Hey, everyone!
Welcome to chapter 40 of My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive.
Hope you guys enjoy it!
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
*Sounds*
[Belt-san/Kamen Rider System]
"Super Moves!"
{Television}
"Wheter my reason for living be tragedy; wheter my reason for fighting be despair..."
- Shattered memory data fragment -
Outside, Roidmude 069's metallic form bristled with barely restrained frustration as it glared at both the humans who had interfered and its current rival, 096. Its red optics burned with a cold intensity, flickering with a twisted sort of possessiveness. The battle had clearly not gone according to its original plan.
After copying the data of a stalker named Sakaki Koichi during his previous life, Roidmude 069 began to develop tendencies to stalk on women. This is a habit he has carried on to his new life through the New World. He has a red-colored collar around his neck.
For 069, Miho was a target, but it went beyond mere programming.
There was something obsessive in its behavior—a stalker-like fixation that bordered on irrational, and the interference from the two Kamen Riders only served to stoke its rage.
And then there was 096, its fellow Roidmude, who had also interfered in its objective. To 069, 096 was nothing more than an obstacle standing in the way of what it desired, and it was increasingly irritated by its unwanted presence.
069's mechanical voice grated out a frustrated growl as it glared at 096. This was supposed to be a simple mission!
But now, with both the meddlesome humans and 096 in its way, 069's patience was at its limit.
Chaser, still keeping an eye on 069 from the broken window, noticed the shift in the Roidmude's posture, sensing the intent radiating from its stance. He turned to Drive, who was already preparing to leap into action.
"From what I learned, 069 likes to stalk women. He really picked up a disgusting a person to base his data from." Chaser muttered darkly. "The last thing I need is scum like him near Miho. He is mine. You take care of the other one, Drive."
"Sure." Counter Drive replied, agreement flashing in his eyes.
Both Riders prepared themselves, knowing full well that 069's obsessive fixation made it even more unstable and dangerous.
The time for mercy had passed.
It was time to end 069's twisted pursuit— one more time!
Chaser wasted no time as he jumped from the broken window, charging toward 069 with a burst of power as the android tried to fly back towards his fiancé's room.
The obsessive Roidmude barely had a moment to react before the purple-colored anti-hero slammed his Break Gunner into his face, forcing it further away from Miho's window.
*Smack!*
069 growled in frustration, raising its claws to strike back, but Chaser's relentless onslaught kept it on the defensive.
Meanwhile, Counter Drive turned to face 096, who seemed less fixated on Miho and more intent on settling a score with its fellow Roidmude. Its posture betrayed a calculating nature, and the black Rider quickly realized that while 096 wasn't targeting Miho specifically, it was no less dangerous.
"You're not getting past me," The vigilante declared, summoning his Blade Gunner.
The sound of tires screeching accompanied his charge as he activated abilities, boosting his momentum and delivering a powerful flying kick to 096's chest.
The Roidmude staggered but quickly retaliated with a swing of its heavy claws, narrowly missing Counter Drive as he ducked and weaved.
Chaser, meanwhile, was relentless against 069.
Each strike from the Break Gunner was aimed to overwhelm the Roidmude's defenses, forcing it back step by step. But 069's stalker mindset made it viciously persistent—it lashed out with wild strikes, desperate to regain the upper hand.
"You think you can take what you want?" Chaser snarled, blocking a claw strike with the Break Gunner's solid frame.
He countered with a powerful swing, sending 069 sprawling into a parked car.
"Not on my watch."
At the same time, Counter Drive engaged 096 with precision, using the agility granted by the NEXTridoron Key to outmaneuver the heavier, more methodical Roidmude.
The masked cop delivered a flurry of punches and kicks, each strike charged with kinetic energy.
"Sorry, but I've got someone to protect," He said, landing a decisive blow that sent 096 skidding across the asphalt. "And you're not getting past me."
My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive
Drive 40: Purpose
069 sneered at Chaser, its crimson eyes gleaming with malice.
"You just couldn't let me have my fun, could you?" the Roidmude spat, its voice dripping with venom. "It's always satisfying to see their terrified faces... helpless, trembling... There's nothing better than making the women squirm."
Chaser's grip on the Break Gunner tightened, his entire body trembling—not with fear, but with seething fury. His glowing violet eyes seemed to burn brighter, reflecting the storm raging inside him. For a moment, there was silence, save for the faint hum of his energy field.
The mere notion of Miho being violated by this monster fueled his rage even further.
"You sick freak," Chaser snarled, his voice colder than steel.
[Break!]
He lunged forward with terrifying speed, the Break Gunner raised high.
"You don't deserve to walk among anyone, human or Roidmude!"
*Bam!*
With a sharp pivot, the purple warrior delivered a devastating strike to 069's chest, the force of the impact reverberating through the air like a thunderclap. The Roidmude's body jerked violently, sparks erupting from its metallic form as it stumbled backward, crashing into the side of a dumpster.
069 groaned, its smug demeanor replaced with anger and pain. It clutched at its chest, glaring at Chaser with growing frustration.
"You think you're better than me?" it hissed. "You're no different! Just another fool, clinging to—"
*Smack!*
Before it could finish, Chaser slammed the Break Gunner into the ground, sending out a shockwave that silenced the Roidmude instantly. His voice was steady, his anger controlled, but there was an undeniable edge to his words.
"You don't get to speak. Not after everything you've done. You're nothing but a spineless coward, preying on those who can't fight back."
As 069 struggled to recover, Chaser took a step closer, his presence looming. The predator had become the prey, and there was no escaping the wrath of the menacing Mashin Chaser.
The anti-hero then pulls out the Chaser Bat Viral Core before inserting it into the Break Gunner's panel.
[Tune! Chaser Bat!]
A bat-based attachment extension forms around him, connecting his Circular Dynamics on the back to his personal brass knuckle-like weapon.
Mashin Chaser is now armed with the Wing Sniper bow and arrow so that he can fire off high density energy needles, as well as attach it onto his back to use as wings for flying capabilities.
069 staggered to its feet, sparks flying from its battered frame as it struggled to maintain its form. The Roidmude's eyes darted around, calculating its chances. Realizing it was no match for Chaser in its current state, it made a desperate move, turning to flee.
"You won't escape!" Chaser growled, his voice carrying the weight of his fury.
He swung the Break Gunner forward, firing a crackling shot of energy arrows that struck the ground just inches in front of 069, forcing the Roidmude to halt.
069 turned its head, its expression twisted in a mix of fear and defiance.
"W-Wait! You don't have to do this!" it spat, trying to stall. "You're Qurikless, aren't you? Why fight for the sake of racist people with Quirks? Why protect them?!"
Chaser's glowing eyes narrowed, and he stepped forward with deliberate purpose, each movement radiating menace.
"You think I care about those bastards?" he hissed. "I'm not a wannabe hero. You just pissed me off. That's all."
The Roidmude tried to bolt again, only for Chaser to suddenly appear in front of it, his speed overwhelming. With one swift motion, he slammed the Break Gunner into 069's torso, sending it sprawling onto the asphalt.
