Shogunate Pride Chapter 17: At the End of the Dream, a fairy tail fanfic

Shogunate Pride Chapter 15: At the End of the Dream

By Bluestar076

Hello everyone! Bluestar here with a new chapter! And a special one, if I have to say! We have finally reached the last chapter of Chimera Tribe Arc! The idea that I was somehow able to reach the end of a big arc is still something outstanding for me since I wasn't able to do so yet in the other stories, so it's a very big result for me which I hope to bring on to the rest of the projects and with the other arcs for this story! As you can guess, today we'll see the last battle involving Apostatìs and the outcome of this big conflict with something else! Considering that we're at the end of the year, I think this is a proper present to celebrate both Christmas and the salute to 2023 so that I can give off a smile to make you all feel even better for these holidays! But I think I've expressed myself enough, so let's not waste any more time, and let's get to it! As always, I hope you enjoy it!

Note: I do not own Fairy Tail. All rights and characters belong to Hiro Mashima, A-1 Pictures, and CloverWorks.

Chapter 15: At the End of the Dream

Caelum – Great Akihabara Market – Southern entrance.

As the great conflict in the market was about to make its curtain fall, a stony silence descended on the whole commercial city, to the point where the only thing that could have been heard was the wind that moved up the dust. All the bandits belonging to Chimera Tribe were knocked out and motionless…even though, someone was trying to move out even if with problems.

"K-Kh…" After a few hours, Sinclair was finally able to wake up after getting defeated by Henry and he could see that the sun was going down. After noticing the silence and the sense of emptiness that surrounded the whole place, he could tell that the hunt ended up being a total failure and the others had probably been defeated just like him. Trying to do something to change things would have been a lost cause, but at least…he could have come up with something to make the others escape. However…it was easier said than done since he could barely move. "D-Dammit…even if a while had passed, I can still feel the cuts from that blade…no. I can't think like that. I-I need to…uh?"

However, his attempt was interrupted when he saw a man approaching the market. He could tell that he wasn't from either part…but there was something…deeper in him.

The man didn't even look at him at first. He was focused on witnessing the market from the entrance with a slightly surprised expression.

"My, my. To think that I came all over here just to buy a bit of incense and this is the sight I see…" He commented. He could then turn around and notice all the bandits and criminals that were knocked out. He then lowered his face to meet Sinclair's eyes.

The mage of Chimera Tribe started to sweat, even if he didn't know why. He could tell that, while he didn't do anything yet…there was something that made him cautious, even if he wasn't in the condition of answering back.

The man looked at him in silence for a few seconds and then talked. "Judging by your look and all this mess around you, I assume that you are a mage. Tell me…are you responsible for this?" He asked.

Sinclair frowned at that question. "What about it? It's not like it would be a business of yours!" He answered.

"Ah ah ah…oh well…" The man glared at him with a calm smile, but when he did so, Sinclair could feel a lot of pressure coming down from his body.

"W-What the-!?"

"You could say so…but due to my charge, I would say that I'm a bit forced to know what's going on in here. I'm sure that you would be more than willing to cooperate and tell me what happened here, right?" The man continued.

"IIICK! O-Ok, ok! We are mages from Chimera Tribe who wanted to raid the market so that we could take the globe that gives energy to the place, but while our Master is inside the central tower, we ended up facing a legal guild of samurais that probably wrecked us!" Sinclair said this with a fast tone, feeling forced to confess, and then took a few breaths.

The man listened to him carefully, even if he was talking quickly, and then turned to the market. "A battle between guilds in a place like this. Interesting…" With those words…and an interested smile, he started to move inside of it.

"W-Where are you going?" Sinclair asked.

"I'll see what I can do and find out more about it." The man replied before shortly turning at him. "As for you…it's better if you don't try to move much. They're coming to get you." He then walked away, leaving the hunter confused.

"G-Get me!? Wha- What do you mean!? Hey! Come back here! We're not done yet! What did you-" Sinclair was starting to protest, but he was cut off as soon as he heard someone else getting closer.

"There are more! Get them!"

When he turned around, he could see a good portion of imperial soldiers coming closer to them and starting to catch up with the bandits. That made him sigh in resignation.

"Man…I guess it's over, then. And here I thought that I could have settled the score in the future…" Sinclair commented before looking towards the market. "I wonder if Apostatìs at least reached them…and who the hell was that guy?"

A bit of thought came to his mind, not knowing that the battle was at its peak at the moment, and probably, things were coming to a close.

Great Akihabara Market – Internal of the Central Tower

Inside the central tower, the battle was going wild. The outcome seemed almost certain after the red smoke infused the leader of Chimera Tribe with new power, but now that Tsukuyomi came to assist, the last word could still be changed, and she was going to do so. That was what she promised.

"Dance of the Eclipse!" As soon as the battle resumed, Tsukuyomi tried to overwhelm Apostatìs with a fast sequence of sword combos infused with the eclipse magic. She made each cut as accurate and precise as possible to overwhelm him and not let him move.

But to her shock, Apostatìs moved his arms at the same speed and was able to block most of the attack, using the same speed to answer in his own way by attacking with his arms infused with atomic energy. "ATOMIC WYVERN'S CLAW!"

"GAAAAH! Tsukuyomi fell back and crashed against a wall after getting attacked a few times. But even with that, she tried to stand up. "W-What is that power…?"

Apostatìs was still breathing heavily while a red aura surrounded his body. But even with that, he could still have a maniacal stare. "You get the chance to have some aid AND THIS IS ALL YOU HAVE!?" He exclaimed. "Considering that you are already injured, you should have remained down on the ground where you came from!"

Tsukuyomi felt a bit provoked by his words, but she tried her best to remain composed as she pointed her sword at him. "Oh, don't worry! I still have a lot of things to show you…I cannot afford to make a bad impression when I just arrived."

"Oh, don't worry! YOU MADE IT WHEN YOU FIRST STEPPED IN HERE! ATOMIC WYVERN'S RADIATION!" As an answer, Apostatìs dashed forward with his body surrounded by atomic energy.

That sight made the girl widen her eyes, but with him doing a straight attack, she could know what move to use to attack him or at least get out from him. "Make one single movement…make sure to attack him on the body!" She thought while raising the katana. And as soon as Apostatìs was close to her only for a few centimeters, she answered. "Eclipse Reverse Swallow!" While moving forward, she made a circular movement with the sword that allowed her to attack him three times, making it look like she threw three swipes. In doing so, she was able to attack him in three different spots and get out of his trajectory.

"NGH!" Apostatìs had to stop after he got hurt. He didn't recoil or falter, but Tsukuyomi could see that the attack was successful, as three separate cuts appeared on his body.

"I did it, it worked!" She thought.

"You little bitch, DON'T THINK IT WILL BE THAT EAST TO GET RID OF ME!" Angered by the damage and driven by the red smoke, Apostatìs didn't hesitate and turned around to blast Tsukuyomi with one large beam coming from the palm of his hand.

"AH!" Tsukuyomi was startled at the sight of it, but luckily enough, Rokumon jumped in time to grab her and get away from the attack. "R-Rokumon! Thanks…"

As soon as he saw she was okay, the man let Tsukuyomi go. "Remember that with something like this, there's little time to think about what to do. Focus on attack." He spoke.

"Right…" Tsukuyomi replied before turning around and looking at him. "I never thought he could have been this strong…for a moment I thought I was going to be pulverized…"

At that moment, even Yori reached the others. "It's normal. This boy already showed us what he can do with his Wyvern Slayer magic. Now that he was infused with that strange energy, we cannot afford to use regular ways like before. We need to overwhelm him and make sure he definitely won't stand up anymore." He spoke.

By hearing him, Tsukuyomi looked down and reflected. Considering the type of enemy he seemed to be, she knew that Yori was right. And because of that…she thought of a strategy, even if a risky one. "If that's how it is…I'll remain on ahead. You do your best to take him down with your best shots." She said.

The others were surprised. "Are you sure you can handle it?" Rokumon asked.

"I don't know…but I can't tell if I don't try. Considering your magics, it would be better if he wasn't able to defend himself, right? And I'm an expert on making people busy." Tsukuyomi replied before looking at them, trying to make a gentle smile, even if the situation seemed critical. "Don't worry, I'll be able to come out of this in one piece."

Rokumon wasn't still entirely confused, but Yori seemed to know what she wanted to do. "What you've proposed could work, but it could come up with a high price. Still, you decide to take it despite the risks. That is…remarkable." He said before making a smile. "It seems you're adapting yourself fast to our ways. I like that. I'm okay with it, let's do it."

Tsukuyomi couldn't feel more grateful for that. "Thanks…"

Seeing that the other two were fine with it, Rokumon convinced himself and got ready. "Fine then…don't break down already, Tsukuyomi, we're counting on you!"

"I won't. Trust me!" With that short reply, Tsukuyomi started to run against the enemy while holding her sword at the ready.

At that sight, Apostatìs couldn't help but widen his smirk. "FINALLY YOU'RE DONE TALKING! I COULDN'T WAIT TO TEAR YOU APART FOR REAL!" He shouted before dashing with his wings.

"We'll see if that will happen!" Tsukuyomi countered, while her body was starting to get infused with eclipse energy. "You know what to do, make sure that everything will be ok!" She thought this to make herself feel better just before she could unleash her attack. "Eclipse Comet!" She became one with the eclipse and dashed at high speed all around Apostatìs while attacking him.

