If the young woman known as Kamen Rider Zi-O were to be honest with herself, the optics did not look too good for her at the moment.

Sure, one would think that having the powers of twenty Kamen Riders from the Heisei era, in addition to mastery over time itself, would give her an advantage over most opponents who dared challenge her, as any normal mind would rightfully assume.

However, the woman in front of her—standing and pointing her wand at her with all the fury, sorrow, and power in the world—was not just any opponent. It was a full-blown goddess demanding a duel. Scathach-Skadi, the ruler of this frigid Lostbelt, stood amidst the snow and smoke, her presence as overwhelming as the ice-laden wind howling around them.

'Boy, where's Gaim when you need him?' The Field Director bemoaned in her mind as she stood across from the goddess, the snow-wind howling between them in the aftermath of the Fire Giant's demise. 'Having my own space god on my side would be really, really helpful right now!'

Under normal circumstances, Olga would feel very confident about her chances, especially in her Grand form, even if it was against a goddess who had proven to be one of the most powerful beings she had ever encountered. The problem was that she had just regained her powers—powers she effectively had to jailbreak to reclaim after some unknown force had stripped them from her. Possibly a consequence of spending the power of Oma Zi-O to accidentally merge Proper Human History with an aberrant timeline that was never meant to be. Plus, she had expended far more energy in the previous fight than anticipated due to still assimilating Another Zi-O's power, leaving her utterly exhausted.

One point in her favor was that Scathach-Skadi also looked like she was running on fumes, giving Olga a potential edge in the upcoming battle.

Perhaps.

Maybe.

...Oh by the One True Root, she was screwed, wasn't she?

"Why so hesitant, queen of time?" The violet-haired woman's voice rang out through the field of smoke and snow. "Don't tell me you are backing down from a battle? What kind of ruler does when so much is at stake?"

"Erm, please don't mistake my silence as my waving a white flag, so to speak." Olga answered, scratching a finger against her cheek in a sheepish manner. "I honestly find myself…confused? Not by the demand for a fight—after all, you know why we're here, and you're going to defend your home to your last breath and all that. What's thrown me for a loop is you choosing to challenge me specifically instead of all of Chaldea. May I ask why?"

Scathach-Skadi let out an acknowledging hum. "Is that man truly your herald?" Her tone took a more derogatory turn as she gestured towards Woz.

"Yes, yes he is. My first follower, depending on a certain point of view."

"Then you should be aware of the fact that he has proposed that your group from your own history should have abandoned me and my people to our fate at the hands of Surtr and let his ungodly flames consume my home while the rest of you flee back to your own world," the goddess-queen nearly spat out the words like venom. "The followers of a ruler reflect said ruler and their domain. What exactly does it say about your so-called Proper Human History that this is even a path to consider when faced with immediate destruction?"

"Are you serious?! WOZ!" Olga shouted towards her herald, who, to his credit, did not flinch like the others and he simply stepped forward. "What are you doing making me look bad in front of another queen like that?!"

"I was simply pointing out the most optimal solution to our mission here without needing to actually do anything," the prophet stated plainly in the face of his liege's outrage. "To my credit, I accepted this one's choice on the matter in the face of a fiery oblivion."

Almost too casually, he jabbed a thumb towards Ritsuka, who huffed in response.

Scathach-Skadi's gaze hardened, her grip on her wand tightening. "The optimal solution? Abandonment and cowardice? This is what you call optimal?" Her voice cut through the air like a blade, every word imbued with the weight of her disappointment and anger. "You all speak of your Proper Human History, yet you would leave innocents to perish for the sake of convenience?!"

Olga clenched her fists, feeling the weight of the accusation. "I assure you, that was never my intention. We fight for all lives and their futures of our world, regardless of their origin. But even so, Woz's suggestion was not reflective of our true intentions."

Ritsuka stepped forward, his eyes meeting Scathach-Skadi's unwavering gaze. "We chose to stay and fight because it was the right thing to do. No one here wants to abandon anyone to such a fate."

The goddess-queen's expression softened slightly, though the fire in her eyes remained. "Words are easy. Actions are what matter."

