soonafter by a kick, causing him to spat out salivas and skid on the ground a bit faraway. The man then got up, glaring at the hooded human, who is pointing the Attache Shotgun with the muzzle smoking a bit.

The hooded man snorted in disgust, commented with an angry tone: "Well well, look who's here. The oh-so-mighty Nogi Reiji with two crappy Salis Worms, trying to make me lose my job? You assholes really are the impulsive types, huh?"

The man named Nogi Reiji snarled at the cocky human mocking him, rubbing the green blood on his mouth away, said: "Who the hell are you, human!?"

The hooded man merely gave him a 'hmph' in return, and lowered his hood, revealing the identity, which happens to be Ryouga himself as he says back with a disgusted tone: "Why do you even ask, instead of recognizing my voice?"

Nogi widened his eyes for a second, and sneered in realization. "Oh, I see. So that Fujiki Ryouga I saw earlier was a distraction?"

---

(Short Flashback)

After saying his goodbye to the lady to buy the ingredients, he accidentally bumped his leg at the nearby table's leg, but was saved by a second from falling to the ground by the hooded man, who is sitting at the said table.

The hooded man asked: "You okay, buddy? That was close." He then helped the ravenette up, which the boy nodded in appreciation.

Ryouga thanked the hooded man while scratching his head a bit, "Yes, I'm sorry. I'm a bit tired earlier."

The hooded man nodded with a small smile. "Be careful on the way, okay?"

Ryouga nodded with a small embarrassing smile, said: "Right, I'll remember that." He then remembered something. "Oh, by the way..." The ravenette then went to the hooded man, putting a hand over his mouth to whisper something with a dreaded tone.

"The Flower is in danger, Oyabun (Boss)."

The hooded man, or rather, Ryouga widened his eyes at the message, narrowed his eyes in a second as he nodded to the Alias clone, thanking him. He then asked quietly: "What is the cause?" The ravenette then got his answer when 'Ryouga' silently pointed at the man in a business suit, with two men accompanying him, as both Ryouga and the Alias clone scowled at the man with a thought, recognizing his identity:

'Nogi Reiji!'

(Flashback End)

---

Ryouga snorted back. "Well, assuming you can clone yourself, I should do the same. You got a problem?" He withdraws back the Attache Shotgun and gave a challenging 'fuck you' finger to him. "Come here, let's see if you can triumph over me with your shitty disguise."

Nogi snarled, balled his hands into fists as veins popped out on his forehead. He took out the glasses off his face and crush it with his foot, yelling with immense anger. "You insolent brat!" He then ran to Ryouga with fast speed, ready to crush this lowly human beneath his foot. Ryouga gave him a loud 'tsk' raspberry in return, cracking his neck with Kintaros style and his knuckles, ran at Nogi to deliver some beatings into him, as the two now opened the curtain for an epic brawl.

(Inserting Kamen Rider Zero-One REAL X TIME OST: Zero-One Attacks)

The two faced each other with murderous intents, starting with Nogi swung a punch at his neck, but blocked by Ryouga, who ducked in time and returned with some hard, swift punches at his abdomen, causing him to stumble back. He then rushed at Nogi, gave a raised knee to the man's jaw and bashed at his face with his back hand harshly, which got him a red indented punch in the face.

Ryouga flicked his hand, brushing off the slight pain from Nogi's hard skin. He taunted back at the man with mockery and disgust, "What's wrong? You're not gonna use your usual high kicks? I haven't got enough fists to break down that bastardize face of yours!"

Nogi gritted his teeth, almost drawing blood out as his face was about to explode from the human's mockery. He shouted with uncontrollable anger at the boy, "WHY YOU!" He charged madly toward Ryouga, who charged in return, resuming the brawl again.

Nogi executes a blur of martial arts movements with punches and his typical high kicks, which Ryouga reacted in time and countered with his own, thanks to the training and the boosted stats granted by Kairos. Their fists clashing against each other, along with the high kicks. Both of them caught their fists in a stalemate, and bashed their heads against each other, growling like predators, trying to overthrow the prey down in front of them. The headbutt tug-o-war then over as both then retracted their heads back, but with their hands still tangled. Nogi raised his leg, aiming for the stomach, but Ryouga blocked the leg with his shin and kicked back at the man with his own strong kick, causing him to spat out saliva, letting go of his hands in the process as Nogi felt his bone started to crack up.

But Nogi hasn't throw down the towel yet as he ignored the pain and swung a fist to the ravenette's face, which he just let it hit as the fist made contact with his cheek. Nogi started to smirk mockingly at Ryouga, finally getting a hit. But little what he does know, is that he just gave Ryouga an annoying sting by a mosquito's needle, as instead of grunting in pain and stumble back as he would expect the boy to do, Ryouga moved his head to let Nogi saw his 'Penance Stare' death glare, causing Nogi to widen his eyes in utter shock.

"Too weak…"

The slow mutter coming from Ryouga somehow caused Nogi to momentarily stiffen in place, as he grabbed Nogi's fist and slowly move it away from his face, instantly activating Dragon Soul as his eyes shifted into dragon-like slitted eyes. Ryouga then exclaimed with a bloody murder tone at Nogi for fueling his anger: "You're too weak, damnit!" He rudely threw Nogi's fist off, making the man stumble for a moment before giving him a swift punch to his face once again, only this time, Nogi's face started distorting with extreme pain with saliva spitting out from his opened mouth, with Ryouga's angry expression as his Dragon Eye started emitting red lightning streaks.

The slow-motion scene now ended as Nogi got blown away by Ryouga's fist, skidding in the ground faraway. Ryouga chased after the man with his speed, not giving him a chance to lick his wounds as he roughly grabbed the man's coat, exclaimed:

"Who tells you to lie on the bed!?"

