"You really think this will work?" Alice asked. She, Tamamo and the other knights were all together in Yamatai. Tamamo had called them here a few hours earlier. She had apparently been successful in her research.

Has she really found a way to travel to different worlds? A month ago, we wouldn't have even considered a whole other world as a possibility. And here we are, all working together to get that idiot back.

"It's our best shot. I lack the power to do it on my own, though. If I were unsealed, maybe I could... but it wouldn't last. At most, I could project myself there for only a minute or so. So that's why I need you, Granberia, Alma Elma, and Erubetie, to share your power with me. With all of our energy combined and me unsealed, I should be able to stay there for a long time. A few weeks, even. The best thing about projection is that there's no risk for me. Even if someone were to kill me in that world, I'd just wake up here."

"I see. And what about power? And what form would you come out in? Sealed or unsealed?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. I've never projected myself so far before. In theory, I should come out unsealed. And I'll bring the new Makina too."

"How much energy will this cost?"

"A lot. But since there are five of us, it shouldn't be too much," Tamamo explained. She was currently telling the Monster Lord and the other knights her master plan. It had taken a lot of planning and research to do it, but she was sure now. She would use Makina to locate the exact position of the world Luka is in, project herself there, and find him. She wasn't sure what she'd do then, but she could figure it out along the way.

"...Very well," Alice said, "Should we begin?"

Tamamo nodded. The other knights moved closer to Tamamo.

"I ask thee, eternal time... My body, shackled by the powers of creation, I beseech thee. Return my true body to me!" Tamamo chanted as the others began to channel their power into her. Tamamo's true form was unleashed. Her golden tails were far larger, and her entire body was far more grown-up. Her clothing had also expanded when she unsealed herself. Her green eyes shone as she began to project herself.

But in the corner of the room, hidden in the shadows, was a purple-haired hero. Or at least someone who was very similar to one.

"So it's true. The original has been sent to another world entirely." Doppel Luka whispered. It had been years since she had last been seen. She had been hiding in Yamatai for the last few months. She had mastered the art of stealth ever since her original sealed her. She was even able to hide her scent now. Her red cape was replaced by a cross between a cape and a hood. It covered her mouth and hair, allowing her to hide more easily.

She had learned magic to help her disguise her presence even further and was now a master at stealth. It took the Fake Hero's Doppel five years to be unsealed. She had stolen the energy of many monsters in that time. Said monsters were attempting to rape her, as she supposedly 'smelled delicious', so she punished them. For some reason, over the years, she found herself changing. When Ilias fell, she mourned her, but as she is now, she couldn't care less. She... was becoming more like... him.

"Luka... this is all your fault," The Doppel whispered to herself. "I'll make you pay."

The Doppel held up her counterpart to Angel Halo. It was designed after Succubi and was a powerful weapon, but only really against one person. Doppel Luka had never been designed to fight anyone other than Luka, so it was a fair bit weaker than a normal sword. She estimated that without the coexistence the original had brought, a monster may have already had her way with her a long time ago, even though she was just a child. Monsters like that were few and far between, and Doppel Luka had made sure to punish them for their misdeeds. They would never hurt anyone again.

In truth, Doppel Luka had only really done what Ilias said for two reasons. One, she had created her and was thus her master. This wore off after her death. Two, if she succeeded, she would get to rape Luka. That is what had driven her so far. She wanted revenge. But now, after so much time, she began to remember things she hadn't thought about before. She remembered her mother, Lucifina, teaching her how to cook, walk, talk, dance, and play—how to do everything. She was getting confused. She had no idea who she was anymore. For who is a Doppel really? Are they just a copy of something? Without that, are they nothing? Are they just an empty vessel?

Who am I? What am I supposed to be? Am I just a fake? Is that all I will ever be?

Luka... You will answer these questions.

Doppel Luka desperately needed one thing. A friend, someone to talk to. She needed... help.

"There we go," Tamamo No Mae said. "Alice, Granberia, Erubetie, Alma Elma. Thank you all. I will be back soon."

"Good luck, Tamamo. Come back safely, and bring my husband home," Alice said.