"Please!" 069 begged now, its earlier arrogance completely shattered. "Let me go! I—I'll leave! You'll never see me again!"
Chaser stood over the writhing creature, his shadow cast long in the dim light.
"You think I'll let you walk away to hurt someone else?" His voice was devoid of mercy.
He lifted the Break Gunner one last time, locking his gaze on the trembling Roidmude.
"No. Your crimes end here."
[Execution!] The Break Gunner announces as its user is about to unleash a Special Finisher.
"Are you ready to repent?" Chaser ominously asks his opponent, who merely shrieks in fear.
"S-Stop!" 069 cries pathetically.
[Full Break! Bat!]
The Tune Chaser Bat's Full Break finisher is the Execution Bat, where Mashin Chaser jumps up into the air and performs a double leg kick with purple energy bat wings surrounded on his feet.
*Bam!*
"Argh!" 069 cries in pain as he is kicked on the chest, his body soon exploding.
*Boom!*
The destroyed Roidmude's Core can be seen trying to flee from the scene.
However…
*Bang!*
A purple energy arrow pierces the machine soul, promptly killing its owner for good.
*Boom!*
Mashin Chaser remained motionless for a moment, his grip on the Break Gunner firm. The fight was over, but the anger in his heart still burned. Finally, he lowered his weapon, the faint glow of its energy fading.
"My justice isn't about showing mercy for monsters like you," he muttered.
The clash between Counter Drive and 096 unfolded near where Mashin Chaser and 069 were battling. Sparks flew as Counter Drive delivered blow after blow, his attacks relentless. Yet something about 096's behavior gnawed at the masked police detective.
Unlike 069, who cursed and screamed, lashing out in rage, 096 hadn't uttered a single word.
Her movements were slow, almost reluctant, and she made no attempt to block or counter his strikes. Every slash from the Rider's weapon landed cleanly, the sound of metal meeting metal echoing in the tense air. Sparks erupted from her battered form, but she barely reacted.
Yuuki narrowed his eyes, his strikes momentarily halting.
"What's your deal?" he muttered, stepping back to observe the Roidmude.
She staggered, her form flickering, but still made no sound.
Her glowing pink eyes seemed… hollow.
"What the hell is going on with you?" Drive asked, his voice sharper now, frustration creeping in. "Are you even trying to fight?"
096 trembled but remained silent, her head lowering slightly, almost as if in submission. The unsettling quiet around her only amplified the chaotic battle nearby, where Chaser and 069 continued to clash with brutal force.
'What's wrong with this one?' The vigilante cop thought to himself.
Something didn't sit right, but before he could dwell on it further, the loud sound of a direct hit from Chaser's Break Gunner brought his focus back to the battlefield.
Chaser appeared beside Counter Drive, his Break Gunner still humming faintly with residual energy from his previous battle. His orange eyes flickered over to his fellow Quirkless, irritation clear in his tone.
"What is taking you so long?" Chaser asked, watching as Drive stood there, weapon still raised. "I already finished off 069. You should've been done by now."
But the cop didn't immediately answer. He was still focused on 096, who remained frozen in place, not even attempting to fight back.
That was when Chaser truly took notice.
It wasn't Drive who was struggling against 096—it was the other way around. The Roidmude wasn't even defending itself.
Chaser narrowed his eyes.
"Wait… you're the one doing all the hitting here?"
His voice held a tinge of confusion as he observed the scene more closely. 096 barely moved, barely reacted, almost as if she wasn't even trying to survive.
The masked detective let out a sharp breath.
"Yeah… and that's the problem." His grip on his weapon loosened slightly. "It's not fighting back. Not even a little."
Chaser frowned, his gaze shifting between the android and the detective.
"So? That just makes this easier. Finish it off and let's be done with it."
But something about this felt off—felt wrong. The cop wasn't sure why, but every instinct in him screamed that this situation was more complicated than it seemed. And judging by the silence from 096, she knew something they didn't.
Before Drive could even react, Chaser forcefully shoved him aside, stepping forward with his Break Gunner raised.
"Tch. If you won't do it, then I will."
His voice was cold, unwavering. He had no patience for hesitation. No reason to spare a Roidmude that had already shown itself as a threat.
But just as he was about to pull the trigger—
"Wait!"
096's body flickered, its metallic form shifting as waves of data pulsed through its body. In the blink of an eye, the mechanical husk was gone, replaced by a human figure.
A very familiar one.
Miho.
Chaser's entire body locked up.
Miho was standing there, trembling, her eyes wide with fear. Her arms instinctively shot up to shield herself, her lips parted in a silent gasp. The sheer terror in her expression hit him like a freight train.
"Please, don't shoot!" The android pleads in a panicked tone.
His grip on the Break Gunner faltered. His breath caught in his throat.
No.
No, this wasn't right…
He could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he stared at the woman in front of him. The same face…
The same eyes…
Drive, still regaining his balance from the shove, looked between them, equally baffled. His mind raced to put the pieces together, but he had no idea what he was seeing.
Chaser, the man who had just ruthlessly torn through 069 without hesitation, was now frozen.
"Miho…?" He barely whispered the name.
096, still in Miho's form, slowly lowered her arms, her terrified expression shifting to one of desperation.
"P-please… don't kill me!" she pleaded, her voice trembling. "I swear, I never hurt the real Miho! I only scanned her data! That's all!"
Chaser clenched his jaw, still trying to process what was happening. His grip on the Break Gunner tightened, fingers twitching as if he wasn't sure whether to lower it completely or pull the trigger.
Before he could decide, the distant wail of sirens pierced through the air.
Drive immediately snapped to attention, eyes darting toward the approaching red and blue lights in the distance.
"Damn it. We're out of time," he muttered under his breath.
He turned his head slightly, noticing a growing number of curious onlookers gathering around the hospital grounds. Some were already holding up their phones, eager to snap pictures of the two masked Riders and the mysterious third figure between them.
"Well, shit."
He knew they had to leave. The last thing they needed was Pro Heroes or law enforcement getting involved right now—especially with the amount of damage they caused while fighting the Roidmudes.
"Come on, we're leaving!" The detective's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
He was sending a signal. In response, the low roar of engines echoed through the skies as the Ride Boosters came speeding toward them.
Chaser, still tense, shot one last glance at 'Miho' before reluctantly following the Rider's lead.
With a single motion, Drive leapt onto the Red Ride Booster, revving the engine. Chaser followed suit, climbing onto the blue one while 096 hesitated for a moment before scrambling onto the back of Chaser's vehicle, much to his chagrin.
Without wasting another second, the engines roared to life, and the three of them sped off into the night, leaving behind a crowd of bewildered witnesses and the blaring sirens of the approaching authorities.
A while later…
At the top of a building, away from the fight…
Akira's grip on the Break Gunner tightened as he glared at the Roidmude in front of him. Despite the fact that she was explaining herself, his patience was wearing thin.
And it didn't help that she was still using Miho's face.
Whether it was an attempt to manipulate him, or simply a fear-based instinct to avoid being harmed, it made his skin crawl.
