Reviews:
Guest: Xd. No se a que te refieres. Soy inocente.
FlameFireZero X: For sure. Yosuke has been there since day one of this story. It's hard to see him go, but you're right, he went out like a true Rider. Honestly, I thought about that. But I also thought about Yosuke being the winner and Hajime dying like in Ryuki but I decided against it. Also about the CAC. One day. I'm too busy and lazy but one day it will be updated.
Caballero lector rojo: Claro. Me gusta darles a sus muertes alguna forma de significado. Knight y Raia fueron clave en la pelea contra Odin, aun que hayan muerto, por ejemplo. Si, el plan de Odin al final fue plan de Loki, solo que se lo robo entre las sombras y causo un desmadre. Tenia que usar el Steal Vent. Ahora mismo todos estan usando su arsenal completo.
Tigracho: Do you think Hajime has deathflags? That's fair. I can see why. And yeah pretty much if Odin dies before Hajime then it's all good. At least he won't take over the world. You're the second person who's told me this in these reviews. And I have to say I don't know what you guys are talking about. I am innocent!
nicolasseverino95: Interestiong. You think Yomi is more...redeemable than Hazuki. Not that that's wrong, but you're one of the couple of people who told me that so it's refreshing.
TheEmeraldMage: Yeah, I mean, now it's a perfect time to show up. Odin can't just kill them in one blow, he's weakened and doesn't have access to his best weapon. For example, if the fight started with all 11 of them then one stray attack would have killed one of them, since Odin's attacks have a lot of AOE. Yes, the boys were now pressing Odin more. As Odin said, the death of Raiden pushed them to new heights. They had to keep coming up with new plans on the spot because they kept getting shut down. Yeah, Odin likes his monologuing. Of course,e the Allfather loves to hear his own voice. Yosuke was just running on pure instinct at the end of the fight. Bleeding out, his brain was turned to mush, and his body and soul wanted to beat Odin, allowing Hajime to give him a decent blow. As for the movie...maybe. For now, I'm putting a scene with their alternative versions just to emphasize how Odin's sword just erases you from every universe if it kills you. Anyway, I'm glad you liked it!
Ryugen: Yeah, Raiden and Yosuke put their trust in Hajime. I like all these ideas and I will be using some of them.
Dragstorm rider: Odin is getting close to falling. After 3 chapters, we're getting close. And don't worry. We're reaching the end of the story man. Stay tuned!
Chapter 171
Midgard Showdown against the Allfather - The Battle for Heaven and Earth
The Dance of Valkyries
"Well, well, well. Fancy running into you here."
The voice oozed mockery, slicing through the cold air and settling like an itch beneath Hibiki Tachibana's skin. She froze mid-step, her cream-colored hair catching the faint glow of the streetlights as her expression soured. Slowly, she turned to face the source of her growing irritation.
A sleek black limousine idled at the curb, its polished exterior reflecting the sharp edges of the night. Two figures stepped out. The first was Hamaguchi Kuroiwa, her smug classmate, wearing his usual well-tailored suit and the air of someone who believed he owned the world. But it was the second figure who commanded the scene.
Draped in a white jacket lined with fur, Lingyun Liang moved with calculated arrogance, his black hair framing hot-pink eyes that sparkled with equal parts charm and menace. A smirk tugged at his lips as he approached, his hands tucked nonchalantly into his coat pockets.
"What do you want, Liang?" Hibiki's tone was cold, her arms crossing over her chest in a clear display of annoyance.
Lingyun's smirk deepened. "Oh, Hibiki, don't be like that. Call me Lingyun, won't you?" He leaned forward, his voice dropping into a low, teasing purr. "And as for what I want, isn't it obvious? I want you."
Her glare hardened into something lethal. "Not a chance."
"Don't be so quick to say no." He reached out, brushing a hand toward her cheek.
Big mistake.
Before his fingers could graze her skin, Hibiki grabbed his wrist in a lightning-quick motion, twisting it sharply and sending him stumbling forward. "Ow! Ow, okay, okay!" Lingyun yelped, dropping to one knee as pain flickered across his face.
She released him with a scoff, stepping back as he staggered to his feet, his usual smugness faltering. "You're insane," he muttered, rubbing his wrist.
"Stay out of my way," Hibiki snapped, brushing past him.
Hamaguchi stepped forward, fists clenched and brimming with indignation. "How dare you treat Lingyun-sama like that, you—"
"Shut it, Hamaguchi," Lingyun growled, cutting him off with a raised hand. But as he straightened, his confident façade crumbled. His hand shot to his stomach, his expression twisting in pain.
"Lingyun-sama? Are you okay?" Hamaguchi asked, his anger replaced by concern.
Lingyun stumbled, leaning heavily against the limousine. "I... don't know," he hissed, his voice strained. "Something's wrong."
"Did you eat something bad? Is the baby prince having a stomachache?" Hibiki called over her shoulder, not even bothering to hide her smirk as she kept walking.
"Hardly," Lingyun muttered, though his pallor told another story. His breaths came shallow and rapid as he tried to compose himself, but the pain only deepened, radiating through his abdomen.
Hamaguchi reached out to steady him, his brow furrowed in worry. "Maybe we should get you checked out."
Lingyun waved him off, though his usual bravado seemed to falter. "It's nothing. Just... get back in the car."
But as Hibiki disappeared into the distance, Lingyun's hot-pink eyes narrowed, a flicker of determination shining through the pain. "This isn't over," he muttered under his breath, his voice tight but resolute.
"Here I was, thinking none of you would dare to show up," Odin sneered, his voice dripping with malice as he turned to face Hibiki. Her fist still trembled against his back from the force of her punch, her breath heavy with anger. She knew—oh, she knew—her godslayer abilities wouldn't affect him like they did others. And yet, Odin staggered, his body betraying a subtle, involuntary tremor. For a moment, his all-powerful visage cracked. She could see it now—a wound, deep and raw, hidden beneath his stoic facade.
"What have you done to my Hajime?! What about our friends?!" Hibiki's voice quaked, equal parts fury and desperation.
"Oh, them?" Odin's golden eye glinted with cruel amusement as he glanced at the massive, jagged gash carved into the earth beneath them. Hibiki's breath hitched, a gasp escaping her lips. "I couldn't say for certain. But I can tell you this—" his lips curled into a twisted smirk, "—none of them are okay."
The weight of his words hit her like a landslide. Hibiki screamed, launching another punch with every ounce of her grief and rage. But Odin, unfazed, weaved effortlessly out of the way. As he moved, his sharp gaze shifted to the skies, where Maria descended like an avenging angel, her wings gleaming under the fractured light.
"Hibiki-chan!" Maria called out, her voice tinged with urgency.