The ravenette then pulled Nogi out of the ground, gave a swing kick at the face, this time spitting out green blood. Ryouga hasn't done venting out his 'vexed' feelings yet as he then executes another blur of punches and kicks at Nogi, which he thought to be the most annoying and 'number one' bastard out of Kabuto Riders' enemies. Much to his joy, Nogi was now screaming in pain as he was having a taste of his boiling frustrations, the man felt his bone started to crack. The ravenette then gave an uppercut, making Nogi staggered back for a bit.

Ryouga had known about Nogi from his knowledge, as he was the one to like taunting his enemies and showing his power, so he decided to use Nogi's famous tauntings back by hitting his fist to his chest, daring him to hit again, successfully fueling the man's anger. Nogi charged madly at Ryouga again, hitting the boy with his punch and kicks, which he just let it hit again. The ravenette then have enough as he grabbed Nogi's right leg and pull the man towards him, giving a headbutt in return, forcing him to knee on the ground. Ryouga then grabbed his vest's neck, forcing him to get up and took out the cane inside the suit.

Nogi growled, both in anger and humiliation by Ryouga's action. "Give that back!" He threatened the boy to give his cane back, but Ryouga didn't care as he stared back with a glare, mocking him again by twirling his cane.

The ravenette then said: "You want it? Then here!" He stopped twirling the cane and grabbed the end of it, hitting him with the cane in the nose before using the curved handle to 'hook' up his neck from behind, making Nogi struggle in pain. He tried to hit the boy's abdomen with his legs, but sadly his attacks keep being blocked by Ryouga. Ryouga pulled the cane holding Nogi to his growling face, somehow making Nogi to quiver in fear, give a straight kick to his groin, along with a final kick in the face, causing the man to crash against a boulder, some rubbles fall along with him as he rolled on the ground painfully, his cane completely cracked in half.

(Music End)

Ryouga brushed the dirt off his clothes, muttered: "Good riddance." He then stared back at Nogi, who is struggling to get up from the ground. Out of all the Rider series he had watched, he found Nogi to be the most annoying bastard, in his human form or not. He was really glad to have the chance to give Nogi some humiliation and well-deserved revenge for attacking Kabuto Riders.

Back to Nogi, the man was slowly getting up, panting heavily from the assault by a human brat. He never felt this humiliated before, aside from Tendou Souji and Kamishiro Tsurugi, and now this 'nobody' brat will be the third one to put him in his place again!? The man gritted his teeth with widened angry eyes, as he sharply turned his head to glare at Ryouga with hostile expression, which the ravenette merely responded with a 'I don't give a shit' look and glare back at him in return.

Ryouga taunts, feeling nothing but disgust at Nogi. "Is that all you've got? You really have lost your touch even in human form, shitty geezer. I bet my 10000 yen that Souji-san will beat you up again!"

Nogi now stood up with a stomp, snarling at the cocky brat with uncontrollable anger, started ruffling his hair out of frustration and roared insanely, immediately transformed into his Kaijin form, as a purple monstrous-like armored humanoid bug with an arm blade stinger on his right arm.

This was Cassis Worm Dimidius, one of the most powerful Executive-ranked Worms.

Ryouga scoffed with a loud raspberry "Tch!", immediately took out the Zero-One Driver with the belt strap on, equipped on his waist in Den-O style. He then felt a pulse in his right pocket, took out the glowing Dragon Key, as he widened his eyes, hearing the dragon's growl, like it was sneering at the enemy in front of him. The ravenette nodded, said: "So you felt it too, huh, Dragon?" He then got an affirmative growl. "Yeah, I feel disgusted by him too. That scumbag doesn't deserve to live! Let's beat him up!" He pressed the button and scan the Key on the Authoriser.

[RAGE! AUTHORISE!]

The Authoriser glowed, letting out an immense stream of fire, before it then scattered into embers hitting everywhere, causing the Cassis Worm to pull back and reflected it back away. The RideModule Dragon rose up from the Driver, coiling around the ravenette and roared threateningly at the enemy, sharing its disgust at the Worm as Ryouga had shared all the information he knew with ZEA.

Ryouga then flicked the front cover, revealing the exoskeleton body of the dragon as he shouted: "Henshin!" And slotted the Key into the Driver.

[PROGRISE!]

Dragon then roared again, started swirling around him as it absorbed all the flames, creating a flame cyclone surrounding Ryouga as the suit formed.

[AWAKENING THE INNER INSTINCT! BLAZING DRAGON~!]

The giant dragon then materialized into data bits, forming the metallic red dragon armor, completing Zero-One's transformation. The surrounding flames then erupted with fiery shockwaves, blowing Cassis away a bit, revealing his Blazing Dragon form with his eyes emitting out green lightning streaks.

[The wrath of a mighty dragon will shatter heaven and earth.]

Zero-One opened his right hand, letting data bits fall to the ground as the data bits then gathered, shape-shifting into Attache Calibur in Blade Mode, embedded in the ground. He then pulled the blade out, as both of them glaring at each other, slowly walked in front with their blades, ready to strike. The walking footsteps slowly fastened, as both then ran in front with furious cries, clashing their blades at the other, sparks coming out from the intense clash.

