Difference between revisions of "Beyond the Gods"

Revision as of 08:22, 14 July 2023

Prologue

"A new Auxiliary Shadow?" I asked.

"Yep," Jun responded, caressing a mass of holographic data in his hand, which lit up the room with a cyan glow.

Great.

Another Auxiliary Shadow. Not like I needed another one.

I already had a Philly boy who would rather try and flirt with women than do missions, and a literal donut addict of a Hero who would get mad whenever I complimented her hair.

"Listen, Master Jun. I'm thankful for the things you've done for me, but I really, really, really don't need another Auxiliary Shadow. I work fine on my own. There isn't a single god I cannot defeat now with the weapons we've created together. So if anything, I could use another gun or something," I reasoned.

"Oh. Is that so? I guess I'll assign her to Outer Shadow Rollo then-"

"Wait wait wait. Did you just say her? Her? Like a girl, her?" I cut Jun off, my chest beating like crazy.

"Yeah. And she's pretty tall too, just saying."

I got off my knee and approached my Inner Shadow.

"Boy, you're pulling some dangerous strings here. What kind of girl are we talking about? I... I take back what I said earlier! We've got plenty of room at the Hope estate!" I stuttered like an idiot.

Jun smiled.

"Come on out, Infiltration Unit TX7F."

Infiltration... Unit?

The sound of high heels clicked in the background, as a curvaceous figure emerged from the darkness.

I realized my mouth was hanging open. Suspense filled the air.

No way.

Master Jun... you god... damn genius!

A pair of cyan eyes flashed in the dark, as TX7F approached us. She had a black skin-tight leather suit, and an incredible figure.

Her black hair was combed neatly across the front through a set of bangs.

Sure she wasn't blonde, but... damn.

"M- Master Jun... aren't you gonna introduce us?" I squeaked, my voice an octave higher than usual.

"Sure. This is Auxiliary Shadow Sigurd. This will be her codename. Notice how her codename is Norse themed? Just like the Outer Shadows. It's because she's special. I've designed her to be the perfect woma- er I mean Infiltrator. And she will be your closest Auxiliary."

I fell to my knees and knelt before Jun, slamming my forehead against the floor.

"ALL PRAISE MASTER JUN! HAIL!"

ALL PRAISE MASTER JUN GASKET! The Shadows whispered in unison.

The walk back to the Barracks were the most nerve-wracking moments of my life.

And I spent six years fighting deities with nothing but stolen firearms and scraps in the street.

"So... uh... Sig- TX- um... what do I call you?" I asked, nervously, turning to my new Auxiliary.

The android gave me a gorgeous, heart-dropping smile.

"You may call me anything you like. I shall accept it."

"Sex- er I mean Sig. Let's go with Sig. Short for Sigurd." Holy shit I was so nervous!

"Very well. From now on, I will be addressed by my Black Legion codename."

Did she... completely brush off my Freudian slip just now?

Awe... awesome!

Finally!

Someone normal in this crib!

Chrissake!

How long did it take?!

No.

Long enough!

Goodbye, cockblocked life! Even if she is a robot, at least I still had my own waifu to greet me in the morning.

Sarah was fine enough... as far as looks go anyway.

But this one...

Sigurd walked into the barracks, standing at the door. Her hair shone in the lights.

This one is a keeper.

And I only had my supergenius Inner Shadow to thank.

"Dainsleif."

"Yes, my lovely Sigurd?"

"What shall I eliminate first?"

?

What?

"Haha, what are you saying? There's nothing to eliminate here, Sig. You're in my barracks right no-"

"My precepts are to destroy and infiltrate. I have now infiltrated the environment, by taking advantage of your desire to do naughty things with my body."

"HEY HEY HEY! Don- Don't phrase it like that!"

"Ayo, can't a homie play some 2K in peace without Bossman gettin' called out for being a horny piece of- holy Christ! chick alert! Chick alert! Alert!" Bryce screamed, stumbling and falling on his face in front of Sigurd.

Sigurd raised an eyebrow.

"This one has been compromised."

Bryce grabbed me by the shoulders.

"Bossman. Explain this. You never bring girls over. How in the hell did you pick this shorty up?"

"She's... my new Auxiliary. Your new colleague."

"I can see that. But..."

Bryce glanced at Sigurd, who approached the kitchen and inspected the knife, before slipping the blade into her... chest.

"This will be adequate for close-quarters combat," Sigurd noted, before turning to us.

Bryce and I made a squeaking sound that didn't sound very manly at all.

"There is a third person in this complex. My sensors detect an extra thermal signature."

Right on queue, Sarah opened the bathroom door and walked in on us, staring at Sigurd.

"Who- who are you?" Sarah asked, bewildered, before turning to me.

Her face looked like a dog that had been denied dog treats.

"Relax, Sarah. She's not your replacement."

Sarah's face turned red.

"Re- Replacement?! What are you trying to say?!"

Sigurd narrowed her eyes.

"Your magical signature is high. Your musculature is well developed. You are a Hero who specializes in the sword."

Sarah blinked.

"How... how did she know that?"

Sigurd then inspected Bryce, who began laughing like an idiot.

"Heheheheh... inspect all you like, Miss! Hell, I'll let ya inspect me all night!"

"You are extremely unathletic. Lazy. Poor hygiene, and inferiority complex on the size of your own genitalia. You rely heavily on your metahuman ability to generate entropic energy from your cells. Defeating you follows a trivial procedure."

"BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I burst out laughing, pointing at Bryce "Uzi" Jones.

"Bro went and saw God after that roast! I'm dead!" I continued laughing until Sigurd glanced at me.

"I will be the leader of this group." The android said.

"HAHAHA- what?"

Sigurd walked to the far side of the room and stopped.

Her body positioning...

Her body language.

No way.

Was she for real?

Sarah took a step forward.

"Your... your name is Sigurd, right? Perhaps we can get alon-"

Sigurd spun around, pulling the knife out of her chest and hurling it at Bryce at supersonic speed, who was still shell-shocked by her roast.

Sarah and Bryce's eyes went wide.

But mine weren't.

I had already pulled out Draugr from my belt and fired a bullet, which soared into the air and shattered the blade into many tiny pieces.

I fired again, the bullet grazing Sigurd's face.

Sigurd dropped to her knees.

"A gunman, a sturdy swordswoman, and an energy projector powerhouse. The gunman cannot possibly be the leader. Of the three who could have reacted to that knife throw, only the gunman could protect himself. From my analysis, you, Outer Shadow Dainsleif, most likely do the majority of the missions for this cohort, while the other two remain inactive."

"Oh yeah, smartass? And who do you think is most suited to be the leader then?" I asked sarcastically.

"Me."

"Oh, that's great. Fantastic! Glad the problem's been solved then. Come with me." I said, happily.

"Ummm... Aaron, why are you here..." Jun asked.

"Here's your rusting bitch back. I don't want her." I said, nonchalantly, shoving Sigurd into my Inner Shadow's throneroom.

"The hell do you think this is?! Some kind of Auxiliary Shadow bargain sale? Listen, Aaron. She's your responsibility now. I designed her to be compatible with your team. And for you specifically."

"Well she ain't blonde, and her personality is a train wreck. The only things you got right were her height and her boobs."

Jun put his hands on Sigurd's shoulders and turned the android to me.

"Aaron. Take your Auxiliary back to her Barracks. Your home is her home now. Be the bigger man, like I am."

Sigurd's face began turning red.

"Master Jun, why is her face turning red?"

"Oh. That's because I created her to be attracted to me."

Bigger man my ass! You degenerate boss!

I laughed, putting my arm around Jun.

"Master Jun! My man! My very very... young... and hormonal... man!"

I brought myself closer to the Inner Shadow.

"Dude! You cannot do this to me. She is cracked! Cracked! I can't deal with her! I have two crazies living with me already! I don't want a yandere! Please, I beg. Take her back. I don't want her. It. This... thing. I don't want it! Get it out of my sight!"

"Umm... Aar-"

"No! That's enough! She's trying to take my job! With what... this weird ass analyzing thing? What is she, Dr. Cooper from TBBT? It's creepy!"

"Aaron-"

"And for one thing, what is the whole deal with giving her such a seducing body anyway! She's a metal doll. She ain't even human! What the hell is all that seducing gonna do if the guy winds up having his rocket stuck in a USB port? Are you stupid?"

"Aaron!" Jun snapped, causing me to pause.

I slowly turned around, to see Sigurd staring at me.

And the color left my face.

"I'm... I'm aware of that... I'm not a person. I... I was not aware that my presence was..."

"Wait. Sig, I didn't..."

Why was I feeling bad for a machine? You mean to tell me that-

"There was no deceiving... in the hallway leading to the barracks. Dainsleif." Sigurd muttered.

"No deceiving? What are you talking about?"

Sigurd clenched her fist. This... seriously wasn't happening right?

"When I smiled... there was no objective reason behind it. You called me by something other than TX7F. No one has ever called me anything other than that on the first meeting. You were the first person to."

"Sig-"

"However." Sigurd's blank expression returned.

"Should I be incompatible with your team, I shall proceed to dismantlement. Thank you for giving me this experience. I shall cherish it upon termination."

"What?! What are you talking about? Don't go dismantling yourself! Hey!" I stammered, running after Sigurd as she left the throneroom, heading to the dismantling plant in Gasket's world.

Inner Shadow Jun Gasket chuckled.

I designed her to be compatible with your team. And for you specifically.

This damn android woman!

"SIGURD!" I wailed, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her away from the entrance to the demolition factory.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, okay! Come on! Don't get yourself dismantled for god's sake! Come back with me, okay? I'll show you your room. I won't abandon you, I promise." I breathed heavily, trying to catch my breath.

Sigurd regarded me for several seconds.

What was she gonna say?

"That time... was to deceive."

"Heh?"

Sigurd smiled.

"My views on you being different from the others are genuine. However, I wanted to see your reaction upon learning of my destruction. It amuses me to see that you truly care for me. Even if I am just a 'rusting bitch'."

"Wha- you- You-" I stammered, as Sigurd turned around.

"Shadows."

Yes, Lady Sigurd.

"My first order. Take Master Dainsleif and me back to the Barracks. I wish to commence my onboarding with my team."

Gasket's Realm

"What? Let me join! What you tryna play, huh?!" Bryce squealed after me.

"Only Sarah and I can go. If I bring too many people they'll become alert. We're also the only ones who can withstand any Anti-Narratives via. Chakra Control. I'm not saying you can't handle it..."

I scratched the back of my head. Bryce's face turned red.

