Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords

G: EP07 – Truth of the End


In the middle of the woods sat a quaint but colorful house, but this was no ordinary house as it was the one that Tassel resided in. In the sky a bright light shot through before falling towards the house, but instead of crashing it merely clattered against the door.

"Hmm…?"

Tassel opened the door to his house before staring down at what had clattered against his house.

[STORY OF KOUGOUKEN SAIKOU!]

"Oh dear… it appears as though the seal on Avalon has been broken," Tassel said as he bent down and gently picked up the book, "Someone has likely claimed that power… then that means…"

He quickly turned and hurried into his house before shutting the door.

"…I need to make sure this place is spruced up!"


At Section 2 HQ, Genjuro was currently manning the main chain of command since Sophia had yet to come back from visiting Daishinji's workshop.

"Update," Sakuya said, "The pursuit squad have reported in!"

"We've detected the emergence of more Noise," Aoi added, "I fear the worst."

"Get a hold of Tsubasa, Chris, Touma and Rintaro!" Genjuro called out, "We need them there now so we can capture the bearer of Solomon's Cane!"

"I take it we've finally found him?" Sophia asked as she walked back in.

"We have," Genjuro gave a nod.

"We're detecting a high-energy waveform distinct from the Noise!" Sakuya interrupted.

"Analyzing it now," Aoi said before her eyes widened, "Don't tell me…"

{GUNGNIR}

The main display of the command center showcased the signal as Gungnir before pulling up the vital signs for Hibiki, confirming that it wasn't Maria who was in the area.

"The… Gungnir…" Genjuro managed to choke out.

Sophia meanwhile drew out a Gatrike Phone and went to call Rintaro.


At the scene of the battle, Hibiki's body and armor began glowing with power… literally. There was a different kind of aura to her this time as she began to shine brightly. So brightly that even she noticed it.

'Power is bursting forth within me…' she thought, not noticing a stray leaf falling towards her. It barely touched her shoulder before burning away.

Everyone took notice of this, alongside the building up of heat around her in general.

"Wh-What?!" Ver called out as his eyes widened, "Why must you interfere with my plans at every single turn?" he questioned as he held up Solomon's Cane and began summoning Noise, "You'll pay!"

Hibiki rushed forward to combat the Noise, and despite the more Noise that were summoned… they did nothing to affect the outcome. Hibiki sung as loud as she could as she punched and kicked through the barrage of Noise with ease. Despite this there was still something off.

"Every time! Every! Single! Last! Time!" Ver screeched out as he continued to summoning Noise after Noise, though despite this Hibiki was still able to tear through them. To the point where she was causing more explosive bursts in her attacks.

"This isn't right…" Touma narrowed his eyes, "What's going on?"

"This isn't good…" Rintaro hissed out before hearing his Gatrike Phone, quickly answering it, "Hello?"

"Blades, we've got Ver's location and Hibiki's there," Sophia said, "Is Saber still with you?"

"Yes," Rintaro gave a nod, "In fact I'm staring at the scene right now. We'll capture the doctor and make sure it wraps up in a reasonable time. But…"

"I know, we'll need to let her know," Sophia gave a nod.

"I'll be getting into action now," Rintaro said as he hung up before pocketing his phone, "Touma…"

"We need to get in there, something's wrong," Touma agreed, he drew out his books only to gasp out as he was struck in the back, tumbling forward and rolling before stopping, "What?!"

"Huh?" Rintaro turned before giving a gasp as he was smacked away.

The culprits were Calibur and Storious, the latter of which was already in his transformed state.

"And so we find the doctor," Calibur remarked as he saw Ver nearby, he looked towards Touma, "However… I need you to show me the power you claimed from Avalon!"

"I don't have time for you…" Touma hissed out as he began to rise up, he then looked over at Rintaro, "Rintaro, help Hibiki! I'll handle both of them!"

"Are you certain?!" Rintaro asked as he looked between Calibur and Storious.

"By all means," Storious held his hand out, "Go ahead."

"What?" Rintaro asked.

"I am merely here to observe the continuing story…" Storious held a hand to his chest before slightly bowing forward, "Please go ahead."

Rintaro narrowed his eyes, "Just what are you-"

Hibiki while dealing with the endless hordes of Noise that Ver summoned soon caught sight of her friends and the Megid, "Touma?! Rintaro?!"

"You're open!" Ver yelled out as he summoned more Noise to leap at Hibiki, only to shriek in fear when she turned her attention on them and easily dealt with them by performing a spin kick.

"Get in there now!" Touma called out, he wasn't sure what Storious' game was but he knew that Hibiki needed help now.

"Understood," Rintaro gave a nod as he readied Lion Senki while Touma readied Brave Dragon and King of Arthur.

"Henshin!"

[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER! DRAGON! ARTHUR OU!]

[NAGARE BATTOU! LION SENKI!]