Apostatìs seemed a bit confused by that strategy and prepared his Atomic Wyvern Claw to contrast with each of her attacks, noticing that the girl seemed more decisive and stronger with her blows. Tsukuyomi, on the other hand, kept on going and looked around to see If everything was according to the plan. And she was glad to see that Rokumon and Yori were already moving around them, ready to surprise the enemy. "They're doing it!"

Meanwhile, Iori, Ronin, and Merida looked at the battle, noticing how things could have worked out.

"Tsukuyomi seems to holding tight with that guy while Rokumon and Yori stay close…" Iori observed.

"Could it be that they had found a strategy?" Ronin asked.

"I hope so. After that smoke gave him new strength, things might get worried…" The young mage replied.

Merida, on the other hand, was looking at the globe with a concerned stare. "Still, with the computers malfunctioning, it will be hard to even defend the globe…" She said before looking at her hand. "I wish there was some other way…" But then, a lightbulb was turned on inside her head. "Wait a second!"

"Hm? What do you have in mind?" Iori asked. Then, at that moment, she could see that Merida was starting to focus on herself with the psychokinesis, until she was able to converge enough energy to the rest of the tower, and a new barrier made of psychic energy was formed around the barrier. "Ah! It worked!"

"Woah! You could do that?" Iori exclaimed.

"Ah-ah! Way to go, Merida!" Ronin added. But they could see that Merida was putting an extra effort into doing so.

"This may be the last resource we could use and it may take all my forces, but as the daughter of the mayor, I have to do my best to make sure nothing will happen!" Merida explained. Then, she could feel both the other mage and the small exceed to support her. "Uh?"

"Don't worry, we'll stay here to catch you in case something goes wrong," Iori assured her.

"Yeah! Nothing has changed, if you need help, we're here to tell!" Ronin added.

Merida didn't really know what to say…but she was grateful. For a moment, she could have teared up. "Guys…thanks."

The emissions of her magic also came from outside the tower, where Ren could see them.

"Uh? This magic…it seems like something is trying to help out from the inside…I've heard you, buddy! Let me give some assistance!" Once the mage realized what was going on, he planted his sword again and intensified the electric shockwaves. As a consequence, on the inside, apart from the psychokinesis, there was a double red barrier that could have guarded the globe.

Hoshiko looked satisfied at the friend, but she couldn't help but sweat a bit at the same time. "Don't exceed yourself too much…" She thought.

"TSEAAAH!" Back at the internal of the tower, Tsukuyomi increased her speed and efficiency in her attack while she kept on moving around with the Eclipse Comet. A thing that was confusing his opponent as well, who could notice that he was starting to be less immediate with answering her attacks.

"She's becoming faster by the second…I can't allow her to surpass me!" Apostatìs thought as he kept on answering.

"GRAAAAAH!" Then, Tsukuyomi was able to catch him off by surprise and managed to cut him in the spleen and finish right behind him.

"NGH!" Apostatìs gritted his teeth at this sight and prepared himself. Now he was certain that she couldn't underestimate her, much like those other two mages.

Tsukuyomi, on the other hand, was already prepared to give the second wave of attacks, but just as she turned around, Apostatìs could see it coming.

"DON'T THINK YOU HAVE OUTSMARTED ME, BRAT! ATOMIC WYVERN'S TORRENT!" The leader of Chimera Tribe opened the palm of his hand to release a powerful atomic beam from his hand that wiped Tsukuyomi away, making her crash against a wall.

"K-Kh…shit…" Tsukuyomi commented. Her body was starting to tremble due to all the physical trauma she was starting to feel due to all the fights she received ever since she started to fight against that guild. But even with that, she was feeling somehow calm and focused on finishing that battle. Maybe because now she had the certainty that she could have still won. The others decided to trust her, which helped her stay more confident.

Apostatìs, on the other hand, seemed satisfied with what he was seeing. "With her conditions, the next blow should be able to finish-" He was ready to shoot another Atomic Wyvern's Torrent, but got interrupted when he felt two heavy blows attacking him at the back. "GAH! W-WHAT!?" When he turned around, he was astonished to see both Rokumon and Yori that were attacking him with their blades.

"Don't think that you could forget that easily about us!" Rokumon told him, ready to fill his body with flames.

"He was indeed left exposed! Now's the time to strike!" Yori added. The two of them nodded and started to attack him repeatedly with their blades. Apostatìs could notice that Rokumon in particular seemed freer of some bounds, as his blows were more direct and violent.

"What's going on!? They're not attacking the same way before!?" Apostatìs thought before widening his eyes and noticing that Rokumon was ready to blast him away with a tongue of fire.

"Infernal Destiny!" The older mage of Shogunate Pride didn't hesitate to throw his attack and overwhelm the enemy with a blow of fire that wiped the enemy away.

After getting crashed against a wall with an explosion of fire, Apostatìs stood up and released a roar of frustration that unleashed his radioactive aura that at this point, was of the color of a deep red that made the earth tremble. To that sight, even Tsukuyomi found the strength to stand up.

"He's losing control again…" Rokumon noticed.

"He acknowledged that we put him in a corner. Which means that this will be the deadliest of his charges…" Yori added.

"In that case…" Seeing what was going to happen, Rokumon decided to push himself as well and increased the flames coming out from his body.

"Are you sure of it, Rokumon?" Yori asked.

"Considering that he's keeping on losing control, a good way to contrast him would be to answer with his same fury. Don't worry…I'll be able to control myself if I keep on using these techniques. And remember that we're not alone on that." The other samurai confirmed, pointing with his head at Tsukuyomi, who was reaching them.

Yori knew he could trust him, and therefore he nodded. "Hm! Understood. I'd better start off absorbing a bit of his blows to overwhelm him later…"

And just as they were getting ready, Apostatìs finished charging his magic and spread his wings to dash at an outstanding speed to reach the two warriors in no time. Rokumon charged as well with a trail of flames with Yori following him, and the three of them reached each other in no time. Apostatìs already spread his arms and started to overwhelm the two of them with his fists, which seemed bigger than usual, alongside the rest of his body. Both Rokumon and Yori could see that the mysterious smoke that affected him was starting to modify him deeply, therefore, they started to answer with the same strength and violence as him.

Rokumon accepted the challenge and started with a powerful sequence of sword attacks that tried to cut him down anywhere. "Dance of Naraka!"

Apostatìs could see what he was plotting to do and did his best to block them at the right time. "Strong! Strong indeed! But don't think it will be the only thing that-" He was starting to counterattack, but right at that moment, he could see that Tsukuyomi was able to reach them back through the Eclipse Comet, and once she was above the enemy, she released a rain of blade attacks to make him lose the grip.

"Dance of the Eclipse!"

"GAAAH!" Apostatìs found himself covered in cuts infused with grey energy that forced him to recoil.

The girl took the chance to land on her feet and started to attack repeatedly with her blade. "TAKE THIS!"

"I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU!" Apostatìs couldn't help but feel annoyed by that and started to focus all of his attacks right on the girl, who did her best to contrast them. "FALL!"

"His madness is making him feel annoyed at the first nuisance he gets! We must take advantage of that!" She thought before trying something different. "What's wrong!? Didn't you say that I made a bad impression? as soon as I got here!?" She then exclaimed with a tone that seemed exasperated and angry at the same time.

The veins in Apostatìs's head grew up after that provocation as he roared out and accelerated with his claws that were infused with atomic energy.

Tsukuyomi tried her best to answer them, but while she could be fast, she started to feel the weight of all those attacks, as blood was soaking her body further and further. "NGH! GO NOW!" She shouted as she continued. And just as she said it, Rokumon and Yori didn't hesitate to appear behind the girl and start to attack him as well alongside her.

Apostatìs widened his eyes as he could see three whole samurais who were attacking him with their blades at high speed, to the point that while he kept on attacking, he ended up starting to back off due to their insistence and speed. Tsukuyomi seemed to be the one who tried to occupy his attack range while the two mages behind him were mostly focusing on attacking him directly. It was surely the most annoying situation for the leader of Chimera Tribe, but he was preparing a way to counter this, as his body was starting to glow with a red light.

Tsukuyomi could see that he was preparing something, which made her infuse the blade with eclipse energy for an attack that could have left him as exposed as possible. "Be ready to be crushed by both light and darkness! DANCE OF THE ECLIPSE!" In an instant, Tsukuyomi released a perfect sequence of sword attacks that aimed at all of the enemy's bodies.

"NGHH!" Apostatìs's body bled out from all the formed cuts and recoiled a bit for that.

"ROKUMON! YORI!" Tsukuyomi called out for the two samurais, who promptly jumped forward.

"You did a wonderful job, newcomer!" Rokumon exclaimed.

"Let us reward your efforts…by finishing this fight!" Yori added.

Apostatìs widened his eyes in anger and tried to answer back, but he could start to feel all the pain he had from the battle, which slowed him down a little. This was the perfect chance for Rokumon to overwhelm him with his flames. "WOAAAAAAAH!" Rokumon roared out as he attacked with his blade with no hesitation, with all the cuts that were followed down by a tongue of flames to deliver extra damage.

"GRRRR! ATOMIC WYVERN'S CLAW!" Apostatìs infused his arms with his atomic magic to slash Rokumon's body.

The samurai's haori was scratched and he lost a bit of blood, but even with that, he was able to push up Apostatìs with his sword and make the attack followed by an explosion. "TYRANT RAVE!"

The attack was successful, and Apostatìs was thrown in mid-air. "YORI! NOW!" Rokumon called out for the friend who jumped in time and accumulated a bit of the energy that he could have shot at the opponent. As soon as it was charged…he shot it.