"I will. I promise. Do not come near me for now. If you touch me while I am projected, you will be summoned along with me. We only have enough energy for me," Tamamo explained. The others stepped back from Tamamo as she began to meditate.

Now's my chance.

Tamamo closed her eyes and chanted a spell, and her body suddenly began to glow. Her breathing calmed, and her body relaxed. Once her body was glowing brightly enough to illuminate the whole room, Alice looked over into the corner. Something had been revealed by the light.

"Is that... Luka?" Alice asked.

The Doppel jumped forward and pounced on Tamamo. As she did, the spell finished. Both of them glowed brightly and then fell unconscious. The knights were too slow to intervene, and the Doppel was projected along with Tamamo.

"What just happened?" Granberia asked. Alice slithered closer to the purple-haired human who looked so much like her husband. Upon closer inspection, she realised it was not in fact her husband but rather his Doppel. He had told her about the strange monster a few times in the past.

"Damn it. I was wondering where she was." Alice said. "It's his Doppel. The one Promestein created to defeat him" She explained. "We've been looking for her for a while now. So she was here the whole time..."

"Luka had a Doppel this whole time? Wish I knew that..." Alma Elma said as she pouted.

"There's a reason why you didn't," Alice said.

"What do we do with her?" Graberia asked.

"Well, she's in the spell now. We can't go near her; otherwise, we could break it. For now, we will return every so often and feed them more power. Hopefully, it still worked."

The Heavenly Knights nodded and left the room. Alice slithered over to the front of Tamamo and the Doppel.

She really does look just like him...

Alice sighed and left the room. She would return tomorrow and check on them.

Ouch... I didn't think it would hurt so much.

Tamamo slowly rose from the ground she impacted. This was strange. Instead of being projected onto the ground, she appeared in mid-air. Her landing was not very graceful. She looked around her and dusted herself off.

Huh? Wait a second. Why am I so short? And why is there grass here?

Tamamo looked around at the lush landscape around her. This was not Safina. Also, she was sealed. The power they used should have been more than enough to both teleport her exactly where she needed to be and keep her true form. Unless...

I felt something touch me before the spell was completed. Did one of them come with me!? After I told them not to!?

Tamamo looked to her side and saw a purple-haired hero.

Oh shit! Did I fall on top of Luka?

She rolled the hero onto his side and was quickly disappointed when she noticed he was looking far more feminine than usual.

Of course... I was wondering where she was.

She picked up the fake 'Fake Hero' and walked out of the small crater. She put her on her side and shook her awake.

"Ugh... what happened?" The Doppel asked.

"I think you'd know more than me. Why did you come with me?" Tamamo asked.

"Huh? Tamamo? Oh, yeah. I remember now."

The Doppel stood and looked around her. "This isn't Safina. I thought Luka was in Sabasa?"

"I'm not telling you anything. Also, you didn't answer my question."

"Well, I'm not telling you anything either, then," The Doppel said.

"What? How dare you? Don't you know who I am!?" Tamamo said, angry at the demeanour of the Doppel. The girl stuck out her tongue and mocked the Kitsune.

"Dont care. I'm out of here," She said. The Doppel quickly began to run away.

"What!? Come back here! Now!" Tamamo ordered. She began to run, but soon realised she could not catch up to the Doppel. She had spent a lot of her energy projecting herself here. Tamamo sighed and looked around her once more.

This type of flower only grows in one area... Yamatai.

Since she came with me, the power required has gone up and is clearly insufficient. As a result, it didn't project me where I wanted, and I appeared in my sealed form. I should still have enough power to protect myself. I should head to Sabasa as soon as possible.

Tamamo looked lost in thought for a few moments as she looked at the flower she had picked up.

But maybe I should stop by Yamatai village first. That should help me at least confirm that we're in the right world.

The Kitsune turned around and looked at Yamatai, which wasn't far away. She walked over to the village and approached the guards.

"Ahh, a fellow kitsune? Here to visit Yamatai?" One guard said.

"Indeed," Tamamo said.