He and Yuuki had undone their respective transformations in order for their bodies to rest from their lastest battle. The two have also sensed no hostility or malice coming from 096, a sign that it was safe to talk with her.
"Okay, start talking. Now." Chaser's voice was low, sharp, and filled with barely restrained hostility.
'Miho'—or rather, 096—fidgeted slightly before answering.
"I… I was curious," she admitted, her voice eerily similar to the real Miho's. "I wanted to understand something about humans—something beautiful."
Akira scoffed, unimpressed.
"Beautiful? Don't make me laugh."
096 nodded with a guilty look on her face.
"Yes. I've been fascinated with the concept of love. It's an emotion unlike any other—one that can drive humans to incredible lengths."
Yuuki, who had been listening silently, finally spoke up.
"And you thought scanning Shibuya-san would give you that answer?" His tone wasn't as hostile as Chaser's, but it was still firm.
From Belt-san's reports he read about the Roidmudes, he learned how the previous 096 had an unhealthy and twisted obsession towards the notion of love. But what about this incarnation?
096 nodded again.
"I searched for someone whose emotions were strong enough to help me understand… and I found her." She glanced downward as if recalling the moment. "Even in a coma, her emotions burned so intensely that I felt them."
Akira narrowed his eyes.
"When I scanned her, I saw everything—her memories, her thoughts, her feelings… and they were all for you, Akira."
Said Quirkless stiffened.
"I didn't understand at first. But the way she longed for you, the way she believed in you… it was unlike anything I had ever processed before."
Yuuki glanced at the other man, gauging his reaction, but the latter remained silent, his expression unreadable.
"That's how I knew," 096 continued. "You were the one she loved most in this world. And when I saw how you protected her… I understood even more."
Her lips curled into a small smile, not of malice but one of nostalgic longing.
"You're like a shining knight, Akira."
"Tch." Akira's eye twitched. "Shut the hell up."
096 tilted her head, confused by his reaction.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Stop it." He muttered, turning his back to her slightly. "I'm not a knight. I'm not even a good person."
096 frowned, looking between the two Riders.
"But Miho's feelings for you were real. And your determination to protect her is also real, isn't it?"
Akira clenched his jaw but didn't answer.
Yuuki crossed his arms, watching silently. He had a lot of questions about 096's behavior, but one thing was clear—this Roidmude wasn't like the others.
The police detective then narrowed his eyes at the disguised android.
"And what do you plan to do now?"
096 hesitated, glancing between the two Riders. She could tell from Yuuki's tone that this was an important question—one that would determine whether or not she'd be allowed to walk away from this conversation.
"I…" She swallowed, still using Miho's voice and face. "I promise not to cause trouble. I swear I have never harmed a human since the start of my second life, and I have no intention of starting now."
Akira scoffed.
"And why should we believe that?"
"Because all I wish for is to understand the concept of human love," she said earnestly. "Nothing more."
Yuuki sighed, shaking his head.
"You realize that just saying that doesn't mean we can trust you, right?"
096 nodded.
"Yes. But I also know that if I were to become your enemy, I wouldn't stand a chance."
That caught Akira's attention. He gave her a sharp look.
"You're saying you're willing to betray the Roidmudes' organization?"
The question made 096 visibly tense.
Yuuki hummed, watching her reaction closely.
"Because that's exactly what you're doing, whether you've realized it or not. Refusing to act like the other Roidmudes, refusing to hurt humans, wanting to learn good from them instead… If the Executives find out, they're not gonna be happy."
096's hands clenched into fists as the full weight of that realization hit her.
If she continued on this path, if she continued to interact with humans instead of harming them, it was only a matter of time before her actions reached the higher-ups.
And then, just like that, she would have a target on her back.
"…Then let me ask you something," 096 finally spoke, her voice quieter now.
She looked at the two Quirkless men, fear evident in her eyes.
"If the time comes where I am hunted for my association with you… will you protect me in exchange for my cooperation?"
Yuuki took a moment to think before answering, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The city lights flickered below them, a stark contrast to the conversation they were having on the rooftop.
Finally, he sighed and looked back at 096.
"I believe the reason why Roidmudes are mainly perceived as evil is because of Banno," he began. "He was the one who programmed them to evolve by analyzing the worst traits of humanity. So it makes sense that most of them imitate the ugliest aspects of people—greed, cruelty, violence. That's why the Drive Team sees them as enemies."
096 remained silent, absorbing his words.
"But I also believe the opposite is possible," Yuuki continued. "If Roidmudes were shaped by negative human behaviors, then what's stopping them from learning the good ones too?"
He let that sink in before crossing his arms and giving her a pointed look.
"There are three Roidmudes defectors under Krim's employment," he revealed. "Ones who aren't harming anyone, who are actually helping people."
Both Akira and 096 stiffened in surprise.
"You're lying," Akira scoffed, though there was a flicker of doubt in his voice.
Yuuki shook his head.
"I'm not. Belt-san saw potential in them—proof that Roidmudes don't have to be our enemies."
096's hands trembled slightly. She had always assumed that the only future for a Roidmude was either to obey the Executives or be hunted by humans. But now she was hearing that some had been accepted by Krim Steinbelt himself.
Yuuki took a step closer.
"I believe that humans and Roidmudes can coexist. It's not gonna be easy, and I doubt everyone will be on board with the idea. But if you can prove that you're not an enemy of humanity, if you show that you're willing to live alongside people instead of fighting them…"
He exhaled and gave her a serious look.
"Then the Drive Team will protect you. If you defect from your organization, we won't let them hunt you down."
Akira narrowed his eyes, skepticism still evident on his face.
"That's a nice fantasy, but it doesn't change the fact that Roidmudes have done more harm than good."
Yuuki simply raised an eyebrow.
"Then what about Chase?"
The question hit like a slap.
Akira stiffened, his jaw tightening as he struggled to come up with a response. But he couldn't. Because Yuuki had a point.
Chase was a Roidmude, but he was also the one who had chosen to fight for humans. The one who had protected people, even sacrificing himself for them.
But Akira could feel that the cop was also purposely reminding him of this given that he was the apparent reincarnation of Chase.
Yuuki smirked at his fellow Quirkless's silence.
"Thought so."
Akira scowled but said nothing.
Seeing the opportunity, Yuuki pressed on.
"Let me ask you something else, Chaser. You know about the tales of Kamen Rider 01(Zero-One), right?"
Akira frowned at the sudden shift.
"Of course I do."
"Then you should already see where I'm going with this."
It took a moment, but then Akira's expression changed. His eyes widened slightly, realization dawning on him as Yuuki continued.
"The conflict between humans and Roidmudes here isn't that different from the battle between humans and Humagears in Hiden Aruto's world," the detective explained. "The Humagears were also artificial beings seen as threats by most of humanity there with the advent of and the Ark. But Aruto didn't just fight against the ones who went rogue—he also fought for the Humagears who wanted to live peacefully."
Akira clenched his fists. The comparison was undeniable. The only real difference was that the Roidmudes had started off with a much darker purpose. But if Humagears could prove their worth and coexist with humans…
Couldn't the same be possible for Roidmudes?