"Time to go back to sleep, wrathful beast! FURUKAUNTA-REVENGE!" He concentrated all of the energy on his katana and then released it right against Apostatìs, generating a large impact that made the earth crumble.

After a small pile of smoke, they saw their enemy had fallen. The three samurais were breathing heavily, but they were almost certain that they could have a break now.

"Anf…anf…anf…" Rokumon still had his flames activated, but he was starting to calm down, while Yori looked at the scene.

Tsukuyomi did the same. After all that rain of attacks, it would have been impossible for one human to stand up, even if he was powered up by some spell. But…something felt off, as soon as the smoke faded out and she could see Apostatìs.

He was certainly lying down…but his body was still glowing. "Uh? What the-?"

"Wait…that seems the same type of glowing he had before…which meant-!" Rokumon noticed.

"Rokumon, Tsukuyomi! Get down!" Yori tried to warn them…but it was already too late.

Apostatìs already raised his head while he was charging a beam in his mouth. "Did you think…IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THAT EASY!?" This was the last thing he said before unleashing a devastating beam from his mouth.

"ATOMIC WYVERN'S BREATH! GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

The three of them tried their best to do anything…but it was impossible. They were instantly attacked by the beam, which made another hole in the tower.

"GUYS!" Merida, Iori, and Ronin shouted in unison after seeing that terrible blow.

A pile of smoke lasted for a few seconds before fading out and revealing the three samurais lying on the ground with a few burns on their bodies and their clothes almost torn apart.

"G-Gh…N-No way…" Tsukuyomi commented. Her kimono was mostly burned out, leaving her body exposed, showing that she had a few bandages on her breast. She looked around and could see that while they were trying to stand up, Rokumon and Yori weren't in better condition.

"A-ACK! D-Dammit…how was it possible!?" Rokumon wondered while his body was trembling. Yori…on the other hand, realized what happened.

"Anf…even if he has his mind corrupted…he thought of a way to drag us down…" Yori commented…and when the smoke disappeared…they could see him.

Even Apostatìs was reduced badly, but he was still standing with a delighted expression on his face. "I…I won…ah ah ah ah…" He then raised his head with his eyes and mouth wide open. "I WON!" He then released a boastful laugh that echoed throughout the entire hall before he caught his breath. "I have to admit it…I was afraid for a second…but it seems that in the end, I was able to play my cards correctly…"

"Y-You…you were just waiting for this moment, am I right!?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Clever girl…that's exactly the answer. As soon as I saw that you could have resembled a danger alongside these two other mages, I thought of the best way of taking you down, and what better way I could have used if not to blast you all away with the Atomic Wyvern Breath!? I had to endure a lot to do it…but in the end…it turned out to be the best strategy!" Apostatìs explained.

"He waited for the perfect moment to take advantage of us…he waited for us to finish and be tired to do this…" Yori said.

"Gh…I-I can't believe it…" Tsukuyomi wanted to stand up again, but she could feel her muscles starting to abandon her. Apostatìs…on the other hand…was able to walk toward her and reach her. He then grabbed her head with his whole hand and lifted her.

"Tsukuyomi!" Both Yori and Rokumon exclaimed.

"I've gotta admit that you were able to put up a good fight ever since you came in here. I may have been wrong about you, but in the end, you should have seen reality as it was." Apostatìs told her.

Tsukuyomi didn't say anything immediately…all she could do at that moment was to breathe.

Apostatìs felt something with his nose that made him even more pleased. "I recognize this smell. You seemed to have been busy with Zenodias. Then I'm sure he kept you busy a while ago. If that's the case…what made you think in that little brain of yours that you had a chance to defeat me?" He then continued before turning around. "The same thing can go for you two as well!"

"I…I…" Tsukuyomi tried her best to leave out words. "AGH!" Then, once he heard her, Apostatìs tightened the grip on her head, hurting her.

"What? Were you trying to say something? I didn't hear you! SPEAK OUT LOUD!" He shouted, putting her closer to him.

"I…I wanted to have the certainty to take you down…b-because…" Tsukuyomi was able to answer and glare at him. "You can't…take out other people's possessions and destroy their home…for your own gain!"

After that Apostatìs looked at her for a few moments in silence with a disgusted face…and then threw her violently on the floor.

"GAAAH!"

"T-Tsukuyomi!" Rokumon was holding his Odachi sword tightly. Even if he was badly wounded, that scene made him angered.

"See…this is the reason I can't stand legal mages like you…you think you can tell what is wrong and what is right without listening to those who really are in need…and this behavior of yours brings forth homeless people, poor, orphans like us…and you tell me what I should do?" Apostatìs said before making a fist. "Let me tell you something, little girl…"

Then, with no hesitation, he punched Tsukuyomi while she was down.

Rokumon and Yori widened at that scene.

"Pretentious people like you…PISS. ME. OFF!" Needless to say…he started to beat her up repeatedly. She was lying down, almost defeated, but he didn't care. All he cared about at that moment…was to see her sink to the ground, because she dared to tell him what was wrong.

"DIE! DIE! DIE!" He kept on attacking, and Tsukuyomi felt an unbearable pain in her back.

"GAAH!"

"DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE! DIE!" After one minute of going like this, Apostatìs was about to throw one last punch, but then…

BOOM!

Apostatìs felt two attacks on his back that made him stop. He turned around to see with surprise that even with all of that…

Rokumon and Yori had the strength to glare at him and attack him from behind.

"Get…" Rokumon started.

"Your hands off…" Yori continued it.

"Our new member!" Both of them finished it.

"You two still have the strength to stand up? Please, don't make me lose the respect I've gained for two fighters like you. I've been as explanatory as enough. If you were wiser, you would stay down and leave this insect to her fate." Apostatìs told them, feeling bothered.

"You're not in the right of telling things such as fate, you who let yourself be infused with some sort of mad power!" Rokumon countered.

"What did you say?" After hearing that, Apostatìs was already preparing his next attack.

"He has been as clear as possible," Yori replied before looking at the girl. "Even if she was tired after joining the battle with the rest of us, Tsukuyomi still wanted to help and came all the way here to aid us. She may be in the guild for less than two weeks, but with all that, she was able to do here and the other days…she already showed off the spirit of a samurai. This is more than enough for us to prevent you from killing that girl you call 'insect'." He then glared at the enemy. "Right now, you look more of a louse compared to her."

"G-Guys…" Even if she was tired and wounded, Tsukuyomi had the strength to raise her head and be moved by their words. "Do…Do you really think that of me?"

Rokumon and Yori looked at her with a smile and nodded for a moment. That made the girl think for a few seconds. She took a few breaths…and then tried to move. "N-Ngh…"

Apostatìs, on the other hand, listened to them in silence before chuckling. "These words are quite adorable for someone who's going to die either way…and I can see your point! I think the same of my own mages…but then I could find out that you weren't doing nothing but stomping on them, just so that we could sit down like good dogs…and you probably did the same for her…" He spoke.

"He said it again…" Yori thought before noticing that Apostatìs was glowing again with the red light. That was enough to put him and Rokumon on a battle stance.

"You talk about respect…yet you don't hesitate to take us down and humiliate us just because we dared to take a few more liberties than usual…we do the same things as you do, try to gain money to survive, so what's so wrong with that?" Apostatìs raised his head. "If you can't accept a simple concept like this then I don't see why I should listen to a bunch of hypocrites just as you. Effort? Path of a samurai? Difference between what's right from what's wrong? DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH! What I'm doing is not as catastrophic as you put it…I'm simply following the way of a Chimera…to destroy everything in my path just to live another day. And if you can't accept it…" They could then see his body glowing brighter and a noise becoming louder.

"He's coming!" Rokumon warned.

"I'm here!" Yori said, spreading his arms to try and take the attack.

Iori, Ronin, and Merida all hoped that everything would have been solved in the best way while they saw the fight.

"Please, resist! We're doing the same for you!" The girl thought.

"…THEN YOU CAN ALL BECOME DUST TO BE BLOWN IN THE WIND! ATOMIC WYVERN'S BREA- AGH!" Grown tired of that situation, Apostatìs was about to shoot one last atomic beam from his mouth, but he was suddenly stopped as soon as something stabbed him from behind.

"Uh!?" The other two mages were surprised by that.

"G-GH…WHAT!?" Apostatìs looked down and could see the tip of a sword coming out from his belly.…which made him turn around and see with horror that Tsukuyomi was still standing…and stabbed him with a katana.

"Anf…anf…anf…" It took her a hard extra effort to make, but after hearing the others…she couldn't find another way to repay the debt other than standing up and assisting them. The thing she promised to do. When she raised her head, the two samurais could see that Tsukuyomi had a grateful expression with tears on her face. "I'm not someone strong, even if I wish to be it…and I do my best to not expect much from my job. Therefore…I can't help but express my gratitude for your words…even if I've been here for just twelve days…and…you're not the only ones I owe this adding effort." She thought back about those who made her reach that place.

"Even so, we cannot let them destroy the market! Don't you remember what the Master said? We need as much cover as possible while Rokumon and Iori reach out to the central tower. As we speak now, the rest of them are causing more havoc. We can't let them do so! Just go!"

"D-Don't worry…it's not the first time I end up like this. I'm…used to shitty situations. Good luck…"

After opening her road, she couldn't betray their trust because of a beam. She needed to push further…in all the ways possible, as she started to lift Apostatìs with the sword.

"Gh- Hey! What are you doing!?" The enemy mage protested.

