Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords

GX:EP10 – The Final Sword's Story


The city was rather calm and peaceful despite the sudden explosion above the Kazanari Estate that could be seen from certain vantage points. On one of those said vantage points was Luna who was stargazing in a worried fashion before taking notice of the explosion.

"It would appear Carol's plans are reaching their final conclusion…"

"I believe so."

Luna turned to see the hooded man from Avalon and Tassel behind her.

"And so another chapter begins the course towards its ending," Luna said, "Right?"

"Yes," Tassel nodded as he clasped his hands together, "I can only hope that Carol realizes her mistake before it's too late."

"If I'm being honest, the Megid taking the lead might be the better thing for this world," the hooded man admitted before holding up a finger, "However it's not a good option either."

"We'll just have to keep faith in Touma and his friends," Luna replied before looking over at Tassel, "What will you do, Tassel?"

"I'll still watch over her till the very end and help where I can," Tassel admitted, "I owe her father that much at least."

"What is your relation to her, anyway?" the hooded man asked.

Tassel sighed before giving a fond smile, "Well…"


Carol and her father Izak had currently stopped at an old country house that was surrounded by a vast field. The two were at the door waiting for the owner to answer.

Soon enough what appeared to be Tassel opened the door, though wearing a more subdued outfit. He was mostly covered by a brown coat, though he kept his signature bright hair coloration and glasses, "Bon Lecture~!"

"It's good to see you Viktor, my friend," Izak smiled.

"It's good to see you all as well," Viktor smiled before crouching down, "You especially Miss Carol."

Carol smiled and nodded.

"Tell me, has your father's cooking improved?" Viktor asked.

Carol frowned and shook her head, "Sadly he's still off the mark."

"Such a tough critic you have," Viktor chuckled as he stood up to look at Izak, "Perhaps I should lend you another cookbook?"

"I'm unsure if that would help," Izak chuckled nervously before he was led inside by Viktor alongside Carol.

The three went to sit in the living space of the house, with Viktor giving Carol a new book to keep herself occupied with. While she distracted herself with reading, both Izak and Viktor began discussing the main reason why the alchemist was here.

Izak brought out a sack and began going through the items inside, "Here, the medicine and accompanying formulas should be useful to the guild."

"Once again, I must thank you," Viktor smiled, "I know the newest Master Logos will be happy to hear about this."

"How is he doing?" Izak asked, "I can only imagine it's a strenuous position."

"It is but he's handling it well enough," Viktor said before giving a worried look, "Izak… are you sure you don't want to be accompanied by a guild member?"

"I don't want to bring you all any trouble," Izak shook his head with a smile, "There's a lot of risks, especially if the Seiken are made public knowledge. Even if they guarantee my safety, it could be disastrous if the Sword of Logos is found out about."

"I see, very well," Viktor gave a nod with a slight grimace.

"I do have one request however," Izak admitted as he moved closer to Viktor, "Should the worst happen… I'd like you to watch over Carol, please."

"Izak, you can't be serious can you?" Viktor asked but saw that his friend wasn't joking with the expression he saw. He sighed and nodded, "I… I understand… I'll try my best."

"That's all I ask my good friend," Izak smiled as he put a hand on Viktor's shoulder.


Tassel gently touched his shoulder as he recalled the memory, it being the last he ever saw of Izak. As soon as he heard the news he went to make sure Carol was safe. And while things seemed to work out at first with him providing for Carol, it was clear that she was fueled by a new desire. It was a desire so great that she eventually vanished from his care to where he wasn't able to find her until she was deeply rooted into her new goals.

"I wonder if I should have done more for her," Tassel admitted, "Tried to force her off this destructive path…"

"Sometimes we all grieve differently," the hooded man admitted, "Sometimes it's too great of a consuming force and we make decisions that encompass our entire life as a result."

"Yeah…" Luna nodded.


Hibiki was currently sitting on the bed in her hospital room, staring down at her hands. She was deep in thought but not about what one would think. If everything went well she would be discharged in the morning, which had a high chance of happening. Of course after Miku had left she had been checked up on by Rintaro. He stayed and the two talked though something felt odd about Rintaro and how he acted at some points. Despite it seeming to be a problem personal to Rintaro, she felt the need to worry about it and went to make a call.

"Eh?" Miku's voice spoke up in surprise on the other line, "Hibiki?"

"Sorry for calling this late, I just had some stuff on my mind so I couldn't sleep," Hibiki apologized.

"Its fine, I don't mind," Miku reassured, "To be honest I'm kind of bored at the moment just watching Daishinji's workshop. So your call is refreshing."

"Oh right, how are the missions going?" Hibiki asked.

"Well we're at the location right now, and I'm pretty sure Tsubasa and her group are already where they need to be," Miku said, guessing a bit since she hadn't been to the bridge yet, "But I don't know much more, sorry."

"Its fine," Hibiki reassured, "I didn't call for a mission update, I was hoping to get some advice."

"Advice…?" Miku asked.

"Well, Rintaro visited today and we talked for a while, but something felt off about him after a while," Hibiki explained, "Like something was bothering him but he didn't want to say it."

"Hmm…" Miku thought on it a while, keeping her hum up just to let Hibiki know she was still there, "I think… you should meet with him again and ask him directly."

"Eh?" Hibiki was surprised, "You really think that will work?"

"If there's anyone who can get through to someone in the most direct manner it'll be you, Hibiki," Miku answered, "Plus while you two have only been friends for only so long, the battles you've shared have helped forge a stronger bond. I'm sure you'll be able to do it."