"Kill him!" Hibiki roared, tears carving burning trails down her cheeks. Her anguish was a tempest threatening to consume her. "He's weakened! He killed them… he killed all of them!"
Maria's jaw tightened as she bit down on her trembling lip, her own emotions bubbling dangerously close to the surface. But she let her anger sharpen her resolve. Summoning her ice claws, she lunged at Odin with a cry that cut through the air like a blade. "How dare you?!"
(Play PERFECT SYMPHONY)
"How dare I, indeed?" Odin chuckled darkly, parrying Maria's strikes with a casual flick of his armored arms. "I thought the curtain had fallen on this little play, but now I find myself up against the valkyries? How pathetic. But alas—" his voice turned venomous, "—it's far too late for you to stop me."
Strike Vent: Infinity Tracers
Golden bracers adorned Odin's arms, talons glinting like razors, a flame-like tail flickering behind him. His aura burned brighter, more oppressive than ever. "Dance for me, Valkyries!" he bellowed. The Allfather spread his arms, golden feathers materializing in a whirling storm before shooting forward in a merciless barrage.
Before the deadly volley could strike, two yoyos whipped through the air, wrapping tightly around the girls' ankles and pulling them clear of the onslaught.
"Shirabe!" Maria exclaimed, relief and urgency blending in her voice.
"I know!" Shirabe replied, her own tears threatening to fall as she held her composure with iron focus. She tightened her grip on her weapon.
"Go, Gleipnir!" Elsa screamed.
With a fierce command, three massive black wolf heads surged forward, jaws snapping at Odin with feral determination. But his aura exploded outward in a fiery surge, scattering the spectral wolves like ash on the wind. He moved in an instant, a blur of divine fury, and appeared in front of Elsa, his hand coiling tightly around her neck.
A jet stream of water slammed into his back, forcing him to loosen his grip for a brief moment. Kirika, eyes burning with fury, leaped into the fray, her scythe slicing through the air. Energy chainsaws roared to life, hurtling toward Odin in rapid succession.
"Well, well," Odin mused, deflecting the attacks with maddening ease. His laughter echoed like thunder. "Even the puppies think they can bear their fangs at me. How amusing."
The Allfather's golden bracers rang with a deafening clang as they met the shrieking edge of Kirika's chainsaw scythe. Sparks flew wildly with each clash, and Kirika screamed, fury pouring out with every ounce of her strength. She twisted mid-air, conjuring blades at her heels, spinning into a deadly kick aimed straight for Odin's face. But Odin, as calculating as ever, leaned back with unnerving ease, catching her ankle mid-spin like it was nothing.
"You—!" Kirika spat, her eyes blazing with defiance.
But before she could break free, Elsa charged from behind, her blade glowing with raw power. Odin's gaze didn't waver. With a grunt, he swung Kirika like a rag doll, slamming her into Elsa and sending both of them crashing to the ground.
A barrage of missiles whistled through the air, detonating against Odin with an ear-splitting roar. Smoke and fire engulfed him, forcing him to focus on the source.
"Bang, bitch!" Chris growled, standing at a distance with her arsenal locked and loaded, the faint glow of Zolda's power illuminating her weapons.
Dozens of drones materialized around her, unleashing a hailstorm of omnidirectional lasers. Odin darted between the beams, his movements almost impossible to track. But as he weaved through the chaos, flying mirrors appeared on either side, firing bursts of purple energy. The combined assault exploded into a kaleidoscope of green and violet, tearing through the battlefield with raw force.
Miku lowered her arms, her breaths steady despite the turmoil. She exchanged a determined nod with Chris, both knowing the battle was far from over. From within the swirling smoke, golden rings emerged, spinning and multiplying with terrifying precision. They encircled Odin, creating an impenetrable barrier that shimmered with divine power.
Guard Vent: Draupnir
"No way...!" Chris gasped, her confidence faltering for just a moment.
"GIVE HIM BACK!" Kirika's voice tore through the air as she rocketed toward Odin, her fury unbridled. Chris's eyes widened in alarm.
"YOU IDIOT, DON'T!" Chris yelled, but her warning fell on deaf ears.
Kirika summoned a torrent of water sharks, each one snapping with relentless ferocity as they lunged at Odin. But the rings intercepted every attack, multiplying and weaving with surgical precision. Odin sidestepped Kirika's desperate strikes, his movements effortless.
"YOU TOOK OUR BROTHER FROM US!"
"Did I now?" Odin mused coldly, catching her scythe mid-swing. With a sickening crack, the weapon shattered in his grip. He drove his knee into her gut with brutal force, the impact sending a spray of blood from her lips. "Your brother and your friends attacked me first. I merely reacted. All you had to do... was die."
A sudden shot rang out. Odin raised his hand, effortlessly catching the bullet between his fingers. His gaze shifted to Chris, standing defiantly in the distance with a massive sniper rifle aimed at him.
"You're the one who's going to die, you bastard," Chris hissed, her eyes blazing with determination.
"Hm. How peculiar." Odin flicked the bullet back with a flick of his thumb, shattering Chris's weapon in an instant.
Shirabe skated into the fray, her figure a blur as she spun, releasing a storm of buzzsaws. They screeched through the air, closing in on Odin. With a simple motion, Odin summoned the rings again, forming a massive barrier that obliterated the buzzsaws in an instant.
"This will break through!" Shirabe roared, combining her Armed Gears into a colossal drill. The weapon whirred to life, spinning violently as she hurled it at the barrier.
But the rings condensed, fusing into a single, solid shield. Odin raised his hand, summoning a golden spear that pulsed with ancient energy.
Strike Vent: Draupnir Spear
With a single throw, the spear obliterated the drill, scattering its energy into harmless sparks. Odin summoned another spear in an instant, hurling it toward Shirabe and Kirika. The girls barely had time to react as spear after spear materialized, each one flying faster than the last.
"Get down!" Maria screamed, summoning a shimmering veil of energy in front of them. The spears exploded against the barrier, the shockwaves rattling her bones.
"Just what is that spear…?" Maria muttered, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"ODIN!"
The Allfather turned just in time to meet Hibiki's onslaught. Her drill slammed into his defenses, shaking the ground beneath them as cracks spiderwebbed outward.
"Back for more, I see," Odin said, his voice calm despite the force of the attack.
"WHY?!" Hibiki screamed, her voice raw with anguish. "WHY DOES A FOUL CREATURE LIKE YOU EXIST?!" Tears streaked down her face, her sobs punctuating every word. "YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! FROM ALL OF US!"
With a furious cry, she lashed out with a kick aimed at his legs. But Odin, unfazed, flew upward, his golden aura blazing around him as Hibiki followed, her fury chasing him into the skies.
"Out of all the people we've fought, you are by far the worst!" Hibiki roared, her voice echoing across the battlefield. With a surge of raw strength, she kicked a building, sending chunks of concrete and steel hurtling toward Odin like missiles.