"And as for you…you're right, I may be an insect compared to the others, but even so…I CANNOT LET YOU GET THAT GLOBE AS LONG AS I HAVE HAIR IN MY LUNGS! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" After that, Tsukuyomi pushed up as high as she could and then made an extra effort, even if her muscles were screaming for the pain, to throw Apostatìs away, making him crash against a wall.

"AAAAAGH!" The leader of Chimera Tribe was bewildered as he saw this happen. But he stood up nonetheless.

"Oh damn! I didn't know you were that strong, Tsukuyomi!" Rokumon commented, only to see the girl in tears.

"I-I'm not…that hurt…" She said with tears in her eyes.

"He's getting up again…but I think there won't be any type of problems. We still have you here and that beam actually gave me quite the charge for a good send-back." Yori said.

After hearing that…Tsukuyomi made a few steps forward and got ready with the katana. "T-Then let's do it. The plan won't change…I…I'll try to be conscious for a few longer."

"Heh. That's more like it." Yori replied, with him and Rokumon getting ready as well.

Apostatìs on the other hand, thought that it was all absurd. Even after that gigantic beam and all the shit he had thrown at them…they were still standing. This time, due to his anger mixed with the red smoke…he couldn't even find the words to express his frustration and desire to destroy them.

What he left out was only a roar of anger that made the hall crumble, as a red aura spread from his aura.

But this time…Tsukuyomi wasn't afraid…she knew she could take them down with her new friends…and that thought, made her dash forward. "THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS, CHIMERA TRIBE!"

(Yeah yeah! Wounded wanderer! We are insensitive to the pain! I won't rust anymore! The tip of a sword that has been exposed to the public!)

(Rurouni Kenshin – Hiten)

Apostatìs spread his wings and threw himself at high speed, with Tsukuyomi and Rokumon doing the same while being surrounded respectively by the eclipse and the hellfire magics. As soon as the two were close to him, they started to overwhelm him with a combined sequence of sword attacks. While Tsukuyomi's cuts seemed more coordinated and precise, Rokumon's ones were more wild and violent, giving the enemy a mix that somehow was able to blend up together.

"DANCE OF THE ECLIPSE!"

"DANCE OF NARAKA!"

Apostatìs felt cuts of several elements attacking him all over his body, which made him roar out of pain, but he then spread his arms and pushed them away with a destructive shockwave which was released by his atomic magic.

"NGH!" Both Rokumon and Tsukuyomi were pushed away, but that wasn't enough to put them to a halt. Also because someone else was already there.

(Emotionally to the bitter end on the road that seemed right, we came running deceitfully, there was a mistake or two.)

"HMMM!" Yori approached directly at Apostatìs, who tried to crush him down with the same barrages of punches he used to the girl, but to his nuisance, the samurai put his arms in front of himself to take the hilt and then used his sword at the last moment to parry the last fist and push him away with a devastating counter-attack.

"NGH!"

Yori didn't waste any time and planted his sword on the ground to shoot five trails of energy that followed the enemy to blast him up. "Furukaunta-Score!"

(Imprinted relative, have no interest in happiness, To protect what I can't give up, hold a sword that twists the head!)

The attack was successful and Apostatìs was sent up due to the blasts, where he could see that Tsukuyomi and Rokumon were already trying to corner him from both sides by running to the walls. The Wyvern Slayer's eyes were filled with veins for his anger as he spread his arms and blocked them at the perfect time just when they were about to cut him down with his sword.

"He saw it through!" Tsukuyomi exclaimed.

"Don't give up!" Rokumon incited her and with that, the two threw their best cuts with the sword at high speed.

Apostatìs seemed to block his attacks at first, but then he was fooled as soon as Tsukuyomi made a fake cut to actually surprise him with two charged magic sword attacks that stalled him. "DOUBLE CROSS ECLIPSE ATTACK!"

"NGAH!" Apostatìs didn't expect that and was the victim of the two blows that left him exposed to Rokumon, who already answered.

"INFERNAL DESTINY!" He shot a tongue of flames from his blade that sent Apostatìs down, just where Yori could stab him with the sword.

"Furukaunta-Spear!" Yori charged another portion of the energy he had and charged Apostatìs with the sword to make him crash against a wall.

(Cross at the crossroads! It looks like yesterday! Disturbance awakens in the depths of memory! As easy as falling off a log! I'm on the verge of fascination! A song of repose in which rain is played!)

At first, Apostatìs seemed being crushed on the wall, but then he moved his head furious and planted his palms right at Yori's chest (despite how awkward it was), and charged two atomic beams from them. "ATOMIC WYVERN'S TORRENT!"

"NGHHH!" While he tried to resist, Yori was wiped off a few meters away, but Tsukuyomi was already there to replace him, filling her whole body with eclipse magic.

Apostatìs growled as he was about to stab her with his hand, but at the last moment, the girl put her sword in a defensive stance and made it glow, blinding the enemy. "NGAH!"

Tsukuyomi took advantage of the light side of her magic to distract his enemy and find a break in his body. She didn't waste any more time and attacked as fast as she could with her sword. "DANCE OF THE ECLIPSE!"

(A gatekeeper beckoning the deceased who is fleetingly scattered! Fire that burns from within! It's hell, is it heaven? Before we meet, shall we hurry ahead?)

Once again, Apostatìs was filled with cuts, but even in that rain of attacks, she was able to grab Tsukuyomi by the head, throw her away, and attack her with a quicker, yet weaker atomic beam.

"GAAAAAH!" The girl fell and Apostatìs thought he was able to put her down, but to his shock, Rokumon was already at his right, ready to attack.

"Hellfire Armour!" Covering himself with the flames of his own magic and resembling a demon, the older mage of Shogunate Pride started to attack Apostatìs with the same ferocity he was showing. The leader of Chimera Tribe found it a challenge and attacked with the same level of violence. The two of them were somehow able to hit the other with every blow, but they weren't going to stop.

Then, Yori joined the match and supported his friend by using his barrage of sword attacks, forcing Apostatìs to use one arm for both of them. Much like when the battle had started, he was about to stay at the same level at first…but then he noticed that he was about to falter further and further. He could start to feel the weakness in his legs. "Why!? Why they don't just fall down!? I'm the one who did most of the damage! UH!?" He then raised his head and noticed that Tsukuyomi was already in mid-air to throw her next attack.

(Yeah yeah! I've been covered in scars since long ago! Peel off the scab again To fly high in the sky!)

"ECLIPSE COMET!" Tsukuyomi was spinning in mid-air and fell right on Apostatìs's head to cut him in the throat (but not fatally).

"NGAH!" Apostatìs could see blood coming out of his neck as he lost balance in the struggle with the other two mages, who took the perfect chance to push him away.

"TYRANT RAVE!"

"Furukaunta-Revenge!"

The two attacks wiped Apostatìs away, even if he was able to stand on his feet. But at that point…he had enough of it.

"I. WON'T. TAKE ANOTHER SECOND! I'M WILLING TO DESTROY THIS WHOLE PLACE IF IT GIVES ME THE PLEASURE OF GETTING RID OF YOU!" With those last words, he spread both his arms, his wings, and his mouth, charging on three beams at the same time. "ATOMIC WYVERN'S…BURNING BREATH!" As soon as he pronounced the spell, he shot three devastating beams from the three spots that aimed at the three samurais at the same time.

"AH!" Merida had a scared expression as soon as she saw it.

"THEY WON'T MAKE IT!" Ronin shouted.

"No, don't worry! They have a plan!" Iori tried to calm him down, and luckily enough…he was right.

Rokumon and Yori sweated up a bit at that sight…but Tsukuyomi stood in front of them and raised her sword. She knew of a technique she could have used…but using it against such a spell like that could have still meant suicide.

As she prepared for the blow, her body trembled. She was scared…but for once, she wanted to have the certainty that everything would have been ok. Therefore…she used the fundamental ingredient for a samurai that she learned when she passed the exam.

"To be one with their weapon, a samurai must cleanse out every type of thought that could obstruct their mind and as such, their body, and their heart. It's okay to feel stressed, but as long as it doesn't take priority during the fight."

"きれいな心 – Kireina kokoro; A clean mind…erase all bad thoughts…become one with your weapon…search for the enemy…and then strike…everything will be okay." As she remembered Revany's words and the third requirement of a samurai…Tsukuyomi felt it again.

The lotus falls gently on the pond. When she opened her eyes…she could see Apostatìs…and an aura of eclipse started to surround her. "Light and darkness become one…and unleash their greatest power…YOU SHALL WITNESS IT NOW! I'LL BREAK ALL LIMITS!" And with those words…she went for it.

"ECLIPSE RAGING DRAGON!" She charged forward with outstanding power, as the aura that surrounded her took the form of a long roaring dragon. Soon enough, this attack contrasted with the atomic beams coming from the enemy.

(This crouching figure, if you want to laugh just do it, staring at the dirty sky, we are surely more beautiful than anyone else…)

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Her muscles were bleeding out, and her skin was showing off the first burns due to the exposure of that attack, she could have fallen from one moment or another, but even with that…she pushed…to the point that the dragon was consuming the atomic beams.

"WHAT!?" Apostatìs noticed how his attack was getting neutralized, and as such, he tried to use more strength. "WHEN YOU WILL LEARN THAT THIS IS ENOUGH!? I'VE ALREADY WON-" The impact increased his intensity…but in the end…

Roaring just like the dragon was inside…Tsukuyomi was able to nullify the beams with her eclipse… purify them like the light…and swallow them like the darkness.