"I see," Hibiki said as she smiled and closed her eyes, "Then if all goes well I'll be discharged and I'll talk to him tomorrow about it."

"That sounds like a plan," Miku agreed, "Good luck."

"Thank you," Hibiki replied.


The group at Neptune's Palace could only stare in shock as they saw Dr. Ver before them. No one really knew what had become of the doctor after the Frontier Incident, but now they knew. Chirs was irritated and it showed easily on her face, meanwhile Kirika and Shirabe could only show annoyance and disgust. Slash was silent though he did give out exasperated breaths.

Leiur and the Goblin Megid meanwhile went to regroup near Carol now that a minor distraction was in place.

"So you're just loading yourselves with previous-gen LiNKER and hoping it won't break on you?" Ver questioned in a near offended but heavily amused tone, "My LiNKER was made with love! It's so pitiful seeing you forced to rely on that garbage that I can't stop laughing!"

"If anyone's pitiful here, it's you, dess!" Kirika called out.

"I agree," Slash finally spoke up.

"You stopped my shot…" Chris hissed out with a glare, 'I'll pay back the shame I was put through a million times over!'

"Wait a minute, dess!" Kirika spoke up once she noticed Chris inch forward.

"You can't hurt the doctor," Shirabe added.

"What did you just say?!" Chris turned in surprise.

"He's the only one who can make LiNKER!" Kirika reminded.

"Verily," Ver said as he pointed forward, "If anything happens to me, you'll be out of LiNKER for good!"

"As loathe as I am to admit… he makes a valid point," Slash replied.

"Are you being serious right now?!" Chris questioned as she looked at the Rider.

"So it seems as though even your Swordsmith can't create new LiNKER," Ver remarked, "At least you're man enough to admit that I'm untouchable."

"I wouldn't word it like that," Slash spoke up.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't just ignore me," Carol said, throwing several capsules down and summoning a new grouping of Alca-Noise.

"Even if you all won't fight, I will!" Chris shouted as she began firing off her guns to tear through the hordes while also not bothering to check her aim, wanting to hit Ver as well.

Ver could only gasp as he quickly scurried behind Carol and her subordinates, Carol holding up a shield to block the bullets.

"I cannot determine whether this man is friend or foe, Master, your orders?" Leiur asked.

"I'm neither! I'm a hero!" Ver called out before giving a yelp at the Goblin Megid inching very close to him, "What do you want?!"

"Friend," The Goblin Megid giggled, "Very useful friend."

"Well if you're such a hero then go and give my regards to all the heroes who came before you!" Chris shouted as she formed two massive rockets, aiming them forward. Everyone could only pause at Chris' actions.

Ver's eyes widened, "You imbecile!"

"Chris, hold on a second!" Slash shouted, managing to force the Wielder to pause.

"I have no idea what you're thinking, but if you fire those, the whole facility, me included, will be crushed by sea water!" Ver called out before turning away, "Just kidding!"

"Leiur, get this over with," Carol said with a bored expression.

"Right away," Leiur complied as she leapt forward into the grouping of Alca-Noise that had been left over.

Slash held up Suzune, ready to switch it into its Gunplay mode only for the Goblin Megid to leap forward. He quickly braced with it, a shockwave of sound occurring as the two's weapons clashed against each other. Slash slammed his palm against his Seiken, unleashing a stronger sound blast that forced the Megid back.

Chris had chosen to switch back to her chain guns, and was hoping the rapid fire assault would work but Leiur was dodging too well while also using the Alca-Noise as shields, 'I can deal with this myself. I don't need anyone's help!'

Slash was ready to move forward when he gave a gasp, quickly stepping back as bullets nearly hit where he was. The result of Chris' reckless attacks was that they were kicking up too much smoke, something the Goblin Megid used to its advantage and hid in.

"You won't hit her by shooting wildly!" Shirabe called out.

Kirika nodded, "Calm down, dess!"

Chris continued to fire wildly while kicking up so much smoke that she wasn't fully aware of where she was actually aiming. It wasn't long before her assault began to aim dangerously close to Shirabe… only for Kirika to force the gun upwards with Igalima.

"You want to take us down too, dess?" Kirika asked.

Chris' eyes widened as she realized what she had almost done before backing away and looking around, "Where are they?!"

"Not here…" Shirabe said.

"Your reckless shooting ended up providing them enough cover to escape," Slash replied as the smoke began to clear to reveal a hole burned into the floor.

"They got away?" Chris questioned.

"Sorry for hanging back," Shirabe apologized, "I just feared we'd run out of LiNKER if something happened to the doctor."

"No, that's a genuine worry," Slash shook his head, "No matter how much I detest him he has an important key to our continued success, especially now that we're aware of where he's been this entire time."

"You all didn't know?" Shirabe asked in surprise.

"After he was transferred from our custody we were never told of what happened to him," Slash replied, "But now…"

"We won't hesitate anymore!" Kirika reassured as she began to approach Chris, "Next time, if we work togethe-"

Chris immediately held out a hand to force Kirika back, "I don't need help from my juniors. Screw all this holding hands and pretending we're best friends. I'll get this done myself!"

"Then why exactly did we come here as a team?" Slash questioned.

"Just focus on the Megid you have to kill, alright?" Chris said before briefly glancing at Kirika and Shirabe, soon turning away, 'I've got to do this myself, or how else can I call myself their senior?'