"You are saying it!"

"Look, all I'm saying is, we need to split up. With every second, I'm becoming more and more anxious. We've already sorta secured Kon... eh. Yeling's got that covered. But Master Jun... I'm worried. And I'm especially worried for Annie since she went to him to get upgrades. She's a smart girl but she has limits too. And now she's cybernetic. She's not as pragmatic as she used to be. I want you to check on Shosuke."

"You're leaving me to check on that guy?!"

I wagged my finger at Bryce's face.

"Yes. Look. Think of it as a Japan vacation. Who knows, maybe there will be tons of new manga and anime you never knew of!"

"You're getting more cap as it gets! Shosuke's Japan is boring as hell!"

"Apologize to every Japanese person in Earth Eta right this instant!"

I grasped my hair in frustration.

"Just go! I can't have you go to Annie."

"Why not?!"

"Because everybody here knows you have a thing for her! You'll get distracted!"

Everybody went silent.

Sarah blinked.

"Bryce has a crush on Sigurd?"

Bryce choked.

"Oh wow. Thanks Hero Ultear. As if that wasn't already awkwardly obvious enough! Why did you have to go and out me like that, Bossman?!"

"Relax, as if no one was already aware."

"Sarah seemed pretty damn surprised!"

This guy was seriously giving me a migraine!

"Fine. I'll give you a test. If you can pass it, you can come with me and Sarah will check on Shiki."

"Hell yeah. Esketit!"

"Shadows. Bring in... the thing."

The thing, Master Dainsleif?

Sir Dainsleif wants The Thing.

The time has come. We knew it would be coming.

What shall become of us if she finds out?

It is our purpose.

Yes.

No.

We cannot allow her to know.

Yes.

"Just bring the damn thing already!" I snapped, causing the Shadows to whimper. From within the dark mass, I pulled out a very rare image of Annelise in a swimsuit.

"Focus on this image and answer the following question. I've gone through this with you before when helping you improve your Scarlet Eagle attack. If you can answer this correctly while staring at Annie in a thong I will let you come with me. Here goes: if a crossbow bolt is fired facing down and enters terminal velocity, is the velocity going to be greater than, less than, or equal to if the bolt is dropped from rest at the same altitude?"

All the color left Bryce's face.

"How is her hourglass- Er I mean, One Hour per glass. One glass per hour. Two big hourly glasses."

"This is discrimination! Imma cancel yo ass! Wait till I get access to the internet you whack boss! Imma hit up my boys! I swear to god!" Bryce shouted after Sarah and me as we stepped into the Shadows, our destination: Master Jun's world.

The Shadows started to distort space and time around us, as Bryce's internet threats began to get quieter and quieter.

"You didn't bring Bryce along... for another reason. Didn't you, Aaron?" Sarah asked.

I didn't answer.

Because she knew the answer.

We all did.

I clenched my fist, and the image of Robbie playing video games in his room appeared in my mind. The kid who had the coolest action figurine collection ever, the innocent smile of a kid who was given a second chance at life... only to sacrifice it for all of our sake.

I honored his death.

But...

But I was not going to let it happen again.

I can't... I can't have another person important to me die.

First June, then Robbie.

I can't lose anyone else. Even if it is a 1% chance that Vicki's blessing on Bryce could fail, it was an absolute.

I had faith in Sarah. She, at the very least, was the tankiest out of all of us.

But if Bryce entered character de-resolution again like last time...

I'd...

What's... What's Philadelphia? A heavily distorted Bryce muttered in my head.

Hakah's body couldn't take anymore use of Susanoo. She had to save her strength in the final battle against Vala once Loyce was out of the picture.

And that would mean Bryce would die.

I won't know if I could keep going anymore.

This mission wouldn't be worth keeping on. And even if we did end up in the home stretch and defeat Loyce and Vala... the costs would be so great it would be no different than losing.

"Sarah..." I said.

"Yes?"

"Remember our promise. We will come back to each other when all of this is over."

"I will believe in you, and you will believe in me," Sarah replied, as I turned to her.

Sarah laced her fingers through mine.

"Who will raise your children, Aaron? And of Sakura? I can't do it alone."

"Hell no you can't. It's a job meant for the two of us. Swear by it," A smile crept on my face.

The future was going to be decided by us.

I will do everything in my power to make sure of it.

Sakura will have a happy life, free from the burdens of her predecessor. Yeling, Vicki, everybody. Bryce, Sarah, Annie, Jun, everyone.

We will have a happy ending.

And no whack ass stud of a Demon Lord or a deranged Spirit of Hope was going to stop that from happening.

The Shadows transported us into a round, floating city in a purple expanse.

The structure was silvery and white, like a heavenly construct. The gates of Jun's Machine World were guarded by heavily advanced S Rank sentries who would stand by it every day for eternity.

The architecture of Master Jun's world was nothing short of advanced. After all, Jun was a supergenius inventor.

Now, when I say Master Jun is a genius, I'm not talking Iron Man genius.

Or even genius to the level of being able to build a nuclear power plant.

There is a reason behind Master Jun's ranking.

It was the absurd amount of knowledge and intelligence the guy had, and the fact that he was a Stage Five Dogma Holder for Hachi, the God of War and Archery.

Jun learned to speak when he was two. At that time, he displayed a cognitive ability capable of learning mathematics. Teaching it himself, Jun quickly went from a thumbsucking toddler to being so well-versed in mathematics that he was able to prove Fermat's Last Theorem, an accomplishment that shocked the whole world. Jun's intelligence was so terrifying that his parents put him up for adoption due to believing that Jun was a "devil child", and that he was considered "abnormal". Despite being disowned by his parents, this did not stop Jun, who sought intelligence acquisition as his only reason to live.

When Jun was three years old, he was able to prove that his universe was in fact not expanding, but that it was distorting inward through what was known as reverse entropy. Through mathematical derivations, he was able to show that the entropy of his universe, when viewed on a super infinite scale, in fact, did not branch to infinity, but would eventually curve the other way.

At four years old, Jun learned of a way to prove the existence of reverse entropy, and proposed a way to generate a white hole.

At five years old, Jun picked up a book on engineering and science and began dabbling in the industry, using his fame as a "miracle child" to accrue mass investments from aspiring investors. And thus became the start of his technology empire.

Since then, Jun's inventions became scarier and scarier, using cutting-edge quantum technology.

I had the utmost faith in Master Jun's abilities.

But...

That all shattered, upon seeing the state of our world.

"No..." Sarah whispered.

My fist began trembling, blood leaking past the crevices of my fingers.

The whole realm, was destroyed. The sentries that always guarded the gates were turned to ash, and the great walls of the floating city were already mostly disintegrated.

The numerous civilizations that Master Jun had rescued from doomed realities...

I had no idea what had happened to them.

But the cities that they lived in this floating fortress were in ruins.

These were all people who Jun had promised Sanctuary.

They were supposed to feel safe and protected, after a life of hell and misery.

What kind of monster would ruin all of that?

I took a deep breath.

"Loyce," I muttered angrily.

I will make you pay.

I don't care if you can change the whole narrative of this entire mission. Of this battle.

No matter what the narrative is.

No matter how much you change my character, or who I am.

I guarantee you this.

Out of all the Aaron Hopes that you can change me into.

There won't be a single one who won't leave you unscathed for everything you've done.

Footsteps broke the silence.

"Cover," I instructed Sarah, the two of us concealing ourselves under the husk of one of the deceased sentry units.

All the while, several voices filled the air.

"Many more shall fall victim."

"Those who begged for their lives never deserved Lord Sol's mercy."

"Yes."

"We shall kill all those who dare defy Lord Sol's presence."

"Kill them all."

"Yes."

"That is good."

I felt Sarah trembling next to me, her eyes were full of murderous intent.

"No." I put a finger to my lips.

Sarah clenched her teeth.

"They slaughtered them... the refugees... the ones who fled their doomed world. Master Jun saved their lives and put a smile on their faces, and these monsters slaughtered them... they slaughtered them!"

"I know, Sarah. But if we do anything reckless, they'll slaughter me next! Let's lay low for now. Our top priority is finding Annie and Jun."

Sarah took a deep breath.

"I- I know. Forgive me. I let my emotions..."

"It's okay."

I waited for the voices to leave and explored one of the abandoned cities. Sarah trailed behind with her Obsidian Knives in her hands.

I looked around.

If I summoned my Shadows here, I might risk alerting any searchers.

"Sarah, can you help me search for survivors? We'll use Sense Magic." I whispered.

Sarah nodded, as she concentrated.

Cosmic Aspectum - Great Navigator's Radar

Aspectum - Full Radar

The two of us walked around the ruins, our respective searching spells looking for any signs of life.

The lower the chances got... the angrier I became.

I approached a torn-down structure. The rocks were still stained with blood.

And on the ruins, was the sign:

Saint Bethany's Orphanage.

I bit my lip and walked inside, to see blood splattered everywhere, but no bodies to be found.

The bodies must have disintegrated from narrative de-resolution. The blood must have been signs of struggle from those lucky enough to withstand it for a time. But seeing as there were no entrails or any remains meant that they too, ultimately succumbed to Aran's influence.

If they were going to end up de-rezzed anyway...

What was the point of these sick bastards killing them in the first place?

I approached a beat-up bracelet and regarded it, remembering the one Saki had made for me before throwing it at my chest angrily.

"Aaron..." Sarah's voice said shakily, as I turned the other way and approached my Auxiliary.

"What is it?" I asked, my heart beating faster and faster.

Sarah looked at me, her face pale as a ghost.

"Do you... do you recognize this?"

I knelt down next to her and inspected the object that she was pointing to, and my heart stopped cold.

It was an arm.

Wires were sticking out of it, but blood stained the metal as if it was...

Cybernetic.

"No way... no... this can't be happening..." My voice wavered.

I spun around frantically, trying to search for more clues.

"Sarah, we need to use Aspectum again! That's... that's Annie's arm!"

"Aaron! Calm down! We... We need to think..."

I breathed heavily, trying to formulate a plan.

But my anger was overflowing.

Annie's arm was cut off by something. Could it have been one of the Cultists?

No.

The way the arm was severed was cut in a way that was almost intentional. The patterns didn't look to be from a direct clean slash. Annie was far too fast to let something like that happen to her.

I knelt down and inspected the arm, cautiously.

It was cut by a blade.

A high-speed blade.

Annie's High-Speed Series Ronin blade, meaning she had amputated herself.

I glanced at a nearby piece of debris and picked it up.

"Aaron... what are you doing?" Sarah asked.