Apostatìs widened his eyes in horror as he saw the enemy running at high speed against him. He tried one last defense…but the dragon made out of energy was faster than an arrow and already hit him like a truck. "GAH!"

Tsukuyomi gritted her teeth as she pushed forward. The strength was abandoning her, but it was all right…she made her part…and she could leave the finishing blow. "ROKUMON! YORI! NOW!" She shouted from the bottom of her lungs.

Rokumon and Yori didn't need to hear anything more…in less than a second, they were behind the girl, charging their attacks at the astonished enemy.

"Don't worry, Tsukuyomi! We're with you 'till the end! We thank you for everything!" Rokumon said as he charged his flames.

"Once all of this is over, we'll make sure that you get as much rest as you want! And to thank you for this…we'll throw back this out-of-control wyvern's words RIGHT BACK AT HIM!" Yori added as he charged the remaining energy he had gathered.

They didn't need to do anything. Apostatìs was both stalled and wounded by Tsukuyomi and couldn't move further…all that was left…was one last attack by both of them.

"ロンゴミニアド – RHONGOMYNIAD!"

"完全なる反復讐 – FURUKAUNTA REVENGE!"

Rokumon charged with outstanding power and slashed through Apostatìs, releasing a huge pillar of flames while Yori gathered the energy from the previous beam and released it with the same power at the enemy. The two clashes converged into one special combination which was common in the world of mages.

"UNISON RAID!"

(Come on, let's ensure today by living in the mud!)

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Needless to say, Apostatìs was devastated by such power which was focused on him and converged into one large explosion that pushed the three mages away.

Iori, Ronin, and Merida covered their eyes as this happened…and when they reopened…they could only see a large pile of smoke in front of the three mages.

Somehow…they were still able to stand up, but the only thing they could do was to catch their breaths. If they tried to use another attack, they would have probably collapsed.

"Did…did they make it?" Merida asked.

"I…I hope so. That guy was already exhausted after Rokumon and Yori attacked him earlier and got up because of that curse…now that he got blasted with those three techniques, it would be abnormal to still try to fight…" Iori answered.

Even with an almost certain result, the three samurais were looking at the smoke with tension. Their opponent already showed up to be above the expectations, so they didn't know what would await them. And if he would have stood up again…things would have gotten desperate.

And then…the smoke faded out…revealing a surprising thing.

"Uh?"

Apostatìs was still standing…but his whole body was full of ash, burns, and blood. His head was looking up with his eyes dilated and his mouth wide open. There were even some parts of his body that were still bleeding out, with the blood falling on the floor.

"A-Absurd…" Rokumon commented.

"He tried to stand up even with all of that…but he can't fight with those conditions…still, the fact that he wanted to not give up 'till the very end is outstanding…he's an amazing fighter…" Yori explained with a drop of sweat coming down from his head.

"So…what does it mean?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"…G-GAH! A-ARGH…" Suddenly, Apostatìs tried to move even if barely. That sight put the three of them on alert. "N-Not yet…I-I haven't lost yet…!" He tried his best to even move an arm…but it was useless.

Tsukuyomi and the others already raised their weapons. "Is he going to move again!?" The girl exclaimed. They didn't know if they would have been able to move as well after using all that energy…but they weren't going to. Just as they prepared themselves…

"WAIT!" A voice suddenly cried out, making them turn around.

"Uh?"

They could see Ecclesias run toward the brother and reach him. Even if she was badly injured as well, she could still move.

"E…Ecclesias…?" Apostatìs asked.

"Yes…it's me…" The girl answered before turning at the three samurais. "Please…don't pile on my brother any further! It's…it's over. We have lost." She then said with a begging tone.

Tsukuyomi slightly widened her eyes in surprise. "Brother?"

"I see…then the 'her' she was mentioning was this girl…" Yori commented.

"She's telling the truth!" Another voice said, making the others turn around and see Domino as well.

"Ah! Domino!" Rokumon exclaimed.

"Yup, that's me! I've brought her here to make him talk with his brother!" Domino answered.

"Wait, you were able to do all that road with her in such a short time!?" Rokumon then asked. The girl…didn't seem to know what was going on.

"…What…what do you mean? The sign said that the escalators were at the bottom right!"

…

A small awkward silence followed. Iori, Ronin, and Merida reached them out just in time to hear that. And then…

"Eh?"

"Eh!?"

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?" Suddenly everyone shouted out the same thing at the same time.

"You…seem surprised," Domino commented.

"NO KIDDING!? THERE WERE THE ESCALATORS!? AND BEFORE THAT, A SIGN THAT INDICATED THEM!?" Tsukuyomi shouted.

"I'M SURE TAMMY IS FEELING THE SAME AS ME NOW!" Rokumon added.

"YEAH!" Tammy's voice echoed.

"YOU'RE SAYING I COULD HAVE AVOIDED ALL OF THIS IF I LOOKED AROUND!?" Apostatìs was extremely wounded, but he had the strength to say that.

"MERIDA, WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING!?" Iori shouted while Merida facepalmed.

"I forgot that was a thing…I'm feeling like the dumbest person alive…"

"IORI, WHAT THE HELL!? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?" Rokumon then shouted.

"WE WERE RIGHT THERE!" Ronin answered, pointing at the control room.

"THERE WAS A CONTROL ROOM!?" Tsukuyomi shouted. The situation kept degenerating for a few minutes…but Ecclesias tried to call everyone to order.

"CAN WE PLEASE GO BACK TO NORMAL!?" She shouted. Everyone looked at her a bit embarrassed and soon enough…the situation returned to the one it was. After taking a few breaths, she was able to explain the situation. "Like I said…please stop fighting…I don't want to see my brother suffer any longer. We…we accept defeat."

"W-What!? Ecclesias, have you gone out of your mind!?" Apostatìs exclaimed.

Ecclesias looked at him with exasperated eyes. "Can't you see the conditions you are in!? This wasn't the reason I came here! And…I've started to regret it…in fact…I've started to regret all of this…"

"W-What do you mean?" Apostatìs asked.

Her sister looked down with a bit of guilt before answering. "…They're right, Apostatìs…this…idea of hunting down others' treasures to get rich…was all one big mistake."

"WHAT!? Ecclesias, you can't be serious! I've made Chimera Tribe for you and the others! Did you forget that it was our cry of rebellion!?" Apostatìs protested.

"I DIDN'T FORGET THAT!" Ecclesias shouted. "But…I've realized that…it wasn't the right way to do so. I've liked the idea of making everyone learn their lessons but…I can tell it even by just looking at you. This…isn't the right choice."

"Ecclesias…" Domino spoke.

Yori seemed to have understood the situation a little, and as such, he looked at the girl. "What happened exactly that made you all do this for so long?" He asked.

Ecclesias looked down again…and then explained.

"…Apostatìs and I lost our parents due to a terrible epidemic fifteen years ago…and after that, we remained alone. Neither our mother nor father had any relatives we could go to…and our city didn't have any orphanages. The only thing we had left…was each other." She could still remember it…the day they were looking at their foster home…when the leaves were falling.

"B-Big brother…?"

"What is it?"

"W-What's going to happen now? I'm…I'm scared…"

"…No! No! You don't have to be scared! Big brother is with you, remember?"

"Really?"

"Yes! We'll find a way to survive! I'll assure you!"

"…Ever since then…we traveled far and wide just to find a place where we could have eaten and called home. But…whenever we knocked at a door, no one would answer…no one would greet us." Ecclesias continued.

The scene was always the same…with the two of them sitting behind a barrel, and Ecclesias who was doing her best not to feel cold. Back then…the only thing she could do was to create her roses…while Apostatìs couldn't help but grow his grudge.

"Why…WHY!? WE TRIED EVERYWHERE BUT NO ONE WANTED TO HELP! Why does this happen…? Does…nobody care about us?"

"Big brother…"

"Ecclesias…don't worry, I'll find a place you'll be able to call home, I promise!"

"…Yes…"

Then…one day…while Ecclesias was feeling fine, Apostatìs was starting to feel the bites of hunger. Whenever they were able to get food, he used to give most of it to his sister, just to make sure that she could live again.

"Big brother, please resist!"

"D-Don't worry…I'm fine…I just need…something on my stomach…"

He was desperate enough…that he would have been satisfied with anything he would have found. Like…carcass of a dead wyvern. Without thinking twice…he jumped to it and started to eat it.

"Big brother, stop! We don't know if it's healthy!"

"I…I need food. I'll accept everything! As long as I can still make you live, I'll do it- GAH!"

That day…his organism started to squirm, to the point even his body had a few changes.

"BIG BROTHER!"

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

After the mutation, Apostatìs was able to shoot a long atomic beam from his mouth that astonished both of them.

"T-This power…is…is this magic? Y-Yes! I can use this! I can become strong!"

"R-Really?" Somehow…that made Ecclesias curious as well. The desire to become stronger and better with their magic grew with time…to the point that they were able to take enough money through public matches. They could eat…thanks to their strength…they weren't going to give mercy to anyone. They were going to look forward and crush down everyone who would have stood in their way…like a chimera.

Soon enough, that duo of siblings was starting to be feared throughout the world of private matches…and then…in the world of magic, as Apostatìs came up with an idea.

"You know…why should we stop at just this? We get stronger every day. If we keep on like this, we could be undefeatable!"

"Yes…I think of it the same way!"

"We could get even more than we already have…think of all the valuable stuff we could get by using this power! We could finally be at the top of the world! What do you say?"