"Intruders lost," Sakuya spoke up from his station, "Unless they do something reckless, we won't be able to track them from here."

"If only we'd known Dr. Ver was being held there…" Aoi trailed.

"That would've been helpful to know," Touma agreed.

"And he still has the Nephilim's power," Sakuya said, "This is getting messy."

"There's also the worry he might have more," Genjuro admitted.

"What do you mean by more?" Touma asked.

"From the report turned in, Dr. Ver was able to initiate a Megid-like transformation," Sophia explained, "While Slash was able to get him to revert, if he still has Nephilim… there's a high chance he might still have that."

"The only thing we can do is keep searching for them!" Genjuro ordered.

"We prevented Carol from obtaining the final piece she needed for the Château de Tiffauges, the Yantra Sarvasva, but she still keeps going," Elfnein said as she closed her eyes and thought back to when she walked away from Carol.


"Explain this to me!" Elfnein called out as she met with Carol in the Château's throne room, "I helped build the Château de Tiffauges because I believe that's what our father wanted! No one said anything about taking the world apart!"

Carol looked up with a smug expression, "Indeed, the Château de Tiffauges is the culmination of alchemic science: a World Destructor. Consider it a giant flask."

"You lied to me?" Elfnein asked.

"And what if I did?" Carol asked back, "You have no power. Do you mean to stop me?"

"But…" Elfnein gripped her fist tightly, "But I still love the father in my memories. You must love him too."

Carol gave a light gasp, "What are you-?"

"He'd never want you to take the world apart!" Elfnein shouted, "I can't let you do something he wouldn't want!"

"You're just a replica of flesh implanted with my memories! Know your place!" Carol called out in near anger as she glared at Elfnein, "You have no right to call yourself his daughter or speak on his behalf!"

Elfnein could only flinch back at those words while Carol leaned back into her throne with a resigned look.

"I release you from your duty to construct the Château. Leave… and do as you wish."


Carol winced and opened her eyes, "Did I pass out?"

"It must have been another rejection," Leiur said as she was currently holding her master in her arms before allowing Carol to stand up, "You lost consciousness during our retreat. Hardly surprising, given how many high-level phonic gain users were present, but…"

"Don't worry," Carol said as she began opening and closing her hand to test it. She then decided to turn her attention to Ver who was standing nearby with the Goblin Megid, "I know of you, Dr. Ver. You were one of the parties involved in the Frontier Incident. What are you doing here?"

"Those selfish bastards decided to pretend that neither the Frontier Incident nor my wonderful contributions ever took place at all!" Ver remarked in a fed up tone, "I lost all rights, even my very identity! I'm no longer a person, just an object! They threw me in here as a recovered part of the Nephilim!"

Carol watched as Ver's right arm pulsate and shift, "Your left arm?"

"I didn't stop Ichaival's attack with my arm," Ver explained, "Rather, the moment it hit me, the Nephilim absorbed and assimilated it into itself!"

"Megid, Megid," The Goblin Megid giggled as it began to dance around Ver.

"Yes, there's also a few other things I can do thanks to my partnership with the Megid," Ver replied as he began to flex his arm. He recalled what Storious did to him but how Slash had defeated him before he could truly use that power. He had thought it was lost forever but the Goblin Megid's words made him think otherwise.

"You're a fascinating man," Carol admitted as she turned away, "Come with me."

"You mean to take me out of here?" Ver asked, "Then bring me to the center of the chaos!"

Carol raised a brow and glanced back, "The center of the chaos?"

"That's where a hero truly shines!" Ver explained before noticing that Carol had turned back and held out her left hand to shake. Deciding to be polite he made sure to wipe his monstrous hand on his coat before shaking hers.

"You'll have to tell me about this Nephilim on the way," Carol said with a smirk.

"Do you really have time to spare?" Ver asked.

"I know everything my foes are doing," Carol answered confidently, "Time will not be an issue."


The Rider and Wielders inside Neptune's Palace had gone to occupy the sub monitor room in order to get into contact with SONG HQ.

"I'm not telling you not to use your power!" Genjuro shouted, "I'm telling you to use your head too!"

"The new Symphogears are designed to fight Carol!" Chris called out, "When should we use that if not now?! You're making my head hurt, old man!"

"Remember, you're at the bottom of the sea!" Genjuro reminded.

"Don't bring your logic into this!" Chris shouted as she slammed her foot against the main console.

Kirika and Shirabe could only hide behind Daishinji who sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Ch-Chris…" Touma stammered out a bit, "I feel like logic is important given where you are."

"Saber's right," Sophia agreed, "While needless destruction is something we should always try to avoid, in this case that means the end of your lives if you get too careless."

"Don't worry," Daishinji said as he walked over, "I'll make sure everything goes alright."

"Just worry about your Megid, alright?" Chris remarked.

"Here are the blast doors for each block and their respective switches," Aoi spoke up, deciding to at least give the group some kind of precaution as the display lit up with a lot of data. Kirika and Shirabe had moved up finally only to be overwhelmed by the information.

"I can't remember this many at once, dess!" Kirika called out.

"Then lets each remember half of them, okay?" Shirabe suggested causing Kirika to smile in relief.

Daishinji meanwhile looked over at Chris, "Hey-"

"Found traces of the intruders in the security systems!" Sakuya interrupted suddenly.

Chris soon gave a hardened glare, "Just what I was waiting for!"


At the Megid's hideout, Legeiel was currently playing on the piano as he had a grin on his face. Zooous meanwhile was currently running up a wall and flipping off it every now and again.