Before Olga could give a proper response, the Shadow Border burst into view, its engines humming with power as it skidded to a stop. Both Caster Da Vinci and Rider Da Vinci disembarked swiftly, their eyes scanning the battlefield with urgency.

"Looks like we made it just in time," The younger Da Vinci remarked with pep in her voice, her mechanical steed whirring softly as it came to a halt beside her.

"We've detected an energy reading similar to the Tree of Emptiness in Russia. It's here, in this Lostbelt. We need to take Ritsuka there immediately. We can destroy it while we have the chance," the older Da Vinci added, her voice filled with urgency.

Scathach-Skadi's eyes flickered with a mix of determination and resignation. "The Tree will only fully manifest if I am defeated as per the spell I casted all those eons ago. It's tied to my very existence and my rule over this land."

Olga nodded decisively. "Good. You all go destroy the Tree. I'll face Scathach-Skadi and accept her challenge."

Mash, her expression filled with concern, stepped forward. "Are you sure about this, Olga? Facing a goddess alone is…"

Atalanta, eyes narrowed with worry, chimed in. "We don't want to lose you, Olga. But if this is your decision…"

Olga cut her off with a reassuring smile. "I'm sure. This is something I need to do. Trust me."

Ritsuka, though clearly worried, stepped closer to Olga. "We're counting on you, Field Director. Do your part, and we'll do ours. You better survive this. We need you."

Olga's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "What kind of queen would I be if I let my followers down?"

"Speak for yourself!" Mordred clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with defiance. "There's only one ruler I'll ever follow, and you're not him!"

The sudden declaration brought a stunned silence over the group. Then, as if realizing the weight of her words, Mordred's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I-I didn't mean that…" she stammered.

Izo, with a bemused expression, gently pushed her towards the Shadow Border. "Just get in, Mordred."

Ritsuka turned to the Da Vincis, trying to reassure them. "We'll explain everything later. For now, we need to focus on our mission."

Caster Da Vinci's expression was a mix of confusion and concern. "I hope you know what she's doing, Ritsuka."

Rider Da Vinci, her voice laced with a touch of humor despite the tense atmosphere, added, "You better hope Olga makes it through this."

As the others boarded the Shadow Border, Woz stepped forward, untransforming and moving to the sidelines. "Best of luck, my queen," he said, his tone respectful as always.

Scathach-Skadi's eyes locked onto Olga's, filled with both determination and a hint of sorrow. "You think you can stand against a goddess?"

Olga raised her hand, hovering it just over one of the statues over her person. As she was, she wouldn't be able to actually summon any other riders - just their weapons and tools, "I won't just stand against you. I'll prove my worth."

"Brave words," Scathach-Skadi replied, her grip on her wand tightening. "Let's see if your actions match."

"Hibiki!"

"Ready when you are," Olga challenged as she raised the Ongekibou Rekka in her hands, her heart pounding in her chest while the drum sticks ignated with purple flames of an oni warrior.

The air between them crackled with tension, each woman assessing the other's resolve. The battlefield seemed to hold its breath as the two combatants prepared to clash. Suddenly, with a burst of energy, they charged at each other.

Scathach-Skadi's wand flashed through the air, sending icy blasts toward Olga. The blasts cut through the swirling snow, aiming to freeze her in place. Olga met the assault with her flaming drumsticks, deflecting the icy shards with skillful swings. Each clash of their weapons sent shockwaves through the ground, the snow and smoke swirling in a chaotic dance around them.

Despite her increasing exhaustion, Olga pressed on. Her mind was laser-focused on the fight, every swing of the Ongekibou Rekka deliberate, every deflection a testament to her determination and mastery. She knew she had to manage her energy carefully.

Scathach-Skadi's eyes were fixed on Olga with piercing intensity. "Why do you aspire to be a queen?" she demanded, her voice slicing through the din of their battle.

Olga's reply came immediately, her voice resolute amidst the chaos. "I want to be a queen because I believe in a future where everyone can live in peace and prosperity. I want to protect those who cannot protect themselves and lead them toward a better tomorrow."

Scathach-Skadi's expression remained stoic as she parried Olga's strikes with her wand. "And how do you plan to rule?"