"…You know there's no need for me to answer. We've stuck together for so long, there's no way I'm gonna abandon you right now. You're my brother, after all…"

"…I'm so glad to hear that…just like that day…I promise to never leave your side, no matter what happens. And now…everyone is going to pay…we'll remember them that we also exist."

While remembering this, Apostatìs looked down. They were all vivid memories even to that day. "That was only the beginning…" He spoke. "From that day on…more people came to us…wanting the same. Those who were abandoned by themselves, those who were insulted, and vilified, those who lost their pride…and those who thought they could have done more. I…I've wanted to make them all know that they weren't alone…and that together, no one could have stood in our way. Crush everything we see…that was the way I've created. The way of a chimera…" He spoke.

The samurais and Merida looked at them with concerned eyes. Some of them, like Tsukuyomi, Iori, or Domino all looked down. In a way…they could have said that…they understood them.

Their story wasn't that different from theirs.

"Still…" Apostatìs then looked at his sister. "You're saying that you want to throw it all and let them arrest us!? Why, Ecclesias!? Why now!? We…We were doing so good up until now…" The boy was starting to tear up.

Ecclesias hesitated at first to give her answer, but then she told it. "…Because in the end…we weren't that different from them…" She then pointed at Merida. "This…this is her home, and we were going to destroy it just to get rich. If you think about it…we ended up being not that different from the one who didn't want to greet us back then. And…now that we had met someone that could defeat us…I don't want to lose you or the others…"

Merida was just left stunned by that…but then she looked at Apostatìs. "I…I would try to listen to her, Apostatìs…you seemed sincere when you said that you wanted to defend your sister but…please try to understand."

"Indeed. Your fraternal bond is bigger than we could expect after hearing all of this. You did your best to make her happy up until now, right? It's what you said before when we fought. I could see it in your blow that your intentions were strong. They were simply wrong…if you love her that much, then…grant her this wish. There's no need to fight." Yori added.

Even Tsukuyomi…was able to find something to say. It was incredible to think about it. Just a few moments earlier, she hated him for what he was doing and she could still feel the pain of the violent aggression he gave her. But now…she was feeling empathic.

"I…I know how you must have felt. Being forced to suffer because of others…is something no one should ever feel. And…I could sense the same feelings as yours. But…I can assure you that there are plenty of ways to get past it. I've met a lot of people that could prove me this." She said, smiling at him and remembering some of the people like her own adoptive parents, even Erza…and the friends she had gained from the guild.

Apostatìs looked at all of them surprisingly. Why they were being…so nice to him? That…never happened back then. Yet they showed some sort of…kindness.

Ecclesias gently laid a hand on his burned face and looked at him with a loving smile and tears in her eyes. "I'm ok with this…we can leave all of this behind. Even if Chimera Tribe ceases to exist…I'll still be happy. Because I'll still have you."

"E-Ecclesias…" Apostatìs spoke.

"We'll survive, remember? Even if I have to end up in jail…I'll make sure to stay close to you…just like you did to me." The girl continued.

The boy started to sob…and hold his sister's hand. "I-I know what you mean, Ecclesias…" He spoke. He then lowered the girl's hand…and then his body started to glow red again.

"Apostatìs…?" The girl asked.

"What?" Tsukuyomi added.

"Apostatìs, what are you doing?" Rokumon asked. Soon, the five mages that were in there prepared themselves.

Even if he was in a terrible condition…he wanted to find a way to continue. He was probably not going to shoot more attacks, but he still wanted that certainty.

"I know quite well what you mean…AND THAT'S ONE MORE REASON TO KEEP ON GOING!" Apostatìs exclaimed.

"APOSTATIS, NO!" Ecclesias cried out.

"Stop while you still can!" Iori told him.

"It must be the smoke!" Yori added.

"I've done all I could to make all of this work, AND I CAN'T STOP RIGHT NOW! I'LL MAKE SURE TO BECOME MORE STRONGER THAN I'VE EVER BEEN! NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO MESS WITH ME! THIS IS MY PROMISE! I'LL DO ANYTHING TO DEFEND MY SISTER AND THE OTHERS! EVEN IF I HAVE TO BATHE THIS WHOLE PLANET IN BLOOD!" Apostatìs continued. At that point, he wasn't going to listen anymore…and the others prepared themselves, praying to have some energy left…even though they knew that he couldn't do much.

"I'LL WIN…I'LL BECOME RICH…I'LL BECOME STRONGER! I'LL-" He wanted to shoot a beam but then… "GH!" A small sparkle of light stunned and stopped him. His expression seemed turned off.

As the others were preparing themselves…they were suddenly left confused.

"…What?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"What…happened?" Ronin added.

"Apostatìs?" Ecclesias called him…but he didn't answer.

And then…a holy spell ring appeared at his feet…and a pillar of light was filling him. But he seemed unharmed.

"Woah!" Ecclesias got a few steps away as the spell continued.

"What's going on?" Tsukuyomi asked more confused. Domino looked at that magic…recognizing it.

"Is that…holy magic?" She wondered.

Then…they could see that as Apostatìs was 'bathed' in that light…the red smoke abandoned him and was erased, purified by that power. With that…the leader of Chimera Tribe…finally collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

"Apostatìs!" Ecclesias ran towards him and checked his pulsation…to then take a breath of relief. "He's…ok."

"Then…it's over. He's really down, this time." Rokumon said.

"But…who did that thing?" Tsukuyomi asked. The others were mostly feeling the same…but the answer wasn't too late to come.

Shortly after that…they could hear several footsteps from behind…and a big and deep voice echo in the hall.

"May the innocent be purified from the corrupt."

"Uh?" Everyone turned around to be surprised to see a…particular figure approaching them at a regular pace. And what caught the most of them was his appearance. Domino, in particular, once again…seemed to recognize him.

"What-? You…?"

This person was a tall man with tanned skin, long spiky silver hair that reached to about mid-back…and orange eyes. He was wearing a tuxedo-like uniform with gold marks all over and intricated golden armor under a white cape with shoulder protectors. He also wore a pair of golden gauntlets with clawed gloves and a pair of white and golden shoes. He also seemed to have…a white floating halo made out of energy on his back.

As he came closer, he looked at Apostatìs…and made a small smile. "My reasoning turned out to be right in the end…something was indeed off. To think that I would have met something we discussed just a few days ago…oh well…" He then turned around to meet the others with the same smile. "I was able to come right in time…don't you think?"

Xander Elohim – Holy Father of the White Church – Member of the Magic Council – Ten Wizard Saints

The mages of Shogunate Pride, Merida, and Ecclesias were all stunned by his presence. But even the daughter of the mayor seemed to recognize him.

"Is it…really him?" She wondered.

"Who…are you?" Tsukuyomi asked. But it was Domino who answered for her.

"Xander Elohim…"

"Uh?" The girl turned at her.

"You…know her, Domino?" Rokumon asked.

"Yes. He was mentioned often in the church I come from. He's the holy father of the White Church and the most influential ecclesiastic organization in all of Ishgar. I've also heard that he has a seat in the Magic Council as one of the Ten Wizard Saints…" She replied.

"WHAT!?" Everyone exclaimed, shocked. But Xander seemed pleased to hear that.

"It seems that I'm known even around the other mages…and you seem cultured on the topic. Were you raised in a church of ours?" He asked.

Domino felt a bit taken off about that. She surely didn't expect to meet someone with such a high charge from her past home. "W-Well, kinda. I come from a Zentopian church of Fiore."

"Ah, I see…good to know that there's someone from us who's doing good," Xander commented before looking at the others. "Please forgive me for my…abrupt entrance. I came into this market and couldn't help to notice all the mess that was caused. And I assume this was where it was mostly focused." He then looked back at Apostatìs. "And to think that I would encounter a being corrupted by such an energy…fate surely plays some cruel jokes, doesn't it?"

The others remained silent for a few moments…and then Ecclesias talked out.

"X-Xander…what did you do to my brother? What was that magic?" She fairly asked.

Xander made her a gentle smile. "Nothing to be worried of, my child. That was merely a spell used to purify him. His body seemed to have been corrupted by some powerful influence that made him go almost out of control. To be honest…it's the first time I've seen something like that. Though we discussed it in the Magic Council recently."

"So, it was…an exorcism?" Yori asked.

"Yes…you could say that. And it's a good thing that he was already wounded. I would have probably been forced to use a bit more effort. So, you could say…that the battle was already over. He should be fine now…although I'm certain he won't be able to move for a while." The older mage said.

"Thanks…" Ecclesias simply spoke.

And then…Xander started to turn around. "Oh well…I came here to get a bit of incense. My job here is done. I hope you'll have a good epilogue on your mission." And with those words…he started to leave.

The others were still…puzzled about him, while Ecclesias started to grab up Apostatìs.

"What a…interesting person. I never thought it would have ended up to something like this…" Yori commented.

"Yes…and to think that he purified Apostatìs with just that…" Rokumon added.

"Well…in any case…" Domino then smiled. "What matters is that in the end…we made it right?"

After hearing that, Tsukuyomi turned around and could see that…despite everything…the globe that sustained the market's energy was still intact. Their purpose in the great market was accomplished. "Yes…it's over…" But for some reason…she couldn't be entirely happy about it. For some reason…most of the attention was focused on Xander, who was leaving.

Just before he came out of the hall, he turned around and noticed that Tsukuyomi was looking at him. As an answer…he made a small grin. And then left.

The girl gulped at that…which made her thought more uncertain.

"Where…where have I seen him before?"

Great Akihabara Market – Central Area

The night finally descended on the Great Akihabara Market…alongside the long-awaited sound of silence.