Akira let out a sharp sigh, running a hand through his hair before turning away.
"Fine. Do whatever you want. But don't drag me into this mess." he muttered, already walking toward the exit door. "If you really believe she won't be a problem, then you take care of the Roidmude."
Yuuki didn't respond, watching silently as Akira made his way to leave. There was no point in arguing—he had already made up his mind.
096, however, wasn't as composed. Her eyes widened slightly, and for a brief moment, she raised her arm as if trying to reach out to him. But just as quickly, she hesitated, fingers curling inward before she let her hand fall back to her side.
She didn't understand why, but seeing him walk away made something inside her chest tighten in a way that felt… uncomfortable.
Still, Akira never looked back. He had already decided—this wasn't his problem anymore.
Later...
Musutafu City Police Department - Entrance
Yuuki and 096, now wearing a change of clothes to better blend in, stepped through the entrance of the Musutafu City Police Department, the fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow over the bustling office space. Officers moved back and forth, discussing cases, filing reports, and taking calls—just another busy day in law enforcement.
At the reception desk, Kaniko and Sansa were busy working when they noticed the two newcomers. The crab girl, looking up first, immediately perked up.
"Yo, Detective Tomari!" she greeted casually, setting down her pen. "You look like you've been through hell again."
Sansa, standing beside her, tilted his head slightly as his feline eyes locked onto 096.
"And who's this?"
Yuuki simply gave them a small non-chalant smile.
"A witness for a new case," he said cryptically, offering nothing more.
Kaniko and Sansa exchanged glances, clearly intrigued. Kaniko opened her mouth to press for more information, but before she could, the sound of approaching footsteps made the four of them turn.
Yuriko and Tsukauchi were making their way toward them, their expressions filled with concern. Yuriko, in particular, had a sharp glint in her eye, her worry evident as she immediately focused on her partner.
"Tomari-san." she said, her tone a mix of relief and frustration. "Where the hell have you been?"
As Yuriko and Tsukauchi studied him carefully, Yuuki simply raised a hand in reassurance.
"Relax, I'm fine," he said, his tone calm but firm. "There were a few… unexpected problems, but I handled them."
The detectives exchanged glances, immediately sensing there was more to the story. Before they could press further, they turned their attention to the mysterious woman standing next to Yuuki.
"And who's this?" Yuriko asked, her sharp eyes studying 096 with suspicion.
Yuuki's expression remained unreadable.
"A potential witness for one of our more… unusual cases," he said, putting a slight emphasis on the word 'witness.'
The implication was clear—this had something to do with Roidmude activity.
That was all Yuriko and Tsukauchi needed to hear.
With a nod, they gestured for him to follow, leading the small group toward one of the precinct's private interrogation rooms where they could speak without anyone eavesdropping.
As they disappeared down the hall, Kaniko and Sansa remained at the front desk, their curiosity piqued.
The crab woman leaned in slightly.
"Okay, what was that all about?" she muttered.
Sansa flicked his tail, letting out a small sigh.
"Not our business," he reminded her. "If we were supposed to know, we'd be in that room with them."
Kaniko crossed her arms, pouting.
"Still, it's weird, right? Why's Tomari been spending so much time lately with not just Yuriko-chan, but Tsukauchi-san as well?"
Sansa gave a thoughtful nod.
"Yeah, I've noticed that too. The rookie being assigned to him makes sense, but Tsukauchi? They never really talked much before, and now Tomari acts like they've been friends for years."
Kaniko's frown deepened.
"I even heard rumors that the three of them sometimes go out after work—dinner, drinks, the chief even joins them now and then."
Sansa's ears twitched as he considered that.
"Sounds like they've got some deeper connection. But will Tomari ever open up to the rest of us?"
Kaniko sighed, glancing toward the hallway where Yuuki and the others had gone.
"He's always nice, always polite, but there's still this distance. Like he's keeping something locked away."
Sansa nodded in agreement.
"Yeah… I don't think he dislikes us, but I wonder if he'll ever really see us as more than just coworkers."
With that thought lingering between them, the two went back to their work, but the curiosity remained.
The police detectives had finally wrapped up their interrogation of 096.
Naomasa's [Lie Detector] Quirk had been instrumental in confirming whether the Roidmude harbored any hidden hostility toward humanity. To their relief, she didn't. Instead, 096 had spoken sincerely about her fascination with human love, her desire to understand it, and her lack of ill intent.
Even with this confirmation, Yuriko and Tsukauchi took a moment to process everything else Yuuki had told them—particularly his encounter with Akira.
Naomasa leaned forward, rubbing his temples.
"So let me get this straight," he began. "You just… let Chaser walk?"
Yuuki crossed his arms, looking unfazed.
"Not like I could arrest him," he pointed out. "We don't have concrete evidence proving he's Mashin Chaser. If I tried to expose him, he'd just do the same to me and Counter Drive. We'd both go down, and where would that leave us?"
Tsukauchi sighed, clearly displeased but unable to argue with the logic.
"Still, I don't like it. We can't keep letting a vigilante roam free, even if he isn't outright attacking civilians."
The Rider merely smirked slightly.
"I doubt he'll do anything reckless. Chaser's stubborn, not stupid. If he messes up, we'll be there to deal with him. Regardless of the threat of exposing our identities. He knows that."
The older detective shook his head but ultimately relented.
"Fine. For now."
Yuriko, meanwhile, was deep in thought. This revelation had shaken her—not because of Akira, but because of herself.
She is Shijima Kiriko's reincarnation.
The words lingered in her mind. What did this mean for her future? Did fate have something planned for her?
She glanced at Yuuki, the man she now knew was Tomari Shinnosuke's counterpart. Their partnership had already been strong, but would this revelation change things?
As she mulled over these thoughts, Yuuki turned his attention back to Naomasa.
"Thanks for using your Quirk, by the way. It really helped settle things, Tsukauchi-san."
Naomasa chuckled, shaking off his earlier frustration.
"I'm just glad I could be useful. Not like I can do much else right now."
Yuuki frowned slightly at that.
"That's not true," he said firmly. "Yeah, we brought you in because of your Quirk, but that's not the only reason you're here. You're a damn good detective, Naomasa. Everybody in our team knows that."
Tsukauchi blinked in surprise before a warm smile crossed his face. He wasn't usually the type to seek validation, but hearing that from Yuuki… it meant something.
"Thanks, Tomari," he said, genuinely touched. "I'll keep doing my best to be of use to you guys."
Yuriko observed the interaction between Yuuki and Naomasa with a quiet sense of satisfaction. Seeing the usually guarded Yuuki open up—even slightly—was a sign of progress.
It reminded her of their talk after the I-Island incident, when she had encouraged him to trust others more, to not shoulder everything alone. Back then, she could tell that while he was a capable detective and Kamen Rider, he had kept a certain emotional distance from his colleagues.
Now, though?
Now, he was acknowledging Tsukauchi, trusting him, and even considering him a friend.
Yuriko allowed herself a small, proud smile. Looks like that conversation didn't go to waste after all.