Odin's golden spear spun in his hand, a blur of light that shattered the debris effortlessly. Dust filled the air, cloaking him in a haze of destruction. Hibiki seized the moment, hurling a massive boulder directly at him, the force behind it enough to crack the earth beneath her feet.
The Allfather's grin widened as he cleaved the boulder with a single strike, but the blow sent him skidding backward through the rubble. In retaliation, he hurled his spear with lethal precision toward the incoming Hibiki.
Hibiki screamed, her fist glowing as she punched the spear away. But as it ricocheted off, more spears appeared in its place, multiplying faster than she could track.
"All of our past enemies had a reason to fight!" she shrieked, her voice cracking under the weight of her fury. "They all had something to protect! But you?! You and Loki just want to take everything for yourselves! You want the world to bow and grovel at your feet! You're nothing but mindless monsters!"
Her punches blurred as she deflected spear after spear, but the relentless barrage forced her to slow. Her breath hitched as one spear slipped past her defenses, piercing her thigh. It erupted in a flash of searing light, throwing her off balance and stunning her mid-air.
"You call me the worst because my reasons seem nonsensical?" Odin's voice cut through the chaos, cold and sharp. "I feel insulted you'd dare compare me to those insignificant fools you've fought before. I don't need your so-called noble reasons to reshape reality. I have the power, so I will use it. The universe—no, all of existence—needs a ruler. And who better to rule than me? I stand at the top of the food chain. It's only natural for me to crush those beneath me."
As he raised another spear, preparing to strike, a sharp wince of pain flickered across his face. He descended to a rooftop, gripping his chest for a moment. Hibiki used the opening to retreat, her breaths ragged as she landed farther away.
Odin's thoughts churned. 'My body... It's still recovering.' He touched his chest, frustration flickering in his expression. 'Healing is draining too much energy. My attacks are weaker. These mortals... they're relentless, rotating like clockwork, striking and retreating before I can pin them down.'
His brow furrowed as another thought crossed his mind. 'And Zantetsuken... still on cooldown thanks to that wretched Hajime. I can't end this in one strike just yet.'
"But it doesn't matter..." Odin muttered to himself, straightening. His confidence returned as he gripped his spear. "I can still—"
A golden flash tore through the air, heading straight for him. His instincts screamed as he darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the lethal arc of energy. But before he could fully react, a blade plunged into his arm, piercing through his flesh with a sickening sound.
"And how exactly are you going to win now?"
The voice was cold, emotionless, and deadly. Odin's eyes narrowed as he turned, seeing Tsubasa standing behind him. Her gaze was steely, her grip on the blade unwavering.
"You moved at the last second," she stated flatly. "If you hadn't, I would've taken your heart instead of your arm."
Odin chuckled darkly, glancing at the weapon impaling him. "The copy of Zantetsuken... How amusing. I suppose you and Yosuke are more similar than I thought."
"Your senses are dull," Tsubasa said, twisting the blade viciously. The sound of tearing flesh echoed as Odin grunted in pain. "It seems things didn't go as planned with the others."
"True enough," he admitted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I underestimated all of you. It could've gone smoother. But don't mistake my current state for weakness. I don't need to be at full capacity to kill you."
Tsubasa's eyes burned with hatred as she drove the blade deeper. "For what you did to them... for what you did to him... I'll sever your head from your body!"
"Don't get cocky, brat."
With a sudden motion, Odin raised his spear and released an explosion of golden energy. The blast threw both of them apart, and Tsubasa landed with a grunt as Odin stumbled back, his wound still bleeding.
"Tsubasa-san! We're here to help!"
Zababa's voice rang out as she leaped into the fray, her twin scythes twirling like a deadly whirlwind. She charged at Odin with unrelenting fury, her strikes aimed with precision and speed.
Odin snarled, gripping a new Draupnir spear with his wounded arm, using it to parry Zababa's relentless assault. Sparks flew with every clash, his frustration mounting as Zababa pushed him further back.
"To think unison could be refined to this level," Odin muttered, a glint of grudging respect in his tone. "After the Custodian, you're the second deity I've fought today, Zababa. Let's see if you can entertain me."
Zababa's eyes narrowed, her strikes growing fiercer as she spat, "You'll find no entertainment here, Odin. Only your defeat."
"And defeat you we shall!" Elsa shouted, her voice resonating through the battlefield as her towering Cerberus mecha lunged forward. She struck from behind, her movements swift and calculated. Odin leaped backward, skidding to a stop as the girls relentlessly pursued him. His retreat was abruptly halted when he collided with something—a reflector trap strategically placed by Chris, locking him in place.
Maria, Hibiki, and Tsubasa surged forward, determination blazing in their eyes, while Miku, stationed from afar, prepared the devastating Shenshoujing beam.
'We've got him cornered!' Hibiki thought, her teeth clenched in focus as her Phoenic Gain channeled fiery energy into her gauntlet.
Lunar Vent.
Odin slammed his hand against the ground, and glowing markings erupted around him. Crescent-shaped energy slashes shot outward in all directions, slicing through the air with deadly precision. The girls were caught off guard, cries of pain filling the air as the attack tore into them. Hibiki winced as the searing pain coursed through her body, only to find Odin right in front of her.
He swung his fist downward with brutal force, the impact slamming against her cheek.
Hibiki staggered but refused to back down. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and with defiant eyes, she spat blood—and a few teeth—right into his face.
"Oho! Such defiance!" Odin roared with twisted glee, his voice laced with mockery. "I like that expression!"
Unbothered by the blood on his helmet, Odin kicked Hibiki aside, redirecting his attention to the pink-haired woman who now charged toward him with fierce resolve. Maria's gauntlet turned into a canon, firing a potent beam of silver toward Odin. He chuckled, twirling his spear in anticipation. However, what he didn't expect was for a mirror to appear in front of the attack, reflecting toward another mirror and then another one, until a mirror behind Odin shot out the attack, freezing his back.
The Allfather's gaze swept the battlefield, his piercing eyes locking onto Miku, who lingered at a distance. 'So, they have Ichaival and Shenshoujing attacking from afar, leaving the others to face me head-on.'
Without hesitation, he conjured two pseudo-moons, their celestial glow casting an eerie light over the chaos. With a flick of his fingers, twin beams of blinding white energy erupted, streaking toward Miku and Chris like the wrath of a god.
They barely had time to react. The devastating blasts struck them head-on, their bodies spiraling from the sky before crashing to the ground with earth-shattering force.
"Miku!" Hibiki's scream pierced the air, raw with horror. "Chris-chan!"
"I got them! Don't worry!" Elsa shouted, rushing to their aid.