"By leading with both compassion and strength. I will be a beacon of hope for my people, someone they can look up to and depend on. I will fight for them, protect them, and ensure they have a future worth striving for!"

"What does your ascension as ruler mean for your world?"

"It means uniting people under a common cause, inspiring them to be their best selves, and working together to overcome any challenges that arise! It means creating a world where everyone has a place and a purpose, where no one is left behind!"

Scathach-Skadi's gaze softened slightly, though her attacks remained relentless. "And how do you intend to achieve this?"

Olga's resolve was palpable. "By being the greatest, kindest demon queen of all time. I will use my power to protect and uplift, creating a legacy remembered for all of time itself!"

"Double!"

With a roar, Olga launched herself at Scathach-Skadi, the Metalshaft ignited with flames on both ends. She swung the shaft with all her might, channeling her determination into each strike. Scathach-Skadi met her with equal force, their weapons clashing in a dazzling display of sparks and light.

The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the air. Olga gritted her teeth, feeling the strain in her arms as she blocked the powerful strikes. The goddess's strength was overwhelming, but Olga's resolve was unwavering.

Scathach-Skadi stepped back, her eyes scrutinizing Olga with an intensity that made her feel as though she were being weighed and measured. "You speak of protecting those who cannot protect themselves. But tell me, Olga Marie Animusphere, what do you understand about sacrifice?"

Olga swung the Metalshaft in a wide arc, sending a wave of red-hot flames toward the goddess. "I know that sacrifice is necessary for progress. I've seen what happens when people are unwilling to make hard choices. I've seen worlds crumble because of it."

The flames crashed against a barrier of ice, shattering into a spray of water. Scathach-Skadi's expression was unreadable as she stepped through the dissipating embers. "And what are you willing to sacrifice?"

Olga's eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on her weapon. "I'm willing to sacrifice myself if it means a better future for my people. I'll give everything I have to ensure their safety and happiness."

Scathach-Skadi's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Even if it means losing yourself?"

Olga hesitated for a moment, the weight of the question settling in as Sylvia's words echoed in her mind. "I won't lose myself. Never again," she said firmly. "As long as there are people willing to stand by me and believe in the future I wish to protect, I will never forget why I became a Kamen Rider and a queen!"

"Gaim!"

Scathach-Skadi's wand swept through the air, conjuring a storm of ice and wind that battered against Olga's Melon Defender. The cold bit into her golden armor, numbing her limbs, but she stood her ground. "You claim to want to be a kind ruler," the goddess continued, her voice cutting through the howling wind. "But kindness alone will not save you. How will you balance compassion with the harsh realities of leadership?"

Olga's eyes blazed with determination as she pushed through the storm, her movements deliberate and measured. "By being fair. By understanding that sometimes tough decisions are necessary, but always striving to do what's right. I'll listen to my people, consider their needs, and make choices that benefit the greater good."

The storm intensified, the wind howling like a beast as ice shards flew toward Olga. She spun the shield, deflecting the shards with swift, calculated movements. "And what about those who would oppose you?" Scathach-Skadi pressed, her voice a constant presence amidst the chaos. "What will you do when faced with those who seek to undermine your rule?"

Olga's response was immediate, her voice steady and unwavering. "I'll face them head-on. I'll show them the strength of my conviction and the resolve of my people. And if necessary, I'll fight to protect what I've built. But I'll always seek a peaceful resolution first."

Scathach-Skadi's eyes glinted with a mix of approval and challenge as she closed the distance between them, her wand crackling with power. "You speak well, Olga Marie Animusphere. But words alone are not enough. Show me the strength of your conviction."

"Build!"

"Fullfull Match desu! Fullfull Match Break!"

With a mighty roar, Olga launched herself at the goddess, the Fullbottle Buster blazing with blue energy. Their weapons collided in a series of rapid, resonant strikes, each blow a testament to their wills. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered, the air thick with the scent of burning wood and ozone.

Scathach-Skadi's attacks were relentless, her movements fluid and precise as she pressed the advantage. Olga parried and countered with her sword, her eyes locked onto the goddess's every move. The battle became a test of endurance, a contest of wills that pushed both combatants to their limits.