Saber took his Wonder Rider form of Dragon Arthur while Blades took his base form of Lion Senki. The two rushed off to do battle with their own missions in mind. Saber rushing forward and slashing down with both blades at Calibur who blocked against them.

Calibur gritted his teeth as he had to step back and slip away, the Kingexcalibur blade crashing against the ground and shattering a small part of it.

"So this is that power…" Calibur said, having barely struggled to even keep the clash going for that long.

"You want a taste of this power?" Saber asked in a harsher voice, "Then I'll give it to you."

"You sound rather tense…" Calibur remarked, though he could already tell why, "Did I come at a bad time?"

"You could say that," Saber said before giving a yell and rushing forward, coating Rekka in flames while the Kingexcalibur shined a bright blue.

Blades meanwhile rushed over towards the hordes of Noise, gathering water in his blade before sending out water-filled slashes. While most managed to hit their targets, a few that were trying to hit any near Hibiki had weakened and only pushed back the Noise.

"It's that hot…?" Blades muttered as he began slashing through any Noise near him, soon seeing Miku and the others still standing there, "Please get back, we'll handle this!"

Miku gave a nod as she and her friends began to head off to safety, but Miku kept glancing back at where the fight was constantly.

"Hibiki," Blades turned towards her, "Let us finish this quickly, now!"

"Right," Hibiki called out as she drew her fist back, it shifting into its larger rocket-turbine form.

Blades yelled out as he began rushing forward, dealing with any stray Noise to line them all up for Hibiki.

Hibiki readied herself as the power jacks on her leg armor activated, launching her forward. She used the jets on her gauntlet to rocket her through the defenses of Noise as she aimed straight for Ver.

That was until something zoomed in from nowhere, a black circular object blocking Hibiki's punch.

Hibiki's eyes widened, "A shield?!"

"Surprise, it's a saw."

Blades gave a surprised gasp as he saw Shirabe had suddenly dropped in and brought her buzzsaw out to protect Ver, Kirika supporting her by rooting Igalima's spikes into the ground.

"Shirabe…? Kirika…?" Hibiki asked.

"… To think a saw could become a shield… and hold back Hibiki as well…" Blades trailed.

"The Shul Shagana I wield is much more versatile than its fearsome appearance would suggest," Shirabe said, "It's as capable at defense as it is at offense."

"Even so, it takes everything the two of us have just to hold her back, dess…" Kirika admitted as she was struggling to brace Shirabe despite her supports.

"Sorry about that, Kiri," Shirabe apologized, "I can't plant my feet firmly in these heels."

"Don't sweat it, dess!" Kirika reassured.


In the skies above the city the cloaked FIS Air Carrier was currently traveling towards the location of Ver, Kirika and Shirabe. Nastassja was piloting while Maria was co-piloting, Kento and Desast both standing behind the two.

"The Disaster Relief Squad are hardly the sole users of heretical technology based on Sakurai Theory," Nastassja explained, "Once the good doctor summoned Noise, locating him was child's play."

"Sounds like quite the party is getting started," Desast chuckled.

"How about you just keep quiet," Kento suggested, "If all goes well we won't need to go down there."

"Yeah you're right about that," Desast relented with a groan.

"But, Mom…" Maria trailed.

"I know. If we can locate him, so can the enemy," Nastassja confirmed, "We must make haste."

"Did you two hear that?" Maria asked over the communications.


"We will secure the doctor and escape as soon as possible," Shirabe said, answering Maria's question.

"Or at least, that's the plan…" Kirika said.

The two kept struggling on their defense before working on breaking out of the clash, Kirika and Shirabe leaping back while grabbing Ver and moving him further back too. Hibiki meanwhile had been forced to leap back as well.

"…but it's not so easy once you add them into the equation," Kirika looked forward, seeing Blades run over to stand beside Hibiki.

"And while one of our allies is preoccupied…" Shirabe said before glancing over and eyeing Storious who was simply watching while Saber and Calibur clashed, "The other seems to not care about our current mission."

"Stupid Megid, dess…" Kirika hissed out.

Hibiki began to breathe heavily, her scar shining brightly and becoming visible over her suit before she clutched her chest in pain, crying out as she fell to her knees.

"Hibiki!" Blades called out, grabbing a hold of her shoulder only to reel back with a yell. He held out his gloved hand, it gave a soft red glow as smoke came out of it, "This heat is unnatural… Hibiki, you need to dismiss your transformation! Something's wrong!"

Saber heard Blades shouting and turned his head, giving a gasp, "Hibiki!"

"Pay attention!" Calibur called out as he scanned Tenkuu no Pegasus on Kurayami.

[HISSATSU READ! JAAKU PEGASUS!]

Calibur slid his hand across the blade, energy gathering before he spun and slashed, sending a dark blue slash of energy hurtling towards Saber.

[KURAYAMI HISSATSU GEKKI! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]

[JAKIN!]