"You seem to be getting restless Zooous," Storious remarked as he sat in his usual seat.

"I'm excited," Zooous admitted with a grin, "Our plan's going to be taking effect soon!"

"Yes, especially with what we just saw," Legeiel grinned.

"Ah yes," Storious chuckled as he recalled viewing the current fights and watching as Phara was defeated by something that wasn't an Ignite Module, instead a form that combined Rider and Wielder into one, "Even if Leiur goes out by a Wielder's hands, they'll still be short on the melodies they need."

"What about Calibur though?" Zooous asked, "What exactly happened to him?"

"It seems as though they 'disposed' of him," Storious said before grinning, "Of course I can imagine that our ally is simply biding his time."

"It must've hurt though," Legeiel said as he slammed his hands against the keys of the piano to make a loud noise, "Didn't he get a fatal hit by Igalima despite all that?"

"He did," Storious replied, "So he's likely planning to make his next move count."

"We'll need to make our next move count too then," Zooous replied, "Think we can really wrangle this from Carol?"

"Well…" Storious waved his hand as the air in front of him began to shimmer and part away to show a screen that showed Carol with Leiur, the Goblin Megid and Dr. Ver of all people, "I do believe we have the key needed to."

"Wait," Legeiel fully turned, "Is that…?"


Back at the Kazanari estate, Tsubasa, Kanade, Maria and Ogawa had regrouped to assess the damages.

"So she didn't survive, huh?" Maria asked.

"I'd be surprised if she did," Kanade remarked, "I mean you saw our badass Rider Kick, right?"

"I suppose the one flaw is that we still don't know their plans," Tsubasa admitted, "And they're likely down to their last member. In which I seriously doubt Yukine is going to hold back."

"It's simple really. They were after a cursed melody…"

Everyone paused at these words though Kanade began to pale as she recognized the voice.

Suddenly a flash of red occurred as Master Logos appeared away from them, holding the book he normally carried with him as the center gem had faded from a red glow.

Ogawa immediately drew out Hayate while Maria got in a defensive stance, Tsubasa stepping in front of Kanade who simply stepped back.

"You…" Kanade muttered.

"It's good to see you again Kanade Amou," Master Logos said as he kept his hood up, "How is your new lease on life treating you?"

"Why are you here?" Maria glared, "Is it to take your Rider back?"

Tsubasa grasped her pendant, "If you think I'll let you take-"

"I have no need for her services anymore," Master Logos answered, "So she's fine where she is."

"Wait, what?" Kanade asked as she relaxed slightly, "You're not here for me?"

"The most important part is that Mumeiken Kyomu is still an active participant in the coming battles," Master Logos admitted, "I also have two other Riders so it's not too big of a loss."

"Then let me repeat Maria's question," Ogawa spoke up, "Why are you here?"

"To inform you of a few things, as I was trying to before you all got defensive," Master logos explained, "Now where was… ah yes, a cursed melody."

"A cursed melody…" Tsubasa repeated as she thought on it, "Carol said the same once before."

"What exactly do you know?" Maria asked.


At Neptune's Palace, Chris was currently leading the charge to try and catch up with Carol's group.

"Just how far do we have to go, dess?" Kirika asked.

"Why haven't we caught up with them yet?" Shirabe asked.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Chris questioned into her communicator.

"Yes! But they're moving away from you, cleverly avoiding closer tracking," Genjuro explained.

"I can understand if they keep moving but this is too convenient," Daishinji admitted.

"It's as though they know your exact location and which way you're heading," Aoi said before the realization hit everyone at Neptune's Palace and HQ.

"Did they hack into our HQ?" Sakuya asked.

"That would explain why they've been a step ahead of us…" Touma realized, "But wouldn't we have found out by now?"

"Could there be a mole amongst us?" Genjuro questioned

Sophia had remained silent despite all the theories being thrown out, admittedly having one of her own but not wanting to bring up the worst possible scenario.


"Come now," Master Logos chuckled as he stared down the two Riders and Wielders that stood before him, "Are you all not aware that you were nearly strung along?"

"What are you talking about?" Kanade asked.

"Don't you think the name Autoscorer is too on the nose?" Master Logo asked, "What do you think their final purpose is?"

"To record something…" Tsubasa finally spoke up with her guess, "This Cursed Melody you spoke of…"

"In order to properly dissect the world, Carol Malus Dienheim required quite a few things," Master Logos held up a finger, "First, the Dáinsleif's power emitted via a cursed melody. Second, the Autoscorers were meant to force the Gear Wielders into a position where they'd need to sing that song and etch it in their bodies upon destruction."

"You mean the Ignite Module was a part of her plan?!" Tsubasa questioned.

"Crap…" Kanade trailed before realizing something, "Wait, Rintaro kicked the water one's ass, and we used our cool new combo form to deal with the third one."

"So then the only Songs of Destruction inscribed were Kirika and Shirabe's?" Ogawa asked.

"Given their Gears' unique properties it likely only recorded one song," Master Logos admitted, "Though knowing Carol she'd likely be able to separate it into their individual components which would mean she'd need two more songs sung. And it appears as though you've dashed any chance of that happening."

"This can't be though," Maria said upon further reflection and realization, "I will not abandon my trust in Elfnein!"

"Carol is a lot craftier than you make her out to be," Master Logos replied, "It'd be more than just a simple spy."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kanade asked.