Naomasa, on the other hand, felt a quiet warmth in his chest. He had always been good at reading people, and from the moment he had started working with Yuuki, he could tell the younger detective was hesitant to trust others.
But here he was now, expressing his appreciation openly.
It wasn't much—just a simple statement of trust—but coming from Yuuki, it meant a lot.
Naomasa chuckled softly.
"Well, guess I'll have to make sure I don't let you down then, huh?"
Yuuki smirked.
"Damn right you won't."
The two shared a brief but genuine nod of understanding, further solidifying the bond that had been forming between them.
Yuriko, watching this unfold, simply crossed her arms and sighed.
"Took you long enough, Tomari-san."
Yuuki shot her a look.
"Took me long enough for what?"
She grinned.
"To start acting like an actual human being instead of a stubborn, lone-wolf workaholic."
Yuuki scoffed, looking away.
"Tch. Whatever."
But neither she nor Naomasa missed the small smirk tugging at his lips.
096 hesitated for a moment before asking her question, this time with a bit of uneasiness in her voice.
"So… Am I clear now?"
She gestured toward herself, emphasizing Tsukauchi's confirmation that she had no evil intentions.
Yuuki, however, shut that down immediately.
"No."
096 blinked in surprise, her expression shifting into mild alarm.
"No?" she echoed, confused.
Yuuki crossed his arms.
"Not yet. There's still one last step."
The Roidmude stiffened, her unease growing.
"The Drive Pit. We need to take you there for an examination by Krim. He needs to make sure you don't have any hidden programming—a sleeper agent protocol or anything else that could activate against your will."
096's eyes widened slightly, and she took a step back. A full diagnostic? The thought of being examined like that frightened her.
"You—you're not going to..." she trailed off, her mind racing to the worst possible scenarios.
Yuuki sighed. He knew where her thoughts were going.
"We're not gonna cut you open, dissect you, or do anything gory." His tone was firm, but there was an edge of reassurance to it. "We just need to make sure. If you're really as harmless as you claim, this won't be a problem. Right?"
096 bit her lip, still clearly nervous.
Yuriko, watching from the side, softened her expression.
"Look, I get why you're scared. But if you really want to coexist with humans, you need to be willing to prove that you're safe. This is just that final proof."
096 glanced between them all before slowly exhaling. She had come this far.
Finally, she nodded.
"...Alright," she murmured. "I'll do it."
Later that night…
Elsewhere…
Darkness clung to the narrow alleyway, the dim glow of a flickering streetlamp barely illuminating the damp pavement. Trash littered the ground, and the faint stench of alcohol and smoke hung in the air. A lone bottle, discarded and forgotten, rolled lazily across the uneven surface, its movement breaking the uneasy silence.
Hidden away from prying eyes, two figures sat slumped against the cold brick wall, their bodies still recovering from the merciless beating they had endured a while ago….
"Damn those Kamen Riders!" Crush snarled, his voice echoing with frustration.
His damaged frame sparked slightly, remnants of the brutal encounter still lingering in his systems.
Nearby, 074 shifted uneasily.
"C-Calm down, Aniki." He cries, waving his arms frantically.
"Shut up!" Crush snapped, his optics burning with fury. "Don't tell me what to do!"
The weaker Roidmude flinched but said nothing more, too afraid to provoke his already enraged comrade.
Then—a sound.
*Clink!*
A bottle rolled along the ground, its clinking noise breaking through the tense air. Both Roidmudes immediately turned their heads toward the source, their glowing eyes narrowing as a lone figure emerged from the darkness.
Sleek. Poised. Familiar.
Their systems instantly recognized him, sending a pulse of alarm through their cores.
"009-sama…!" 074 whispered, his voice barely above a breath.
Crush's fists clenched, his body tensing as he glared at the approaching Executive.
"Tch! What do you want?"
009 smirked, her steps slow and deliberate as she entered the alleyway, the dim light casting a sinister shadow over her form.
"Now, now," She purred, her voice as smooth as ever. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
Annoyed, Crush scowled and waved a hand dismissively.
"Tch. Piss off, 009. I don't have time for your bullshit."
074 stiffened beside him, eyes darting nervously between the two. He knew no one spoke to an Executive like that and walked away unscathed.
The Roidmude Executive stilled, her smirk vanishing. For a brief moment, silence hung heavy in the alleyway. Then, with the grace of a predator, she closed the distance in an instant.
*Smack!*
Before Crush could react, a sharp impact sent him crashing to the grimy ground. His vision blurred as he felt a cold, crushing force against his face—009's heel, pressing down with an undeniable authority.
"What was that, dear?" she cooed, her tone laced with mocking sweetness.
Crush struggled, his hands clawing at the pavement, but the pressure increased. His metal frame creaked under the strain, sparks sputtering from his damaged body.
"W-Wait—!" he choked out, his earlier bravado shattered.
009's eyes gleamed with amusement as she twisted her heel slightly, making him whimper. "Now, now… that's not how you speak to a superior, is it?"
Crush panicked.
"P-Please! I'm sorry! M-Mercy, 009-sama!" he pleaded, his voice turning into pathetic whimpers.
009 finally let out a hum of satisfaction, smiling down at the groveling Roidmude beneath her. "That's more like it."
Beside them, 074 stood frozen, not daring to intervene. He had no intention of ending up the same way.
009 stared down at the whimpering Crush, her expression unreadable. Then, with a soft sigh, she lifted her heel off his face and took a step back.
"Tch. If it were up to me, I would've scrapped you both the moment you crawled back here like beaten dogs," she said coldly, her piercing gaze flicking between Crush and 074. "Pathetic. Losing to those humans so disgracefully… I should have destroyed you for your failure."
Crush and 074 flinched, their frames still trembling from the pain.
But then—009's lips curled into a smirk.
"Lucky for you, it's not my call."
The two Roidmudes perked up slightly at this, exchanging confused glances.
"His Majesty has… plans for you," she continued, amusement lacing her tone.
Shock and a twisted kind of euphoria spread across Crush's damaged features.
His Majesty?
He hadn't heard that title in a long time. Whatever their enigmatic ruler had in store for them, it meant they were still useful.
"H-He does?!" 074 stammered, barely able to contain his awe.
009 didn't elaborate. Instead, she snapped her fingers.
*Snap!*
A swirling dark portal ripped open behind her, its energy casting eerie shadows across the alley's damp walls. The air crackled with static as an unseen force beckoned them inside.
009 gestured lazily toward the portal, her expression indifferent.
"Step in. Now."
Crush hesitated only for a second before scrambling to his feet, dragging 074 along with him. Without another word, the two beaten androids hurried into the void.
009 lingered for a moment, watching as the portal swallowed them whole. Then, with a final glance at the empty alleyway, she stepped inside herself.
The portal snapped shut behind her, leaving nothing but silence.
No trace of their presence remained.
The next day, Morning…
Steinbelt Manor - Drive Pit
Krim had just completed the process of scanning 096's body for any hidden malware. The floating holographic screen in front of them displayed the results, confirming that the female Roidmude had no hidden malicious programs inside her mechanical body.