Saber gave a yell and slashed forward, Kingexcalibur clashing with the finisher while shining a bright blue. Despite the finisher based attack, Saber yelled further and completely disrupted it, energy erupting out from the Kingexcalibur and extinguishing Calibur's attack entirely.

"Such great power," Calibur remarked, "King of Arthur is nothing to scoff at. However… it's not enough."

"You really think you can beat me?" Saber asked.

"On the contrary, even now you hold the advantage," Calibur admitted, "But for all that great power you're powerless to stop what's transpiring nearby."

"What?" Saber asked before realizing what Calibur meant, glancing back at Hibiki, "Wait…"

"The power of Gungnir that the girl was gifted was never a gift or a miracle," Calibur stated as he scanned Saiyuu Journey, "It's a curse!"

[HISSATSU READ! JAAKU SAIYUU JA!]

Calibur gathered red energy in his blade, extending it outwards and slashing several times at Saber. The Swordsman of Flame turned with a gasp, bringing up both blades and working to bat away both attacks only to get struck in the chest by a stab from Calibur's extended attack range.

[KURYAMI HISSATSU GEKKI! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]

Saber gasped out as sparks flew, staggering back but managed to keep standing, "You…"

Hibiki gave a wince as she glanced over towards Saber's fight, "T-Touma…"

"Hibiki, please fall back!" Blades pleaded, having to back away as the heat near Hibiki was starting to make him sweat underneath his suit.

"I… I can't…" Hibiki winced as she tried to fight through the pain and heat, slowly but surely rising up.

"Here, a present in recognition of your good work!"

Ver had used everyone's distraction on the fight to pull out two injection syringes. He quickly plunged them into Kirika and Shirabe's necks before pressing down on the trigger, injecting them. Both Wielders quickly backed away but it was too late as they were already injected.

"What the hell are you doing, dess?!" Kirika questioned.

"LiNKER…" Shirabe held her neck.

"We still have time left!" Kirika called out.

"That's exactly why this was necessary," Ver explained, "You need far higher energy output to battle against that monster and her companions. To that end, we must raise your sync rates at any cost."

Shirabe frowned, "But then, the effects from the overdose will-"

"Screw off!" Kirika gave a glare, "Why should we go so far for you?"

"You will," Ver called out, his mannerisms becoming slightly unhinged as he began to rant, "Or rather, you must. You cannot oppose me if you wish to save your comrades! Your home! Now that the old hag's condition has worsened, you have no choice but to follow my orders! Nastassja needs my skills as a biologist to contain her sickness. Now, will you use that power which transcends your mortal limits to save me?"


Back at the Command Center of Section 2, everyone was currently monitoring Hibiki's status alongside Saber and Blades. While both were stable despite any minor damage they might've taken, Hibiki's outline was glowing red with various caution warnings starting to pop up, Gungnir's signal going crazy.

"Hibiki's condition is fluctuating rapidly!" Aoi called out.

"Is this because of her fusion with the Gungnir?" Sakuya asked.

"Blades, you need to get her out of her Symphogear!" Sophia called out.

"Easier said than done," Blades admitted through the communications, "I can't get anywhere near her to try and force the transformation off."

"Where are Tsubasa and Chris?!" Genjuro asked, "With Saber preoccupied we need as many hands on deck!"

"The two Gear users are rushing towards the scene," Aoi explained.

"Is it too late to send our other Riders?" Sakuya asked.

"We wouldn't make it in time," Genjuro gave a grim expression, knowing that it'd take a decent amount of time to deploy Buster, Kenzan, and Slash. They'd just have to hope that Saber and Blades could deescalate the situation.

"…" Sophia stayed silent, "Blades… if she's overheating try to cool her down. Anything, even a little water might help her."


"Roger," Blades said before looking at Hibiki who was rising up further, "Hibiki, I'm going to try and cool you off."

"Got it… Rintaro," Hibiki managed to rasp out.

[LION SENKI!]

Blades summoned the Lion Senki, it standing off to the side before unleashing a stream of water against Hibiki. The tactic had seemed to work as Hibiki began to glow slightly less, though despite this the heat still somewhat persisted.

"Definitely… better…" Hibiki managed to get out, feeling some relief, "But…"

"You need to dismiss your transformation," Blades said.

"Sorry… but I can't do that…" Hibiki said, as she looked over to where their enemies were.

Kirika and Shirabe were already starting to feel the effects of the overdose so they needed to make their next move quickly.

"Let's do it, Kiri!" Shirabe called to her partner, "We have to bring him back to Mom, no matter what. That's our duty."

"You mean… use our Superb Song?" Kirika asked.

"Yes! Sing! Sing!" Ver called out in glee, "Studies have shown that the higher the sync rate, the less recoil is incurred! Now that I've pumped you full of LiNKER, you can sing your Superb Songs as much as you want!"