---

(Inserting Full Force by Rider Chips)

Both retracted their blades back, and clashed again with numerous strikes, trying to cleave their blades at the other, as their strikes were always ended up in a stalemate. Cassis started off with a high kick at Zero-One, who blocked in time and returned the blow by holding the Calibur in a reverse grip, grazed his left hand, who made a mistake by using the hand to catch the blade, sparks erupted from the left hand as Cassis growled in slight pain. He ignored the pain and grabbed the Calibur, forcefully throw it away from Zero-One's hand and delivered a stab aiming at his stomach, but Zero-One thwarted his attempt again by using his left arm as a shield, creating small sparks to the armor, and countered with a backdrop kick, bashing at his right shoulder, heavy sparks erupted as Cassis roared painfully, resulting in both skid back a bit.

Zero-One then run to where his discarded Calibur is, instantly picked it up. He charged at Cassis again, with the enemy mirrored him. Both exchanged intense blows with their fists and kicks, creating sparks in the process. Cassis started to gain the upper hand as he blocked Zero-One's fist and slashed at him with his arm blade and some kicks, causing Zero-One to stumble back a bit. But Zero-One then turned the tables at a millisecond when he caught Cassis's stinger, pulled him forward and kicked at the stomach with a strong jab, along with rapid fiery punches, some got him in the face, making Cassis growl in annoyance as his attempts got thwarted again by this little brat.

Both of them then raised their blades at the same time, making contact with the armor, and gave a heavy slash at each other, heavy sparks erupted from both sides as Zero-One and Cassis were thrown away to opposite sides.

Zero-One was the first to get up, flicked his left hand as he said with an annoyed tone: "Keh! So you recovered your strength back after transforming into Dimidius, huh?"

Cassis growled back at Zero-One in anger, brushing his face from the hit as he retorts: "You even know about my forms? Just like 'she' said, for a mere human, you know too much!"

Zero-One raised an eyebrow under the helmet, "'She'?" He then asked with a demanding tone: "Who exactly is 'she' that you mentioned!?"

Cassis cocked his head to the side, said with arrogance: "Why should I tell you? This battle will over soon." He then brandished his blade as he exclaimed, started running at Zero-One. "With your blood splattering all over the ground!"

Zero-One brandished his blade, cocked his head to the side as if he was scoffing, retorted in defiance: "HA! I beg to differ!" Both of them ran forward again, resuming their fight as they swung their blades at the same time, hitting each other, creating a shower of sparks in the process. Zero-One and Cassis snarled at each other again, but it was soon over as Cassis suddenly got hit from behind and be blown away from Zero-One with a kick. Zero-One then glanced at the attacker, revealing Tsubasa, who already transformed into her Symphogear form.

"Kazanari?" Zero-One questioned.

Tsubasa nodded, says: "Sorry for coming late. Are you alright?"

Zero-One nodded, brushing the dirt on his armor as he responded: "Yeah, still alive. Not that I don't mind the help, but why are you here?"

Tsubasa answered, "I just recently finished dealing with a bunch of Noises from the northwest, and got the call from Commander soon after to eliminate all the hidden Noises coming at your way."

Zero-One raised an eyebrow. "Wait, Noise?" He then realized with a "Oh" and said: "Didn't really see that coming. Guess I'm too focused on the fight." He then scratched the back of his neck, holding his hand out with an awkward tone. "So, um… I know it's a bit too late but… thank you." Tsubasa nodded with a smile, immediately accepting his hand for a handshake, glad for being able to help him.

The bluenette then turned her attention back at the now stood up Cassis Worm, growling at her for interrupting the fight. She asked, "What is that monster? It doesn't look mechanical to me."

Zero-One spat in disgust, which got Tsubasa surprised at the sudden spat. He apologized soon after, "Sorry. That Kaijin is Cassis Worm, one of the strongest Executive-ranked Worm. He's the culprit that almost killed all the people in the Flower."

Tsubasa widened her eyes in shock, "What!?" And asked with concern. "Is everyone okay?"

Zero-One nodded. "Yeah, luckily, I stopped him from killing the people in Flower by disguising myself, so no one got harmed." He then growled with rising anger. "And I swear, that fucker really has the most bastardize face ever."

Tsubasa gulped a bit with a sweat drop, wondering what had cause him to be this hostile towards the new enemy. She asked with slight nervous tone: "Anything else I should be aware of him?"

Zero-One nodded while kept his glare at Cassis, said: "Oh yeah, there's a thing. Judging by the name 'Executive', he's undoubtedly one of the strongest in all of the Worms. But besides from his strength, he is a one major bastard ever. He always loves to cause annoyance towards the prey in front of him by showing his dominance in power and kept pestering in what he founds interesting, looking down on humans." He then smirked as he commented with glee, "But I'm already 'make-up' his bastardize face while he's in human form, though. The reaction from him by me backfiring his 'taunting' tricks was really priceless."

Tsubasa didn't know what to say, just stared dumbly at Zero-One, who expressed his inner thoughts of successfully beating Cassis Worm up. She then shook the thoughts and asked, back to the matter. "So, aside from this 'bastardize face' you were saying, did you find anything about his abilities?"

Zero-One answered, this time with a serious tone. "Yeah, and this one is a major warning. That guy has three forms, which you are seeing right now is his Dimidius form." He then pointed at the aforementioned Cassis while continuing. "But that form is incredibly annoying the most because of his ability to 'Freeze' time, which allows him to move freely in the frozen time."

Tsubasa widened her eyes, but controlled her shock with a whisper. "Freeze time!?"

Zero-One confirmed with a heavy nod. "And that's why, no matter what, remember to catch the timing when he's about to activate Freeze, but keeping your distance as possible." Tsubasa nodded slowly. He then asked: "Say, have you got some moves to trap his movements or some high-speed homing missiles?"

Tsubasa widened her eyes a bit with slight dumbfounded look by the question, said: "Um… none."

Zero-One clicked his tongue, muttered in frustration: "Then we have no choice but to be in full caution. Attack him with our maximum speed as possible. Do not ever let him use Freeze! Bring out everything you got!"