"Chakra auras up. I'm gonna try something," I instructed, as I aimed the rock at the arm and tossed it.

Just as I expected, the rock disappeared. As if any trace of its existence was gone.

If I hadn't picked it up or noticed it, no one would have known the rock was ever there in the first place.

Sarah gasped.

"The anti-narrative!"

"So that's it. Annie was afflicted by Aran's influence and was able to cut off her arm before it got to the rest of her. Part of me is relieved... but a part of me is worried sick. Hakah had given us all a blessing through her Susanoo to resist Loyce's reality warping, but now we know that blessing isn't enough to resist Aran's anti-narrative powers."

I gritted my teeth.

Dammit!

I... I should have checked up on her first.

I should have...

But what could I have been able to do?

At the time I didn't even know anything about Aran Sol. I would have gone in blind and been de-rezzed instantly.

Just like Annie did.

"Aaron... we need to have faith that Sigurd is alive," Sarah said gently.

"The facts... the odds and the chances are slim to none... what can I possibly do?"

"We believe in her."

Sarah wrapped her arms around me from behind, resting her head against the back of my neck.

"I'm terrified too. But it's in times like these that we must remain strong for her sake. Out of all of us, Sigurd was always the closest to being your successor."

That was true...

Many people actually compared her to me. Since we had similar fighting styles.

While I used the Six Hands Trigrams Gunfighting style, she came up with her own, known as the Eight Blades.

Even her accelerated thought processing power, Ultraspeed Processing, was inspired by me.

Faith...

I needed to have faith.

"Faith... is such a human notion."

My eyes went wide, as the figure of a towering monster appeared before me; its talons inches away from my face.

I couldn't... I couldn't escape this!

I couldn't even anticipate it coming!

Usually, when there was a threat, especially something of this magnitude, I should have been able to predict it from subtle clues in the environment.

But it was as if this monster had just appeared out of thin air.

It didn't matter anyway.

There was nothing I could do.

The limits of my reflexes... there was nothing I could-

CLANG.

Sarah deflected the talons with Ygviil, sliding back, her body bumping into mine as I sprawled on the ground.

"Aaron! Are you okay?" Sarah seethed, struggling against the force of the monster.

I narrowed my eyes at the opponent.

If it was strong enough to put Sarah under so much strain from just one hand, that alone spoke volumes to its strength.

I never encountered something like this before...

But why did I feel so terrified?

The monster regarded Sarah.

"A Hero... the natural enemy of Demons. How unfortunate I would have been if I faced you as I was when I invaded Millennium City so long ago."

My heart skipped a beat.

Millennium City?

I stared at the monster as it bared its fangs, pushing Sarah deeper into the ground, but Sarah shifted her weight, forcing the monster to slam into the ground. Sarah leaped into the air, her sword held back, but the monster spun around with blinding speed, to her surprise.

"Wha-?!" Sarah gasped, before the monster landed a punch to her side, then another strike to her head and smashed the Hero into the ground, creating a shockwave that blew me back.

Sarah struggled to her feet, breathing hard. Blood gushed down the side of her head and leaked down her face.

The monster bared its fangs again, this time in the form of a contorted smile.

"A Hero is destined to fight Demons. But I am no ordinary Demon."

Those horns.

That strength.

A strength that was enough to draw blood from an S+ Ranked Sarah Ultear, a Hero of Kalidas.

"Do you feel it? The fear in you. That is your body warning you. Human boy." The Demon turned to me, a deadly green aura surrounding it.

"Stay away from him," Sarah snarled, materializing before the monster's face and slashing with Ygviil, but the Demon simply blocked it with its forearm, then grabbed her by the face and delivered a punch to her midsection.

Sarah's eyes widened as she spat out blood, slamming into the ground, before the Demon stomped on her with its foot, pressing her face.

I tried to summon my magic, or do anything.

I normally would have sprung into action immediately.

But my body wasn't listening to me.

No.

It was.

The only problem was that it was responding in slow motion.

So slow that it was almost not moving at all.

The Demon leaned in and regarded Sarah, who gritted her teeth.

"The boy understands. Why can't you? Is it because you are a so-called Hero? Is it because you are used to the narrative that the Heroes always defeat the Demon King in the end?"

Sarah tried to reach for Ygviil.

I wanted to scream at her to stop, but I was completely suspended in time.

The only reason why I could even see what was happening must have been from my Hyperthought processing.

But even with that, it was like watching everything in slow motion.

"Stupid, ignorant, girl. Very well then." The Demon said as he raised his fists.

Sarah slowly turned to the Demon in defiance, her body still pinned down.

Stop...

Stop!

SMASH.

I watched as Sarah glared at the monster, tensing for the impact. The Demon pummelled my fiancee with his fists over and over again.

Each time the monster's fist left the ground, Sarah's body became more and more bloody.

SMASH. SMASH. SMASH. SMASH. SMASH.

Before I knew it, Sarah lay motionless in the crater, her body was covered in blood and her clothes in tatters.

The Demon then turned to me, raising a finger. My body suddenly regained its ability to move.

I stumbled forward, and against my will, I fell to my knees before the monster, who smiled evilly.

"Very good. You, at the very least, unlike your woman, know the limits of your strength. Especially in the face of an Apex Primordial Demon."

Move...

Move your stupid body!

This guy... this guy hurt Sarah and you're just gonna kneel like a little bitch?!

I forced myself to glare at the Demon, but my body, for some reason, was alerting me with every danger signal imaginable.

I opened my mouth, forcing my voice to come out.

"Why... why are you here..." I croaked.

I already knew how terrifying this Demon was.

I had seen it for myself back when I visited Valerian with Yeling.

But now...

Now he was an Apex Primordial.

The Primordial who was standing before me was even stronger than the one who terrorized Millennium City and nearly caused the destruction of that entire universe.

Dasc Osa bellowed a sinister, evil laugh. His ancient voice boomed across the ruins of Jun Gasket's world.

"Isn't it obvious? This is my world now. Many lifetimes ago, my chance to rule the Champions Universe was denied as it was destined to be taken by Aran Sol. However, I have seen the fate of this world. Through my Achronologia. This realm is mine, and mine to rule."

Dasc's aura expanded violently, transforming the purple skies of Master Jun's world into a pale, ethereal green.

"You boast of a power strong enough to defeat gods. But will this power be enough to kill a being who even gods fear?"

God of Trickery

Dasc rushed forward with an overhead strike.

Time seemed to slow down, my movements had become sluggish.

No matter how fast my brain could react...

My body couldn't move in response to it!

I was basically foreseeing myself getting slaughtered!

WOOSH.

Dasc's fist bounced off Ygviil, as Sarah shielded me, her teeth clenched and her eyes wild.

Dasc raised an eyebrow.

"You are the first Hero I have met who withstood those blows. I still remember when the Iron Sentinel used to boast about his resilience only to fall to a mere finger flick."

Sarah snarled, throwing Dasc's fist out of the way and rushing forward, but Dasc grabbed her by the face and slammed her back into the ground.

Move!

Move, you stupid body!

Sarah struggled to her feet, only to be hit by multiple combinations of Dasc's punches.

Why...

SMASH.

Sarah flew backward into me. I managed to catch her but the momentum sent us both back, slamming into the face of a destroyed building.

Sarah breathed heavily, as the dulling effect of my movements ceased.

I scrambled to my feet, inspecting my girlfriend's wounds.

"Sarah... stay here. I think I've got an idea how to fight Dasc. You just-"

"Aaron..." Sarah wheezed, one of her eyes was closed due to a large stream of blood leaking down the side of her head.

"I know about Achronologia. I was only able to withstand its influence through enormous amounts of Chakra. We still can't risk you using too much as you are."

"But you can't... you're-"

Sarah smiled, leaning in and kissing me.

"I have no intention to die. I have faith that you will find a way to defeat him. I will withstand his onslaught just long enough until you find it."

"Are you two lovers finished?"

The building ripped apart by the sheer aura of Dasc's power.

Sarah bolstered Ygviil and charged the Demon, exchanging blows.

"Where's your male, Hero? Or has he abandoned you for his life?" Dasc chuckled with amusement as Sarah began slicing at the Primordial with her sword to no avail.

"If you can't even put me down, forget about trying to go for my husband, you moronic Primordial," Sarah snarled sarcastically, as Dasc grabbed Sarah's sword hand in indignation.

"You dare insult a Pri-"

"A Primordial who backs down from his own kind and must resolve to stomp on weaker life forms to validate his existence. Am I wrong?"

Dasc roared, brandishing his wings and slicing into Sarah, whose eyes widened.

Each time Dasc landed a blow, my heart felt like it was twisting in pain.

But I needed to focus.

Sarah was doing this for me.

I had to come up with a plan...

But for some reason, nothing was coming to mind.

"Of all my centuries dominating realities, I have never lost to beings who were not Primordials. I certainly will not lose to a twenty-year-old girl whose only weapons are a mere metal stick and sarcasm!"

Dasc slammed his fist against Sarah's head, but Sarah retaliated with a slash of Ygviil.

The two skidded back.

Sarah...

Of all my Auxiliaries, if I got to choose who could come along with me in a full-on slugfest, the logical choice would have been the Hero of the Cursed Sword.

Only Sarah could withstand the punches from an Apex Primordial Demon like this.

If I brought Bryce as he insisted, the cheesesteak addict would be toast. There was barely any organic life at his disposal in Jun's world for him to regenerate. Absorbing the refugees here was absolutely out of the question.

As for Sigurd, I remembered how she once stormed Destruga to get to me. By the time she reached Gigaton, she looked like someone had stuffed her body in a washing machine and then ran her over with an F150.

But even so...

Dasc struck Sarah again, over and over again, but my fiancee refused to fall.

"You... little bitch! Fall already! The amount of damage I've dealt to you has been enough to destroy a Solar System!"

Sarah raised her sword and pointed it at the Primordial.

"Never."

Part of me wanted to shout "Listen to him!"

Logically, Sarah was the best choice.

SMASH.

Sarah flew backward violently once more, bombarded over and over.

But this wasn't a call that I could make easily.

And Sarah knew that.

She knew...

"All that time your precious Ultear bought for you, and the only thing you did was watch her get brutalized. Disappointing," A voice said, as I spun around.

A woman was hidden behind the shadows of the building.

Her helmet had two long horns which curled upward, but I could tell she wasn't a demon.

"Who-"

"God-Eater. So where is it?"

"Where is what?!" I snapped. I felt like falling apart. The girl I loved was trying to buy time for me, but I couldn't even think straight. And now there was this stranger who was setting off the remaining danger alarms in my head.