"Alchemy is a very powerful tool," Master Logos said simply, much to Kanade's annoyance.

"So her killing herself was on purpose?" Tsubasa asked.

"Carol fully started her plan by creating the base score of it all with her own body, taking on Hibiki Tachibana's attack in order to get the first piece of the cursed melody," Master Logos explained, "However thanks to the presence of Calibur and the Megid alongside Falchion's return to your side, the Autoscorers attempts to goad you into using Ignite came up with mixed results."

"Speaking of them, what are the Megid after?" Ogawa asked.

"The Great Book of course as the Château de Tiffauges is an excellent basis to bring it out," Master Logos answered without hesitation, "Of course Carol will still continue her plan thinking she can use the Megid's part in it to dissect the world. But you can rest assured when I say that her plan likely has no footing anymore."

"So what exactly is your stake in all this?" Maria asked.

"I simply wish to make sure humanity isn't brought to their knees by a forthcoming oppressor," Master Logos said as he turned away from them, "What I do is for the good of all mankind."

"Given how shady you act, I seriously doubt it…" Kanade gave a bored stare.

"Believe what you will, all you need to do is simply allow the final sword's story to be inscribed," Master Logos said as his book shined a bright red, causing him to vanish.

The four could only stare at where Master Logos was before looking at each other.

"So what exactly should we do?" Maria asked.

"Calling would be pointless," Tsubasa said, "The Goblin Megid need to go down or else they'll be an issue forever, and only Daishinji can take care of it."

"Okay so give our enemies what they want," Kanade said, "Then what do we do in the meantime?"

"We prepare ourselves for the final battle," Tsubasa said.

"Being on standby is our best chance at the moment," Ogawa agreed, "Once we get the signal we'll meet at whatever rendezvous point is available."


Back at SONG HQ, the entire bridge crew was mulling over the situation.

"They've been able to evade us far too efficiently," Genjuro noted, "And how did they determine the location of the Relics?"

"That's right, they did find it rather quickly," Touma realized.

"The likely answer is they've possibly been stealing data right from us," Sophia suggested.

"Could it be the mole the other Commander mentioned?" Sakuya asked, "An informant among us?"

Elfnein however soon came to the conclusion herself, "N-No! I haven't done anything! It isn't me!"

"Enough. It is you, Elfnein."

Everyone paused as Carol's voice echoed throughout the bridge, a projection of Carol sliding off from Elfnein.

"What is this?!" Genjuro questioned.

Sakuya gasped, "But how?"

"Carol?" Elfnein looked over in surprise, "I'm… the mole? But… how?"

"However, Elfnein had no idea that she was the mole," Carol explained further, "I simply hijacked her sight, hearing, and other senses."

"My own senses betrayed me?" Elfnein asked in disbelief as she looked at her hands.

"We are both homunculi made from the same original body," Carol reminded.

"Please, lock me away!" Elfnein begged both Commanders as she began to tear up, "Put me in some solitary cell where I can't come in contact with anyone! But then I've already done what Carol wanted and leaked your intel. You should just get rid of me! So… So… Just do it…"

Genjuro walked over from his shared station with Sophia before putting his hand on Elfnein's head to comfort her. Sophia meanwhile knelt down with a reassuring smile while taking the homunculus' hands in her own.

"I'm glad," Aoi admitted, "You weren't a bad person after all."

"The enemy just used you," Sakuya reminded.

"Tomosato… Fujitaka…" Elfnein said through tears as she looked back and forth between both.

"You're just a victim," Touma agreed as he walked over with crossed arms.

Genjuro gently rubbed Elfnein's head, "Your goal is to thwart Carol's plans, remember? You'd better see it to the end."

"Genjuro…" Elfnein managed to speak up.

"You're always welcome here," Genjuro reassured, "No matter who might be listening in."

"I'm sure the other Riders and Wielders would agree," Sophia nodded.

"I must admit," Touma spoke up as he looked over at a visibly annoyed Carol, "That was a surprising act of kindness from you."

"Excuse me?" Carol glared at the swordsman.

"You could have let us fall into disarray upon suspecting the obvious person here," Touma replied, "And yet you decided to explain everything to give us better clarity."

"You don't know what you're talking about, Swordsman of Flames," Carol continued her glare before vanishing.


Carol dismissed the alchemic calculations around her, having been using them to project herself to talk to SONG HQ as Leiur, Ver and the Goblin Megid watched.

"She's just a tool, how dare she?" Carol questioned, fed up with the situation. She was expecting chaos as she revealed who had betrayed SONG all this time. And yet they all kept their calm and welcomed Elfnein despite it all. Then Touma had spoken up, getting on her nerves by calling what she attempted to do a 'kindness'.

Her thoughts were interrupted however as Chris' team soon arrived to intercept the group.

"That's as far as you go!" Shirabe called out, "Carol, Doctor!"

"You won't get away again, dess!" Kirika called out.

"Unfortunately for you, I've already found a replacement for the final piece I need to complete the Château," Carol said as she turned before tossing forward several capsules that summoned Alca-Noise.

"As a hero, I wouldn't mind being a hit with the kids too, but I'm afraid I don't have time for you brats right now!" Ver called out.

"Who do you think you're kidding?!" Kirika remarked.

"I think you're also forgetting I'm here," Daishinji said after giving a loud cough, drawing out Suzune and Hanseltnuts to Gretel.

"~Zeios Igalima rizen tron~"

"~Various Shul Shagana tron~"

"~Killter Ichaival tron~"

"Henshin!"