"Huh, you look familiar." The other guard said. "Sort of like... the queen."

"I get that a lot," Tamamo explained.

"Wait a second," The first guard said.

"Is that... nine tails?"

"What? Only the strongest kitsune have them! Queen Tamamo and only one other person have ever reached that peak—her daughter and she was killed in the war! Who are you?"The guard inquired.

"Haah... I'm busted. I'm..."

"You're...?"

"I'm Queen Tamamo's child. Her direct descendant."

"Woah! Really! Tamamo has only ever had one child, and only some of us came from her! Most of us were made through magic. Are you really saying she had another child!? I had no idea!"

"Indeed. Now, make way," Tamamo ordered. The guards immediately opened the gate and kneeled before her.

"Before you go, my lord, what is your name?" The guard asked.

"...Natsumi No Mae" Tamamo said.

"Understood, my lord."

Tamamo walked into the village, which was always her home. It looked more primitive than the one in her world. The streets were filled with kitsune and humans. Some of the humans were wearing collars. Tamamo was reminded of her pre-sealing self.

I really was a vicious bitch. Thank Alipheese, I've changed. Well, this confirms it. This is how I remember Yamatai during the Great War.

Tamamo walked around for a bit before she saw a wanted poster with a familiar person in the centre.

Luka?

Tamamo took the poster and looked closer.

Oh, right. He said he killed Kanon. I hope he hasn't been caught. Alipheese is giving quite the reward...

The kitsune took the poster and moved along. She looked around the village, thinking of the many memories she had of her home.

Huh, I wonder what Orochi is up to. She didn't do much during the war, as far as I remember. Maybe I should visit her... Probably not. She wasn't really that pleasant in the first place.

Tamamo suddenly stopped walking; she felt quite hungry.

...The walk to Luka will take a while, and I'm already so hungry... Perhaps I could...?

No. I can't. They can't consent; they're slaves...

Hopefully, some thin-fried tofu will make up for it.

Tamamo began to salivate slightly as she thought of her favourite food. She thought of its crispy, golden-brown exterior, its soft and chewy inside, and the sound it'd make when you crunched into it...

The kitsune immediately ran to the nearest restaurant. She grabbed her pouch and bought as much tofu as she could carry. She proceeded to devour as much as she could.

Ahh, that hit the spot. Now, then, I better start going to Luka. Thankfully, I won't need to walk the whole way. But the energy to teleport is too much for me right now. I'll have to rest first. I'd better stay here for the night, then. I should be able to teleport a little past San Ilia, then walk the rest.

Tamamo entered a local inn as she formed a plan of action.

"Greetings, Kitsune. It's forty-five gold for a night, and one hundred for a man."

"I'll just have a room," Tamamo said. She paid for it and took the key to her room.

Tamamo jumped onto the bed. Casting that spell was exhausting. She got comfortable and closed her eyes.

I'll be there soon, Luka. Don't worry. I told you I'd come to get you, right?

"I'm telling you! It's the only way it makes sense!" Tamamo No Mae said.

"It's absurd. Where is your proof?" Minagi responded.

"Well, I don't have proof per se, but are you really so dull that you think there's no chance of it being true?" Tamamo No Mae asked.

"Hmm. It could technically be possible, sure, but likely? No," Minagi said.

"His strength is absurd. We already know he used angelic techniques in his fight with Morrigan. That means he has to be either baptised by Ilias or, as I've said before, part angel."

"And you think he's the child of either Lucifina, Micaela, or Eden, and he was born before the war ever started?"

"Yes. We barely saw the seraphs back then, so who knows? They could've had a child," Tamamo pointed out.

"Why not Ilias then?" Minagi retorted.

"He's strong, sure, but not that strong," Tamamo explained. "Also, I think he's Lucifina's kid."

"And why's that?"

"Do I really have to spell it out for you? Kanon's last words. 'Daystar'. Who's the only seraph that can use that skill?"

"Okay, let's pretend it's true. How come he has a sword with angel souls in it? How come he has shown no devotion or even an affiliation with Ilias? If the two were related, surely he would be her servant, no?"