As the battle raged on, Olga could feel her strength waning. She knew she had to end this fight soon. Summoning the last of her energy, she prepared for her final move and looked into what what next.

"I can see your future!"

Scathach-Skadi's eyes widened in surprise as Olga suddenly moved out of view with blinding speed, her movements trailing golden dust-light.

"Finish Time! Grand Zi-O!"

Above the queen of the Scandinavian Lostbelt, nineteen ethereal gates materialized, forming a celestial ring. Each gate opened to reveal a different armored warrior, their presence radiating immense power and determination.

"All Twenty Time Break!"

One by one, the nineteen warriors launched into diving kicks, their forms blazing with incandescent light as they hurtled toward Scathach-Skadi. The queen's eyes narrowed, her grip on her wand tightening in a desperate attempt to summon a protective barrier. Ice, wind, and light swirled around her, coalescing into a translucent shield that shimmered with fragile beauty.

But the combined force of the nineteen warriors was unstoppable. The first kick struck with the sound of shattering glass, sending spiderweb cracks across the surface of the shield. The second and third impacts followed in rapid succession, each blow hammering into the barrier with unrelenting force. Scathach-Skadi's face twisted with effort as she tried to reinforce her faltering defense.

However, it was a futile endeavor. The Kamen Riders' kicks broke through layers of ice and magical defense, their explosive impacts creating a cacophony of destruction. Scathach-Skadi staggered under the relentless assault, her defenses crumbling under the sheer weight of Olga's determination.

With a final burst of energy, Kamen Rider Zi-O dived through the air, her form glowing with intense, radiant light. The air around her seemed to pulse with energy, creating a corona of power that illuminated the entire battlefield. She descended like a falling star, her foot aimed squarely at Scathach-Skadi's chest.

The impact was simply cataclysmic.

Olga's foot connected with Scathach-Skadi's chest, unleashing a burst of light and energy that illuminated the battlefield in a blinding flash. The force of the kick sent shockwaves through the air, causing the ground to tremble as if caught in an earthquake.

Scathach-Skadi was propelled backward, her wand slipping from her grasp as she was thrown through the air. She crashed into the snow, the pristine whiteness marred by the force of her fall. The ground around her was cratered, the snow melted away in a perfect circle from the intensity of the impact.

For a moment, the battlefield was silent, the echoes of the final attack lingering like the tolling of a distant bell. The wind carried the faint smell of ozone and burnt magic, a testament to the ferocity of the clash.

With a loud thump, Kamen Rider Zi-O landed and stood over the defeated goddess, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She felt her strength waning, her body teetering on the brink of collapse. Her muscles screamed in protest, and her vision blurred at the edges, but she remained upright, her gaze fixed on Scathach-Skadi's prone form.

Even in the snow, with her body broken and bloody, Scathach-Skadi's expression conveyed respect and admiration. "You fought well, Olga Marie Animusphere. I see now why you are worthy of being a queen," she said, her voice steady despite the pain that laced it.

Olga's legs gave out, and she fell to her knees, her transformation dissipating as she struggled to catch her breath. "Thank you, Scathach-Skadi," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I hope to live up to your expectations."

Scathach-Skadi's gaze softened, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I hope the future you create is better than what I could have accomplished," she murmured, her voice carrying a wistful note.

With those final words, Scathach-Skadi, Norse goddess-queen of the Lostbelt of Scandinavia, closed her eyes for the last time. Her figure gradually faded into the snow and smoke, her essence dispersing like mist under the morning sun.

Olga watched her go, and only when the goddess's form had completely disappeared did she allow herself to collapse onto the snow.

As they approached the Tree of Emptiness, a feeling he had not felt in a while filled Ritsuka: the unbreakable will that helped him pushed towards his goal during the Grand Order. This time, however, there was an unease mixed in. Despite everything he told himself and others, Ritsuka could not help but think about what others like Billy stated; what he was about to do to save the world. With Scathach-Skadi defeated, it was too late to turn back now so they had to do this— they had to destroy this world…

"Ritsuka, the Field Director was successful! The Tree of Emptiness has appeared!" One of the Da Vinci's shouted out, snapping him out of his thoughts. "We're closing in on it now!"