096, who was in her Plain form, tilted her head slightly.
"So… what now? Are you all satisfied?"
The group exchanged glances before Yuuki responded.
"You're free to do as you please."
The response made 096 blink in confusion.
"Just like that?"
Krim nodded.
"Indeed. We did not bring you here to force you into anything."
He gestured toward Shinra, Kanade, and Shinji, each of them nodding in agreement.
Shinra smiled.
"We're here because we choose to be. Krim doesn't treat us like tools or weapons."
As she assumed her human disguise, 096 remained silent for a moment before hesitantly asking,
"Then… does that mean I can live as a human?"
The answer was almost immediate.
"Sure, why not?" Shinji shrugged.
The casual response made her freeze.
Live as a human…
That was what she wanted, wasn't it? But what did that really mean? What kind of life did she want?
As a human… her only wish would be—
To live with someone who could teach her about love.
The thought lingered in her mind for a moment before a name surfaced.
Akira.
Her fingers twitched slightly.
It made sense, didn't it? If there was anyone who could help her understand human emotions, it would be him.
But…
He would never accept her.
096 clenched her fists. How could he, when she had stolen the face of the person he treasured the most?
In his eyes, she would be nothing more than a fake…
An unwanted copy…
096's thoughts churned with a bitter uncertainty.
Akira would see me as nothing more than a fake—a cheap, undesired imitation of the one he truly loved. The idea gnawed at her circuits and synthetic heart, threatening to override the fragile hope that had begun to bloom within her.
She pictured his eyes—those fierce, determined eyes that had once shone with admiration and longing—and now, she feared, they would be filled with disgust and sorrow at the sight of her.
The man whose memory of Miho was sacred, would never accept her as genuine. In his eyes, she would always be an impostor, a hollow echo of the one he'd lost.
The weight of that thought pressed down on her, and 096's internal systems pulsed with a mix of anguish and resignation.
'How can I ever prove that I'm more than just a facsimile?' she wondered silently. 'If I'm nothing but a counterfeit, then what's the point of trying to live as a human?'
In that moment, 096 felt the sting of isolation—an outsider in both worlds. The human desire to love and be loved burned inside her, but the harsh reality of her origin as a Roidmude made every hope of acceptance seem like a cruel, distant dream.
She longed for a chance to be real, to earn a place in someone's heart and in the world of those who could feel and dream.
Yet the specter of Akira's loss loomed large over her consciousness, a reminder that no matter how sincere her intentions, she would always carry the mark of an unwanted copy.
For a long, silent moment, 096 battled with these thoughts, torn between her desire to understand human love and the crushing fear of being forever rejected.
Before 096 could dive deeper into her internal turmoil, Yuuki's phone began to ring sharply, its tone echoing in the hushed Drive Pit. He glanced at the screen, and his eyes widened as he saw the caller ID: Chief Tsuragamae.
He answered briskly,
"Chief? Is something the matter?"
The gruff voice of the Chief cut through the line.
{Tomari, we've got a situation downtown. A Roidmude is attacking the city center. I need you and Krim on the scene, now. Get your team and move out immediately!}
Yuuki's tone hardened with urgency.
"On my way, sir. I'll relay the message to Belt-san." He ended the call, his jaw set with determination as he fixed his tie.
He turned to the others in the pit.
"Listen up— the Chief just called. Belt-san and I have to head to the city center immediately. There's a Roidmude causing chaos out there."
Without missing a beat, Yuuki and Krim(having quickly transformed into the Drive Driver) dashed toward the NEXTridoron waiting by the exit.
*Vrooom!* *Vroooom!*
As they sped away, Kanade quickly left the Drive Pit as well, going to check on Melissa to ensure she was ready for the unexpected turn of events.
Only Shinra, Shinji, and 096 remained behind.
The 025 Roidmude glanced at the departing figures, his voice low.
"What do you think is going on?"
Shinji shook his head, frowning as he looked at 096.
"I don't know, but this is definitely serious. Hard to guess which Roidmude is causing ruckus this time."
096, still haunted by her earlier thoughts about love and her own identity, simply stared at the empty space where Yuuki and Krim had vanished.
"I… I hope everything will be alright," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.
In the center of the city, chaos reigned. A group of Pro Heroes had gathered, ready to confront a Roidmude that was wreaking havoc in the midst of shattered glass and blaring sirens. But as they advanced, the threat revealed itself — Plain Cobra Type Roidmude 074.
Yet something was unmistakably off. The once meek and unassuming 074 was no longer the timid android the Kamen Riders encountered before.
Instead, he fought with a ferocity and precision that belied his previous demeanor. Every calculated movement was laced with raw aggression, and he made short work of the Pro Heroes who dared to get in his way.
Blows rained down in rapid succession as 074 dodged and countered their attacks with lethal efficiency. The heroes, caught off guard by the transformation, found themselves overwhelmed by an enemy who seemed driven by an inner fire. His eyes glowed with a determined, almost feral intensity, and his mechanical limbs moved in a blur of violence.
In mere moments, the once confident Pro Heroes were reduced to a disoriented mass on the pavement, their efforts to subdue 074 futile against the newfound savagery of the Roidmude.
Onlookers gasped in disbelief as the battle unfolded—a stark reminder that even those deemed weak could transform into something fearsome when pushed to the edge.
As the city reeled from 074's rampage, Kamen Rider Tracer arrived at the scene.
She stood at the edge of the chaos, her stance firm and battle-ready, prepared to put an end to the Roidmude's destruction.
But before she could engage, someone else moved first.
Three Pro Heroes—Death Arms, Kamui Woods, and Mt. Lady—rushed in, determined to subdue the rogue android before he could cause further harm.
"You're done here!" Death Arms roared as he lunged forward, his fist cocked back to deliver a devastating punch.
Kamui Woods followed suit, his arms extending into wooden tendrils to restrain 074, while Mt. Lady prepared to grow to her full height and stomp him into submission.
However, the moment their attacks came close, something unnatural happened.
A thick, dark miasma erupted from 074's body, washing over the heroes like a suffocating wave. The air grew heavy, thick with an ominous energy that made their limbs sluggish and their vision blur. A sickening weakness spread through their bodies, forcing them to collapse onto the ground before they could even complete their attacks.
'What the…?' Tracer asks in her mind as her eyes widen under her mask.
A brief feeling of déjà vu comes over her.
"What... is this...?" Death Arms gasped, his muscles refusing to obey him.
"I... I can't move..." Kamui Woods gritted his teeth, his extended limbs wilting and retracting against his will.
Mt. Lady, who had been mid-transformation, found herself stuck, unable to grow in size. Instead, she fell to her knees, her breathing labored.
Then came the true horror—their Quirks wouldn't activate.
Kamui Woods struggled to manipulate his wooden limbs, but they remained inert. Mt. Lady tried again to grow, but her body refused. Death Arms clenched his fists, but they lacked their usual strength.
The three heroes looked up at 074 in shock.
"W-what did you do to us?" Mt. Lady coughed, forcing herself to stay conscious.