"Your plan. The plan you promised you would make for her. All I see is a loser who's being protected by his girlfriend."

"Wha- you-"

I was at a loss for words.

A plan...

I should have come up with one already.

Hell, I should have come up with one-

"You should have come up with one the moment I saw the monster. In fact, you should have anticipated Osa would be here. And you should have anticipated that your chakra would be insufficient to deal with that monster."

"Who do you think you are? You-"

The woman scoffed.

"And to think that Sarah was your best bet against Dasc? Even if your narrative has been influenced by this world, this is a bit far, don't you think?"

My narrative...

My narrative!

What the hell was I doing? Wallowing around like this!

I...

I was supposed to be someone who had a plan, who was always five steps ahead of my opponent. This was not five steps ahead! This wwas five steps the wrong way!

I spun around to look at Dasc.

A...

A weakness...

A Demon who could think back...

KABOOM.

Sarah hit the ground again, defeated. Ygviil skittered to the other side of the city, as Dasc stomped on my girlfriend's head.

"Enough games," Dasc grumbled, kneeling down in front of the Hero and picking her face up by the hair.

Sarah sneered at the Demon, but her bloodied face made me want to fall apart into tiny pieces.

"I am going to kill you. I was asked by Lord Hal to spare the boy. But nothing was said about his woman."

I gasped, struggling forward.

"N- No... think... Think!"

Think!

Think you stupid brain.

You useless brain.

You...

You...!

And to think that Sarah was your best bet against Dasc? Even if your narrative has been influenced by this world, this is a bit far, don't you think?

I slowly looked at the woman in the shadows.

She gave me a condescending glare.

Sarah was not the best bet against Dasc in this situation.

That was what she implied.

But there was no way.

What kind of idiot would get anyone else tangled with this Primordial?

"Utterly disappointing. I even gave you a hint," The woman leaped onto a broken column and gazed into the distance.

"Your argument makes no sense," I retorted, trying my best to focus on the plan and not the fact that I was letting Dasc beat up Sarah.

"For one thing, Sarah is the tankiest one in this group. There's literally no one else who can face Dasc!"

"For a creature who can manipulate time like Achronologia, you think resilience is the best option?"

"Well, what else is there?!"

I clenched my fist.

"I've had it with your BS. You're just here to distract me. Once I'm through with Dasc I'm coming for you-"

"No. You will never be able to defeat me. No matter how hard you try. No matter how much power you gain..."

Convocatio - Ultimate Draugr

I whipped out my handgun and fired at the woman, but the bullet went straight through her.

An illusion!

I spun around, activating my Aspectum.

"I know you more than you could possibly think. After all, of all the people in your life, I was, and am, one of the closest people you ever had."

I felt the woman's hand grab my head, but before I could do anything, she slammed me into the ground. I watched Draugr slide away.

"Here's another hint, just out of pity. If you can even call it that. I'm practically giving you the answer, but I doubt you will accept it right away."

"I'm not listening to you, you nutcase!" I growled.

"And you're going to throw away any chances of saving Ultear? Look at her, Dainsleif. Look at your Auxiliary."

The woman forced me to watch as Dasc charged forward, a green light appearing before Sarah before exploding. The charred body of my girlfriend was sent airborne.

"The best Auxiliary Shadow who could have stood a chance would have been Sigurd." The woman said.

Sigurd?

Are you serious?

"Oh. So you're another dumbass then. Sure, I'll send Sig right away. Let her land a few blows before getting one shotted from a lucky hit! She may be faster than Sarah and is the fastest Auxiliary I have but speed alone for an A Rank is too much of a risk against-"

"See? I figured you're too stupid. To even think you're Aaron Hope makes me nauseous with disgust. I was told by Vala and Loyce that this was the outcome with which everything would play out for us... main cast. But even I am baffled. At this iteration of Aaron Hope. The least logical and most irrational of them all."

"Why you..."

I forced myself up, summoning my DS35's which surrounded the woman.

"Those horns. Illusions. And now you're playing mind games. I figured as much," I snarled, aiming my Draugr at her, then firing behind me.

The real one caught the bullet with ease, behind me, and landed on the ground, regarding the projectile with curiosity.

"Then why don't you say... who I am," The being smiled evilly.

"You're a god. And I'm not gonna fall into your traps. You can approach me however you want, but if you think mind games are going to save you from me, then you're just like the rest. I've killed many gods. You're nothing special."

"Oh? I'm nothing special? You ignorant boy. If only you knew the full picture. I am... very, very special. Especially to you. I know everything about you, what you like. If you want, I could even change my hair to blonde. I can accentuate my curves, and even change my entire personality!"

"Zip it. Man or woman. Doesn't matter what sexuality you go for. I'm not gonna be fooled by you, Loki."

Loki smiled, turning to the fight. Dasc was still beating on Sarah, but Sarah was still holding her own.

Hang in there... hang in there Sarah!

"You can claim to not fall for my tricks all you want. But you know it in your heart. In your situation, even as we speak, you are considering my solution. And you will soon realize there is nothing you can do. Even if you are aware that everything I say can potentially be a lie or a means to manipulate you into doing what I want, you know you don't have a choice."

Loki held out his/her hand, wiggling their fingers until something resembling a Convocatio chant appeared in front of me.

It was a Thompson Contender.

"To defeat Dasc. And to search for Sigurd. The city of Trion still holds survivors. They were saved by her."

I clenched my teeth.

This was 100% a trap. But I needed to find Sigurd.

I needed to stop Dasc.

Loki was right.

I had no choice.

Not right now.

I eased, the DS35's circling around me. Loki smiled.

"I would watch out though. Even if you do find a way to stop Dasc. Nothing is as easy as it seems. After all, you are fighting a coward. Cowards are the worst type of opponent."

Loki began disappearing in blue light, the mark of Vala on their shoulder glowing and dissipating along with its owner.

Sigurd was the best bet.

Speed was a better choice compared to toughness.

I watched as Dasc cackled, slamming his fists against Sarah over and over again. She had summoned her Luna Wings, trying to shield herself, but the magic began to crack.

Think.

Sarah was able to get past Achronologia because of her chakra.

But Sigurd had no way of channeling chakra.

SMASH.

The Luna Wings shattered, as Dasc grabbed my girlfriend by the throat and lifted her up. The sounds of her retching echoed in my mind, pushing me to the edge of insanity.

Think.

When I faced Dasc, I was able to perceive his movements, but my body couldn't keep up with his time dilation. The reason was that my brain operated faster than my body.

If that was the case... then the reason why Sarah was able to at least deliver some counters was because of her superhuman speed.

But even so...

There was no way Achronologia could be bested by superhuman speed. There was no way.

Sarah retched, grabbing Dasc's hand and struggling. Her face was turning pale. And my chest felt like it was going to explode from guilt.

Think.

There was no way Achronologia could be bested like that. Unless...

My eyes widened.

Dasc intentionally didn't want to look that far ahead.

He didn't...

Because just like in the Champions Universe, when he had unleashed that wide-scale Achronologia attack, he had ended up seeing so far into the future that he foresaw Aran's arrival.

If that was the case, then... no. That didn't make sense.

That didn't make sense. Dasc said he saw the fate of this world to be under his rule.

But...

What if...

Cowards are the worst type of opponent.

Dasc was lying. He never used Achronologia to that degree.

His hesitance to see into the future was fed by his inferiority complex and his fear for his fate, after all, seeing the future would cement what would happen next.

A surge of energy welled up in me. A familiar white light.

Dasc stopped choking Sarah and turned to me.

"Emission Chakra... You wield the power of the First Architect... Loyce... Loyce never told me about this!"

Nothing matters.

Nothing matters to me anymore. In this minute and this hour, the only thing that matters is solving the problem.

Everything is just a sequence of logic and thought processes.

The unknown is due to one's lack of perspective, but in the end, everything is a linkage of thought processes transcending narratives.

Dasc Osa was a coward.

He feared the future, and would only fight beings weaker than him.

Because they would never get him to use Achronologia to higher degrees.

The power to slow down time was the perfect counter for those who moved fast.

This was the reason why Sigurd was a perfect match. Why Dagrun would have been a perfect match.

"Tell me... Osa..." I approached Dasc, who stumbled back.

"When the forces of Loyce Hal turned against the Black Legion, the responsibility of Tokiko Marin was never assigned to you."

Dasc lowered Sarah, who coughed out blood, staring at me.

"A- Aaron...?"

The Primordial took a step back, as I took a step forward, approaching the towering being with menace.

"Because you fear her."

"Y- You dare make light of a Primordial's strength?! To say I fear a feeble half goddes-"

"You fear her speed."

"I do not fear such things!"

"You fear an opponent who is so fast that they will force you to slow down time, for you to experience the future. To see your fate."

"Stop! You- You dare insult me?! I have conquered many! I have conquered-"

I raised my hand, summoning my Caliga.

Embodiment of Wrath - YAKSHA MODE.

Dasc stumbled back, as Chakra overflowed my body. Blood splurted from my nostrils, but a vicious smile appeared on my face.

"Come on, Osa. Let's see it. Let me see your Achronologia to its fullest! Let's see our futures... TOGETHER!" I snarled, electricity crackling off my body, which had now transformed into a goblin-like state.

"SHUT UP!" Dasc roared, swinging his fist, but I zipped out of the way.

Advanced Electricity Magic - COSMIC AUGMENTUS

Advanced Convocatio - CHAINED SUMMONING

I fired my Caliga, the Destreum bullet catching Dasc in the eye, then the spot under his chin. Every weak point that I had subconsciously identified while watching Sarah fight the Demon, every time he watched for her blade to get anywhere near those areas he would discretely reposition his body.

All the information from watching them fight suddenly comes to light.

I dropped the Caliga and summoned another one at hypersonic speed, shooting faster and faster and resummoning over and over again.

Chained Summoning, is only possible through Augmentus.

And Augmentus was heavily amplified in Yaksha Mode.

I continued bombarding Dasc with overwhelming firepower and speed, chaining my assaults.

"Stop... STOP!" Dasc screamed, as he reached out and summoned more of Achronologia. I felt my body slow down. Dasc tried to predict my next move and aimed his wing to slice me in half, but I had already changed my style long ago.

I weaved out of the way, creating a whip out of interlocking DS35's and wrapping it around the Primordial.

"Laceration Protocol!" I cackled crazily, as the DS35 whip tightened, severing the Primordial's leg in a giant blood explosion.