"You bet we will, dess!" Kirika yelled out.


Miku and her friends had finished running, having gotten a far enough distance away as per Blades' instructions.

"She'll be fine, right?" Yumi asked.

"Of course! There's no way Tachibana would go down here!" Shiori said.

"And then you have Touma and Rintaro with Bikki too," Kuriyo added. "They have enough people to help out. If we ended up staying, we'd only get in their way."

Miku could only look back down the road from where they came. She knew that further into the city, her friends were fighting their hardest to protect them all.

"Hibiki… Touma…" Miku trailed, hating that she had to simply leave both of them to fight by themselves. It wasn't fair to either of them that she could just stand on the sidelines while they risked everything because of that fateful day.


Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal~

"Wait, are they… singing?" Hibiki asked as she watched them start up their Superb Songs.

"Wait a minute…" Blades started, "No way…"

Emustolronzen Finé el balal zizzl~

"They're that desperate?!" Saber asked as he looked over.

"That reckless doctor…" Calibur sighed.

Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal~

"No!" Hibiki shouted as she recalled the memory of the Zwei Wing concert, her last moments of consciousness being Tsubasa holding Kanade before the latter fully turned to ash and flames, "Using LiNKER to power your Superb Song eats away at your life force!"

"Even if you do survive the backlash will leave you immobilized for a good long while!" Blades called out.

"Hear the goddess Zababa's Superb Song, and crumble away! Witness my flawless victory!" Ver screamed, rubbing the cloth-wrapped Nephilim Heart in his hands, "It's time to take my precious home!"

Emustolronzen Finé el zizzl~

When the song finished, a pulse occurred as Kirika and Shirabe both felt a tremendous but painful boost in power.

"Shul Shagana's Superb Song is an endless assault that can be made from any range." Shirabe explained as her gear began extending and transforming itself, "Even if you defend against it, it will render you immobile."

"And following on, Igalima's Superb Song cuts through the target's very soul in one slice," Kirika said, her scythe beginning to morph as she began spinning it over her head, "No defense can possibly block it. Together, they are absolute, inescapable death!"

"Specialized attack variants huh…?" Blades asked as he took a step back, recalling the one Chris had done to stop Kadingir, if they were of that level…

"No…" Storious muttered to himself as he watched this all unfold, "It's not the end just yet."

Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal~

Emustolronzen Finé el balal zizzl~

Blades turned in shock to see Hibiki singing her own Superb Song, and that was when everyone suddenly noticed that the situation began to change.

"Energy has dropped below the level required for Super Songs," Shirabe realized as her relic transformed back to its normal state.

"The pressure is gone?" Kirika asked as her scythe reverted to its standard shape.

"Set! Harmonics!" HIbiki yelled out as all the excess energy in the area went into her.

"She's leeching away our energy?!" Kirika asked.

Hibiki gritted her teeth as energy began gathering in her, black lights with red outlines pouring out from her as she took a step to brace. Blades gave a yelp as he watched the grass she stepped on catch on fire before wincing and backing up further as the heat from Hibiki had returned tenfold.

"Rintaro… get back…" Hibiki managed to get out.

Blades took a step forward, "But-!"

"I don't want anyone to get hurt," Hibiki spoke up, "I won't let them sing their Superb Songs…"

Hibiki's armor began opening up as she combined her gauntlets together into one large one on her right arm. She then aimed upwards, unleashing a massive tornado of colorful energy high into the sky.


Everyone in the FIS Air Carrier could only watch in shock and awe at what Hibiki had done.

"She took all that immense destructive power into her body?" Maria asked.

"She really is a kind girl…" Kento muttered in surprise as he saw this.

"Incredible… what monstrous power…" Desast gave a few low chuckles.

"The power to bind anything together allows her to harness and control the Super Songs of others. I suppose this much was nothing for her," Nastassja remarked before she put a hand over her mouth and began to cough, blood leaking out.

"Mom!" Maria called out.

Kento's eyes widened, "Nastassja!"

"Don't concern yourselves with me," Nastassja said.

Soon enough the monitor lit up with two symbols popping up, a blue and red signal being played.

"These readings…" Maria muttered.

"We're out of time," Kento said.

"It seems they caught up," Nastassja realized before pressing the comm link.


"Can you hear me?" Nastassja asked Kirika and Shirabe, "Get the doctor and hurry back on board."

"As much as I'd like to argue…" Shirabe started, looking over to Hibiki who was clearly reeling from the energy she had released.

"We've detected two other relic users approaching you at high speeds. We believe they are the wielders of Ame no Habakiri and Ichaival," Maria said.

"And with two Riders nearby it'd be suicidal to keep going after what happened to you two," Kento added, "Best not to argue and just come back."

"You are also suffering from LiNKER overdose," Nastassja said as she undid the cloaking on the air carrier before lowering it, "Withdraw. That's an order."