Tsubasa nodded firmly, her grip on the blade tightened from hearing the warnings about Cassis Worm as both of them readied their stances.

Cassis Worm scoffed, said with arrogance: "So that Symphogear girl arrives to help you, huh? Hah, doesn't matter. Gather all you want, all you mongrels ever do is just delay the inevitable."

Zero-One scoffed back, "I don't talk checks I can't cash, unlike you. That arrogance will be your downfall. Let's just cut this idle chit-chat and finish this!"

Cassis Worm growled at Zero-One's trash talk, now wanting to rip him into shreds as he roared: "As you WISH!" With that said, both sides then charged at each other with high speed.

Zero-One attacked first by holding out his right hand, unleashing a powerful shockwave to blow the dust, along with rubbles at Cassis' direction. Cassis just brushed all the dust and rubbles away with his glowing arm blade, cleared them all as Zero-One and Tsubasa appeared from the smoke dust soon after, swung their blades at Cassis, who blocked in time with his arms. He then kicked the bluenette away, causing her to spat saliva and stumbled back, lashed out his left fist at Zero-One, who swatted it easily and gave a fire swing kick at his abdomen, sparks erupted from his arm blade as Cassis blocked the fire kick. Both Zero-One and Cassis growled at having their attacks blocked by another, and swung their fists at each other with a roar.

While Zero-One and Cassis are fighting, Tsubasa slowly got up from the hit, coughed in pain as she stared at the fight between two predators trying to slay the prey down with intense brutality. The buenette grimaced, trying to ignore the pain as she thought: 'Kgh… T-Too strong! Was that Cassis' strength as Ryouga-san has mentioned!?' She then disheartened a bit as she kept watching the fight. 'I never imagine the gap would be this large…! How can Ryouga-san fight equally against that monster in power…!?"

Locking blades and arms against each other in a stalemate with Cassis, Zero-One shifted his attention back to Tsubasa and shouted: "Keep moving, Kazanari! Don't you ever stop for a moment! If he uses Freeze against us, then we'll have no chance!"

Tsubasa heard Zero-One's alarm shout, immediately stood up. "H-Hai!" She then gritted her teeth and charged at Cassis again, gathering energy into her katana to execute thousands of blue energy blades at him.

"ONE THOUSAND TEARS!"

As thousand energy blades started coming at Cassis with speed, Cassis scoffed at the futile attempt Tsubasa had ever made. "Hmph! Idiots!" Cassis uses his strength to force Zero-One away, who stumbled back faraway by the sudden strength.

Zero-One then saw Cassis's hand motion, exclaimed with alarmed expression: "Gah! OH NO!" But sadly, it was too late as Cassis raised his left hand and closed it with a loud grip, a sudden shockwave came out from his fist. The widening shockwave immediately swallowed the space in a milisecond, including the incoming energy blades, Tsubasa and Zero-One widened their eyes slowly than ever because of the shockwave, as the time started to stop. But unknown to Cassis, Zero-One's left hand then pulsed a faint red aura, a swirling dragon symbol immediately appeared on his hand, along with his Dragon Eye glowing brightly under the helmet before he got frozen.

(Music Abruptly Stop)

---

Right now, the space around the battlefield now looked like a stop-playing TV screen as everything has stopped completely. The birds flying in the sky, the flowing leaves, the smoke dust with floating rubbles and winds, everything has been stopped in an instant, except for one individual, as Cassis started to chuckle deviously.

With the now frozen Tsubasa and Zero-One, Ryouga suddenly snapped open his eyes and let out a gasp, or more precisely, in his mind as his eyes being the only thing can move, started to look around the now frozen surroundings. He widened his eyes in fear and full alarm as he thought: 'N-No way…! Everything… is frozen…!' He tried to lift his fingers, but it was futile as he couldn't even move an inch of his muscles. And to worsen the situation, he can't even speak normally, even in his mind! 'KH! My bo… dy… I-It won't… move…!'

Cassis laughed loudly at the now frozen surrounding, started gloating at the immobile Zero-One and Tsubasa. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! What a bunch of fools! Now that you all are now in my time, there's no way you can even move a finger! That's the punishment for you to dare hurt me with your filthy hands!" He then sneered mockingly at Zero-One. "I think I'll start with you first, little brat. You have some nerves to beat me up and mock me like a bitch, huh!?" Cassis swatted some floating rubbles at Zero-One, hitting all over his body as he enjoyed watching the brat screaming in pain soon after.

Back to Zero-One, Ryouga was now grunting in pain by the rubbles, as he was now being a punching bag for Cassis' trash throwing. 'K-Kuso…! T-That asshole… he… got us…!'

Cassis stopped his trash throwing, said with a menacing tone: "No, not enough. I think I'll stab you from behind." He then chuckled in dark glee as he started walking to the airborne Zero-One, brandishing his arm blade as he can't wait to rip the brat out.

Zero-One's mind started panicking in a fast rate as he saw Cassis walking to his behind, ready to stab him with the arm blade. 'Oh… Oh shit…! He's coming… at me…!' He tried to lift up his fingers, but to no avail as Cassis has already arrived at his back with a dark laugh. 'C-Come on…! Move already… damn it…!'

Cassis then taunts at the airborne Zero-One, declaring his victory. "This will be the last time you saw me, Zero-One." He then reared his arm blade, exclaimed: "Say goodnight!" And started to thrust his blade at Zero-One's back with his glowing arm, as Ryouga can do nothing but stare at the incoming death. But before Cassis' arm blade could reach his back, Zero-One's visor and his left hand suddenly glowed as he disappeared out of thin air with some embers.