074 simply tilted his head, a slow, eerie grin spreading across his face. The meek android the Riders had defeated dismissed was gone.
In his place stood something far more terrifying.
074's eyes burned with feral intensity as he delivered a brutal kick that sent the three Pro Heroes flying backwards.
*Crash!*
Their bodies slammed into a nearby wall with a sickening crash, and one by one, they lost consciousness on impact.
Before the dust could settle, Kamen Rider Tracer burst onto the scene. With no hesitation, she closed the distance between herself and the rampaging Roidmude. In a blur of motion, she launched herself into the air and delivered a powerful flying kick directly to 074's face.
The force of the impact was tremendous—074 staggered, his body reeling as he was sent hurtling through the air. He crashed into a parked car with a deafening crunch. The car shuddered violently upon impact, sparks flying, until it finally exploded in a burst of fire and shattered glass, adding a final, explosive punctuation to the fierce exchange.
*Boom!*
Tracer landed gracefully, her gaze fixed on the fallen adversary, her expression steely as she prepared for whatever would come next.
074 emerged from the wreckage, barely fazed, his expression twisted in irritation.
The Rider cracked her knuckles, rolling her shoulders as she sighed.
"Guess I'll have to hit you harder, then."
Without another word, the two clashed, exchanging rapid blows as sparks flew with every strike.
Tracer wasted no time, lunging forward with a sharp kick aimed at 074's torso. The Cobra-Type Roidmude barely flinched, catching her leg with inhuman reflexes and twisting his body to hurl her through the air. She reacted fast, flipping midair and landing on her feet just as the android rushed at her, throwing a devastating punch.
She ducked, the force of his swing shattering the concrete wall behind her. Dust and debris filled the air, but Tracer used it to her advantage, rolling to the side and grabbing a loose street sign. With a grunt, she swung it like a bat, the metal pole slamming into 074's head with a loud CLANG!
The Roidmude barely staggered before retaliating, snatching a nearby motorcycle and hurling it at Tracer like a projectile. She leaped over it, but the distraction gave 074 an opening—he surged forward and drove a knee straight into her stomach. The impact sent her flying into a lamppost, the metal pole bending under the force of her body.
Gritting her teeth, Tracer pushed off the broken lamppost and retaliated with a rapid flurry of kicks, striking 074's chest, shoulders, and head. The Cobra-Type staggered backward, his foot crushing the hood of an abandoned car as he tried to regain his balance.
Not letting up, the masked woman vaulted off a nearby dumpster, using the momentum to spin and land a powerful axe kick onto 074's head. The android crashed into a storefront window, shattering glass as he tumbled inside.
For a moment, there was silence—then, from the wreckage, 074 lunged back out, gripping a metal pipe he had scavenged from within. He swung it at Tracer, who barely dodged as the weapon smashed into the pavement, leaving a deep crack in the asphalt.
"Not bad, but you're gonna have to do better than that!" she taunted, grabbing a loose chain from a broken fence. With a flick of her wrist, she wrapped it around 074's arm, yanking him toward her before driving her elbow into his face.
Sparks flew from his mechanical body as he stumbled back. But instead of falling, 074 twisted his body and retaliated with a spinning kick, catching Tracer off guard and sending her skidding across the street.
The battle was far from over.
As Tracer steadied herself, tasting a bit of blood in her mouth, she couldn't help but frown.
'What the hell happened to this guy?'
According to last time, Tensei fought 074. The Plain Cobra had been nothing more than a cowardly, second-rate grunt. A nuisance, sure, but nothing the Riders couldn't handle. Now, he was fighting with ruthless precision, hitting harder, reacting faster, and tanking blows that should have at least slowed him down.
She dodged another wild swing from the Roidmude's pipe, flipping over a toppled streetlight and landing in a crouch. Her mind raced.
Did he evolve?
No, that can't be it… he doesn't have an Advanced Form.
But there was something different. His movements were sharper, his aggression unrelenting.
Her eyes narrowed as she scanned his body. That strange, dark miasma he had released earlier… could it be connected to his sudden boost in power?
Whatever the case, one thing was certain—this wasn't going to be an easy fight.
*Vrooom!* *Vrooom!*
The air suddenly roared with the sound of a high-speed engine as the NexTridoron descended from above, its sleek form cutting through the sky like a comet as a cyan-colored aura enveloped the car. The sheer force of its presence sent a powerful gust across the battlefield, scattering debris and forcing both Tracer and 074 to momentarily brace themselves.
[Drive! Type Speed Wild Technique!]
Before the Roidmude could react, a figure leaped from the airborne vehicle—Kamen Rider OverDrive - Type Trinity.
With precision and power, he landed directly above 074, his boots smashing into the android's head with a forceful impact.
*Bam!*
The pavement beneath them shattered as the Roidmude's body was driven deep into the ground, leaving a gaping crater in their wake. The sickening crack of metal-on-metal rang through the streets.
As the dust settled, OverDrive flipped backward and landed effortlessly beside Tracer, his armor glinting under the sunlight.
"Took you long enough," Tracer quipped, shaking off the tension in her stance.
OverDrive tilted his head slightly toward her.
"Looked like you were having fun. Didn't wanna ruin it."
Tracer scoffed, rolling her shoulders.
"This guy's a lot tougher than before. Watch yourself."
Before OverDrive could respond, a low, distorted chuckle echoed from the crater.
The ground trembled as 074 slowly rose, his body twitching with an eerie, unnatural movement. His red eyes flickered wildly, the dark miasma from before seeping through the cracks in his armor like wisps of black smoke.
"You… Riders…" His voice came out deeper, more guttural than before. "You just don't know when to die."
With a sudden, violent burst of energy, 074 lunged forward—ready to restart the battle with newfound rage.
OverDrive glanced at Tracer, his visor flickering as he took note of the dents and scorch marks littering her armor. Even if she was standing firm, her stance told him enough—she'd taken a beating.
"You good to keep going?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with concern.
Tracer scoffed, rolling her shoulders.
"You don't need to go soft on me now. I can still kick his ass."
OverDrive folded his arms.
"Not doubting that. But you'd struggle." He nodded toward 074, who was already starting to advance, his fingers twitching like claws ready to tear into them. "I can take over if you want."
Tracer blinked in surprise. She had expected him to just charge in like usual, but instead, he actually asked for permission. She smirked. She liked this part of him.
[He is right, Yuriko.] Belt-san spoke for the first time, giving his own piece of mind. [It's better that you rest and recover first.]
Truth be told, while she still had plenty of fight left, she wasn't foolish enough to deny the reality of the situation. 074 was stronger than before, and though she could still beat him, it wouldn't be without significant effort.
Her eyes flickered to OverDrive's armor, specifically to the Shift Speed Wild Technique Shift Car embedded in his brace. It was thanks to that upgrade that Yuuki had managed to surpass his previous limits.
'Maybe it's about time I ask for an upgrade myself…' she mused.
Letting out a sigh, she gave OverDrive a quick nod.
"Alright, fine. He's all yours." She took a step back, cracking her neck. "Don't screw it up."
OverDrive smirked beneath his helmet.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
With that, he turned his full attention toward 074, tightening his fists as the battle resumed.