"Then that leaves him to us!" Zababa declared, clicking her scythes together. Energy surged between them, forming a deadly string that coiled around her arm. With a fierce spin, she launched her weapon forward—it expanded exponentially, transforming into a whirling, saw-edged yo-yo of death.
Odin leaped back, narrowly evading the attack, but Zababa's precision was razor-sharp. She maneuvered her weapon expertly, forcing the god to retreat further. Daggers sliced through the air, aimed at him from multiple angles. He had no choice but to ascend—where Tsubasa was already waiting.
With a single, fluid motion, she swung her blade, releasing a golden slash. Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Odin vanished, his speed warping reality as he reappeared behind her.
Dark energy crackled around his arm, the power of the moon coalescing into a lethal strike aimed at Tsubasa's weapon arm. But in the final moment, she twisted away, sacrificing her bionic arm instead.
'She knew my target and baited me...' Odin's expression darkened as he eyed Zantetsuken—fractures ran along the imitation blade's surface. 'That copy won't last much longer. Now, all I have to—'
A brutal uppercut slammed into his chin, cutting off his thoughts and sending him hurtling into a massive Yggdrasil root.
'What the...?!'
Synchrogazer
"I won't let you escape, Odin!" Hibiki's voice rang out like a war cry. Energy surged around her gauntlet, morphing it into a radiant blade. "Cut me to a thousand pieces if you must, but I will stop you!"
Chris materialized an Ichaival variant of Magnugiga, unleashing a barrage of lasers. At the same time, Miku conjured a storm of mirrors, reflecting beams from all directions. The girls surged toward Odin, their relentless assault calculated to force him into a kill zone—where Tsubasa stood, poised to strike with Zantetsuken.
"Oversoul!" Their voices harmonized, igniting their Phonic Gains to their absolute peak.
Odin exhaled, his expression turning grim. "You are far more formidable than I anticipated... Fine. I won't take you lightly anymore."
His visor snapped into place. As his Mugen card crumbled to ash, his dominion over time shattered with it.
Advent: Huginn/Muninn
Two spectral crows materialized—one wreathed in golden flames, the other pulsating with lunar energy. They screeched as they descended upon Chris and Miku, forcing them onto the defensive.
Odin lunged, scaling the walls of a nearby building as Tsubasa unleashed a thousand energy blades in his path. Feathers of divine power erupted from his wings, clashing with her attack in a blinding spectacle. But before he could press forward, the building behind him detonated—Maria and Hibiki emerged from the smoke, their armor fused into a colossal silver fist.
Odin's wings flared as he prepared to escape, but black spectral hounds lunged, their fangs clamping down on him, freezing him in place—Elsa's doing.
Before he could break free, the massive fist struck.
Vitalization
Zababa skated across the battlefield, eyes locked on Odin's crows as they assailed their long-range fighters. Slamming her scythes into the ground, she summoned an army of water sharks that launched toward the ravens like torpedoes.
Miku parried an incoming talon with her hammer, spotting the incoming sharks. Seizing the moment, she used her wires to hurl Muninn into the onslaught, where it was obliterated. Chris followed suit, summoning Zolda's Gigant Smashers, her gauntlets radiating immense energy before she punched Huginn straight into the raging waters.
"We have to strike as one!" Zababa commanded, speeding forward with the other Symphogear wielders close behind. "Only then can we stand on equal ground—"
A deadly arc of energy slashed through the air—straight through Zababa.
She gasped.
But in that instant, her unison form shattered, splitting her back into Kirika and Shirabe, narrowly averting death.
"Too close!" Kirika's voice trembled.
"We can't stop now, Kiri-chan!" Shirabe urged.
The warriors rallied.
"Now—together!" Hibiki roared, raising her hand.
"Gungnir!"
"Ame no Habakiri!"
"Ichaival!"
"Airgetlam!"
"Shul Shagana!"
"Igalima!"
"Shenshoujing!"
"Mjolnir!"
Their voices converged, their powers entwining into Gungnir, forging a multicolored, massive fist of raw energy.
Glorious Break
Odin prepared his counter. Raising Draupnir, he aimed to hurl it—but Tsubasa anticipated his move. She flung the fractured Zantetsuken, intercepting the divine spear. The collision detonated both weapons, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
His crows rushed to shield him, but the colossal fist bore down on them.
And Hibiki was already above it.
With a golden glow radiating from her fists, she closed the distance, her strikes hammering into Odin. He barely managed to block, but each impact drove him backward—until a crushing blow to the solar plexus sent him rocketing skyward.
Testament
"And now!" Hibiki's entire body blazed in an incandescent orange light as she rocketed upward, all her power converging into a single, decisive punch.
Metanoia
"IT'S OVER, ODIN!"
"I don't think so."
Odin's form blurred—his speed eclipsing even light. In an instant, he ascended higher, avoiding the lethal blow.
Advent: InfinityPhoenix
A golden phoenix emerged in the heavens, its radiant wings unfurling. With a single, majestic motion, it unleashed an apocalyptic storm—solar meteors rained down in fiery torrents.
The battlefield was drowned in blinding light.
And in that instant, everything was reduced to ash.
Hajime awoke in a strange, serene place. He was lying on soft grass beneath the shade of a tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. In front of him stretched a tranquil lake, its surface shimmering like liquid glass.
Am I dead...? he wondered, his mind hazy. Near-death experiences weren't new to him—he'd had them before. Against Bragard, against Chiaki, and Loki. But this... this felt different.
"Oh, hey. You're awake. I was starting to get nervous, thinking I wouldn't have time to talk to you."
The voice startled him. Hajime yelped, rolling away instinctively to put distance between himself and the source. His eyes locked onto the figure standing nearby.
The man was dressed simply—brown shoes, gray pants, a white shirt, and a black coat. His pitch-black hair was messy, his beard unkempt, and his hot pink eyes glimmered with an intensity Hajime recognized immediately.
It was his father. Standing there with a lopsided smile.
"Sorry... didn't mean to scare you," the man chuckled softly.
"Odin..." Hajime muttered, his voice thick with venom as he rose to his feet, tense and ready to fight. "You piece of shit... What? You can't even let me die in peace?! Here to torment me, you sick bastard?!"
"Huh? Wait a second—"
Hazama barely had time to react as Hajime lunged at him with a roundhouse kick. He stumbled back, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Hajime! Hold on! It's really me!" Hazama exclaimed, waving his arms in a frantic attempt to pacify his son.
"I'm going to kill you, Odin!" Hajime roared, charging again. "No matter what! I'll find a way to—"
This time, before Hajime could land his punch, the man caught him in an embrace. Hazama's arms wrapped around his smaller frame, holding him firmly but gently. Hajime froze, caught off guard.
"That was an incredible kick," Hazama said warmly, brushing his son's messy hair with a soft, almost fatherly touch. "I'm proud of you, my Boy Wonder."