[JUUKEN GEKIDAN! ONJUUKEN SUZUNE!]

The four transformed before rushing forward to meet the horde of Alca-Noise. Kirika took the lead as the main melee fighter, twirling her scythe and slicing through the Alca-Noise. Slash meanwhile switched Suzune to its Gun Play Mode, taking aim and firing at the Alca-Noise to cover Kirika.

Shirabe leapt into the air, opening up her armored twintails and unleashing dozens of spinning saws against the horde.

{Alpha Style: 100 Saṃsāra}

Slash quickly switched back to Sword Board mode, blocking a swing from the Goblin Megid. He then slipped past and slashed against the Megid, sparks flying as it staggered away from him.

"Come," Slash said as he prepared himself as the Goblin Megid rushed over to attack again.

Despite arguing with Genjuro earlier, Chris had figured that she did need to show restraint in a place like Neptune's Palace. So she decided to take a page out of Daishinji's book, switching her crossbows out for dual SMG's. She shot through any Alca-Noise that she laid her sights on as despite going for smaller caliber rounds she was still easily taking them out with just a few hits.

Leiur swung her arms forward, bringing out numerous coins and molding them into a pair of tonfas before charging at Chris. The two briefly fought against each other, dodging around while failing to strike the other. Leiur slid back and suddenly brought out a chunk of crystallized earth to knock Chris away.

"Leave the rest to me," Leiur said as she landed near Carol and Ver, "My little sister will be here soon."

"Make sure what's done is done," Carol replied, "That includes our plan alongside theirs."

"I'll be sure to put on a show when I do," Leiur complied.

Carol threw down a teleportation crystal, her and Ver being caught in the transport circle as the transportation process started.

Ver could only wave in a cheeky manner, "Bye-bye!"

"I'm not finished with you!" Chris charged forward.

Leiur quickly got in the way, forming her tonfas again and easily striking Chris in the face numerous times before knocking the Wielder away.

"You have to keep your distance," Kirika called out, "Even if it cuts your offensive power, dess!"

"You're throwing off the rhythm!" Shirabe called out.

"Chris you're overcorrecting!" Slash called out as he performed a strong slash against the Goblin Megid he was fighting, sending it rolling back. He immediately transitioned into his finisher, "Snack Sound Chopper…"

[HANSELNUTS TO GRETEL! YAY!]

Slash held his blade upwards as it shined with a bright pink energy. He then slashed forward, two waves of pink energy launching out from it though he still had energy coursing through the blade.

The Goblin Megid shouted as it swung its weapon, utilizing shockwaves of sound to break through the attacks. To its surprise the energy suddenly splattered into a candy-like substance that splashed against the Megid's legs, sticking it to the ground.

The Goblin Megid howled out as it threw its kanabo staff forward, it spinning rapidly as Slash immediately ducked to avoid it.

"Naïve," Slash called out as he stood back up, seemingly unaware of the staff making its way back towards him. Of course despite the sounds of battle his ears easily picked up on the staff's spinning, immediately ducking and allowing the staff to fly past him, "Much too Naïve!"

The Goblin Megid could only gasp as it was struck in the face by its own weapon, holding its head in pain. That was until it saw Slash approaching while holding Suzune with both his hands. It quickly raised its hands and tried to catch Suzune as it was brought down against it.

Slash watched as the Goblin Megid missed the catch, slicing through the Megid with ease, an explosion soon occurring as the Rider of Sound backed up.

[SUZUNE ONDOKU GEKI! YAY!]

Slash watched as a pink orb exited the smoke of the explosion as Suzune's blade flashed white several times. His ears twitched as he gave a gasp, quickly turning and backing away as numerous coins were launched at him. Sparks flew as several struck the sides of his suit, the Rider being forced to spin Suzune quickly, forming a melodic barrier that blocked the rest of the shots.

"What?" Slash asked as the barrier dropped.

"Good, you managed to put on a good show with that Megid," Leiur replied, "But it's over."

"Huh?" Slash quickly turned to see that both Kirika and Shirabe were now on the ground, various scuffs and marks on them as they had been caught between two giant coins that Leiur had summoned earlier, "Girls!"

"You've served your purpose well Swordsman of Sound," Leiur continued before summoning another giant coin and aiming it at him, "However…"

"I won't go down that easily!" Slash shouted as he waved his sword forward, strings of music coming together to block the coin from hitting him. He then spun back before stabbing forward and launching the coin backwards.

Just as the coin was launched back however, another giant coin slipped past it at a faster speed than the previous one. Slash's eyes widened beneath his helmet and he was struck in the chest, the coin grinding against his body as sparks flew while it pinned him against a wall before vanishing.

Slash could only gasp as he slumped against the wall, stunned from the sudden attack that he had been unable to prepare for.

"I'm not one to do something so deceptive… but your showy display is something that leaves your defenses down in the end," Leiur remarked.

Chris had heard Daishinji's yells as she stood up and regained her bearings, only to stare in shock at her fallen allies.

"I'm all alone," Chris said as tears began to fall as she began to sink into a depressive state, mental images of her alone in a destroyed city being all she could think of, "I can never even wish for friends, comrades, people to learn from, or people who'll learn from me... if I do… if I ever do… this cruel world will slaughter everyone I care about, leaving me alone for good! This world is so cruel, so why… why did my parents try to save it with their songs?!"

Leiur could only watch as Chris fell to her knees in despair, "If you have time to whine, then sing!"