"That... I'm not sure. He said he was an independent hero. Perhaps he rebelled against her." Tamamo said. "As for the sword, perhaps one of the seraphim made it for him. I assume the souls were added on later, by him."

"Hmm," Minagi said. "Well, we'll find out the truth once we capture him. Anyway, onto other matters. The incident with the Lilith Sisters."

"Ugh, this again?"

"I'm not the one who attacked your children, am I?"

"You know as well as I do that I did it in self-defence. It was because of them that the hero got away. They got Kanon killed, and that's what led to this whole damn mess."Tamamo said. "Besides, I thought we were over this."

"Hmph. I don't blame them for attacking you. And I already paid for their failure, didn't I? I sent plenty of men here."Minagi said. "Too bad for them though. They'll have to settle for your hags instead of my beautiful succubi."

Tamamo No Mae's face scrunched in anger as Minagi insulted her. She took a deep breath before continuing.

"Look. The infighting is bad enough. Just stop there, before it gets any worse." Tamamo said. Minagi sighed.

"Fine. Kanon may have been a dumb plant, but she was at least quelling the infighting. Who will replace her?" Minagi asked. "It won't do for there to only be five ancestors."

"I spoke with Alipheese about it. Once her daughter gains enough strength, she will take Kanon's place."

"Is that wise? The Second is well known for her childishness."

"Be careful what you say, dear sister. You wouldn't be insulting our lord's daughter, would you?" Tamamo said with a sly smile. Minagi did not look worried. "I speak the truth."

"...Well, I agree. I don't think she's fit for the war. She and her second-in-command have been in battle a few times, but she hasn't seen enough. Still, she's the strongest besides us and Alipheese." Tamamo explained.

"It's worrying," Minagi said. "The angels haven't begun to attack yet, but I've heard that they've been grouping up in San Ilia. That damn virgin pseudo-goddess. She just wants to kill all my children again."

"I know. If we don't pull it together, this could be the end of us. We five remaining will have to act more like a team." Tamamo said. "If we are to survive, we will have to at least work together on the battlefield."

"Do you really think we can? Me, you, and Saja, sure, but Hiruko? Kanade? They aren't the most cooperative."

"Kanade should be fine. She'll listen to an order from Alipheese. Hiruko... may be more complicated."

"She has to step it up soon. She must stop acting like a child. That always creeped me out anyway." Minagi said.

"It's just who she is, I suppose. I believe our Lord should take more action in this war. We still have the power to overrun the angels if we act now. With all of us together, they would surely fall. We monsters have always been superior. It's our lack of action and teamwork that's causing our downfall."Tamamo explained. "The last thing we did was destroy Gelon, and that didn't even hurt Ilias. No, we need to think bigger. We must attack her centrepiece, her pride and joy. San Ilia must fall"

"We tried that already, remember? Morrigan got herself sealed before we could take action."

"How about you don't send the most incompetent monster alive to do such an important task next time? Send all three to do it."

"Do you really think you can order me?" Minagi asked. Tamamo didn't say anything. They decided to move on to a different topic of conversation. Minagi looked around Tamamo's house.

"I like what you've done with the place," Minagi said. "Though, I wonder, what's with the sudden renovations?"

That damn whore. She knows the reason as well as I do.

"When the hero snuck in, he burned the place down."

"Did he? My daughters said that you were the one who did that."

Shut up, whore. Just get out of here.

"Ahh, you look quite angry, dear sister," Minagi said with a smirk. "Have I offended you? Please accept my humblest apologies."

Leave.

"Well, I better get going. Goodbye, dear sister. I'll be sure to visit again when I have time," Minagi said as she began to leave. "Oh, and one more thing, Tamamo."

"Next time, try not to lose, okay?" Minagi said while grinning. She then left the house. Tamamo walked over to one of her tables.

Damn it! Damn it all!

Tamamo was seething with rage as she kicked the table over.

Damn Minagi! Damn that hero!

She broke the table in half.

It's his fault! He will pay for everything!

The table was smashed to bits. Tamamo sighed and sat down on the floor. She began to meditate once more.