"Understood, dess," Kirika begrudgingly said before Kirika grabbing onto Ver. She then grabbed onto one of the ropes the air carrier lowered alongside Shirabe. They were pulled upwards and into the air carrier as it went invisible again.

"I believe it's time for us to retreat Calibur…" Storious said as he walked over.

"I suppose so," Calibur said as he turned around, slashing open a dark portal for him and Storious to enter through.

"Wait a minute!" Saber called out as he stepped forward.

"Don't you have other things to be concerned about?" Calibur asked before walking through with Storious.

Saber turned in surprise before seeing Hibiki simply standing in a small crater, "Hibi-" he cut himself off when he saw how intense the heat was around her. So much so that Blades had backed off significantly.

"HIBIKI!"

Everyone's attention was turned towards Miku who had arrived on the scene, she wasn't able to stay put anymore and wanted to check up on her friends. Of course, her seeing Hibiki in that kind of state had ended up causing Miku to panic, the girl rushing forward in an attempt to reach her.

Hibiki fell to her knees in an unresponsive state, her back to the others. Unbeknownst to the three, gold, relic-like shards had begun to form around Hibiki's scar.

Miku had tried to run forward only for Blades to immediately grab and hold her in place.

"Rintaro!" Miku called out as she tried to slip out of his grasp, "Let me go!"

"I can't do that!" Blades shouted in a strained voice before tapping his book.

[LION SENKI!]

The Lion Senki was summoned once more, it unleashing a high pressurized stream of water out to strike at Hibiki and cool her down. But the heat was so much the water had thinned out into a small sprinkle that merely turned into steam upon touching her back.

"Rintaro!" Saber called out as he rushed forward, "What's going on?"

"I'm not too sure, but she's heating up too much!" Blades called out, he knew that the Relic Fusion was occurring but he wasn't expecting it to have this result.

"No!" Miku called out as she tried to slip past Blades, "Hibiki!"

"Hold your horses!" Chris called out as she rushed over already in her Gear as she arrived onto the scene. She went to grab onto Miku to keep her from moving forward, "One wrong move and you'll sear the flesh from your bones!"

"Rintaro… we'll go our Two-Book Combo forms, Rekka should protect me enough to get close," Saber said as he removed King of Arthur and slotted in Storm Eagle, "Try and cool her off with an enhanced Wonder attack so that I can get close."

"Understood," Blades gave a nod as he slotted in Peter Fantasista.

[REKKA BATTOU! TATSUMAKI DRAGON EAGLE!]

[NAGARE BATTOU! KAGAYAKU LION FANTASISTA~!]

Saber quickly began running along the side of the heat wave Hibiki was emitting while Blades tapped both his Animal and Story books.

[LION SENKI! PETER FANTASISTA!]

Blades unleashed the hook and chain before spinning it around in a circle, forming multiple water portals all around Hibiki except for the front. Lion Senki heads popped up through the portals before unleashing streams of water from their mouths. Despite the intense heat, and the lack of power, the water was doing some work in cooling down the area alongside Hibiki.

Blades gritted his teeth as he held his arm forward, "Touma, now!"

"Right," Saber called out as he rushed forward, feeling the intense burn. Thankfully Rekka's emblem shined brightly in response, it offering the Swordsman of Flame some protection. Despite that it was still starting to get unbearable. Eventually he slid into a kneeling stance near Hibiki, "Hibiki don't worry I just need to remove you're-"

Saber paused with a light gasp, soon seeing the gold relic-like protrusions erupting from the scar on her chest.

"Hey, what's wrong?!" Chris called out as she noticed Saber pause.

"Touma!" Miku called out.

Saber was broken out of his shock when the familiar revving of a motorcycle was heard.

"~Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri tron~"

The group would soon see Tsubasa arriving on her motorcycle, transforming into her Gear as her ankle blades shifted and formed a makeshift sword at the front of her vehicle. She used some nearby rubble as a ramp and slashed across a nearby water tower as a result.

{Flash of the Rider's Blade}

Saber looked up, "Wait-"

SPLASH

Saber and Hibiki were completely drenched by the water pouring down on them, massive amounts of steam being released due to heat that had still been exuded by Hibiki's body and Gear.

"Hibiki! Hibiki!" Miku shouted out.

Tsubasa landed and skidded to a stop on her vehicle, dismounting before walking over. The water had stopped, and the steam had started to fade. Saber was still transformed and was now holding an unconscious Hibiki who had lost her transformation. The combined water burst from before alongside Tsubasa's makeshift plan had successfully cooled her off.

"Did I fail in protecting her?" Tsubasa asked.

"Fail in protecting her?" Chris repeated before rushing over to her ally, "The hell? Did you know this would happen to her?"

"Excuse me?" Saber asked as he gently set Hibiki down as Miku ran over, "Tsubasa, what exactly is going on here?"