"But... what?" Hajime stammered, his anger faltering.
"That punch you gave Odin..." Hazama began, his voice calm and measured. "It didn't just hit him—it struck the boundary. The cage of the contract that trapped me within him all this time, allowing part of my essence to pour out momentarily to meet you here."
Hajime's breath caught.
"Back when we first met... I couldn't even see you, remember? But now, thanks to you, I have just a little time—just enough to finally talk to you."
Hazama pulled back slightly, smiling down at his middle child, his eyes brimming with unspoken emotion. "Please, Hajime. Don't be afraid. I just want—"
Before he could finish, Hajime lunged forward again—this time, not with fists, but with open arms. He hugged his father tightly, burying his face in Hazama's chest.
Hazama froze for a moment, caught off guard, before slowly wrapping his arms around his son once more.
"I missed you so much, Dad..." Hajime whispered, his voice trembling.
"I missed you too, Hajime," Hazama replied softly, his voice heavy with emotion. "More than you could ever imagine."
Hazama pulled back, gripping Hajime gently by the shoulders. His eyes scanned his son, taking in every detail with a bittersweet smile.
"My god... Look at you. You've grown so much," Hazama murmured, his voice trembling slightly. Then, his gaze lingered on Hajime's face, his brow furrowing in curiosity. "Though... I don't recall you having dichromatic eyes."
"Oh, this?" Hajime touched the left side of his face, his expression darkening. "My eye turned pink after... Hazuki died. So now I'm heterochromatic."
"I see..." Hazama sighed, his eyes softening. "Well, now you look even more like Liang."
Hajime's gaze dropped to the ground. "I'm sorry, Dad... I... I couldn't save Setsuna or Hazuki." His voice cracked as guilt consumed him. "I let them both down. In the end... I was powerless. I couldn't stop Ragnarok. So many people died... all of them died. All those lives—I could have saved them if I'd been stronger. But I wasn't. I'm weak and pathetic... All I ever do is let people down..."
Hazama's grip on his son's shoulders tightened, his voice firm yet filled with sorrow. "No, my son. Don't shoulder that burden. This all started because of me. I'm the one who caused this mess. My mistakes led to the world turning out this way. I let Odin take over my body. I didn't know Hazuki and Yumi had survived that shipwreck... and that ignorance pushed Hazuki down the dark path he took. I helped create Bragard, the monster he became. He needed a father figure—someone to show him that his hatred for humanity was wrong. But instead... I ran away. I thought that by sacrificing myself, I could make everything right."
Hazama's voice broke, tears glistening in his pink eyes. "But I was wrong. I abandoned all of you. My children. My wives. I left my family to fend for themselves, and what happened? They were slaughtered... and only a handful survived. This... all of this... is my fault, Hajime. Not yours. Don't blame yourself."
"Dad..." Hajime's voice was barely a whisper, tears threatening to spill.
"Because of my choices, I fractured our family. I let Kaoru and Yumi die. I created the conditions for the most atrocious murderers humanity has ever known to rise. I let Odin grant power to people across the world, sparking the Rider War and all the countless casualties it caused. All of that blood is on my hands. Not yours. A child shouldn't have to fix the mistakes of their parent." Hazama took a shaky breath, his voice quivering as tears ran down his cheeks. "That's why I've been trapped—imprisoned in my own soul for over a decade, unable to do anything but watch. Odin would tell me bits and pieces, just to torment me. He'd tell me how much all of you were suffering... how I wasn't there to stop it. I've spent years rotting in this cage, left to ponder the sheer amount of bloodshed my actions caused. I am the one who made all of this possible, Hajime. Me."
"No... no, Daddy." Hajime shook his head vehemently, tears streaming down his face. "You're wrong. I... I wasn't strong enough to save Grandma, Uncle Huan, or Chao-Xing. I couldn't stop Wei and Setsuna from falling into darkness. I couldn't reach Hazuki... couldn't stop Yomi. So many of my classmates died because of me. I... I hurt Hibiki so badly... I couldn't save Takeru-san, Bragi, Hamaguchi, Raiden, or Yosuke-san. I was supposed to be a Messiah... but I haven't done a single thing worthy of that title. I'm a failure..."
The weight of their shared guilt crushed them, and father and son collapsed into each other's arms, crying together as years of pain and regret spilled out. They clung to one another, letting their tears speak the words they couldn't.
After a long moment, Hazama pulled back, his rough hands gently wiping the tears from Hajime's face. He managed a small, sad smile.
"Well... I guess that makes both of us people full of regrets, doesn't it?" Hazama said, a soft, bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.
"I guess so..." Hajime sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "And now, I've failed to stop Odin..." His voice trembled, betraying the weight of his self-doubt. "I couldn't do it. I wasn't strong enough, not again."
"Your girlfriend and your friends are still fighting him, aren't they?" Hazama asked gently.
"Yeah... but I don't know if they can stop him, even in his weakened state," Hajime muttered, lowering himself to sit on the cool grass. His gaze drifted to the serene lake before them, its stillness mocking the storm raging inside him. "I couldn't finish the job. Yosuke-san, Raiden, and even Yomi—they gave everything to push Odin to his limit so I could end this. But..."
"Odin's powerful, isn't he? Especially with that sword... and his Rider powers," Hazama said as he sat down beside his son. "I should know. During the brief time I used them, I felt untouchable. That power—it's overwhelming. It's how I defeated the other Riders back then. Still, for you kids to push him to show his true strength... You're all incredible."
Hajime let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Heh. And to think, when we first fought him, we couldn't even touch him in his suppressed Survive form. But now..." He trailed off, staring at his hands. "I guess we were never meant to win."
"It's too early to give up, don't you think?" Hazama's voice was calm but firm.
"But..." Hajime looked down at his trembling hands. "I'm already..."
"We're not just alike because we carry guilt, Hajime," Hazama said, placing a steadying hand on his son's shoulder. "We also share something else—an indomitable will. That's what's kept you fighting, isn't it? The drive born from the people around you."
"Yeah..." Hajime chuckled dryly, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Honestly, I never thought life would get this complicated, you know? Back then, I was just content getting into dumb fights."
"That's part of growing up," Hazama said with a soft chuckle. "Your life stops being just yours. Instead, you share it with those around you."
"Share it..." Hajime murmured, touching his chest, as if feeling the invisible bond between himself and his loved ones.
"Your pain, your happiness, your sadness—they become other people's, too. Some people will rely on you, and sometimes, you'll need to step up to the challenge, even if your knees are about to give out. That's what we do. We get up. We try again. We keep throwing things at the wall until something sticks."
Hajime's voice wavered. "But... Do you think I can actually defeat Odin?"