'No time to think about that anymore…'

Ritsuka took a long deep breath to calm himself before looking up. "I've got this…" He affirmed to himself. Glancing at his Servants, he nodded to them, giving them the silent order to prepare themselves too before walking past them to leave the cockpit. The final Master of Chaldea and his loyal Servants stepped out of the Shadow Border after it skidded to a halt right before the massive Tree that pinned this lost history to the planet.

For the first time, Ritsuka could finally get a good look at the Tree of Emptiness. Its bark was a pinkish-white with black and red cracks all over it, creating segments that almost seem like they were completely disconnected from each other. He could also now truly appreciate just how massive it was; the nearby trees were not even as tall as the base of it. The Tree was naturally completely daunting, carrying a powerful aura as it extended high into the sky and overshadowed everything else around— even the mountains.

'Now's not the time to be intimidated.' Ritsuka closed his eyes and cleared his mind. He could not let himself be pressure by a tree, not even one that was instrumental in destroying the world he knew and fought to save before. "Let's go," he nodded again before the others stepped forward, walking past him as they readied to do battle.

A low hum filled the air followed by an ear-splitting shriek, originating from the Tree of Emptiness as it sensed the hostility directed at it. Lights flashed all over it before— "Master! Keep behind me!" —beams of light shot out. They curved through the air but their targets were clear. After shouting the order to scatter, Ritsuka let Mash grab him and leap away as the beams blasted the ground they were just standing on.

More lights flashed from the Tree of Emptiness, followed by more light rays directed at the now dispersed group. The one aimed at him and Mash was blocked this time as Mash stabbed her shield into the ground, planting it in place to protect herself and her Master. "Nezha! Atalante!" Ritsuka called out to the Lancer and Berserker who immediately knew what their orders were.

Flying up to the sky whilst evading the Tree's attacks, Nezha took aim and shot her bands of fire at it. The flaming rings weaved through the air and struck the bark, setting it ablaze as it made small cuts through it. Meanwhile, the grounded Atalanta traded in her claws to instead use her blackened bow. Her target was the cracks within the Tree of Emptiness; it was unclear if they were truly weak spots but they were as good a place to shoot as any. She let loose purple bolts that pierced the winds and soon reached their targets; Atalante may not be an Archer anymore but she was still as much a sharpshooter as she needed to be.

As the Tree was struck by the attacks, it let out another shriek. 'Good. That worked…' Ritsuka thought to himself, feeling slightly better now that however insignificant they may be, they were hurting it. That was a good sign as an— "Master!"

"Watch out!"

This time, Mash did not deflect the Tree's beams but rather a spear aimed from Ritsuka's right. Not only she but Izo and Mordred also came in clutch to protect him from another ambush from his other side. His attackers soon flew back as they were foiled, moving to hover ahead of him. "You two are…" Ritsuka muttered, recognizing them.

Their clothes were singed and they had burn scars here and there, but it was definitely them— the last two remaining Valkyries that served Scathach-Skadi. It was clear what their intentions were and Ritsuka could only look at them in sympathy despite what they attempted to do. "Sorry, but please, stand down," he pleaded with those who were likely the only survivors of Surtr's flames.

"I'm afraid we cannot do that, Master of Chaldea," the blonde Valkyrie answered with a near-monotonous tone that hid the fierce determination in her eyes. "We cannot allow you to cut down the Tree. As the remaining protectors of those residing in this world, we have to do what we can to save them."

"Even with the queen dead— no, especially because she's dead —we still have a duty to uphold," the other Valkyrie stated, raising her spear despite the clear pain she was in. "And you too, we expect you to do all you can to defeat us."

"But, we don't need to fi—"

"Yes, we do!" Shouted the first, letting her mask of machinery slip. "If you win and destroy that tree, we are gone either way. If we are to die, let it be as warriors."

Ritsuka paused at their wishes. He heard a part deep within himself questioning if he thought the world was kind enough to let him do his business without any more difficulties. 'Shut up…' He replied to that voice before returning the Valkyries' gazes. "There's no changing your minds, is there?"

Their response was to tighten their grip on their weapons.