Chris could only stare as Leiur leapt immediately towards her, realizing this was the end.

CLANG!

Except it wasn't the end.

Both Kirika and Shirabe had blocked Leiur's strike with their weapons despite their wounds.

"You're not alone, dess," Kirika spoke up.

"We might be immature and weak, but at least we can stay with you so you won't be lonely!" Shirabe shouted.

[JUSO!]

Leiur gasped out as her right arm and side of her stomach were shot at a few times, being forced to stumble and stagger away as she quickly got in a defensive stance.

"You're really acting like this just because we got roughed up?" Slash gasped out as he was leaning against the wall while standing, "Chris, I meant to say this earlier. But if something's bothering then you shouldn't bottle it up."

"Everyone…" Chris' eyes widened.

"It kinda hurt hearing you say you didn't want anyone to learn from you," Kirika said.

Shirabe nodded, "Because we're relying on you to teach us a whole lot of things."

"As your senior you can always come to me if you ever have any issues," Slash said as he began to walk towards the girls, "Just because I work hard doesn't mean I won't listen to what you have to say."

"I see… well if I can manage to teach anyone anything," Chris closed her eyes and gave a smile before opening her eyes once more, "It's because I have great students and teachers like you all!"

"Then how about we end this?" Slash asked as he brought out Bremen no Rock Band.

"Yeah," Chris said as she stepped forward and got in front of Kirika and Shirabe, joining Slash, "Ignite Module, Bakken!"

{Dáinsleif}

After clicking her Relic Pendant together, she threw it out and allowed it to open up and pierce her chest. She screamed out as the dark power threatened to overwhelm her but managed to hold on to her sanity.

'They need me to show them the way,' Chris thought as knew that everyone was watching, 'I can't let them down. Even if others forgive me, I could never forgive myself!'

Slash meanwhile readied Bremen no Rock Band, aiming forward and firing out.

[BREMEN NO ROCK BAND! JUUKEN GEKIDAN!]

A burst of black and red exploded from where Chris was, soon revealing her in her Ignite Form as sparks ignited around her and Slash, the Swordsman of Sound transforming into Hansel Bremen form.

"Guess it's time for us to get started!" Slash shouted as he gave a rocker hand-sign before readying his Ride Books finisher.

[BREMEN NO ROCK BAND! YAY!]

Slash raised his weapon upwards, "Let's get a boost going, you take the lead Chris!"

[SUZUNE ONDOKU GEKI! YAY!]

He shot a singular multi-colored music filled blast upwards that split into three, the blasts entering Chris, Kirika and Shirabe to boost them up.

"Whoa," Shirabe muttered as she fully stood up.

"Heck yeah," Kirika stood up straight as she raised her fist in the air, "This always feels great, dess!"

"You're too kind!" Chris called out as she aimed forward and unleashed a burst of crossbow bolts at Leiur. She watched as the bolts were deflected due to the Autoscorer's tonfas, so she switched to her SMG's just as Leiur rushed in.

The two danced around each other, Chris shooting but keeping up with Leiur as she continued to dodge and shoot, sometimes batting away Leiur's strikes with her guns.

'I was about to give up all the warmth and strength I'd finally gained, out of fear of losing it,' Chris thought but kept focus on the battle, 'They stopped me from making that mistake.'

Leiur's eyes widened as she watched Chris create an elongated gun, "That rifle-"

"…doubles as a club!" Chris yelled as she brought her sniper rifle down on Leiur, smashing the Autoscorer with a different variation of her usual sniper technique.

{RED HOT BLAZE}

"And just like that!" Slash shouted as he took aim and fired at Leiur wildly, his shots managing to strike and pierce parts of her to force her back and on the defensive with her tonfas.

'This world gave me this bond I have with them. It takes away precious things, but it also gives back new things for us to treasure,' Chris continued her thoughts as she readied her next move, 'I see. Mom and Dad struggled for peace all for the sake of tipping that scale in the right direction!'

Slash's eyes widened as he saw Chris form two massive rockets, he then glanced back at Kirika and Shirabe who both nodded.

Chris shouted as she launched both rockets directly at Leiur.

{MEGA DETH FUGA!}

Leiur dashed back while shattering one rocket with her tonfa, a heft amount of smoke erupting from the explosion, "Do you mean to kill everyone here?"

Chris rode forward on the second rocket, unleashing her chain guns against Leiur who countered with numerous coins. However the Wielder was able to rapidly tear through the coins with ease.

Leiur began running out of ammo, leaping up to avoid the attack and reload. That was until Chris shifted the rocket as it continued to ride forward until it was aimed directly at Leiur herself.

"I can't avoid this…!" The Autoscorer called out.

Kirika shouted out, unleashing several wires that wrapped around Chris' arm and pulled the Ichaival user away from the rocket, "Go, dess!"

Leiur could only give a regretful smile as she was struck by the missile, realizing that even if Phara managed to succeed, it still might not be enough, 'Good luck, Master…'

"We remembered where the switches are!" Shirabe called out as she unleashed dozens of spinning saws outwards to strike the switches.

"Let's go!" Slash shouted as he also began firing off various shots, the shots hitting the switches whenever Shirabe's saws couldn't.

The switches were triggered which allowed the blast doors to close, containing the ensuing explosion that resulted from Chris' attack.

Chris meanwhile landed safely on the other side thanks to Kirika pulling her away.

"Hell yeah," Slash shouted as he held out a rocker sign, "Explosion!"