Hazama leaned back, looking up at the vast sky. "When you feel defeated like everything's hopeless... listen to those who've been by your side. Hear their voices."
Hajime followed his father's gaze, noticing the glow intensifying in the sky above.
"This lake," Hazama began softly, "I used to come here when I was feeling lost, back before everything fell apart. Then, when you were little, I brought you here to fish. Those memories... they carried me through the darkest times. That's why, sometimes, you need to lean on the people who are there to support you. Do you hear that? They're calling for you."
Hajime's breath hitched. He could almost feel it now—the voices of his friends, faint but unwavering.
Hazama stood, extending his hand to his son. Hajime hesitated, then clasped it tightly, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet.
"Go get him, Boy Wonder," Hazama said with a warm smile. "I know you can do it."
Hajime nodded, newfound determination flickering in his eyes. "Thanks, Dad. I needed to hear that. But... what about you?"
"My time's up," Hazama said with a hint of sadness. "I'll go back to my cage, but it's okay. Seeing you now, standing tall... it was more than enough."
He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to Hajime's forehead before pulling him into a tight embrace. "I love you, son. You're my pride and joy. Go show Odin what the Adachis can do."
"I love you too, Dad," Hajime whispered, his voice cracking as tears streamed down his face. "I promise... I'll set your soul free."
As he spoke, a radiant light enveloped Hajime, lifting him into the sky. He waved goodbye to his father, who stood watching him with a proud smile.
"Go get him," Hazama said softly, his voice filled with hope. "This time... you'll win."
Hibiki groaned as she pushed the massive boulder off her battered body, freeing herself from the debris. Her regular Symphogear form flickered faintly, a testament to how low her Phoenic Gain had dropped. Wounds covered her body, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her, but she forced herself to stand.
"So, you're still alive, huh?" Odin descended gracefully from the skies, his arms folded as his piercing gaze bore into her. "But this fight is over. I must admit, I am saddened to see it end... but you've reached your limit. Your childish songs weren't strong enough to reach me in the end."
"It's... not over yet," Hibiki rasped, her voice shaking as she clutched her trembling hands into fists. She lowered her gaze to the ring on her finger, her eyes glistening with determination. "Not until I'm dead."
Her voice cracked as she whispered, "Hajime... my love... my sunshine... please, give me your strength. Help me stop him..."
Closing her eyes, she drew in a shaky breath, summoning every ounce of courage left in her fragile body. 'I'll be with you soon, Sunny... We'll be together forever, no matter what.'
Odin smirked, his tone mocking. "A final, desperate effort? All alone? How tragically sad."
"And who said she was alone?!"
Odin's smirk faded as he looked up. Descending to Hibiki's side were the other seven Symphogear wielders, their regular forms glowing with fierce resolve. They formed a circle around the cream-haired girl, their presence radiating unity and strength.
"Girls..." Hibiki whispered, her voice filled with disbelief and gratitude.
"We won't let you fight alone," Tsubasa said firmly, her piercing blue eyes shining with determination.
"We'll stay together, until the bitter end," Maria added solemnly, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment.
"We've made it this far together, haven't we?" Chris grinned through the pain, defiance gleaming in her crimson eyes. "So we'll see this through to the end."
"Allowing Odin to win without a fight would disgrace everyone who gave their lives," Shirabe said quietly, her voice carrying the weight of their sacrifices.
"That's why we'll keep fighting until we can't anymore!" Kirika declared with fiery resolve, her usual playfulness replaced by determination.
"For the world that once came together as one... For the world we hold so dear," Miku said softly, her words full of love and conviction.
"Nothing will stop us," Elsa growled, her teeth clenched as her eyes locked onto Odin. "Not even you, God."
"Bring it on, then," Odin said, spreading his arms wide, his voice resonating like thunder.
"Let's give it everything we've got!" Hibiki cried, her voice filled with unyielding resolve. She charged forward, fists blazing with Phonic Gain, aiming directly for Odin. He evaded her strikes effortlessly, a god dancing through their desperate assault.
Maria and Tsubasa came at him from opposite sides, their weapons slicing through the air. Elsa dove in from above, her clawed tail lashing toward him like a whip. Odin caught it mid-strike, swinging her around and slamming her into the others, scattering the group like ragdolls.
Kirika and Shirabe skated in, firing buzzsaws and slashes of energy, but Odin's aura flared in an instant. The attacks ricocheted back, and the girls were thrown to the ground.
Chris and Miku unleashed a barrage of projectiles, combining their strongest attacks into one devastating blast. Odin's ravens surged forward, intercepting and redirecting the attack, the backlash sending both girls sprawling with screams of pain.
Odin ascended above them, raising his hand. "Pitiful." He unleashed a cascade of solar spheres that rained down like meteors, striking the earth around the wounded girls. Their cries of agony echoed as the battlefield erupted in fire and light. Satisfied, Odin descended gracefully, his laughter filling the air.
But as he landed, a faint noise made him pause. Turning, he saw Hibiki still standing amidst the chaos, bloodied but unbroken, her eyes burning with defiance.
"Why do you still stand?" Odin asked, a mix of annoyance and curiosity in his tone.
"Because..." Hibiki's voice cracked as she clenched her fists. "Hajime wouldn't give up... He would never..." Her voice hardened, her tears glistening in the firelight. "And you took him from me... I WILL AVENGE HIM!"
She lunged at Odin, her strikes wild and desperate. He weaved through her punches effortlessly, landing a kick that sent her sprawling. As she struggled to rise, a sudden surge of energy engulfed her.
Odin watched as beams of light connected the other girls to Hibiki. Her armor began to change, glowing brightly as it shifted into its brilliant golden form—the same she had used against Adam and Lilith.
"We must give our strength to Tachibana!" Tsubasa cried, her voice filled with conviction. One by one, the girls poured their remaining Phonic Gain into Hibiki, their Pendants disintegrating into raw energy.
"Interesting," Odin mused, his smile widening. "Fine, then. You proved to me your worth, Hibiki Tachibana! Come at me with all you have!"
Odin charged toward Hibiki as she dashed toward him, her entire being focused on a massive rainbow-colored drill of energy.
"You fell for it," Odin said coldly, sidestepping at the last moment. Hibiki gasped as he seized her Pendant and crushed it in his hand.
"No!" she cried as Odin blasted her with a solar beam point-blank, sending her crashing into the earth. Her armor shattered into nothingness.
"TACHIBANA!" Tsubasa screamed, rushing to her aid.
Odin laughed triumphantly, holding the dust of Hibiki's Pendant in his hand. It began to coalesce, glowing with ominous energy. "This was my true goal, Symphogears. I was going to do this anyway, but thank you so much for gathering all your powers in one place and making things faster for me! You've given me the final piece to complete my power! Behold... GUNGNIR!"