"…Very well. We'll fight you… and win." Ritsuka declared with resolve. "Izo! Mordred!"

The two Servants let out noises of affirmation as they stood to attention, staring more intently at the two Valkyries than before. With another cry from the Tree as Nezha and Atalante continued attacking it, the battle commenced. Despite their injuries, the Valkyries were still swift as they immediately closed the distance. Weapons clashed as their spears were blocked by the Servants' swords and they retaliated.

As they fought though, Ritsuka could not keep his mind solely on them as the Tree of Emptiness still demanded his attention. Its attempts to defend itself continued as it indiscriminately shot more rays from itself— trying to kill not only the Chaldeans but even the Valkyries despite them theoretically being on the same side. It was clear that such a concept was not within its grasp.

In between avoiding getting killed by the beams, Ritsuka was trying to determine the best course of action while barking out orders. The Valkyries were more of a danger to him specifically but the Tree was their main target. 'Deep breaths… Don't let yourself be overwhelmed…' It was easier said than done but Ritsuka had to calm down; a clear mind triumphs over all.

It was mainly a battle of attrition on both sides; all they needed to do was last longer than their opponents. So first, they needed to make the odds swing more towards their side. "Hans. Can you use your Noble Phantasm?" Ritsuka glanced back at the child-sized Servant who had been sticking close to himself and Mash for protection.

Hans naturally let out a sigh but Ritsuka could tell it was more forced than anything to keep up appearance. "As you wish, Master." The Caster cleared his throat before blue light shone around him. "Times are good now… there's no shortage of material and inspiration. Remember this each time you fail!"

The spiritual manifestation of a quill shone above Hans before crying out the name of his Noble Phantasm: "Märchen Meines Lebens!"

Another bright light shone, this time overtaking all the Servants on Chaldea's side as Hans buffed them to the best of his abilities. "Whether it actually works is another question altogether," Hans muttered, knowing the minor caveat to his Noble Phantasm. However, the attack and defences boost were simply a bonus to what Ritsuka wanted; what he needed from Hans was just the healing abilities.

Sure enough, the Servants felt a sense of refreshment from Hans' support. With a hearty laugh, both Izo and Mordred managed to recover enough strength to push back the Valkyries. "Alright, you guys want to die so badly? I'm not a Grail but I'll be glad to grant your wish!" The Assassin cackled as his swings grew faster. Mordred too was more powerful with her blows, breaking through her opponent's defenses.

'…I'm sorry.' Ritsuka silently apologized as he closed his eyes. He then turned his attention back towards the Tree of Emptiness. More segments of it were on fire thanks to Nezha, slowly but surely depleting it of its strength. Whether it was weak enough to go down from a Noble Phantasm was not certain but in case it wasn't, Ritsuka held back on that lest it open up Nezha to a counterattack. However, whether it was or not, there was one thing clear about the Tree— it was charging up a big one of its own.

"Mash!" Ritsuka turned to face his first and most loyal Servant. He knew that she was not able to use her Noble Phantasm to the same strength as before, but it should be enough to protect them from the upcoming attack.

Returning his nod with a resolute one of her own, Mash hardened her stance as she began her own chant. "True Name...frozen deployment! This is the castle of fantasy that holds many paths and wishes…"

Mash raised her shield once again, a nail shooting out from its bottom before she impaled it into the ground with more force than before. The image of the Round Table flashed in front of the black shield as she cried, "Answer my call...Mold Camelot!"

While before, the city of Camelot would manifest around them, creating a nigh-impenetrable defense that would protect Mash and her comrades, the Camelot that appeared was corrupted. A red hue tinged the glitchy manifestation as black boxes flickered all over it, making it a far cry from the castle of King Arthur she used to summon.

Still, the broken manifestation did its duty and held up as the Tree fired one massive beam straight at the biggest group it could "see". The glitched walls held firm as withstood the beam, protecting those on the ground— even the Valkyries as they fought Ritsuka's Servants.

"Now!" Ritsuka shouted, giving the signal to finish this conflict once and for all.

Two blades shone in the snowy air before they were swiftly brought down, drawing the last bit of blood within this Lostbelt. At the same time, Nezha flew up higher than she had before, blazing a trail behind her as she did, and stared down at the Tree of Emptiness.