Dasc screamed in pain, reaching out desperately, but more and more DS35's cladded the Demon's hand, corroding and melting it away, forcing the giant Primordial to his knees.

Achronologia - Great Recession

My momentum suddenly left me, my body suspended in the air.

"I won't lose. Even for a little bit of my future to be revealed, I will not let that risk cloud the humiliation of losing to a powerless HUMAN."

I glared at my body, forcing more of my Chakra to course through it, but a huge surge of blood exploded from my mouth.

"ACK! GRRR!" I coughed, staring at the sharp edge of Dasc's wing which was closing in at frightening speed.

A DYING MORTAL NO LESS.

I SHALL NOT LOSE TO YOU.

I AM A FAILURE NO LONGER.

THIS IS MY WORLD TO RULE. FOR LOYCE PROMISED ME.

Dammit! I had no choice.

I had to escape.

More... more!

MORE!!!

CLANG.

The blade suddenly stopped, as Sarah appeared in front of me.

"Aaron! That's enough! Your chakra... it's... it's...!"

"I'm fine!" I snarled.

"No, you're not! Look at what your chakra has turned you into! Let me help. Tell me what to do!"

I clenched my teeth. The chakra flooded my brain.

"No, this is not logical. Your presence here is not logi-"

"TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"

My eyes widened as Sarah brought herself close to me.

"Aaron... please... let me help you. Just this once."

I looked at Dasc, who roared and approached us, storming his way like a charging bull.

"His weak spots... lower right pectoral, his nape, and the spot that connects his left leg to the rest of his body. He's been guarding those areas when you fought him last. Take em out."

Sarah took a deep breath, closing her eyes.

"Alright then."

Sarah's body began glowing silver, as Chakra trails streamed out of her robe.

Embodiment of Passion - Great Luna Form

I watched her hair begin turning silver.

"Then let us slay this beast together. Just like in Kalidas."

I nodded grimly, my Yaksha Mode fueling my need for destruction.

The two of us blasted away from Dasc with overwhelming speed, causing the Primordial to roar in frustration.

"ULTEAR. HOPE. YOU WILL REGRET EVER RAISING YOUR WEAPONS AGAINST YOUR GOD."

"Go!" I shouted to my DS35's.

"Devil Fireworks Protocol!"

The DS35's Sanctuaries flew into the sky in an organized formation, glowing red and unleashing a blinding light-show of explosions, clouding and obscuring the Demon's vision.

"Such imputent-"

BOOM.

Dasc flew backward from a Chakra-enhanced Caliga blast, ripping a hole into his chest.

"AARON!" The Demon roared, swinging his fist, but Sarah appeared in front of me, catching the punch and forcing the fist to the ground, along with the towering opponent.

Dasc's face slammed into the ground.

"Restraints!" I shouted at the Sanctuaries, as they wrapped around the Primordial.

"Do it! Sarah! Spark him up!"

Gates of Ygviil

Sarah's body glowed with a blinding white light, Chakra spilling out.

GREAT LUNABOLT

The green sky suddenly turned silver, clouds forming around the Hero and emitting a white light that shone across the entire city.

A white lightning blast came from the heavens, slamming into the Primordial.

"GRAAAAAH!" Dasc screamed in agony.

ACHRONOLOGIA - PENULTIMATE RECESSION

I irked, as my body became suspended once more. This time, it was even harder to break free.

"Sarah! Finish him off! I can't move!" I yelled.

Sarah nodded, as she landed on the ground before a heavily injured Dasc.

Dasc seethed, his mouth foaming in frustration.

"Stupid... stupid girl!"

Sarah blasted forward, as I held out my hand.

"Transfer Protocol," I commanded my DS35's, which began shrinking into modular marbles and orbiting my wrist, circling my blue magic circle.

Anti-Hope Magic...

Finish this bastard off.

This lackey of Vala's.

You're no Primordial God.

You're just a dog.

A dog to Loyce, and a dog to Vala.

Blue light began to shine on Ygviil, as Sarah stared at the blade, bewildered.

"Do it, Auxiliary Shadow Ultear. I'm counting on you," I smiled at my girlfriend, who raised the sword.

Anti-Hope Magic - SWORD OF JUBILEE

Sarah yelled, slicing the blade against Dasc's neck.

"No... NO! YOU CANNOT KILL ME! I WAS SUPPOSED TO RULE THIS WORLD!" Dasc cried out in fear and anguish.

"For eons... FOR EONS! I COULD NEVER RULE A REALM FOR EONS FOR MY KIND ALWAYS TOOK MY GLORY!"

"A being who holds nothing but contempt for others... will never rule anything!" Sarah roared, forcing the blade deeper into the Primordial's neck, causing the Demon to scream in terror.

"Despair, Demon. Your reign of terror ends now. At the hands of the Hero Ultear!"

SLICE.

Dasc's screams echoed across the realm, as the Primordial exploded into a green light, the Achronologia became undone, allowing me to move again.

I sighed with relief, as my Yaksha Mode became undone. My body flooded with exhaustion, leaning heavily against my DS35's.

Sarah lowered Ygviil, breathing hard.

"Aaron..."

"It's over." I smiled.

Sarah managed a weak smile in return.

"For now... but please. Promise me, no more questionable ideas. That Yaksha Mode... it frightens me when I see you like that."

"I promise I'll try to find a better way to use Chakra."

"Good. Then let us-"

SQUEALCH.

My heart skipped a beat, as Sarah's eyes went wide.

What...

What...?!

This... this can't be happening.

Even if you do find a way to stop Dasc. Nothing is as easy as it seems.

Sarah and I stared at the blade which sprouted from her stomach.

Blood exploded from my girlfriend's mouth as Sarah's pupils dilated. I watched in horror as the Hero of Kalidas was lifted into the air, to reveal the owner of the sword from behind her.

"Oh dear me. Did you really think Lady Vala would let that Primordial Clown manage a realm all on his own? He is a coward after all. As calculating as you are, Aaron, I never imagined the Anti-Narrative would affect you so much that you would think Dasc was the only threat. After everything you threatened me with back then."

"You... you bastard!" I roared, trying to summon my DS35's, but my body exploded in pain.

Sarah tried to reach for the sword, but began choking on the blood that was coming out of her mouth.

"Ack... gah...! Ah... Sar... Sari..."

The swordswoman brought Sarah closer until their faces were inches apart.

"Dear sister. I promised I would kill you first. I never said it would be through a frontal battle. I'm a Demon after all. You turned me into a being who's known for trickery. You only have yourself to blame."

I stared at Sarah, who's eyes began to roll into the back of her head.

"SARAH!" I screamed, rushing forward in a frenzy. Thompson Contender in each hand.

The Ultear Sisters

When Sarah and her sister were born, they were destined to fulfill a role in their world.

That was how Kalidas worked.

Each person was given a purpose, a way of life with which they would carry out.

Templars were meant to guard the kingdom.

Adventurers were meant to explore the world.

Farmers were meant to tend the lands and provide.

And among those roles, was the most prestigious of them all.

The Hero.

A being who was given the role to defeat the Demon Queen, Noir and her armies, who endangered the lives of mankind.

Many sought this role, but only those who lived a life of a Hero knew that it wasn't a life of prestige as many would believe.

It was a path wreathed with bloodshed and grief.

And unfortunately, neither one of the Ultear sisters understood this.

Sarina and Sarah were complete foils to one another. Sarina was sweet and kind, while Sarah was the type to get into fights and arguments.

When the two went to the nursery together, Sarah had once told me she instantly got put in the corner for punching a boy.

Who would have guessed that of the two, Sarina became the Demon?

But the truth was...

Sarah was never meant to be the Hero.

That role was always reserved for Sarina.

Her calling was to be a Demon.

But one night, Sarah could not take it.

A measly Demon could never measure up to a Hero.

And she had spent her whole life chasing after her younger sister.

So, that night, Sarah struck a deal with the Devil, Beelzebub, to switch roles with her younger sister.

She would be the Hero, and Sarina would be the Demon.

"You would raise your hand against me, Dainsleif? After I opened up to you about my sad little story?" Sarina cackled.

"SHUT UP BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU," I snarled, rushing forward, and aiming my Contenders.

Sarina dissipated into darkness, as I roared, spreading my hands.

Advanced Grenade Summoning - HELL'S MINEFIELD

Hundreds of magic circles appeared around me radially, as Sarina materialized, only to trip one of the magic circles and unleash a devastating red explosion, which propelled her into the next magic circle. The explosions rocked the Demon back and forth.

Sarina grunted, spinning in the air and generating a black tornado that neutralized all the grenades.

"GRRR RAARRRRR!" I roared, rushing forward.

Sarina spun around and slashed with her sword, but I weaved to one side, shoving the barrel of my Contender against her throat and firing.

The Demon was flung back, as Sarina countered with her sword which passed right through me.

Advanced Light Magic - False Legacy

I appeared behind her, as Sarina growled, turning around, but not before the sounds of my grenade beeping redirected her attention.

The grenades I had planted on her chest triggered, unleashing more explosions that hurled the Demon right in my direction.

Advanced Convocatio - M130 Minigun

I pulled out a giant minigun and unloaded a barrage of Chakra Enhanced bullets which bombarded Sarina in the chest before she could even react.

I watched the Demon cough out blood as I materialized in front of her, dropping the gun. Transformed into my Yaksha Mode.

"Ha... to move that fast... must mean you threw away your weapon! What is a gunman without a gun? Foolish boy!" Sarina cackled thrusting her sword, but I caught it with the palm of my hand, which was glowing white with Chakra and cladded with the metal of my new DS35's, shrunken into a form so small and interlocking like chainmail.

Sarina gasped.

"What...?!"

I roared, pulling Sarina into me using her sword and slamming my head against hers, my horns piercing her forehead. Sarina screamed in pain as she tried to escape, but I wrapped my arm around her waist, laughing crazily.

I headbutted her again, my Devil horns slicing and cutting into her head.

Over and over again.

"S- Stop... Aaron..." A voice appeared behind me, as I turned around to see Sarah clutching her midsection, her eyes welled up in tears.

"Sar-"

Sarina broke out of my hold and kicked me in the chest. I slammed into the ground, my Yaksha Mode becoming undone.

"YOU WILL REGRET THIS, DAINSLEIF!" Sarina shrieked, closing the distance, but before she could land the blow, Sarah intercepted it with Ygviil.

"Out of the way, bitch! I'll deal with you later! After I destroy this man for marking me like this!"

"Shut up! Sarina! That's enough!" Sarah croaked, but not before Sarina kneed her older sister right at her sword wound, causing Sarah to buckle.