Tsubasa however didn't seem to want to answer despite the repeated questions courtesy of Chris.

"We'll explain everything," Blades reassured as he walked over, "I promise."

"You too…?" Chris turned with a light glare, "What's the big idea?!"

Blades gave a flinch at that before looking up at an approaching helicopter, "Let's get her back to Section 2 first."

Saber meanwhile looked back at his two friends, watching Miku cry out Hibiki's name in concern before that slowly got drowned out by the sounds of the approaching helicopter.


As the day grew later, the FIS Air Carrier had went to land in a mountainous region outside of the city, planning to use the desolate but covered area to give them the privacy they needed. Ver was currently finishing up his checkup while Maria, Kirika and Shirabe watched on, Calibur and Kento off to the side.

"Vital signs are stable, you're quite fit for your age," Ver said as he finished up before looking at Nastassja who was lying on the examination table, "Or do you just stubbornly cling to life?"

"I'm glad," Shirabe spoke up.

"I'm so glad, dess!" Kirika added.

Nastassja meanwhile shifted her head to look at the girls, 'What was I trying to make these gentle girls do? I should've realized sooner that a few petty acts of terrorism would do nothing to protect us from the impending calamity.'

"You definitely took your sweet time coming back," Calibur remarked as he leaned against the wall, "I do hope you have something to show for all the trouble they had to go through."

"Believe me, we are in a perfect position right now," Ver answered.

"Are we now?" Kento asked as he raised an eyebrow.


Miku and Touma were currently in the lounge area of Section 2's base, both waiting to hear about Hibiki's condition. Miku was currently having her hands clasped together in prayer as she silently hoped things would be alright. Touma meanwhile was standing up while trying to keep moving, taking out a notepad to try and write something to stop the anxiety. Despite this he couldn't do anything but simply pace around while tapping his pencil against the paper.

The two perked up and began to turn when they heard footsteps, Ogawa hurrying over.

"Hibiki… how is she?" Touma managed to speak up.

"The emergency surgery was a success," Ogawa answered.

"Success…?" Miku asked as she stood up, "So Hibiki will be alright?"

"…yes," Ogawa spoke after a bit of hesitation.

"Do you know what happened to her?" Touma asked, "Rintaro mentioned they'd explain something but Tsubasa completely avoided us and Rintaro hasn't come by yet."

"Right… well…" Ogawa trailed, "The two of you will get your answers shortly, so please follow me."


"Now, let us cut to the heart of the matter," Ver said as he had called a meeting once Nastassja was well enough to get back into her wheelchair. Once everyone was gathered, Ver pulled up a monitor to show the Nephilim's heart, a red pulse flashing in the center every now and again.

"Is that the Nephilim?" Maria asked.

"It was quite a challenge to bring its awakened heart back," Ver replied, "It has now consumed enough relics to reach its full power output. This heart and the object you retrieved five years ago… have you forgotten?"

As Ver pointed at Maria, her eyes grew wide. Calibur and Kento perked up at this, glad that they were at the far end of the room to keep from any suspicious looks.

"You, Finé, took the Shénshòujìng from the archeologists at Mt. Minakami," Ver explained.

"Right… of course," Maria said, though there was a bit of hesitation in her tone.

"Not all of Maria's memories have recovered yet," Nastassja interrupted from where she was sitting, "And besides, handling relics is my job. Please direct further inquiries at me."

Calibur and Kento glanced at each other, Kento giving a look of concern given their secondary mission.

"Pardon my impudence," Ver gave a mock bow before rising again, "Let us return to the subject at hand. We finally have the Shénshòujìng, needed to release the seal on the Frontier, and the Nephilim's heart, needed to activate the Frontier itself."

"We have also determined where it is sealed away," Nastassja said.

"Indeed," Ver gave a few claps, "The preparations for this grand party are complete! Now all that's left is to make mankind dance to our mad rhapsody."

"What an interesting man," Desast muttered in a low voice, poking out of Calibur's shadow as he watched Ver laugh madly, "Though I doubt his kind of festival is the one I'd enjoy…"

"We shall soon advance to the final stage of the plan," Nastassja said as she went to wheel herself out of the room, "For now, though, let us rest."

The trio of Wielders followed after her, Kento deciding to join them. But he was also curious about one thing.

"Kirika, Shirabe, how are you two feeling?" Kento asked, "Given well… everything."

"Surprisingly well, dess," Kirika admitted, "Our bodies didn't end up damaged at all."

"I think it was because of your opponent's actions," Kento reminded.

"She protected us, but why?" Shirabe asked.

"I suppose Touma just picks his friends well," Kento admitted, "I mean if she's friends with him then she can't be that bad. At least I assume since he likely met her after I vanished because of my training."

"I see…" Shirabe muttered as she glanced at the floor.