The battle…was finally over.

While the last fight was taking place, the imperial soldiers alongside the other members of Shogunate Pride were able to catch up with the rest of the soldiers and mages from Chimera Tribe and tie them all together, thanks also to Henry's special lasso.

In the end, the seventeen mages of the guild were reunited, witnessing as the hunter guild they fought was about to get carried away.

"Okay! There's all of them! Time to put them in the carriages!" One of the soldiers said.

"To think that all of this was caused by them…" Another one was added.

While they waited their turn, the main mages of Chimera Tribe drew their conclusions on their failure.

"Man…so this is how it ends…and to think I was doing such a good job…" Gyaryu commented.

"What should I say!? In an instant, I was electrified! I'm glad it's over, I saw only terror in my eyes! Maybe…sticking with snake training wasn't a terrible idea after all…" Mania added.

"Well…if we ever get out of there, Ecclesias said that the guild will probably be disbanded. And maybe…it's for the best. Now I could see the consequences by myself…and a little girl showed me." Nixel commented.

"I'VE HEARD YOU!" Tammy shouted at him.

"Still…this is just so frustrating…and to think I almost got her!" Zenodias commented.

"I really don't have anything to say left…I can't even be mad at all. All I can say is fuck fuck fuck fuck…" Doxos added.

"And there it goes…my last chance of being a…Champion…" Sterling said.

"Well…it was a fun ride. At least we can say that we failed with style." Sinclair gave his opinion. "Well…in my honest opinion.

Barrel was still feeling the effects of Nobuhito's magic. "Mommy…"

Mandible and Jose were still traumatized by the way they were finished.

And Conaire looked at Revany, making a wink. The other girl didn't know how to interpret it.

And in the end…Apostatìs and Ecclesias were tied up together once they had been brought with the others. The leader of Chimera Tribe looked as if his guild, which once believed was unstoppable…was about to end.

"So…I guess that's it. It's time to go down from the top of the world…" He said with a resigned tone while looking down. At that moment, Ecclesias gently laid her head on his arm.

"It's alright…even if it's over…I still have you." She spoke.

"Ecclesias…" Apostatìs whispered.

"We'll be together until the end…right, big brother?" The girl continued with a hopeful smile.

That smile…was enough to put the Wyvern Slayer in peace. He laid his head on hers as well. "Right…" He then looked at Ray-Machina and noticed that he still had the same expression from when Hoshiko defeated him and his eyes seemed turned off.. "…Ray-Machina?"

An error has occurred and Ray-Machina has been shut down to prevent damage to your machias. Press CTRL+ALT+DEF to restart this Machias.

"…Never mind." Apostatìs then looked at the other guild. "Well…I guess that's the end. We're still pissed at you for taking us down but…"

The mages from Shogunate Pride all looked at him with skeptical faces.

"But…we learned our lesson, even if at a high price. In the end…maybe this was all for the best." Ecclesias added.

Then, the carriages started to move. "Okay, we're ready!"

Hearing that, Ecclesias made one last smile. "I…hope we get to see you again. Especially you, Domino."

Domino was surprised but smiled at them. "Oh, I'll surely pay off a visit someday! It's not like they'll leave you to starve in prison!"

Even Tsukuyomi found the courage to say something. "Well…you'll still be able to stay together. Take care, ok?"

At that, both Apostatìs and Ecclesias made a gentle smile as the carriages started to move. "We will."

And with that…all the carriages started to move fast…until they became only small dots in the distance.

All that was left…were the mages of Shogunate Pride and the mayor with her daughter, who just…looked.

"And so…the long journey of Chimera Tribe comes to an end…" Dohko commented.

"Still…they turned out to be pretty strong," Yori added.

"Yeah…you can say that again," Herny spoke, before turning around to the others. "But in the end…we were able to make it, right?" He asked.

Soon, everyone nodded.

"Yeah! It all seemed a mess but…we were able to win!" Nobuhito commented.

"And it's still so absurd to think that I was able to contribute one way or another…" Rere added before Tsukuyomi gave her a friendly pat on the back. "Agh!"

"Oh, don't say it like that! We've made a good portion of the road together and you even took out a dangerous mage! You were GREAT!" The other girl said.

Naturally, Rere became as red as a tomato. "E-Eh eh…come on, I didn't do that much…" Once again, her expression said clearly 'Please praise me', but she then calmed down. "Though I think you are the one who made the big thing!"

Now, it was Tsukuyomi who was blushing out. "W-Well…I mostly had a support role, if anything, Rokumon and Yori are the real ones who solved the situation."

"Are you kidding? I saw through Rokumon's eyes during all this time and I could see how you swung that sword! You think that was just support?" Tammy said with an excited smile.

Everyone else seemed to agree on that, and Tsukuyomi became even redder.

"Now you know how I feel," Rere told her.

"Y-Yeah…" The other girl replied.

"Even if you don't think so, they're right. You still saved us from Apostatìs when we were about to get crushed down. I think that's a lot!" Yori told her.

"And if you hear it by Yori-Shishou, you know that it's certain!" Cal confirmed before giving her a friendly pat. "I'm glad that you went hardcore. I like you even further."

Even if she was blushing…she could say that she was feeling happy. "T-Thanks guys…it means a lot."

"Sometimes you just need to give up and greet compliments," Revany told her.

"Yeah, she actually did something unlike you! Did you really sit down after taking down one mage!?" Hoshiko scolded the black-haired mage, who glared at her back.

"What should I say about you, then? You stood still all the time while Rokumon and Yori were doing the job." She countered.

"ACK!" Hoshiko felt cut off. "W-Well! I was making sure they would have come out fine! It's still more productive than you!"

The two of them ended up clashing their fronts while glaring at each other.

"Say it again, I dare you." Revany coldly told her.

"Oh, I'll do say it again! I can say worst things!" Hoshiko countered. But before they could do something else, Ren promptly grabbed them and separated them.

"Alright, alright, that's enough! You can argue after we leave and you rest! You did both fine." He told them.

Naturally, Tsukuyomi was left confused. "Does…does this thing happen often?"

"Oh, you have no idea! They're hilarious!" Iku said with a happy tone.

Dohko then nodded and turned on the young mage. "Still, they're surely right! It's fair we give the proper credit to those who deserve it. And you're surely not the only one who has it now." He then turned to the rest of the guild. "You all did a wonderful job! You showed again what we're made of! You can be proud of it! Shogunate Pride has accomplished another mission! Raise your weapons!"

As he said so, all the members raised their weapons and shouted the same thing.

"SHIROYAMA!"

That shout made everyone feel better. Tsukuyomi did the same, even though she was confused. "What is it?" She fairly asked. It was Rokumon who answered her.

"Oh, that is the battle cry of our guild! We say it every time to encourage us. It's based on the battle of Shiroyama that put the bases for the foundation of Shogunate Pride back in X686."

The girl was genuinely surprised to hear that. "Oh!"

"And from this day on, you'll be free to shout it whenever you feel like it. This mission showed it again, you adapted yourself quite well with us!" Dohko added.

"You're gonna love it! It makes me feel like a lion!" Sena said all proud.

"Well, you can become stronger than a lion…" Cal told him.

Once again, Tsukuyomi was almost moved. "G-Guys come on…you'll make me cry…"

"Nah! No space for crying! We completed our mission! Only cheers! Right, Icarus?" Henry then said, with his horse snorting for approval.

"Aw, Applejack is here as well!" Tsukuyomi exclaimed. Once again, the other samurai was left confused.

Fern, on the other hand, was looking at the market's conditions. "It seems that this place will be closed for a while. I wish we could do something about that." He commented.

This time, it was the mayor who talked it out. "Oh, you don't have to worry about it. You really did a wonderful job in defending this place. It's not the first time this market has faced such a crisis, you know? And as long as we have our globe safe, we'll be sure that we'll continue our activity!"

"You seem a lot more optimistic compared to this morning!" Nobuhito noticed.

"Oh oh! What can I say? I suppose I've been influenced by you! But really…me and Merida wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts." The mayor continued. With that, Merida made a step forward.

"You were able to save our whole market…and I was able to know some of you better. I hope we can have a chance to meet each other in the future!" Merida expressed her gratitude. "Especially you Iori! Don't think you'll get rid of me that easily!" She added with a wink.

"I'll count on it!" Iori answered happily. He then turned around and noticed both Sena and Tammy make a silly smile. "…What?"

"Once again…let us thank you from the bottom of our hearts…" Both the Mayor and Merida made a small bow, with the mages of Shogunate Pride doing the same.

"It was our pleasure!" They all said. Then, two imperial soldiers took out a chest alongside a few tickets.

"And these are our reward! We have 1.000.000 Jewels and a card for each one of you! With this, after you buy a certain number of things, you can get a discount on a product at will!" The mayor then explained.

"OOOOOOH!" Everyone (except Revany) said in unison. Naturally, Ren made a few steps forward.

"Oh, mayor, you're even too kind! I'll personally make sure that these jewels will be used pro-" Before he could finish the sentence, Yori shut him up with a karate chop. "AGH!"

"Don't listen to him, mayor." The other mage added.

"Well…I don't know if I'll ever use this…" Rere commented.

"Well, I think you could take something that you actually like!" Tsukuyomi suggested.

"Are you crazy!? Did you see the prices earlier!?" The other girl protested.

"There we go again…" Cal commented.

"And well…we don't want to drag you any further. I'm sure you'll all be exhausted after that." The mayor then said.

"But we'll make sure to let us hear out!" Merida added.