"YOU shut up! To keep moving after I pierced you with my sword. You chose to walk the path of the Blank Saviour! Yet you would go to such extents to protect a man and fall in love with him?! You are nothing but hypocrisy!"

Sarina tried to strike Sarah, but Sarah rushed forward, grabbing her younger sister by the waist and refusing to let go.

"YES! I AM A HYPOCRITE! But please... please! Don't hurt Aaron!"

"SHUT... UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!" Sarina shrieked, hitting Sarah on the back of the head using the hilt of her sword. Blood poured from where Sarina was hitting, but Sarah refused to let go.

"I... I won't let go..." Sarah whispered as Sarina flew into the air, dragging Sarah across the landforms and leveling more and more buildings in the city.

I tried to get up, but fell back down, exhaustion flooding my body.

Shit... I...

I entered Frenzy Mode and summoned Yaksha Mode for the second time in a row! I was out of juice.

I watched as Sarah smashed into the roof of a building with Sarina in the distance.

Sarah struggled to her feet, propping herself on Ygviil, as Sarina rushed forward. The two clashed and began exchanging sword blows with one another.

But to my and Sarina's surprise, Sarah was holding her own.

"You... you dare wield Chakra against me!" Sarina growled, slashing at Sarah and slicing her hair, causing it to turn into a bob cut.

Sarah didn't care, as she grabbed the blade with one of her hands, and slammed the hilt of Ygviil against Sarina.

The two sisters began struggling. Sarina flew back into the air, the two wrestling across the skies of the ruined city.

"Aaron... he tasked me with you," Sarah muttered, as Sarina broke free and slammed her older sister into the ground, then smashed into her with her foot against the Hero's face.

"Is that so? And what does that prove? That you'd choose a random man over your own family!"

"No. He... he told me that you are my sister. And that you are my responsibility. I must... I must fulfill my role, not as a Hero, but as the only family you have left! We're all we have left!"

Sarina kicked Sarah away.

"NO. The only person I have and I ever need, is Lady Vala. Because Hope will never abandon me. Hope is ABSOLUTE."

Sarah emerged from the debris but vomited blood.

I didn't know how long she had left, but that sword wound was critical. It had pierced right through her stomach.

Forget being exhausted.

Sarah was in a worse condition than I was.

I took a step forward, but suddenly Sarina glared at me.

"I so badly want to make you suffer for violating me like that. Dainsleif. But right now, my focus is on Saraia. Why don't you all have a good time with the God-Eater."

"What?" I asked when suddenly, a shadow loomed over me.

I leaped back, narrowly dodging a familiar-looking spear.

The owner loomed before me, as he spun his spear with lightning speed.

He was even stronger than the last time I met him.

And next to him, was another familiar eyesore.

Joseph Greziak.

"God dammit! Can this wait? You two lackeys aren't even relevant!" I complained.

"I'm no lackey. And I'll prove it to you," The spear guy seethed, as he rushed forward, nearly impaling my head, but I dodged, the spear nicking me in the face.

I then dropped low, dodging a kick from Greziak.

"Screw this. I don't have time for your garbage. I'm gonna save my girlfriend," I snarled, creating a white chakra arm. Red magic circles appeared before both hands, summoning my MP7 and Draugr.

Greziak blasted in, but I spun forward, weaving through his strike and aiming my Draugr, at Spear Guy's weapon, shooting and shattering it, while aiming my MP7 behind me, bombarding Greziak in the back with an entire magazine of SMG bullets.

The two Vessels of Vala stumbled but instantly recovered.

And before I knew it, the two closed in from both directions, locking me in a pincer formation.

"Did you really think I was going to get away with being unrecognized?! I was one of Greece's fiercest warriors! You shall know the terror of Achilles!" The Spear Guy snarled, drawing his sword and slashing at me.

I managed to block it with my Draugr, but the Spear Guy struck again, and I felt something in my arm crack. Pain arced up my body.

From the corner of my vision, Greziak closed in, his fist reeled back.

"One of Vala's confidants informed me that you are working in line with Tidalflame. I'll have you questioned once we've captured you."

"Make these threats once you've actually captured me, you clowns!" I shouted, activating my Advanced Light Magic and shifting through reality, appearing on the other side of the battlefield.

I stomped on the ground, grenades in hand.

"Shadows," I said, as darkness swirled around me.

Sir Dainsleif...

"Cloud the judgment of Greziak. The guy's not right in the head. Fill his mind with hallucinations of Yeling. I'll deal with Achilles."

It shall be done, Sir Dainsleif.

"As for you, o' Great Achilles..." I aimed my Draugr at the warrior.

"I know a Hero when I see one. I'm dating one. And you don't measure up to her."

Achilles scowled.

"My power will surpass hers. We are destined to bring Lady Vala back to life. We were chosen."

"Chosen to be her simps, yeah, real honor!" I taunted.

"SACRILEGE!" Achilles snarled, rushing forward, but not before being surrounded by dozens of orbs, which released a toxic green gas.

The Greek Hero began retching.

"Heard of nerve gas? The toxic gas, bet they didn't have that in the Trojan War!"

"Enough!" Achilles growled, spinning his spear and dissipating the gas through a vortex.

"You shall experience a pain like no other, Dainsleif!"

Achilles rushed forward and impaled me in the chest, but the illusion disappeared.

"What?! More games! Fight me like a warrior!"

THUMP.

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.

Five pillars appeared around Achilles, which began emanating a red pulse.

Achilles spun around frantically, trying to locate me.

"Heyo!" I said, from above, as Achilles glared at me.

"COME DOWN HERE AND FIGHT LIKE A MAN!"

"Nah. Your head is raised at the right angle."

"At the right angle?! For what?!"

"For this, genius! Death Frequency Protocol!"

The DS35 Pillars transformed, emitting a deafening blare. Blood exploded from the Hero's ears as he shrieked in pain.

"I... I will return. We always return. We shall return stronger... stronger and stronger. And with each return, we will soon become strong enough to house our Lady's essence. You are only... accelerating the inevi-"

KABOOM.

Achilles exploded into an explosion of white light and blood, as I glared at the Spear Vessel.

"When she comes back fully, we will be prepared to kick her ass," I sneered, as I descended in front of Greziak, who was surrounded by the Shadows and muttering garbage.

"Tidalflame... you... you dare... ruin everything... you dare ruin Stormwatch... to... to burden Vis like that... I will never for-"

"Hey moron," I said, as Greziak turned to face the barrel of my Draugr.

BANG.

The vessel crumpled to the ground, dissolving into blue light.

I knew I had to find a way to contain them. From what Achilles told me, each death made them stronger.

But right now, Sarah was the priority.

I rushed to her location, the sounds of the fighting had ceased. My heart beat like crazy until I found myself face to face with Sarah, lying motionless and leaning against a destroyed wall.

Her younger sister's blade was inches away from her throat, but someone had stopped it.

I paused, staring at the man.

Tall.

Trench coat.

But...

That wasn't what was making my body paralyzed in fear.

In his hand was a crossbow.

"Let me kill her!" Sarina screeched.

"This was not the objective."

"Screw the objective! Both of our personal targets are here in the same place! My sister, and your brother!"

B- Brother...?!

Jekyll glared at Sarina with cold eyes, causing her face to lose color.

"I... J- Jekyll, forgive me, I didn't mean to-"

"Do you want to know why you are just a mere footsoldier, thrown with that fool Achilles and that mentally deranged Greziak?"

"F- Forgive me... I- I-"

SLAM.

Sarina coughed, falling to her knees before the God of Warfare.

The hatred on Jekyll's face was unlike any other.

"Aaron Hope." Jekyll's voice rang in my head, as I stumbled back.

The God of Warfare turned around, appearing before me. A shove sent me flying violently as I crashed into a wall.

"It seems you have learned that our link is much more than just... a mere death of a little girl."

My hand trembled in terror.

"J- Jekyll... what did she mean by... by..."

Jekyll lowered his face.

"When the time comes. My only wish, is that accursed brain of yours does not put things together until the time comes. I will ensure Demon Lord Loyce keeps this narrative going."

My deductive reasoning suddenly left me, as fatigue coursed through my body.

There were too many things going on.

What Loki's aim was.

Jekyll's connection to me.

I...

I turned to see Sarah sprawled on the ground. I rushed up to her and scooped her up. Her breath was shallow.

"Jekyll... you-"

I looked up, to see Jekyll and Sarina gone.

Sarah coughed, as I looked at my hand.

It was soaked in her blood.

"Sarah... Sarah hang in there!" I said desperately.

If only Sigurd was here to inject her with some nanomachines or something!

"Shadows! Stabilize her! Send her back!"

I am sorry, Sir Dainsleif. But... the moment you summoned us, we have been unable to leave this realm. We cannot leave Master Jun's world due to the nature of Aran Sol's influence. This includes local transportation as well.

"Then stabilize her. Do anything!"

We shall temporarily mend her wounds, however, she has lost significant amounts of blood. We will need to seek a healer.

I clenched my teeth.

This... this was the risk of bringing allies.

This was more of a reason that I had to work alone.

No.

This was the same train of thought that brought Sarah into despair.

I needed to believe in my friends.

I shouldered Sarah on my back.

We had no choice.

We needed to get to Trion as fast as we could. Maybe there were doctors amongst the survivors there.

I began walking, struggling with keeping Sarah on my back.

I needed rest. I had just fought Dasc, then fought Sarina, then those two Vessels.

My body couldn't take anymore, but if I stopped now, Sarah was going to die.

"Sarina... I couldn't stop her..." Sarah whispered from behind me.

"Sarah, save your strength. That sword wound's critical. You need to rest."

"Aaron... I- I couldn't save my own little sister..." Sarah sobbed, burying her face into the back of my neck.

"That isn't true. Little by little. You were able to hold your own against her temporarily with a sword wound. Next time will be different. I believe in you."

As for me, I needed to move forward.

I struggled, taking step after step in the direction of the broken city with Sarah on my back. The sky had reverted back to its traditional purple.

With each step, the more I felt like blacking out.

But I had to fight past the urge to fall asleep.

If I passed out now, Sarah was going to die.

"Huff.... huff... ha..."

"Aaron..." Sarah muttered.

"Go back to sleep, Sarah," I replied.

"Put me down."

I turned to her.

"What?"

Sarah regarded me sadly.

"You need to put me down. I'm burdening you too much."

"D- Don't say that. We're almost to Trion. We-"

"I used... Aspectum just now. Trion is three hundred kilometers away. We'll never get there... especially with me on your back."