The dust transformed into a massive golden blade with dark veins running through it, pulsating with divine energy. Odin raised it high, a sinister aura emanating from it. "Glad to have you back, my loyal weapon. With this, your combined foolishness has accelerated my healing and sealed your doom!"
Before Odin could move, a massive boulder slammed into him, though it barely phased him. Genjuro landed in front of him, fists flying in a flurry of punches.
"Futile," Odin said, flicking Genjuro away with a single motion.
"Commander!" the girls cried.
Odin took a step forward but froze as a shadowy dagger appeared on the ground, connecting to his own shadow. Ogawa emerged, hurling a barrage of shurikens.
"How dull," Odin muttered. His aura exploded outward, sending Ogawa crashing into a Yggdrasil pillar.
"As a courtesy, I shall allow you all to perish together," Odin declared, his voice calm but chilling. "This wretched sphere of dirt and water will be obliterated. The Advent Stones will survive, and I shall collect them after your extinction."
"Wait, Odin!"
The god turned, noticing Elfnein and Yatsuhiro stepping out of an armored vehicle.
"Father?" Tsubasa whispered in shock.
"Elfnein...?" Elsa muttered.
"What is this?" Odin asked, amused. "Have you come to entertain me with another trick?"
"No tricks," Elfnein said firmly. "We have the power of humanity on our side."
Behind her, more vehicles arrived, and people began pouring out.
"It's Hibiki!" Akira cried, running forward with tears in her eyes.
"She's hurt..." His wife covered her mouth in despair.
Odin raised a brow. "What do you hope to achieve, bringing these mortals here?"
Elfnein stepped forward, her voice steady. "We're here, united as humans, to face you. Together, we still have the power to act. To hope."
Odin scoffed. "Foolishness. What can humans possibly do against a god?"
Elfnein clasped Yatsuhiro's hand, determination burning in her eyes.
(Play The Long Song – Doctor Who)
(Rest now, my warrior. Your burden is over.)
Elfnein began to sing, her voice soft but resolute. Yatsuhiro, Aoi, Mona, and Sakuya joined her, their voices weaving together.
(Live~! Wake up! Wake up~! And let the cloak of life cling to your bones!)
The citizens of Japan joined hands, singing with all their hearts.
(Cling to your bones!)
Genjuro stood tall, his voice booming as he joined the song. One by one, the girls followed, their voices rising together.
(Wake up~! Wake up~!)
Despite her shattered armor and broken body, Hibiki sang, her voice raw with emotion.
The ethereal glow around the crowd intensified, golden orbs of light rising into the sky, converging toward the gash in the planet.
Deep within the earth, Hajime's lifeless body stirred. The song, carrying the hopes and dreams of humanity, reached him. His body glowed, engulfed in a brilliant white aura.
(Live~! Wake up~! Wake up~!)
Hajime shot upward, bursting from the crater despite the gaping hole in his chest. His hair turned pure white, his eyes shimmering like galaxies. The remaining Advent Stones floated around him, his deck turning radiant white. A surge of overwhelming power coursed through him.
(And let the cloak of life cling to your bones! Cling to your bones!)
Odin stared in shock, his confident grin faltering for the first time.
(Wake up~! Wake up~!)
Hajime hovered above the battlefield, humanity's hopes burning within him."Henshin."
(Live~! Wake up~! Wake up~!)
He inserted his Deck into his V Buckle, transforming into his Kamen Rider form, an aura of all colors covering his body and shooting toward the sky.
(And let the cloak of life cling to your bones~! Cling to your bones~!)
"The last hope of humanity stands here today!" His Deck, which was now a Belt Driver with the shape of a red easter dragon on the side and a western black dragon on the other side and had a black vortex in the middle, roared. Ventara Next Generation Driver (VGX Driver from now on for short)."The wielder of Ventara's power takes the iron throne across all time and space! The one! The supreme wielder of power! Kamen Rider Ryuki!"
His armor was now a brighter shade of grey, almost pale. The calamity scarf had grown back and was now wearing a long coat that reached up to his knees. He had golden shoulder pads, knee protectors, and bracers. Alongside that, he had a halo, and golden energy wings, much like his Oversurvive form, but they were now capable of also transforming into any color depending on the element of his choosing. On top of that, all of the gems on his body were glowing, except for one.
"All as one!"
Kamen Rider Ryuki - Apotheosis of Chaos Stage 3
(Song End)
Ryuki descended onto the battlefield, his piercing gaze locked on Odin like a predator cornering its prey.
"Hajime… He's… he's alive…" Hibiki's voice trembled as tears of joy streamed down her cheeks, her emotions overwhelming her.
"Tch. Took him long enough," Chris muttered, crossing her arms, but the faint quiver in her voice betrayed her relief.
"He's overflowing with power… It's almost suffocating," Yatsuhiro remarked, his eyes scanning the civilians collapsed on the ground, their energy spent but their hope reignited.
"Our plan worked!" Elfnein exclaimed, a spark of triumph cutting through her exhaustion. "It was a gamble, but if Hajime was alive, he'd respond to humanity's hopes—and he did!"
"You've outdone yourself, Elfnein-kun," Genjuro murmured, his voice tinged with pride. His eyes shifted back to Hajime, his expression softening. Hajime… I don't know what brought you back, but you've returned stronger, like a phoenix reborn.
Ryuki raised a gauntleted thumb to his helmet, his voice like steel. "Odin… You should've aimed for the head."
"And I should've obliterated your entire existence," Odin replied with a cruel smirk, his fists tightening as arcs of energy crackled around him. "Yet, I must admit, I'm glad. I feared our last encounter would end on such a mundane note."
"This ends today," Ryuki growled. "And it will be you who weeps in defeat."
"Fate shall decide," Odin said, his eyes gleaming.
In a flash, they shot into the sky, colliding with a thunderous impact. Their locked hands trembled as they wrestled, their combined power creating a shockwave so violent it sent everyone below sprawling to the ground. Odin lunged with Gungnir, but Ryuki's left hand, glowing with ominous black energy, intercepted the spear and held it firm.
"Impossible!" Odin's eyes widened in shock. 'That power… It's not Origin Zero. It's not Chaos or Calamity...What is it?!'
Ryuki drove a brutal kick into Odin's chest, hurling him back.
"Who… Who are you really?" Odin demanded, lowering Gungnir. "Are you Hajime Adachi… or Ventara?"
Ryuki's expression was stone cold. "Does it matter who I am? The only thing that matters is that you fall. Nothing else is relevant."
"He's… incredible…" Tsubasa whispered, her voice tinged with awe.
"Yeah, but I don't know if the planet can survive them going all out…" Maria muttered, her face pale.
Hajime looked at Odin, then down at the weary Earth beneath them. "Let's take this somewhere else, Odin. Somewhere worthy of this battle."