The moment Tracer stepped back, OverDrive cracked his knuckles, his fingers tightening into fists as he squared up against 074.
[Are you ready, Yuuki? Go for it.] The Drive Driver tells his Operator.
"Right!" The Quirkless agress with him.
The Cobra-Type android narrowed his glowing red eyes, his frame twitching with violent energy.
"So, the great Kamen Rider Drive steps in," 074 sneered, rolling his shoulders. "Think you can do better than your little partner over there?"
OverDrive let out a small chuckle.
"I don't think—I know."
Annoyed by the response, 074 suddenly blurred forward, using his enhanced speed to close the gap in an instant. His clawed hand shot out, aiming straight for OverDrive's chest.
But just as his attack was about to connect—
*BAM!*
074's head snapped backward as OverDrive's fist buried into his face, sending him soaring through the street and crashing through a store window.
*Crash!*
The bystanders watching from a distance gasped in shock. Even Tracer's visor flickered in surprise.
"…The hell?" 074 groaned, staggering out of the wreckage.
His optics darted around, trying to track OverDrive.
"Where did you—?!"
*WHAM!*
A blow slammed into his side, making him lurch.
*CRASH!*
Another hit from the opposite direction, launching him into the air.
OverDrive was everywhere.
074 barely had time to react before another punch to the chest cratered him into the pavement.
"What the—?!" 074 gasped, struggling to process what was happening. He's faster.
So much faster than the previous Drive that defeated him in his previous life!
OverDrive reappeared in front of him, standing over the downed android.
"What's wrong? You were talking pretty big a second ago."
Gritting his teeth, 074 suddenly released a dark miasma, trying to slow OverDrive down like he had done to the Pro Heroes earlier.
But this time, it did nothing.
OverDrive didn't even flinch. He vanished from sight again.
074's sensors flared in panic.
Where—?!
*BAM!*
A kick slammed into his back, sending him tumbling like a ragdoll.
*WHAM!*
Another hit to his gut made him wheeze, his body denting inward from the sheer force.
Tracer watched from a distance, arms crossed.
'Damn… Didn't know he could move this fast.'
OverDrive landed a few feet away, rolling his shoulders.
"Not done yet."
He dashed forward, unleashing a flurry of punches.
074's body bent unnaturally with every hit, his frame denting and sparking.
OverDrive launched him into the air with a brutal uppercut.
And then—
*BOOM!*
He drop-kicked him back down, sending the android smashing through a car, the explosion lighting up the streets.
The force was enough to rattle the entire block.
074 twitched in the wreckage, his once-mighty form now damaged and barely functioning.
"I don't—" he coughed, 'blood' leaking from his mouth. "I don't understand…"
OverDrive slowly walked toward him, cracking his neck.
"You don't need to."
As 074 twitched in the wreckage, his battered form barely holding together, his red optics flickered wildly with defiance. His metallic fingers clawed at the ground as he forced himself up, his damaged servos grinding against each other.
"I... refuse... to lose," he growled, his voice glitching from the damage.
OverDrive narrowed his eyes.
"You seriously still want to keep going?"
074 let out a ragged chuckle, his chest cavity sparking as he took a wobbly step forward.
"I don't care how strong you think you are, Kamen Rider...! I'll tank whatever you throw at me! I have been given a new power by His Majesty to subjugate you humans. I can't dissapoint him."
"Fine, suit yourself."
Without another word, the Quirkless vigilante taps into the power of his current Shift Car.
[T-T-Trinity!] Belt-san calls as the Operator pulls the Shift Brace's lever three times.
074's optics widened in terror.
"Rider Punch!"
*BOOM!*
The final blow crashed into his chest, sending a shockwave through the battlefield as 074 is pushed back, a fist print is left on his chest.
The Plain Cobra Type grins manically at his opponent as OverDrive is actually suprised to see the evil android still standing.
[He is still standing?] Belt-san couldn't help but ask aloud.
For a moment, everything was silent.
"Well, I gotta admit, you're one tough asshole." The Rider tells his enemy, pulling out Shift Colorful Colorful. "Then I'll show you something even more interesting."
But then—
074's body sparked violently… before finally going still.
His red eyes flickered once—and then he collapsed as he coughs 'blood'.
*Thud!*
The Roidmude's body then disintegrates as his Core can be seen flying away before breaking apart as well.
The battle was over.
OverDrive stood tall over his fallen foe, letting out a small exhale.
"Wasn't expecting to win like this."
Tracer snorted as she walks up to his side.
"Does it really matter at this point?"
The fight was won. But the mystery behind 074's sudden increase in power… was far from solved.
The Closing Screen of this chapter shows the Signal Chaser, Shift Speed Wild Technique, the Rhino Super Viral Core and the Chaser Bat Viral Core, side by side, with the logo of Kamen Rider Chaser behind them.
Roidmude Casualties: 011†, 012†, 013†, 015†, 019†, 021†, Moonfish(022)†, Iron(029)†, Liquid(034)†, The Rock(037)†, 042†, Chainsaw(052)†, 054†, 060†, Judge(065)†, 071†, 074†, Luchador(075)†, Beast(077)†, Wolfram(078)†, 083†, 088†, 093†, Arms(100)†, 101†
Count at the end of the chapter: 83 out of 112?
My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive
Drive 40: Purpose
- End -
Author Notes:
Thank you for reading!
If you guys have any ideas or suggestions that I could use for this story, you're free/welcome to share!
If possible, I would like all guest reviewers to identify themselves since this will make it easier for me to reply and for you all to check what I typed in response for each of you.
And please, stop asking me about updating my other stories in the review section!
Request Corner!
[No requests at the moment.]
Review Time!
Guest DCDGojira: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
#2nd review: Ok, thanks! I will check the art later. Your drawings always seem to amaze me. They are so cool!
Mufalan: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
Revolt679: What? How am I supposed to use that BGM?
Thenewbiewriter2000: Hope you liked the chapter.
Nope, it's neither of them. I don't plan to make use of any of those characters.
Guest: Nope. It's not him.
TheRealD3lph0xL0v3r: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
Wynnt'r: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
I plan to have both Tsukasa/Decade and Kaito/Diend appear later in this story. Not sure yet about what interactions I plan to do between them and the characters of this fic though.
Yes, Izuku/Deku already fused with a Roidmude. However, he is curious about what kind of transformations and effects will result from other people doing the same, especially the Pro Heroes.
DawnYugo: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter.
The reincarnation explanation was also supposed to serve as an answer of sorts to reveal why Chase wasn't shown being revived alongside the rest of the Roidmudes.
Of course, I do plan to have at least Tsukasa show up and explain why Krim and the Roidmudes ended up in the MHAverse.
Eternal Drakness of Light: Hope you liked the chapter.
Unfortunately, I currently have no motivation to work on an Ultraman x RWBY X-Over fanfic.
So, what do you guys think? Please give me some reviews if possible.
If you are interested, please go check my other stories.
Also, thanks to everybody that followed, favorited the story and gave reviews.
See You Next Time