Cassis jerked his head in shock, blurted out in surprise. "Nani!? He disappeared!?" He wildly turned his head to search for Zero-One while still in disbelief that the brat disappeared from his sight. "W-Where is he!? Where is that da-" He then got his answer as Zero-One appeared out of nowhere from behind with his 'spewing-lightning' visor without him knowing, stabbed Cassis from behind by a flaming thrust with his Attache Calibur, making Cassis howl in extreme pain and got blown away by a kick. The Freeze immediately cancelled by Cassis' painful scream, as the frozen surroundings back to normal, as everything started to move normally again.

Tsubasa snapped her eyes open with a gasp and stumbled a bit, almost fall to the ground as she held her head a bit with her left hand, trying to soothe down her throbbing head as she muttered in confusion, "H-Huh? What just…?" She didn't get to finish as a painful scream snapped her out of her thoughts, instantly shifted her eyes to a blown away Cassis, who is now airborne, fly to the energy blades' aim as he then got hit by One Thousand Tears attack all over his body and flung back roughly to another side. She then gasped in shock at seeing her attack worked, now looked deep in thought again, completely confused by the scenario in front of her.

'I-I can't believe it! My attack worked! But, how!? The last thing I remember was after hearing Ryouga-san's warning, I instantly use One Thousand Tears, hoping to hit him in time. But somehow that Kaijin saw through our plan and use his time freeze ability in a few seconds, causing me and Zero-One, along with my attack to get 'frozen' before it could reach him. And then soon after…' Tsubasa then widened her eyes in concern. "Oh no…! Ryouga-san! Is he- *Gasp*" She let out a shocked gasp again as soon as her eyes shifted to Zero-One, who is standing with his Attache Calibur engulfed in bright red flames, his eyes glowed with green lightning streaks.

As Cassis fell to the ground heavily with a loud crash, Tsubasa instantly ran to Zero-One, called out to him: "Ryouga-san! Are you okay!?" Zero-One just stood there unmoving, didn't even respond back as he just stood like a statue with his stabbing stance. Tsubasa looked worried for the unmoved Zero-One, as she then put a hand on his shoulder, shook him a bit and said with concern, trying to wake him up: "What's wrong, Ryouga-san? Are you okay? Did he do something to you!?"

Thankfully, Zero-One snapped out of his trance as he heard Tsubasa's voice, his eyes immediately dimmed out. He turned his head to look at Tsubasa, said in confusion: "Huh? Kazanari, did you say something?"

Tsubasa now looked relieved a lot as she let out a relieved sigh, seeing Zero-One awake from the trance. "Thank goodness. I almost thought that you were poisoned by him." And pointed with an awkward tone soon after, "Um, you have something…"

Zero-One raised an eyebrow, "Hm?" And glanced down to where Tsubasa is pointing at, which happens to be the Attache Calibur with the blade cloaked in bright red flames. He gawked in surprise while staring at his flaming Calibur, said: "Huh!? What the-When did I…!?"

Tsubasa asked with a surprised tone: "You really didn't remember anything?"

Zero-One responded with complete confusion himself, didn't truly knew what the bluenette was talking about, heightened her shock once more. "Huh? About what?" He then noticed a trail of smoke dust appearing from the nearby boulder, turned his attention to where the smoke is leaking from, thanks to his Dragon Eye. Zero-One gasped in complete bewilderment at seeing Cassis Worm, who is struggling to stood up in pain, holding his stomach with his left hand preventing green blood spewing out, his body now looked like a mess as smokes leaking out because of heavy sparks earlier.

"H-Holy shit…" Zero-One muttered in surprise at seeing this badly injured Cassis Worm. "I'll be damned here…" He then glanced back at Tsubasa, asking for confirmation: "Was that your doings, Kazanari? I never thought that Symphogear has the power to give him that much critical damage!"

Tsubasa now looked flabbergasted by Zero-One's question, shook her head for a second and said back with shock herself: "Eh? N-No, it wasn't me! I mean, I surely thought it was you hurt him this badly!"

Zero-One jerked back a bit by her answer, shocked: "Huh!? I did!?"

Tsubasa nodded, said: "After the time suddenly started moving again, I snapped back to reality first. It was kind of a bizarre experience for me, being suddenly stiff for a long time… And then I heard a painful scream, which is coming from Cassis being flung back to the direction of my One Thousand Tears attack and got hit soon after." She then hesitated for a second before continuing, "At first, I was shocked at the scene in front of my eyes, didn't really thought that my attack could harm him. I was about to go to your side until I saw you suddenly stood unmoving, holding the blade in a stabbing stance with your blade ignited in flames, with that 'glowing eyes'… as if you were in trance."

Zero-One now widened his eyes in disbelief, baffled at the explanation, didn't really know that it was he himself who dealt a critical hit to Cassis without knowing, and she said he was in a trance or something. Right now, he couldn't even move his mouth to say as he stared at the still burning Calibur, and then shifted his eyes to his left hand, widened his eyes even more as he saw the Dragon Soul symbol on his left hand, hidden by the suit. He then come to a realization as he thought in his mind: 'Is it you…? Did you just save me from the Time Freeze…?' While he was spending time staring at his left hand in wonder, Tsubasa looked at Zero-One with concern, wondering if she had just said something wrong.

The conversation was immediately cut short by a groan, which got both of them to look at the direction where Cassis had fell. Cassis was now squirming like a dead bug, trying to lift his leg to stand up, using his arm blade as a temporary crutch, but then collapsed, only stood up in knee as he growled in pain and disbelief: "*Cough* B-Bakana…! How…!? How can those mongrels move in my frozen time space…!?" He then grabbed his head as if he was scratching his head in frustration, lifted his head to roar at Zero-One and Tsubasa. "NAZE DA!? HOW CAN I LOSE TO YOU MONKEYS!?"