"Unsealing Noble Phantasm. The Taoist sage technique...jumping three souls and dispersing seven spirits!" She spun her spear before pointing the tip at the otherworldly fauna and blasted towards it. "This is...the Fire-Tipped Spear! Burn!" Flames enveloped her, turning her into a burning meteor. Finally, she smashed into the Tree of Emptiness at its base— causing a pillar of fire to erupt that completely consumed it.

The Tree of Emptiness could only let out one last cry as it burned away, the Noble Phantasm being enough to turn it into a spectacle. Ritsuka, however, was not focused on the burning tree…

"…This won't be in vain," he stated as he neared the fallen warriors. One had died instantly to Izo's blade while the other was still clinging to life even as she was impaled by Clarent. "I promise… this will mean something by the end."

"…Thank you…" Was the quiet reply.

"Congratulations on a most glorious victory, my demon queen."

With more effort than she cared to admit, Olga's amber eyes fluttered open. Her body ached from the intense battle, every muscle protesting her slightest movement. Despite her exhaustion, she managed a weary smile as she saw the perpetually smiling face of her herald, Woz, standing over her. The soft light of the dying battlefield cast a gentle glow on his features, making his smile seem almost too bright against the backdrop of destruction.

"Thanks, Woz," Olga managed to rasp out, her voice barely more than a whisper. She struggled to rise, her limbs feeling like lead. "I couldn't have done it without your silent support in the peanut gallery."

Woz's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, I'm sure you could have. But what I am here to do but support your path to retaking the throne? I must say though, witnessing your performance was nothing short of spectacular."

Olga chuckled softly, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Despite the pain, the playful banter was a welcome distraction. "You're always so dramatic, Woz. Are you sure you're not secretly a bard?"

Woz raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "A bard? Perhaps. But I prefer to think of myself as a chronicler of epic deeds. And yours was, as always, truly a sight to behold."

Before Olga could retort, a slow, rhythmic clapping echoed through the air, cutting through their exchange.

They turned to see the source of the applause: Daiki Kaito aka Kamen Rider DiEnd. His appearance was sudden and unexpected, and both Olga and Woz stared at him in shock. Kaito's expression was one of amused approval, his demeanor as enigmatic as ever.

"Well done," Kaito said, his voice laced with mock admiration. "A truly impressive performance, Olga Marie Animusphere."

Olga's eyes widened in disbelief. "Kaito? What are you doing here?"

Kaito's smile remained inscrutable. "I assisted Ritsuka-kun and his little friend for my own reasons. You see, I have my own interests in this grand game."

Woz's gaze narrowed, but he remained silent, his curiosity piqued. "And what exactly are those reasons?" Olga demanded, her voice edged with suspicion.

Kaito shrugged nonchalantly, his demeanor untroubled. "Oh, you know me: a bit of personal amusement and a desire to stir the pot. Nothing too grand or sinister."

Before Olga could press further, Kaito gave a dramatic bow.

"I'm afraid my time here is up. Until next time."

With a flourish, Kaito vanished through a swirling gray dimensional wall, his departure as sudden as his arrival. The swirling mist of the gray wall left a lingering sense of mystery and unease in its wake.

The moment was abruptly interrupted by a crackling transmission from the Shadow Border. Olga's communicator buzzed to life, the voice of one of her team members coming through urgently. "Olga! We've destroyed the Tree of Emptiness. The Lostbelt is collapsing soon. You need to evacuate immediately!"

Olga's heart raced as she processed the urgent message. The weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders. "Understood. We'll follow you guys using the Time Mazine. Just make sure to focus on escaping. We'll handle the rest."

The voice on the other end confirmed the message, and Woz stepped forward with a comically serious expression, his tone brimming with exaggerated confidence. "And now, my dear demon queen, let me assist you with our escape."

He bent down with surprising ease, lifting Olga in his arms. Her body felt light in his grip, a testament to his strength and her own exhaustion. She looked at him, puzzled. "You know how to drive the Time Mazine?"

"Indeed. Who do you think taught Geiz and Tsukuyomi?"