My bottom lip quivered. The edges of my vision were turning dark.

"Sh- Shadows, reinforce me. We can-"

Sir Dainsleif... the Anti-Narrative... we cannot...

"Shadows! Reinforce me! We need to get to Trion! We-"

I fell to my knees, coughing and hacking violently and staring at the mass of darkness which was slowly dissipating.

"Shadows... SHADOWS! THIS IS AN ORDER! THIS IS..."

Forgive us... Aaron.

I clenched my teeth, as Sarah's breath was becoming shallower by the second. I tried to get up but collapsed, Sarah spilling from my back and tumbling to the ground.

"Sarah!" I gasped, rushing to her side and trying to lift my arm around her waist, hoisting her up, but Sarah grabbed my wrist.

Her face was filled with sadness, and her eyes were losing light.

This...

This can't be happening.

This can't!

"Aaron..." Sarah whispered.

"Sarah, you're... you're a Hero. You can't just DIE from a sword wound! You can't!"

"Aaron... it... it isn't your fault... it's not..."

"SARAH!" I screamed, my hand on her face.

Chakra...

Chakra could save her.

I lifted my hand and forced Chakra to course through it, but the white chakra that was emitting out of my palm was too destructive.

"I was never a Hero... no matter how much I try to tell myself. The only thing I could have done, and ever did, was support you. And that is fine. But I'm... I'm unable to support you any further. I'm sorry."

"Don't say that! Stop saying that! This isn't funny! I'm... I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for roping you along and telling all these jokes. I- I promise I won't tell jokes ever again. I promise I'll be careful with other women. You're all that I need. So please... please..."

I buried my face against Sarah's stomach, her lavender scent filled the air.

"Please Sarah..."

I felt Sarah's hand against the back of my head, stroking it gently.

"I was never able to give you a child, forgive me," Sarah smiled.

"Who- Who cares about that? We'll deal with that later. I'll get you to Trion lickity split. Then once we finish this I'll buy you a whole bunch of donuts. I'll spend my whole savings on them! I'll... I'll..."

Sarah regarded me sadly.

"I love you, I always did."

"I- I love you too. So let's go. Just hang in there and-"

"I love you... Sarina. So please forgive me... for everything I did."

My heart dropped, as I stared at Sarah, whose pupils had become silver. Her purple hair had turned grey.

"Sarah...?"

Sarah stared into the distance, as no more breaths came out of her mouth.

"Sarah? SARAH?! SARAH! SARAH!!!" I screamed frantically, shaking at the body of my fiancee. Knowing full well...

That she would never answer me.

"Sarah... Sarah... Sarah...!" I sobbed, burying my head into her midsection.

"Sarah..."

I couldn't move. I didn't feel like thinking about anything else.

I didn't feel like thinking at all.

When Vala is defeated. I'm hanging up the gloves for good. So if you're fine with it. Once this is all done and over, let's throw a huge ass party.

And get married.

"Aaaah... AAAAAAAH!!!!" I screamed hysterically, clawing at the ground and dragging my face across it.

Just wait for me. Wait until the threat is over. I refuse to die before this threat is over. I promise you. Once Vala is gone and Loyce is defeated, I will stop entirely. We can live our lives together without ever holding a weapon again.

I continued screaming, slamming my forehead against the ground over and over again, blood staining it, the pool becoming bigger and bigger.

Regardless of what you think of yourself. You chose me to be your wife. And I chose you to be my husband. That will never change. My opinions of you will never change.

"Why... WHY?!" I yelled, slamming my fist against the ground and breathing heavily.

Sarina...

Jekyll...

Loyce...

Vala.

I will kill you.

I will destroy Hope.

I will kill...

I will kill...

I will kill...

I will kill...

I will kill...

I will kill you all.

The darkness from the edges of my vision grew bigger.

Bigger and bigger, until...

Until everything turned black from grief.

No More Jokes from the Joker

"Hello, Aaron."

I stared at the ground of the throne room.

It wasn't Master Jun's.

It belonged to another Inner Shadow.

I slowly raised my head, to see Inner Shadow Loyce Hal sitting on the throne, radiating with white energy, the trails of power contrasting with his black blazer, black dress pants, and grey dress shirt.

But I did not say a single word.

Not because I knew better.

But because I no longer had any will to say anything at all.

My fiancee had just died in my arms.

Her last words were an apology to her sister.

"I remember that day... when you were given the SS Rank. All of us Inner Shadows were baffled. We of the Black Legion are very strict with the rankings we give to our Shadows. And an SS Ranked Outer Shadow... would imply the emergence of a new member of The Dark Pentagram."

Loyce leaned forward on his throne.

"Kon Larum, the Worldkiller, was among one of the first Outer Shadows to earn the title of The Knight. A being who could destroy entire planets with his bare hands. An Apex Primordial Demon. Having fought Dasc, you witnessed firsthand just how powerful a Primordial can be."

A flicker of light appeared in Loyce's palm.

"The Knight. The Anomaly. The Nova. The Apocalyptic. The Omniscient. These were all beings who possessed unfathomable potential. Power that contends with Inner Shadows. So one could only imagine the surprise... when a mere... human was considered to be on par with such entities. A human with nothing but merely... trivial peashooters and little elementary party tricks. Was put on the same level as an SS Ranked Shadow."

Loyce raised an eyebrow, as he flicked his finger.

A whip of energy slammed into me, shoving me back.

I slid across the throneroom, only to reappear at the feet of the Demon Lord, but I continued staring at the ceiling with empty eyes. At the numerous fractals that lined the walls.

The numerous patterns.

"Yes... those empty eyes," Loyce appeared above me, floating in mid-air.

"The same eyes that the teenaged God-Eater had. The one who fought gods relentlessly. You see, though that younger version of you was significantly weaker than the version of you who defeated Inner Shadow Bishamonten, that was undoubtedly the best Aaron Hope to have existed. A feral animal. Who only knew how to survive. Who only knew to fight. A feral animal who had no room for jokes and silliness. That was the true God-Eater. That was my favorite version of the God-Eater."

Loyce brought himself closer to me, our faces an inch apart.

I regarded him with a blank expression.

"In my eyes, it makes no sense for a human to be so dangerous, yet could possess the sheer audacity to crack such childish jokes. It makes no sense to me. And as someone who had aligned himself with Lord Ginga, one who stood for fairness against an unfair reality set by Vala, one could say that I do not agree with the narrative of your character."

Swirls of energy danced across Loyce's body, the white and gold of the throneroom never looked so sinister, dripping with venom at every crevice.

"I absolutely despise your character, Aaron Hope. Your very existence is like a sour joke. A joke in the face of those who uphold the ideals of The Black Legion. Even if I no longer affiliate with the organization, you do. The irony of you, a being who boasts both humor and power, a complete utter foil to my Auxiliary Shadow, Yeling Mah...

"I am sure you have already pieced it together by now, Mister Hope. The origin of your alias in the Dark Hexagram, formerly the Dark Pentagram. The origin of The Joker. You were given that title not because of your unpredictability as Rya believes. You were given the title by me. A joke of a character. A joke of a human. A joke of a person."

Loyce smiled evilly.

"And how satisfying it is for me... to see such a joke end up like this. Do you have it in yourself to crack another joke now? In this situation? Tell me a joke, Aaron Hope. Joker of the Dark Hexagram. Crack a joke for me one more time."

I glared at the Demon Lord, but no jokes came from the Joker's mouth.

Loyce laughed sinisterly.

"No? No more jokes from the Joker? Then allow me the honor to tell you a joke."

The Demon Lord began to rise, higher and higher. Our surroundings began elongating and distorting until we were in Andropol.

"We will get what we want. I will get what I want. But all those who oppose me, will not."

Loyce snapped his fingers, as Andropol became engulfed with an orange flame. The citizens of the nation began screaming, catching on fire, and running, trying to evacuate.

My eyes widened as I stared at a mother who was on fire, trying to cradle her child, which also caught on fire. Its cries and screaming sounded so animalistic it didn't seem human.

Darkness cast itself on Loyce's face.

"And you, Aaron Hope. Will be among those who will have everything... each and everything, snatched away from you."

The scene changed again, this time, I was surrounded by nothing but darkness. Except in the distance, I could make out five faint red lights.

I narrowed my eyes, to see that the lights were my Auxiliary Shadows.

Sigurd. Bryce. Robbie. June.

And Sarah.

Crucified against a stake, their bodies being eaten alive by Shadows.

Loyce smiled.

"And soon... even yourself... shall be snatched from your hands. Your very being."

I stared at my hand, as it began to corrode. Melting away until it was merely a skeleton.

I turned back to the Demon Lord, who was now so close I could make out his evil, white irises.

"Unlike the many beings you have defeated, I will be your nightmare. I am a True Demon King. I am truly, the King of all Demons. The King of All. Your childish naivety ends here, Dainsleif of the Black Legion. This is no game. And I am no mere Demon Lord."

Loyce raised his hand, as the fingers passed right through me. The flesh parted until Loyce was holding my heart in his hands.

Loyce began to squeeze, as I started to retch, clawing at my chest, trying my best to save my lifeline, the most vital organ of them all, to no avail.

For the Great Demon King had my life in his hands. And he was ready to end it at any moment.

I was not in control.

"This is the real deal. This is what you are getting yourself into. By facing me, you are doing what I want. But you don't have any choice. Just as Loki says. A human was never meant to defeat a Demon Lord. Your plot armor has run its course. This narrative...

DOES NOT.

WANT YOU.

ANYMORE.

SQUEALCH.

I woke up, the sensation of raindrops pitter-pattered against my forehead.

I blinked, my eyelids hovering, throwing splashes of rain across my face, but no matter how much they tried, the rain continued pouring down, slamming against my corneas relentlessly. They knew the best way would have been to shut my eyes off the world forever, but this was reality.

This was the reality I was to face.

I was lying on the ground of the broken ruins of Master Jun's world.

A world where I was first introduced to.

"Welcome to my realm," Jun said.

"Your... realm? Are you some kind of god or something?" I asked.

Jun chuckled.

"Ay ay. Don't you insult me like that! We both know just how scummy them gods are! I'm more than that."

Jun noticed my hand hovering over my Glock.

"Listen. I'm sorry about what happened to Jessica. It... it must have hurt."

"I don't get hurt. This is rage. You don't know anything about-"

"I know."

Jun turned around.

"I know a lot. I've seen a lot. I've learned a lot. Don't worry. You'll be safe as long as you work under me."

"I don't trust gods."