Odin paused, then chuckled darkly. "I suppose you're right. This fragile world doesn't deserve to be our stage. Very well—I'll wait for you in paradise. Don't keep me waiting."
With that, Odin shot into the heavens, disappearing into the void of space. Ryuki exhaled, descending to his allies.
"Sorry to worry you all." He smiled sheepishly, removing his helmet.
"Hajime… Is it really you?" Elsa asked hesitantly.
"Of course." He grinned, flashing a peace sign. "The one and only. I'm back." He turned to Tsubasa and Maria, his voice softening. "I'm sorry… about Raiden and Yosuke-san."
"You carry their strength now," Tsubasa said, her eyes fixed on the dark blue stone embedded in his armor.
"And with you, they'll never truly be gone," Maria added, a warm smile breaking through her sadness.
Genjuro stepped forward. "You're going to fight Odin, aren't you?"
Ryuki nodded. "He agreed to take the fight off Earth. That way, the planet won't suffer any more damage."
"But you'll be alone…" Shirabe whispered, her voice filled with worry.
"Alone is fine," Ryuki said firmly."I'll finish this once and for all."
"He's right," Miku said, stepping forward. "He's the only one who can fight Odin now. If anyone can do this, it's him."
"Yeah! Go get him, Blacky-kun!" Kirika cheered, fists raised.
Chris smirked, gently pushing Hibiki forward. "But before you go, someone wants to talk to you, dummy."
"Hajime…" Hibiki's voice wavered, her tears shimmering like stars. "You're okay…Sunny..."
"And so are you," Hajime replied softly, his gloved hand cupping her cheek. His thumb brushed away her tears as he smiled. "My sweet sunshine… I've missed you so much."
Hibiki sniffled, her cheeks flushed, as she reached up to touch his face. "You've changed… You look so strong, so brave… but… you're still the same Hajime I fell in love with. My precious Sunny…"
"And you're just as radiant as ever," he murmured, his voice tender yet firm. He pulled her close, his arms wrapping protectively around her waist as if shielding her from the world. "Every moment I was gone, I thought about you. About us. You kept me fighting, Hibiki. You gave me the strength to come back. Not just in this fight. Every fight."
Her lips quivered as she gazed into his eyes. "I thought I'd lost you forever. But now… now you're here, and I don't ever want to let you go again."
"You never will." Hajime leaned down, their foreheads touching, the warmth of his breath mingling with hers. "Hibiki… I made a promise to myself when I was fighting to return. If I could see you again, if I could hold you again, I wouldn't waste another second. I'd make sure we'd never be apart."
"Hajime…" she whispered, her tears spilling anew, her voice trembling with both joy and disbelief.
(Play Without You - Cassey Lee Williams)
"I want to marry you, Hibiki," Hajime said, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "When this battle is over, when Odin is defeated, I'll come back to you. And I'll make you my wife. We'll live together, side by side, for the rest of our lives. I promise you that."
Hibiki gasped softly, her hands flying to her mouth, before throwing her arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder. "Yes! Yes, Hajime! I'll marry you! I'll wait for you no matter how long it takes. I'll always be here, waiting for you to come home!"
"You won't have to wait long," Hajime assured her, pulling back just enough to gaze into her eyes. "The future I want—the one where we're together—starts the moment I end this. I'll finish this fight and come back to you, stronger and better, so I can give you the life you deserve."
Hibiki pressed her hands to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his armor. "I'll hold you to that. You better not take too long, or I'll come chasing after you myself."
Hajime chuckled softly, the weight of the world on his shoulders, but his resolve unshaken. "I'd expect nothing less from you, my sunshine. But don't worry—I'll always come back to you."
Their embrace was timeless, a fleeting eternity as the chaos around them seemed to dissolve into silence. Hibiki leaned up, her lips trembling as they brushed against his. "I love you, Hajime. With all my heart."
"And I love you, Hibiki," Hajime whispered, his voice steady yet tender, a promise forged in fire and hope. "Forever and always."
As he pulled back, his hand lingered on her cheek for a moment longer before he donned his helmet once more, the gleaming visor hiding the storm of emotions within. Turning to his comrades, he gave them a resolute nod. "Alright. I'm off."
Without another word, Hajime broke into a sprint, his form becoming a white blur as he shot into the sky. The cheers of humanity rose like a tidal wave, their cries of hope and admiration reaching for the heavens.
"COME BACK TO ME ALIVE, HAJIME!" Hibiki screamed, her voice raw with desperation. As her knees buckled, she collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face like rivers.
Miku was at her side in an instant, wrapping her arms tightly around her. "He'll come back, Hibiki," she murmured, her own voice wavering. "He promised."
High above the Earth, Ryuki tore through the void, the fractured remnants of the moon passing in his wake. His gaze lingered on the wounded planet below, its surface scarred but still alive, a testament to the sacrifices made to keep it that way.
His mind filled with images of his fallen comrades—their faces, their laughter, their determination. They had given everything to make this moment possible.
"I swear to all of you…" Hajime muttered, his voice trembling but resolute. "I've failed so many times in my life… This won't be one of those times."
The rainbow aura surrounding him intensified, pulsing like a heartbeat, as if the hopes of all humanity were flowing through him.
"This is it. No more mistakes. No more regrets!" His voice thundered, echoing through the emptiness of space. His aura flared brighter, becoming a blazing comet as he surged toward the distant golden light—Odin's waiting presence, an ominous beacon of power.
As the golden and rainbow lights moved closer to collision, the echoes of his vow resonated through the void:
"I'll end this… for everyone."
With the defeat of the Valkyries, the end of the fourth round arrives. And with it, the final round of the gruesome fight against the Allfather. The final battle was finally beginning.
Final Matchup:
Ryuki vs Odin
Deceased Riders:
Scissors: Goro Tanaka (Killed by Ouja)
Verde: Zeke Crowley (Killed by Zolda)
Imperer: Andreas Kagatsuchi (Killed by Ryuga)
Zolda: Takeru Sakamoto (Killed by Ouja)
Femme: Chiaki Nakahara (Killed herself before succumbing to the effects of her Swan Song)
Tiger: Jades Demetrios (Killed by Gai)
Gai: Terunosuke Kuwana (Defeated by Raia, Maria, Shirabe, and Kirika. Killed by Helheim demons)
Ouja: Allister Albedo (Killed by Chris Yukine)
Alternative: Bragi Third Dienheim (Killed by Ryuga)
Abyss: Hamaguchi Kuroiwa (Killed by Helheim demons)
Ryuga: Hazuki Kaburagi (Killed by Ryuki)
Raia: Raiden Amaterasu (Killed by Odin)
Knight: Yosuke Yanagi (Killed by Odin)