Ogawa had led both Miku and Touma into the command center of the HQ, leaving after bringing them there to not crowd the main bridge. Chris was currently bent over, leaning against one of the monitor stations. Genjuro and Sophia both had frowns on their faces while Rintaro was also there, looking down with a nervous expression. Daishinji was also there but he was facing away from everyone, his hands gripped tightly.

"Touma, Miku," Genjuro spoke up, "There is something we want you to know."

"Here, just… brace," Sophia pressed a button, a diagram appearing on screen.

Touma and Miku both gave a gasp as they saw the diagram. It was an x-ray of Hibiki, but deep red root-like veins were spreading out all across her body from her heart.

"H-Hold on… is… is…" Touma began to stammer as he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"To hell with this shit…!" Chris yelled out as she kicked the station she was at.

"The relic fragments buried in Hibiki's chest are spreading throughout her body," Genjuro explained, "If they spread much further, she will no longer be herself."

Touma was completely speechless as he put a hand over his mouth, trying to keep himself in check despite the news, "This is…"

Miku managed to take a deep breath, calming herself despite the shock, "Does that mean they won't spread further if she doesn't fight?"

"The two of you, Hibiki's best friends, are the strongest link she has to an ordinary life," Genjuro explained, "I suspect her spending time with you two is the only thing that can hold Gungnir back."

"I can help her…?" Miku asked.

"And out of the two of you, I believe you can help her the most," Sophia directed her words to Miku, "After all, Saber still has his duties. But even then, I'm sure the both of you can protect her."

"Please," Genjuro added.

"Touma… I'm terribly sorry you had to find out like this!" Rintaro gave a bow as he fell to his knees, nearly prostrating himself as he took up a near dogeza-like stance.

"H-Hey…" Chris turned in surprise, her anger calming down just a bit, "Just what the heck are you doing?"

Touma meanwhile turned away from everyone, trying to compose himself as he tried to sort all the new information in his head.

"I was planning to tell you Touma!" Rintaro admitted, "But then… everything happened so fast with us running across Ver, and then Calibur interrupting and…"

"Rintaro…" Touma said as he turned and walked over, kneeling down before grasping his friend by the arms, "I can't imagine how hard it must have been to try and tell me this kind of news… don't beat yourself over it."

"At least you were planning on telling someone about it, especially one of her friends," Chris reassured with a sigh, "So chin up a bit."

"Now then…" Touma said as he went to help Rintaro stand before looking around, "Is that the only way we can help her?"

Sophia, Genjuro and Daishinji all remained silent, Touma frowning at the lack of a response.

"There's really nothing we can do?" Touma asked as he began to look around as he grew a bit more panicked, "I know something like a heart transplant isn't an option due to how dangerous and hard that could even be… but there's nothing that the Seiken and Wonder Ride Books can do for her? Even anything about previous Swordsmen and their exploits, there really isn't anything?!"

"I'm sorry Saber…" Sophia looked down.

"Daishinji…!" Touma turned towards the Swordsman of Sound in near desperation, "Is there really nothing we can do for her?!"

"The option presented to you… is the only one available now," Daishinji spoke out in a pained voice, "Last night I wasn't only looking into the Ride Books you handed me. While the scans were running I tried to search for anything in our records but I haven't found anything conclusive…"

"I… I see…" Touma's face dropped further at this, quickly covering his face with his hat as he turned away.

"I know it's a lot to take in," Genjuro said, "But I will ask again, will you two protect Hibiki?"

"I promise," Miku spoke up firmly as she tried to put on a brace face, "We'll protect her, right, Touma?"

"R-Right…" Touma gave a nod before clearing his throat. He hated how worked up he was getting over this, but it stung to watch as Hibiki was hurt. And just like last time at the concert there was nothing he could do about it.


The next morning had come and FIS were fairly busy in their routine, or at least Kirika and Shirabe were as they had just gotten out of the supermarket with groceries. The two needed to keep to less strenuous activities due to their LiNKER overdose and were stuck with kitchen duty, which meant shopping. As a result the two had gone to sit a construction site to take a break, Kirika taking out a few pastries that they had gotten to snack on.

"There are lots of icky things around here, but I couldn't even imagine this kind of freedom when I was at the facility," Kirika admitted as she took a bite out of her snack.

"…That's right…" Shirabe responded in a meek and tired voice, having not opened her snack yet.

"We were locked up in the facility as potential vessels of Finé's soul," Kirika gave a sad sigh at the unpleasant memories, "But Maria relieved us of that burden, harboring that soul by herself. It must be so scary to cease being who you are. We made her endure that all on her own."

"…"

Kirika turned to her friend but gave a gasp, "Shirabe! Were you always that pale?"

"I'm fine," Shirabe insisted as she began to stand up shakily, trying to ignore her body warning her something was wrong, "Now that I've rested for a bit-"

"Shirabe!" Kirika called out as she watched her friend collapse into several metal rods. This caused a chain reaction as several of them that were higher up started to fall as well. Kirika protectively covered Shirabe with her body and held up her hand in a fruitless attempt to stop the falling debris.