Hearing Cassis Worm's roar of anger and disbelief, Zero-One shook his head, put his thoughts aside as he focused back on the fight, said to Tsubasa: "Never mind, let's just put these thoughts away. I'll learn about it myself later."

Tsubasa nodded, agreeing with him. "Umm. You're right." Both of them then turned their eyes back at the squirming Cassis, who growled at them like a rabid animal. He then roared with a distorted, inhumane voice, using all of his strength to stood up on both legs, raised his left hand and started gathering energy, but with the still twitching fingers from the pain.

---

(Full Force Resumes Playing)

Zero-One widened his eyes in alarm, his visor caught the warning readings as he said: "This is bad! He's using all of his strength to freeze time again, and detonated himself, pulling everything with him!" Tsubasa gasped in shock at the information, as he then shifted his attention back to the bluenette. "We need to finish him fast!"

Tsubasa nodded quickly, took out some throwing daggers from her back: "Leave it to me! I'll hold him back!" She then threw them faraway, aiming at Cassis' shadow.

Zero-One stared at the throwing daggers, pondered in thought: 'Throwing daggers? What would it do…? Wait, 'daggers'? He then widened his eyes, said in realization: "Ah! I see! Now I remember!"

Cassis was about to closed his hand if not for the incoming daggers, suddenly stabbing on his shadows. He laughed mockingly at Tsubasa, gloated in triumph: "Hah! You missed, stupid girl! NOW IT'S OVER!" Cassis then widened his eyes as his fingers suddenly stopped, felt his body can't move at all. He stared at his immobile left hand and exclaimed in shock: "Wha-What the hell!? WHY WON'T IT MOVE!?"

Tsubasa smirked as she answered Cassis' question with a taunt: "Shadow Weaving." She then glanced at Zero-One. "Do it, Ryouga-san!"

Zero-One smiled with glee, complimenting Tsubasa: "Hehe! Nice move, Kazanari!" He then glared at the immobile Cassis. "Now leave the rest to me! Don't let him move his hand!"

Tsubasa blushed because of Zero-One's compliment for a bit, immediately composed herself back to the matter with a small slap. "H-Hai!" She then readied her throwing daggers, taking caution of Cassis.

Zero-One took out a card from his back, which this time depicts a humanoid machine with blue-red chest armor and yellow eyes wielding a gigantic forest green-colored cannon, along with a missile launcher equipment on its right shoulder armor. He then exclaimed: "Ikuze, Launcher Strike Gundam!"

The card glowed with white aura before dissolving into data particles, with some forest green data bits in it. The particles then absorbed into Zero-One, as he held out his left hand, glowed with white and forest green aura. A bright light appeared from his left arm, data particles began dispersing and gathered, shape-shifting into a gigantic handheld cannon.

"A-A GIANT CANNON!?" Tsubasa exclaimed in shock, her eyes almost bulging out from the sight.

Zero-One raised the cannon with both of his hands, aiming at Cassis, who is struggling in trying to reach the daggers, but couldn't even move a muscle because of the heavy damage he just took earlier.

Zero-One shouted: "Take cover! This'll be a BIG BANG!" Tsubasa immediately went to a nearby large boulder, preparing herself for an unforeseen onslaught. He muttered as if he was calculating, aiming carefully at Cassis as the giant cannon started generating immense energy, some sparks coming from the cannon's muzzle.

"Target, lock on. Compressing nuclear particles. Trajectory, confirmed! Safety lock, release!"

The cannon has finished building up energy as Zero-One finished his calculations, sparks started erupting, waiting for the release. Zero-One's eyes glowed with green lightning streaks, exclaimed in one sentence:

"KURAE! HYPER IMPULSE CANNON, HASSHAA (Fire)!"

Zero-One then pulled the trigger, as he unleashed a devastating blast of red plasma energy. His legs were skid back by the immense compressed plasma blast, and created a small crater for himself because of the pressure. The plasma blast trail started rushing at Cassis, almost breaking the sound barrier by its immense shockwave. Meanwhile, Tsubasa has tried her hardest to not let go of the boulder as the blast was monstrously strong, her arm bones felt like threatening to collapse in any second.

Cassis could no longer move because of Tsubasa's Shadow Weaving, and as a result, he was struck fully by the blast with a scream of pain, being hoisted to the air by the plasma blast, slowly bring him to the sky.

Zero-One then felt a pulse within his heart while holding the still firing cannon, thought: 'What's this feeling? It suddenly boiling up to my brain!' He then released his grip on the cannon, as the cannon stopped firing and disappeared into particles.

Zero-One instantly crossed his hands pointing to the ground as he started gathering energy, emitting red electric sparks all over his body on the process. He then raised the "X" upwards as he slowly parted his arms and widen his arms, generating immense energy with both arms respectively, red aura bursts out from his body as some rubbles floating around him. He arched his head and roared like a wild beast, his eyes glowed brightly with intense green lightning streaks. He then made a short L-style with his arms, his right arms glowed with energy as he roared out his new attack:

"WRECKING BURST!"

He then unleashed a powerful beam made of light blue energy with bright red sparks around it with his right vertical hand, creating an energy circle of a mix between blue and red lightning in front of him, aiming at the sky. The electrifying light beam came at the falling Cassis Worm with a speed breaking the speed of sound, and made contact with Cassis as he then howled in pain once more and got hoisted up to space. The beam continued pushing the screaming Cassis away from the Earth as he exploded into dust, creating a big explosion that even blew away the clouds.