How has he not been caught yet? Those posters are everywhere now, even in human villages. All available kitsune are looking for him.

Tamamo No Mae's face relaxed as she began to breathe.

Anger will get you nowhere. Form a plan, a scheme, anything. We cannot lose to Ilias. If she wins... we'll all be killed.

"Alright, go in," The guard said.

"Thanks," Luka responded. The two human guards opened the door for the hero. The walk to Sabasa had been a tiresome one. It was almost night now, and he planned to sleep in the city for the night, after visiting the king, of course.

"Ahh, Hero Luka. You grace us with your presence."King Sabasa said. "What brings you to us?"

Luka looked at the King of Sabasa. He had changed little from the last time he saw him, only now he had someone accompanying him.

"Greetings, Hero Luka. I am Sphinx. My husband has told me a great deal about you," Sphinx said. She had also changed little from the one Luka remembered. The only difference being the happiness in her eyes. Luka remembered the heartbreak she suffered and the loneliness she felt at her husband's death. He wished he could help, but there was nothing he could do. The lifespan difference between humans and monsters would be an issue for everyone. Society would have to learn to accept it.

Me and Alice... We're both going to live a long time... I have so much to be grateful for. When we both decide it's our time, we'll go out together...

Luka had a small smile on his face as he thought of his future with Alice. "I am here to see how you are doing, King Sabasa."

"Ah, I see," The King said. "Very well, how about we talk somewhere more private? Dear, would you like to accompany us?"

"Of course. I'd like to hear more about this boy." She said. With that, the three walked into a private room in the castle. Luka sat on one side. Sphinx and Sabasa were on the other side, and there was a large pile of food between them.

Uwa... I haven't eaten in ages...

Luka began to devour his portion of the food, a habit he had gotten from his wife, although he was far slower than her. Sabasa simply laughed as he too dug in. Sphinx scoffed as she ate her food with perfect manners. After a few minutes, Luka's appetite was sated.

"So, how has The Resistance been doing?" Luka asked.

"Quite well, actually. We now control nearly all of Safina. The number of us has skyrocketed, and our power has too. For now, we should be able to protect our land from monsters or angels. Also, we've seen quite a few of these posters going around the place," Sabasa said as he held out one of them.

"Have you not heard? I... dispatched Kanon," Luka explained. The King dropped his plate and it smashed into the ground.

"So it's true!? She's really dead!?" Sabasa asked.

"Uh, yeah," Luka said.

"Th-Thats amazing! You did it? Alone!?"

"Well, I had some help."

"Still, that's incredible news! That plant and her subordinates had killed many of my friends in my younger years. Great job, Luka! All of humanity owes you a debt." The King said as he raised a glass of wine.

"Indeed. I'm very impressed, young one," Sphinx said. "That plant was a plight on all of us. She killed her own kind without a second thought. Well done."

"T-Thanks," Luka said.

"This is cause for celebration! We will have a festival in your honour, Hero Luka!" Sabasa said. "The war is finally turning around. Here, drink!"

"N-No thanks. I don't drink." Luka said.

"Ah, how noble! Always on your A game, huh? Good for you, young one! I'll spread the news of her death immediately. The joy will be worldwide at the news!"

Sphinx and Sabasa both had happy smiles at the news. Luka was glad to see it, but he still felt something was wrong.

No. Even if she deserved it... I... I killed her, didn't I? When... When I struck at her, I wasn't fighting for others; I wasn't being a hero. I was fighting with hatred... I wanted her to die.

Luka continued to be trapped in his thoughts as Sabasa led him to a room where he could sleep the night.

...But Hero's in the past have killed those who do evil. I'm one of the few who doesn't want too...

Am I in the wrong? Should I just kill them instead of trying to help them?

I don't know anymore... I should just try to get some sleep.

Eden was walking the halls of heaven with a smile. Celebrations of the death of Kanon had been widespread throughout the land. Many angels had come to her directly to confirm the news, and she was all too glad to say it. Kanon was dead. Alipheese has lost a child. Ilias's victory draws closer and closer. Soon, the world below will be purified of all monsters. Humans will finally be free. They can worship the goddess in peace.