"We count on it! And yes, I think we all did a lot today. What do you say, guys? We go back to the guild?" Dohko then asked. And once again, he was pleased to hear the answer with enthusiasm.

"YES, MASTER!"

"Speaking of which, Master…you know…there may be other ways to reach the guild safety and-" Iori tried to bargain but…

"We'll go with the train." Dohko cut him short.

"DAMMIT!" The boy shouted out. As always, Ronin was there to pat him.

Tsukuyomi looked at them all with a smile…and then assumed a tired face. "Y-Yeah…I kinda feel…tired…" She was about to fall off, but she ended up landing on something. "…Man…I don't remember rocks being this soft…"

All the other members looked at her with wide eyes.

"…What?" She asked. But she knew the answer with horror right after saying it.

"Oh my! I know that I had a soft breast, but I didn't know you were that direct, Tsuki!" A voice said from above.

Tsukuyomi looked up with wide eyes…to see Iku…and found out she ended up on her breast. As expected…the answer was…

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Caelum – Kabula line locomotive

And so, after one last salute to the mayor and Merida, the mages of Shogunate Pride went to the closest train and headed back for Elba. Naturally, while the others were fine and discussed about what just happened, Iori was doing his best to not throw out. "T-This is so painful…"

"Hang on…we're not that distant…" Ronin said while supporting him.

Meanwhile, Tsukuyomi was looking from the window, as the market started to get further and further. It was incredible how that much could have happened in the span of a day. And yet…she was able to get out of there alive.

Her first major mission was accomplished.

"Thoughtful much?" Yori's voice called her back to reality.

The girl looked at him and nodded with a smile. "Well…yes." She spoke. She was sitting at the same table as Rere, Cal, and Yori.

"Well, it's comprehensible. When it comes to facing down another guild, there's always a story to tell." The older mage commented.

"Yeah…after this, I can surely agree." The girl replied. "Considering the two mages I've ended up facing."

"I think we can all agree on that. You have no idea what guy I've met up…" Rere commented before looking at the girl. "But…we made it out alive." She added. "Somehow…It was better than I'd imagined it."

"Oh really? That's a new one coming from you!" Cal noticed.

Rere blushed again. "Well…you're not that wrong."

"It's surely a new one for me!" Tsukuyomi added with a little laugh. "I think that I now properly know what it means to be a mage in a guild. And…well…I'm glad that I was able to do so with you. Being able to solve conflicts and…see the gratitude in others…is very pleasing." When she said it, she wasn't referring only to the mayor and Merida…but she also thought of the smile that Ecclesias gave her.

"Awww! It's so warming to hear it! Well, get ready for more! For a talented mage such as you, this is only the beginning!" Domino told her.

"R-Really, it's nothing!" Tsukuyomi answered back, pleased even if embarrassed.

"All those punches you received surely tell it! No offense, naturally. I'm sure the tooth fairy will reward you with tons of Jewels!" Rokumon then told her.

"Uhm…Rokumon…the tooth fairy isn't real." Tsukuyomi pointed out.

Naturally, Rokumon gasped. "What!? But they told me-"

"They lied! I would have a fat wallet by now!" Rere told him.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Once again, the older mage was left disappointed.

"Speaking of which…is it true that one of the Ten Wizard Saints intervened?" Dohko then asked.

"Yes…Xander Elohim. I've heard voices about him, but I've never expected to see someone like him." Yori replied. Even the Master seemed thoughtful about that.

"Indeed. Unless they are the Masters of some guild, the Ten Wizard Saints usually never show off their faces…oh well! Would have been nice to see him!" He then commented.

Tsukuyomi was confused by that comment. Once again, she didn't know what to say about her boss but…she was indeed thoughtful about that man.

And that…sense of familiarity didn't get out. But…she didn't want to think about it at that moment. She was able to accomplish her first major mission in the guild and therefore…she wanted to enjoy the success…along with everyone else.

So, as she came back to the guild, and heard a "Welcome back!" From Yukari and the three little girls, she was more than happy to answer in unison with the others…

"We're home!"

Caelum – City of Elba – Guild of Shogunate Pride

It was a deep night, and most of the members were already in bed. Some wouldn't have been able to go right back to missions due to all the wounds they had gotten during the battle. As the guild's official medic, Yukari could see that they went hard on it. Still…they were all satisfied by it.

And between those who wanted to spend one last moment before closing their eyes…there was the black-haired girl, who was writing a letter to her adoptive mother.

Dear mom

It has been already a good amount of days since I joined Shogunate Pride, and I can say with certainty that my life has been a lot more frenetic ever since! Just like what happened today. I've ended up facing another guild for the first time alongside the others. I admit that I got a bit scared at first, especially considering that I fought against two powerful mages which made me falter for a moment. But…somehow…I was able to have the right strength to take them down, and I found out more about them and the reason why they did so. Somehow…I've understood that even if someone's actions can be considered evil…they're all moved by a motivation. Sure, some people want to do bad things just for pleasure…but I'm sure that most of these enemies have their own story…which I think should be comprehended. Not forgiven…but still comprehended. And once again, It felt wonderful to be a part of this whole operation. I'm starting to feel more at home…just when I was with you and Dad…speaking of which…I really miss you. I'll make sure we see each other again one of these days. Whether it is you or me that comes…I hope to see you again. But I don't want to sadden you much! I'm feeling great here at the guild! I feel like I'll find the strength I've wanted to find that much ever since that fateful day. Everyone is so funny and kind and…I've made two special friends. It's incredible to think of it that way. I hope I'll have the chance to make you meet them. Their names are Cal and Rere. I'll probably stay here considering all the blows I've received, but I don't mind…I'm sure I'll be able to get prepared for what fate has for me. Once again…let me know how things are in the village and send my best regards to my friends out there…I hope to see you soon.

With love, your daughter, Tsukuyomi.

Feeling satisfied with the letter, she closed it, hoping to send it the day after. She then looked at the moon and made one last reflection. "Yeah…this battle with Chimera Tribe was only the beginning…who knows what else is going to happen…" She then stretched herself and put herself to bed. "Oh well…only time will tell. All I want now…is some good-earned rest…good night…..me." And with that…she closed her eyes and started to sleep, curious for the next day.

She was aware of the fact that Dohko was looking at her with the door slightly open and a warm smile on his face. When he acknowledged that she had fallen asleep, he closed the door and turned around to see that Yori had come closer.

"So…how is it?" He asked.

"She seems calm. It's always nice to see the new members feeling glad to be here. We're a bit strict, but it somehow works…" Dohko replied.

"Well, this place wouldn't work without a great Master such as you," Yori commented with a small smile.

By hearing that, Dohko shrugged. "I simply do my job. I'm still convinced that Master Yoshino did her job better." He commented, making Yori chuckle.

The other mage then looked up. "And so…another battle has ended. And man what a brawl…"

"Yeah. Kinda sad I've missed most of the fights." Dohko commented.

"…Still…" Yori then made a slightly concerned face. "There's still something that bothers me."

"What is it?" The Guild Master asked. And Yori's question was natural enough.

"…What was that red smoke that corrupted Apostatìs?"

Dohko got thoughtful as well. Hearing of something that could have maddened other people was surely a worrying thing…but he couldn't know yet. "Well…we can't tell yet. Maybe it was just a strange phenomenon or…maybe there's something deeper."

"…I hope this is just a bad omen and nothing else," Yori concluded. That simple battle raised more questions than expected…with no answer yet.

Desierto – Asmar Desert

In the depths of a place forbidden to man…darkness reigned supreme…but even with that…voices could be heard…and sinister lights could be seen.

They were signs…signs of something that wanted to be heard.

And even if darkness reigned supreme…something could be seen…

The manifestation…of three red glowing eyes…followed by screeching noises.

And we're done! Woohoo! You can't imagine how excited I am for being able to complete a major arc such as this! What a ride this had been! I thought it would have taken out a lot more, but as always the hype took over me and I was able to make it through in a short time! I really have to say that I've had fun finishing the battle, making sure that all three mages were able to have their moments to shine and make the action as frenetic as possible for a major boss, showing off the backstory of Apostatìs, putting a few references to what's going to happen in the future and make a sweet conclusion! It's still incredible for me to have reached this result, considering that I still haven't reached such a thing in the other stories, so it really means a lot, and maybe, the emotion came in through the emotions that the characters showed off in here! I'm glad that for the first time, we can now move on to the next step!

But of course, I leave the last word to you! Did you like the chapter? What were your opinions on this last battle? What are your opinions on Chimera Tribe's sendoff? Who's this Xander that stopped the breakout of the enemy? But most importantly…what do you think will happen next? As always, let me know with your reviews! Your opinion is important!

And man, I was somehow able to put up everything I planned to make in December! I don't know if I'll post anything else (except for maybe a small one-shot I came up with), so I think I'll take a bit of rest and enjoy both Christmas and the New Year with a bit of rest. This year turned out to be really productive thanks to this story and the support some of you show in the Discord group (which you can find in my profile). I'm sure that without you, I wouldn't have received this hype that made me complete this arc and even take back some of my other stories. I really hope this 2024 will be as productive as this year since I plan to take back all my other stories! But of course, I'll do my best to make a constant update with this one! Speaking of which, the next chapter will be an interlude, a little break from all these battles and then we'll depart right away for the next arc! I can't wait to show you what I have prepared for Shogunate Pride's next adventures!

And well, if I don't come up with something else for these last days, I wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and all of your families! We'll see you next time! From Bluestar here, Arrivederci!