Back at the ship, Maria had wheeled Nastassja out for some fresh air at their new venue. The two were currently overlooking a lake that was within the forest.

"After everything that's happened, I know all too well how weak my resolve and determination really are. I also know what's waiting for us in the end," Maria said as she stepped in front of Nastassja to address her, "So please, Mom, allow me to-"

"That will not be necessary," Nastassja interrupted.

"What are you talking about?" Maria asked.

"You don't have to play the great Finé anymore," Nastassja explained.

"Mom? What are you saying?" Maria asked.

"You Maria Cadenzavna Eve, harbor not the slightest trace of Finé's soul," Nastassja said, "You are simply the kind girl I've always known. Finé's soul failed to reincarnate in any of the potential vessels. That is all."

Unbeknownst to the two, Ver had overheard everything from behind a tree, chuckling softly to himself. Of course, hidden from everyone were Calibur and Desast deeper in the forest, the two watching from the shadows with great interest.

"Well now…" Desast trailed.

"It's a good thing I decided to send Kento out," Calibur said quietly.


Kento lightly cursed, having disguised himself in order to keep from being spotted by Kirika and Shirabe. His orders had been to follow them due to Calibur's further doubt on Maria truly being the reincarnated Finé. So that left two options which were both Kirika and Shirabe, but Kento was skeptical. It was entirely possible that none of the three were Finé and that their plan to stop Finé from attempting something as bad as Kadingir was a wild goose chase at most. He didn't like the idea in the slightest, especially since he had warmed up to them and Maria unlike Calibur who only saw their stay with FIS as part of the mission.

His eyes widened when he heard the crashing and clattering of metal pipes and poles from nearby. He quickly rushed over to the construction yard that Kirika and Shirabe were at. He was ready to move towards the cloud of dust that had kicked up when he paused, seeing something pink shining within it.

"No way…" Kento muttered as he saw a pink hexagonal barrier blocking several metal poles from dropping on top of Kirika and Shirabe, Kirika holding her hand out. Kento quickly began to back away in order to not be seen before rushing off in a sprint.

"Huh?" Kirika meanwhile was dumbfounded by this turn of events, her eyes widening further and further as she started to put two and two together, "What's going on?"


"Thank you for joining me."

"Of course…"

Master Logos was currently in his viewing room, standing in front of his stacks of televisions, while Kanade was currently standing in front of him.

"I have a new mission for you," Master Logos said, "I know I told Reika to have you get involved in the battle between Section 2 and the FIS, but plans have changed now that Avalon has been opened up."

On a television behind him a picture of the gateway to the space between realms that Calibur accessed was displayed. The other televisions meanwhile began to light up further as various Wonder Ride Books all shining brightly to the point where you couldn't make any of them out.

"What do you need me to do?" Kanade asked.

"I need you to start procuring the books that were scattered," Master Logos said as he drew out a red book with a crystal on its cover, it shined a red light before forming a projection of a map with various glowing points. The map became solid as the points became marked on it before he held it out, "With Avalon unsealed that means the situation will proceed at a standard place. But we must make sure we control a good majority of Wonder Ride Books. After all, getting to them first while Section 2 is busy will help."

"Of course," Kanade said as she took the map before pocketing it. She then turned to leave in order to start her new mission.

"Oh and Falchion," Master Logos spoke up, causing Kanade to stop in her tracks, "Is everything going alright?"

"I… am fine," Kanade spoke up, though there was some hesitation in her voice due to her second time syncing up with Gungnir.

"Are you sure?" Master Logos pressed further.

"I am," Kanade said before turning and giving a bow.

Master Logos could only watch as his servant walked away, he then turned towards the televisions before they showed the three clashes that Kanade had with Hibiki. First it was at Kadingir, then at the battle for the Book of Ruin, and now the most recent one at Kadingir's ruins.

"This… is perplexing…" Master Logos admitted as he watched the three clashes with great interest, "The process of the resurrection should have kept any lingering pieces from the past away from her. But it seems that Gungnir is responsible for some oddities… no matter, her mission should keep her far enough away from the ongoing battle to let those issues fade…"

To Be Continued...


Author's Note: Not much to say in this part but there is a bit of change in how King of Arthur's being handled now that we have its first real fight with it. After all, Touma's already gotten a taste of Phonic Gain enhanced Crimson Dragon, so I don't think King of Arthur's power would scare him so easily like it did in the show. Instead the entire situation is crumbling around Touma so fast that he's too distracted to truly try and bring out King of Arthur's full power.

That being said, hey we're back for the New Year and just a bit after Symphogear's 11th Anniversary too! Things are going to pick up now thanks to the new schedule to so buckle up, 2023's going to be a fun year for Sympho-Saber.