*BOOOOOOOOM!*

(Music End)

---

The battle was officially over. The location where the fight happened was devastated as there were many craters and a huge long crater created by the intense fight, almost looked like an abandoned burning land. Zero-One slowly lowered his hands as he panted in exhaustion, like he was completely drain out of strength from unleashing the beam finishers. He muttered to himself while panting: "K-Kuh… W-What a rush… I felt completely drained out by adrenaline rush… hah, hah…"

Tsubasa slowly came out with slight shaky legs, her appearance made her look like she was having a blast of her life as her hair slightly disheveled by some pointed ahoges, with some dirt on her body. She's also panted a bit from the adrenaline rush caused by Zero-One's extreme bombardment, started to look at her surroundings, checking the now devastated land with widened eyes. She muttered in shock: "Oh God… what disaster…"

Zero-One suddenly dropped in one knee with a grunt, immediately caught the bluenette's attention. "Ryouga-san!" Tsubasa then ran to him in a sprint, put a hand on his shoulder and raised his left arm, wrapped over her shoulder and pulling him up as she asked with concern: "Are you alright?"

Zero-One nodded slowly, "Y-Yeah…" He then used his right arm to slide the cover back to its normal position, removed the Dragon Key from the Driver as he cancelled the suit, reverting back to his civilian form. He grabbed his throbbing head with his hand, trying to soothe down his mind as his eyes returned to normal, thankfully unnoticed by Tsubasa as he still wore his hood over his face.

Ryouga then pulled down his hoodie's zipper slowly, revealing the red shirt as he took out a bottle of water underneath the hoodie, holding out the bottle to Tsubasa, who blushed a bit for seeing him opening the hoodie, especially his red shirt stained by the sweat, revealing his built-up muscles from the shirt. He didn't notice her blush as he was extremely tired and just asked with a tired voice: "Sorry but… can you open it for me?"

Tsubasa snapped out of her trance, stuttered a bit: "Um, r-right." She took the bottle from Ryouga's hand, opened the bottle cap and gave it to him, which he accepted it with a nod of gratitude.

"Thanks." Ryouga uttered as he brought the bottle to his mouth with some difficulties, slowly let the water flow into his throat as he enjoyed the water, while feeling the throbbing slowly fading away from his head. While Ryouga was focusing on drinking the water to calm his head down, Tsubasa was now staring at Ryouga with concerned eyes, for seeing him in an almost fatigue state while kept her hold on the ravenette. She started to recall her memories of the fight against Cassis Worm, and lowered her eyes a bit, feeling disheartened about the fight. She never thought the gap would be this large when she got hit by Cassis, and how Zero-One can fight equally against that Kaijin and triumph over in the end. It made her feel like she was an outsider from the battlefield, an unwanted trash in the dirt.

The bluenette thought in frustration as she gripped her left fist in silent, venting out her anger in her mind: 'Why…? Why was I so useless…? Even with my newfound power, I can't even stand a chance against that Kaijin… I'm frustrated…! How can I help Ryouga-san if I keep being a damsel in distress, only watch him fight to the death while shouldering everything by himself!?' She then snapped out of her frustration when Ryouga tapped her hand, prompting her to look at him.

Ryouga said, retaining his tired tone: "You can let go of me now. I can move myself for a bit."

Tsubasa raised her eyes a bit, asked with unsure: "Are you sure?" Ryouga just nodded, making the bluenette to comply, slowly removed his left arm from her shoulder, but retained her hand on his back. Ryouga sighed a bit, but chose not to complain as he took out his RisePhone, touched the Bike App on the screen and threw it, letting the RisePhone enlarged itself and transform into Rise Hopper with a soft landing.

Tsubasa gawked a bit at the transformed bike, causing her to wonder about Ryouga even more. 'Seriously, how long will he stop surprising us?'

Ryouga walked to Rise Hopper, slowly settling himself to sit on the bike, put on the helmet, and touched the ignition button on the screen to rev it up with a roar. He gave another helmet to Tsubasa, said: "Get on. I need to check the Flower." Tsubasa nodded, took the helmet and put it on over her head, sat behind him and wrapped her hands around the ravenette.

Ryouga muttered to himself: "Let's go." And twisted the handlebar, revving the bike with normal speed, heading to where the Flower is. He thought with concern, 'Owner… please be safe…'

---

(A Few Minutes Later)

Ryouga arrived at the Flower Restaurant along with Tsubasa after a few minutes, started getting off the bike and widened their eyes in shock at the scene. From the restaurant's entrance door, there were some cops and investigators came by to investigate the scene, along with one ambulance stopped in front of the restaurant. His minds filled with unease as he started to run to the restaurant, uttered: "No… Owner…!"

Tsubasa followed, called to the ravenette in worry: "Ryouga-san, wait!"

Both of them ran to the restaurant and stopped in front, caught a nearby police's attention. The man walked to them, asked: "Who are you two?"

Both Ryouga and Tsubasa bowed their heads to the cop, with the ravenette said: "Sorry, I'm just a worker of the Flower." He then glanced at the man, asked with a worried tone: "Is everyone okay?"

The man's eyes softened a bit, said: "Yeah, thankfully no one got hurt." He then hesitated a bit, unsure of what to say to the boy as he didn't want to deliver the bad news.

Seeing the man's hesitated expression, Ryouga just sighed in lament as he already knew the answer and said: "Please just tell me the truth. I can endure it."

The cop raised his eyes in surprise a bit, but nodded with grim eyes as he said: "Right, no one was harmed from the danger, but… the owner is now escorted to the hospital for some check-up, as she was having a small mental breakdown. As a result, the restaurant will be closed down until she recovers."