"Seriously…" Chris muttered with a bored stare, still questioning the mechanics on why Bremen no Rock Band shifted his personality. Though that made her think back to when he used the Gear Books and his personality changes there…

Kirika pumped her fist, "We did it, dess!"

"I can't believe we pulled off that combination on the spot," Shirabe admitted, "It was insane."

"I can only cut loose because I know you all are backing me up," Chris remarked as she walked over and took Kirika and Shirabe by the hands, "Thank you."

Slash nodded as he dismissed his Bremen armament, reverting to his calmer personality as both Kirika and Shirabe smiled. The celebration couldn't last long however as Neptune's Palace began to shake violently.


"Structural stability of Neptune's Palace is dropping sharply," Aoi said as she looked at the readings, "The damage is spreading from where Chris and the others are!"

"We're detecting a massive underwater object moving toward us at high speed!" Sakuya announced as he got an alert on his monitor before gasping out, "What is this?!"

The screen soon showed what looked to be a giant Autoscorer wrapped in bandages, its hair resembling Leiur's.

"W-What is that?!" Touma shouted.

"It's that humanoid weapon?" Genjuro asked before standing up in worry, "Has Chris' team evacuated?!"

"Please be safe," Sophia clasped her hands together in prayer.

"What's going on?" Miku asked, having heard the alerts and rushed to the bridge as fast as she could. Her eyes soon widened at what was on screen, "What is that?!"


Chris and Slash were currently leaping their way up the walls of an elevator shaft, Chris carrying Kirika and Slash carrying Shirabe. The two younger Wielders had dismissed their forms in order to conserve energy, especially due to the damage they had taken.

"Oh no… we're not going to make it…" Shirabe said as she kept an eye on the destruction happening around them.

"Did we achieve nothing working together, dess?" Kirika asked.

"No giving up just yet!" Chris shouted.

"We've still got time!" Slash agreed.

The Wielder and Rider both reached the top, landing right at the dock that was right next to their smaller submersible craft. They quickly hurried over, the four getting in the submersible as it took off from the crumbling underwater storage facility.


"The shuttle sub has docked!" Sakuya called out.

"Surface immediately," Genjuro ordered, "We need to move fast, depressurization be damned!"

SONG's Submarine HQ began to rise up at a rapid pace, despite this the giant Autoscorer kept up its pursuit.

"All hands to the bridge!" Genjuro ordered, "Brace for impact! Hurry, Tomosato!"

Aoi was rapidly typing away at her station as she worked on raising the submarine.

Soon enough the submarine breached the surface with a burst of water, the giant the Autoscoer soon did the same, raising its clawed hand high into the air. Its singular visible eye narrowed however when it suddenly saw someone standing on the deck of the submarine. It brought its arm down as a flash of light suddenly occurred.

[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]

"Let there be light!"

In an instant, two golden slashes of light suddenly erupted against the Autoscorer's arm, it falling apart and exploding in mid-air as the torn up pieces of the arm splashed in the ocean around the submarine. The giant Autoscorer took a step back and tried to swing with its other arm only for the same thing to occur, two slashes of light ripping it apart.

[GOOD LUCK!]

The giant Autoscorer's eye could only shake as it gave a loud groan at the loss of both of its arms, staring at what had attacked it.

Floating in the air above the submarine was grey sword with a golden blade, various green-like crystals sparkling throughout its design. The guard of the sword was interesting, it holding what seemed to be a Wonder Ride Book that was currently opened, a star-like warrior being seen within the unfolded pages, his right half was gold and the left side being silver. The blade before it was the mythical and fabled…

[KOUGOUKEN SAIKOU!]


Master Logos was currently standing at the edge of a dock in Tokyo. He smiled as despite the distance he could see the shining light that was even brighter than the rising sun.

"So you finally reveal yourself to us after all this time," Master Logos said in a pleased tone as he had his hands behind his back, "Kougouken Saikou… the Seiken of Light…"

"Master Logos."

Master Logos turned as he watched both Reika and Ryoga approach him, both carrying their respective Seiken with them. The two then knelt as they bowed their heads.

"All 11 Seiken are now out and in opportune positions," Master Logos said as he looked at the two, "It is time we start making our move to secure humanity's future."

"Understood," Both Seiken holders said as they kept their heads bowed.

"Ryoga, you are to observe the situation in the city and strike when appropriate," Master Logos ordered before continuing, "Reika, you are to confront SONG and relieve them of all their Seiken, understood?"

"Yes Master," The two said before standing up.

Master Logos smiled as he vanished before Ryoga turned to walk away.

"Good luck sister," Ryoga said.

"The same to you brother," Reika nodded as she stared forward at the vast ocean, gripping her Seiken tightly as smoke began to spew from it and surround her. Soon enough she vanished into the smoke, which then began to rise and fly into the air.

To Be Continued…


Author's Note: We're another chapter down and closer to the end, with a few more changes given certain events, but it was mostly adding stuff to the surrounding story. The biggest change was Master Logos replacing Phara as the exposition person since well, Phara was completely destroyed. It was a good chance for him to reveal himself to the group so we can see how he acts around them.

Of course the biggest change so far is Leiur's sister being unable to destroy SONG's submersible thanks to a certain Sword of Light. Saikou has finally entered the main conflict and before Calibur's defeat even. Of course given what I've set up, we may have at least one more Rider making an early debut in comparison to Saber soon enough. With that said, thanks for reading and I'll see you for the next chapter.