Olga couldn't help but laugh softly despite her weariness.

"I suppose I'll have to trust you on that."

As the Tree of Emptiness burned in the distance, Finis could not help but feel some sorrow in their heart. As beautiful as the sight was, it signaled the end of this World. This was always meant to be, but that thought only frustrated them.

"Seems that despite all the changes, Chaldea still carried out their duties. That boy is still on the path his other selves walked on," A voice spoke from behind them. Finis knew who it was and did not bother to look back yet. "The other will fall too; your king's actions saw to it that both of the Trees would go down together."

Finis nearly snorted at the mention of the fake monarch. "Seems so," They agreed before finally turning around to face the smirking Daiki Kaito. "Now then, our deal, DiEnd."

The smirk on his face grew wider as they went to business. "A little thank you too wouldn't be so bad. I did save you from the loud herald." Either way, Kaito reached into his pocket and took something out before tossing the items at Finis who caught it with ease. However…

"And the third?" Finis asked as they glanced down at the Another Ridewatches of Kikai and Quiz. They looked back up to see the Another Shinobi Ridewatch in Kaito's hands, making them narrow their eyes. "You're not backing out now, are you?"

"No, but this is just a little incentive," He replied, tossing the Ridewatch up in the air and catching it. "So out with it. Tell me what you know."

The two stared at each other in silence, mostly unmoving as Kaito continued juggling the third watch in his hands. After what seemed like an eternity— "I do not know much about him, but fine," Finis gave in, making Kaitou chuckle in triumph. "He was the one who saved me and my people when our world was about to disappear and sent me here."

"I already know that. That's why I came to you," Replied the passing-through thief. "What I want to know is why. For what reason did he bring you here? He even gave you their powers too to help you on your way."

"Our goals are aligned somewhat. He hopes that me succeeding in my mission would help him in the long run," Finis answered before scoffing. "If you're hoping that I know where he is, you are barking up the wrong tree. I have not seen him since we parted ways."

The phantom thief let out an audible grumble at what they said, frustration evident with how his eye was twitching. "Is that all you know?"

"…There's one more, but you will have to give that first," Finis stated with their gaze fixated on the Another Shinobi Ridewatch. Kaitou briefly considered his options, flicking between the Watch in his hand and Finis.

After another few tense seconds, he took the plunge. He tossed the Ridewatch at Finis who again caught it with ease.

"There is something more he seeks here, in this World," Finis revealed after pocketing the three Another Ridewatches. "I do not know what, but there's something here he wants. It's one of the reasons he chose this place as his "testing grounds," as you would."

"Then that is our deal closed." Whether Finis actually told everything or even the truth for that matter was up in the air, but Kaito trusted they knew better than to try swindling him. After all, he could always steal back what he stole in the first place~. "Time for us to part ways, Finis. Perhaps we can do business again in the future."

"Only time will tell if that ever comes to pass. It always does." Was replied, turning her back on the Kamen Rider just in time to see the Time Mazine Olga and Woz were riding on depart through the gateway the Shadow Border created, "Still, I wish you luck on your search and hope that your next target provides what you are looking for, Daiki Kaito."

With a wave of his hand, Kaito opened an Aurora Curtain behind himself. Mockingly bowing to Finis, he backed into it and disappeared as abruptly as he appeared.

For their part, Finis simply looked up towards the crumbling sky of the dying Lostbelt, taking another moment to witness the end of this world before turning and leaving.

And that's another Lostbelt done!

Hope the fight between Grand Zi-O and Scathach-Skadi was a satisfying enough climax along with the Tree battle with the remaining Valkyries. Hope things feel resolved enough as we move on to the next part of this story with the stuff we are foreshadowing here. Honestly didn't think we'd get this far at a certain point, but here we are folks!

FB113: Well, I'll admit that the fight with the Tree of Emptiness was rather fast and boring but there's not much I could do with a tree. That's one of the main reasons we added the Valkyries in to sort of pad things out and give more closure on stuff here. …I'll be honest, I think I excel more at character interactions than fight scenes. Anyway, needless to say, some seeds we planted before are starting to grow but when will they bloom? Just you wait and find out~

Until next time folks!