Ryouga widened his eyes at the man's sentence, gritted his teeth inside and lowered his head a bit, his bangs shrouded over his eyes to not let the cop saw his angry eyes, silently tightened his right fist in silent, muttered in a low tone, trying his best to control his boiling anger. "I… I see…"

The cop and Tsubasa didn't know what to say as they saw Ryouga's distressed expression, could only look at him with solemn glances, especially Tsubasa as her heart unknowingly ached at seeing him this down. The cop then walked to him, put a hand on his shoulder as he comforted the boy: "Don't worry, lad. We'll inform you first if the owner got better. I promise she'll be in good hands." He then gave the boy a comforting smile and some pats, somehow relieved the ravenette a bit as he nodded in respect, appreciated the comfort and muttered:

"Please take care of her."

The cop nodded, "I'll make sure to relay it to the doctor." He then gave a salute to Ryouga and Tsubasa, as both of them nodded back in return. Both of them just stood there, as they finished closed down the restaurant, and wrapped the yellow bandages around the restaurant, put the 'DO NOT ENTER' sign in front to not let anyone intruding or buy the place. The cops and investigators started leaving one by one for a few minutes before they couldn't no longer hear the roaring engines, as the road was now empty again, leaving only Ryouga and Tsubasa.

After a few minutes of agonizing silence, both of them just stood there in front of the now closed Flower Restaurant, the sun still stood behind them for a few minutes before disappearing. Ryouga broke the silence as he slowly walked to a nearby tree, stood in front with his head still lowering. Tsubasa looked at the downed Ryouga in concern, called out in a quiet, but loud enough for the ravenette to hear as she asked with worry: "Ryouga-san…?" Her quiet call somehow caused Ryouga to slowly opened his mouth, showing his gritting teeth. His fist started to shaken, veins coming out from the fist as he breathes in a fast tempo, almost uncontrollably as he reared his fist and punched at the tree with a loud angry roar.

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAGGHHHH!"

*SLAM!*

Tsubasa gasped in shock, holding a hand over her mouth as she could only watch Ryouga venting out his hidden anger at the tree, with his wrathful roars echoed over the sunset and the sky, along with the sounds of agonizing tree banging noises. The ravenette kept punching the tree over and over with his right fist, didn't cease his roar for each hit, and don't even noticed Tsubasa's presence as her eyes almost wavering, almost like she was about to shed tears for the boy as the bluenette just stood there.

"KUSO! KUSO! KUSO! KUSO! KUSO!"

Ryouga then raised his head as he let out a final enraged roar at the sunset, a draconic roar could almost be heard, as if it was overlapping with his voice.

"DAMN IT AAAAAAAAAAALLLL!"

The scene then closed with the Blazing Dragon Key closing down the front cover, spinning for a moment before landing in front of the dull yellow digital background alone, concluding the chapter.

---

(Eyecatch 2)

The scene showing Zero-One appeared from the shadows, walking to where Rise Hopper is standing, with the neon yellow armor of both Zero-One and the bike shining in the darkness with the eyes glowing in the dark.

---

RFD: AAAAAAAAND DONE! Phew, my hands feel sore now… Damn the school for taking away the free time…! Anyway, the Chapter 6 is officially completed! I gotta say, compared to the other Symphoger/Rider Crossover fanfics, this chapter could possibly the most heartbreaking for Ryouga, as the Flower now closed down. Even though no one was harmed, but hearing the lady being escorted to the hospital, it was enough to trigger Ryouga's hidden rage because of Nogi Reiji. Can Ryouga continue to focus on his mission aftermath or will be distracted in the middle of the fight and got beaten? The answer will be revealed soon! Ooh, speaking of which, I was wondering if someone had expected a famous enemy from Kabuto series suddenly in this Fanfic. Didn't really expected that, do ya? Welp, in this chapter, we finally knew the reason why Ryouga was chosen to become the new Zero-One, and this is my first time to including a Godlike character here. At first, I once said that I will put many references from other shows and Animes, which I did. And hopefully you guys would enjoy it, and hope that my story doesn't get 'burned'…

Honestly, after watching Mr. Justice Avengers' comment about ideas, it totally overwhelms my mind out to seeing the loooooong trivia about ancient gods or something of that nature. I mean, come on man! I'm only at the first-year college, not some kind of super creative genius about gods, just a mere student. And I think I'm not able to do this kind of development for Ryouga since I decided that Ryouga will be a 100% human, not a being from a distant planet. It's kind of easier this way for me to continue the story, so I'm deeply apologize once again for disappointing you. *Bowing*

But anyway, thank you for the ideas, as always. I'm really appreciate it. Hope you guys enjoy the story and be patient to wait for new updates. And don't worry, I'm now on a spring holiday so you can expect to get new update sooner than you would thought. I promise with all my heart that I will not scrub or declare to stop writing this story. So with that done, see you next time and wish you lucky in this Year of the Dragon! Until the Next Ride and Happy New Year!

This chapter's new info:

Launcher Strike Gundam: In this chapter, I decided to let the Battle Spirits have their debut stage in the story, along with Digimons. After reading Nogi Reiji's trivia on the Kamen Rider Fandom with the ability to absorb tachyon-energy attacks, it then gave me a question: 'Can he absorb the more powerful attack, and be exploded if the energy was too overloading for him?' I didn't really know if Agni's nuclear plasma can be powerful than tachyon energy, so I just gave it a try. And this is a first step for Ryouga to use a powerful bombardment-type weapon.

Wrecking Burst: Ultraman Geed's signature Ultra-Beam. Since this will be a story with many references, including many enemies from the shows and Animes too, sooo, why not? It sounds fun to try it too. And this one will also be included to Ryouga's Dragon Soul main attack list.