"Such bliss. Lord Ilias hasn't worn such a genuine smile in so long. I can feel it. Soon enough, Alipheese will surely fall. Of that, I have no doubt," Eden said to herself with a happy smile. Heaven looked as pristine as ever. Her fellow angels had cleaned every speck of dust from the surfaces. The marble shone and illuminated the temple. This was the Hall of Creation. This is where Eden and her sisters were created.

Yes. All three of us. Created equally. Our ranking matters little. It is just a number, after all.

Dear Lucifina, dear Micaela, I wonder where you are now. Perhaps Lucifina is on the ground, leading our army past San Ilia? Micaela may be with her. If that is the case, I wonder if the Lord would allow me to assist them. It would be a dream come true for us all to fight together once more.

Eden continued to walk through the halls until she was disturbed by a noise coming from the war room.

Oh? Is Lord Ilias discussing something with someone? I'd better not disturb her then. I should join the other angels in celebration and make sure they don't step out of line.

"So, he was able to use that technique," Ilias said.

"Yes, my lord. I was wondering if you knew how this could be possible."

"You wouldn't be trying to order me, would you, my daughter?" Ilias asked.

"Of course not, my goddess. Forgive my insolence," Micaela apologised.

"You are forgiven, my child. As for the hero... I will tell you all I know," She said. Micaela looked up at the goddess as she spoke.

"I have seen the hero fight multiple times now. He has shown great power. He also showed an incredible ability that he simply should not have. He can use seraph-tier attacks. I've followed him along his journey whenever I've had the time. He has used both Sword of Heaven and Daystar. This is only possible if he were a direct descendant of either of you or if I personally gifted him the power to do that. I, of course, did not do that. Even if I did, he would likely die instantly from the surge of holy power flowing through him. So then, he must be the former. Now, I know that you and Lucifina have had no children. So it begs the question, where did he come from? And who is his mother? You or Lucifina?" Ilias wondered.

"I have no idea, my lord. Still, how could he just appear?" Micaela asked. "Also, wouldn't he still die from the use of holy energy? Human bodies are not built for it."

"I'm not sure. Perhaps there is a method to resist the effect that we do not know. We've never experimented with Nephilim before. It is curious."

"As to how he appeared... I too, have no idea. Perhaps... he is from another world entirely." Ilias said. "I have no idea why, but I can feel... something. Something about him is so... foreign. Like he does not belong here. And for some reason... I feel like I have seen him before." Ilias explained.

"My lord?" Micaela said, worried.

"Ignore me, my child. Now, I have told you all I know." Ilias said. "One more thing, Micaela."

"Yes, my lord?"

"Do not tell your sister. None of this. She cannot know. Don't tell Eden either, or anyone else for that matter," Ilias ordered. "No one else can know. Mass confusion and panic would spread, and we would be weakened."

"...As you wish," Micaela responded. She stood, bowed, and left.

Micaela. You have always been so loyal. A perfect child. So... why did you hesitate? Normally, you would immediately agree to anything I ordered.

Ilias looked at the door the first angel had left through.

Haah, whatever. I must move on.

The Goddess looked down through the clouds, casting a spell that allowed her to watch her humans. She would often use it to observe the battles of the Great War, and she would either watch her angels be torn to shreds or the monsters slaughtered.

Even with Kanon's death... we are still progressing slowly. This was never in our favour. It's always been unfair. I only have three seraphs, while she has six ancestors. And that whore decided to have a child on top of that. Damn you, Alipheese. When my children finally corner you, I will make sure you have the most painful death possible. No matter what, I will win this war.

Ilias looked down at the Slayer of Kanon.

And you, Hero Luka, are the key to it. I already have plans on how to... 'convince' you to join us, but I still don't know how I should capture you. Micaela failed. In fact, she was lucky to return alive. If she died... This war would be over.

So how? How can I get him to come to me?

Oh, wait...

Ah, that's how...

Hero Luka... your heroism will be your doom.