"I just said I'm not a god!"

"And how am I going to take the words of a thirteen-year-old boy at face value? The beings I have fought are divine in nature. Their strength is not for any man to handle, much less a child!"

"You're a kid too! You're literally sixteen dude!"

"HUH?!"

I marched up to Jun and yanked at his afro.

"If anything I should be your boss, kid! I'm older than you by three years!"

"Do you know who I am?! I'm the SS+ Ranked Inner Shadow Jun Gasket! Inner Shadows are amongst one of the strongest members in the Black Legion Organization! You should be showing me respect, hell you should be terrified of me! Or at the very least, you should take comfort that I'm even giving you a place to live!!!"

I stomped my foot, causing Jun to flinch.

"Shut up," I muttered, as I faced the Inner Shadow.

"Do you think this is some kind of sitcom or something? If it is true that the gods influence our lives... then I've been living a joke of life all this time. I was no older than you when the Goddess of Fertility killed all of my foster siblings. Ever seen a child's guts go flying out? Ever seen a person cut in half? Do you even know what the sound of a blade cutting through bone sounds like? Do you know the pain of having all your limbs borderline falling off from frostbite but the stress of being forced to keep moving forward feels like?"

I breathed heavily, clutching my chest.

"And do you know how it feels... to be so powerless. To watch your girlfriend, the girl who gave you a new life, a new purpose, a reason to smile... commit suicide in front of your very eyes, after telling you that she's too worthless for you? After all that praying you did. After you had thrown away your hatred, to bow your head to the same people who laughed at you all your life, to beg for just one... one tiny favor, only for them to disregard you like you're trash."

I raised my head before the Inner Shadow.

"No one else can stand to a god. Even if I wanted allies... much less a benefactor, it just isn't... it just isn't..."

Jun knelt down in front of me.

"And what if I told you... that I was someone greater?"

"You?" I scoffed.

"Ay! Don't scoff at me! I'm telling the truth."

Jun got up and gazed at the horizon.

"This universe, this reality that you are standing in. Is something I created. With this."

Jun tapped his temple.

I stared at him.

"Wh- What?"

"Yep. I created this entire reality using science. This realm. I'll tell ya this. These so-called gods are limited to their world. Sure they're strong, but they're strong by their principles."

Jun spread his hands, as reality warped around him, particles coming together and forming highly advanced orb-like drones which tended to me, cleaning the dirt and grime off my face, as well as my clothes. I hadn't felt so clean in four years.

"The principles I follow are the ones that I design. I promise you, Aaron. I promise to make you strong again. Right now, you're weak. Battered and worn down. Because you are fighting an unfair battle. A human can only go so far. But a human with a powerful benefactor is unstoppable."

"But... But against the gods! Against the gods I-"

"You still don't get it? My god people are so stupid. Maybe building that robot version of Elise Scarlet wasn't such a bad idea after all."

I blinked.

"Jun... just because you can make super advanced robots, I can't see us winning-"

"Fine! I guess I haven't made myself clear then."

Jun approached me and pointed at me.

"I am Inner Shadow Jun Gasket. I am a being who is beyond the gods. And by my will. By my hand. By my mind. You will be my greatest sword. The greatest sword to bring vengeance to those who wronged you. Because bullies suck. And you have been bullied all your life. It is now your turn to turn the tide. Become a symbol of terror to these deities. I will make you the sharpest sword in existence, one who cuts down divine flesh. You will be my Dainsleif."

Jun then wiggled his eyebrows.

"And you will also be my best bud. One day, you'll get me laid!"

I choked, stumbling back.

"Gah! You... you pervert!"

"Come on, we're both teenagers here. And I'll be the closest guy you have. You don't need to worry about me being in trouble. I'm SS+ Ranked. I'm never in trouble. Here's to your new life, as my Outer Shadow Aaron. You'll be the best Outer Shadow in the Black Legion. Mark my words!"

"This... this war against the gods has no room for jokes! We need to grow up for our age. We need to."

"Blah blah blah! All I'm hearing is jibberish. We're still young, Aaron! Come on."

Jun put a thumb to his chest.

"I for one am gonna enjoy my youth!"

"Enjoy how?! You admitted to building a plastic sex doll dude!"

"Hey! I- You- I'm an Inner Shadow dammit! You're supposed to treat me with respect! When I say I'm a lady slayer you say yes master! When I say I'm a good looking stud you say yes I agree!"

"Hell no! I'm not gonna be your wingman!"

"Yes, you are! You're my Outer Shadow!"

"I never even agreed!"

"Then agree now!"

"That's not even how it works!"

"It works now!"

"That doesn't even make any sense!!!"

The two of us stared at each other for a few seconds, before busting out a laugh.

The first laugh... the first genuine laugh I had in a long time...

Whenever I was with Master Jun...

Everything felt like it was going to be okay.

To have a benefactor who was so powerful, and so willing to help make me strong.

We created so many things together.

Master Jun...

I blinked back to reality, as I turned around.

Sarah's lifeless body lay next to me. The color had completely left her eyes, and her grey hair was now reduced to messy strands.

Master Jun...

Without you...

Without you, there is no Outer Shadow Dainsleif.

I closed my eyes and began to cry.

I was back to where I was.

So many years ago.

Nothing had changed in the end.

No.

I needed to move forward.

I needed to.

For all their sakes.

For Sarah's sake.

I dragged myself to my dead girlfriend's body and shouldered her onto my back, struggling to my feet. I no longer held back my tears as they streamed down my face, mixing with the rain.

For Robbie's sake.

I stumbled forward, trudging along. I slipped on a patch of ground that was wet with rain but forced myself back up.

For June's sake.

I continued walking. 300 kilometers. 3000 kilometers.

The number of kilometers made no difference.

For Annie's sake.

Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.

My body continued getting wracked with sobs and grief. But I needed to keep it together.

For Jessie's sake.

Thunder rolled in the sky. Rain or shine. Even if hell froze over, and the sky rained fire in this world created by my Master, I will keep moving forward.

For Saki's sake.

Move.

Move forward, Aaron.

For Bryce's sake.

For Diana's sake.

For Will's sake.

For Nora's sake.

For Yeling's sake.

For Vicki's sake.

For Carlton's sake.

For everybody at the orphanage's sake.

For the sake of everybody who has fallen victim to Vala's twisted ideal of Hope.

If you give up, it's all over.

It hurts a lot.

I know that more than anyone.

But we need to keep going.

"We... we gotta keep moving. For everybody. Isn't that... isn't that right, Sarah?" I managed a weak laugh.

Sarah didn't respond.

I sure hoped she did.

"Actually... wouldn't that make you a zombie if you did?"

I paused.

A joke...

"I... I cracked a joke... ha... haha... hahaha!"

I turned to my girlfriend, as I shouldered her back in position.

"I'm such a funny guy, aren't I, Sarah? Haha. Hahahahaha!"

I continued laughing, tears running down my face.

Let's keep laughing.

Let's keep smiling.

My body began glowing with white light, but this time, the light wasn't harsh.

It was almost like a soft glow.

A warm glow.

Cherished by my memories of all the people who loved and cared for me in this dark, twisted world, this Chakra was more than just mere Chakra.

It was hope.

True, hope.

This is what hope truly meant.

I staggered forward, but my body was losing strength.

Losing its light.

Despite the chakra coursing through it.

Laugh, Aaron. Laugh.

In the face of this cruel world, the only thing we can do is laugh at how ridiculous it was.

A joke of an existence?

So what?

A joke was a joke.

A joke is meant to be told.

By the Joker of the Dark Hexagram.

And I will laugh at these jokes.

That's what jokes are for.

"Hey! There's someone out there!"

"Call the others! There's a survivor!"

"Are you sure that Demon didn't get to him?"

"He's... he's laughing? He's lost his mind!"

"HA... HAHAHA!" I laughed crazily, as I fell to the ground, Sarah's body plopped on top of me, but I continued pushing through my legs, shoving myself forward.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

"No... he's not just laughing. He's crying! Take him in!"

I was suddenly surrounded by numerous people, and at the center of my vision, was someone familiar.

"I... I know this one. He's been to my shop."

"Really?"

"Yes. Hurry, let's get them in. Don't worry, son. You're safe now."

I stopped laughing, staring at the man's face.

"You..."

The man leaned in, putting his hand on my face.

"You're safe, kid."

I reached out, interlocking my fingers with the old man's.

The hand of a fellow gunman.

A man who had shielded those kids during the Battle of Detroit.

The man the kids saw as their Hero, even more so than the Heroes who fought and protected the city from Doctor Destroyer.

"Mar... Marty..." I croaked, before blacking out.

By the time I awoke, I was in a strange-looking hut consisting of numerous pots. In them was a red concoction.

I slowly sat up, rubbing my temples.

"You're awake. Welcome back to the land of the living," A woman's voice said.

"Who-" I muttered groggily, focusing on the figure of the lady who I presumed to have tended to me.

I recognized her right away.

"Good morning... or night. I guess it's pretty hard to tell in this world. But fancy seeing you again, Hangman."

"Witchcraft? I don't remember bringing you along when I requested Master Jun create a sanctuary for these guys."

Witchcraft scoffed.

"I never intended to come along, but we ended up having no choice. As you already know, the terror of the Supreme Primordial left many of us with no choice but to flee our reality. Whoever chose to stay, stayed, stubbornly. But quickly many of us had no choice but to escape. If it wasn't for your Inner Shadow, we would all have succumbed to this... de-resolution."

I stared at my wounds, and Bethany noticed.

"I'm sure you already know, but the way you wield your Chakra is extremely self-destructive. The fact that you were able to channel it so long without your body crumbling away is nothing short of a miracle."

"You tended to my wounds... with magic right?" I asked.

Bethany pursed her lips.

"Yes."

Immediately, the thought sprung into my head.

"What about Sarah? The girl I was with? Did you heal her too? I- I beg you to prioritize her over me; her wounds were critical. And... And-"

"Aaron. I'm sorry. But the girl you were with had already died by the time we found you two."

My hand fell dejectedly. It felt like everything around me had crumbled away to dust.

All hope I had left for Sarah being alive...

This narrative does not want you anymore.

That was what Loyce had told me.

And it didn't occur to me until now...

But ever since I had decided to proclaim war against the narrative-bending, reason-abolishing Demon Lord, things had taken a dark, dark turn.

Be it through Robbie's death.

Or Bryce's near death.

My heart wrenched in pain.

To Sarah's death.

In the numerous missions I was in prior, everything wasn't easy, but in the end, we still got out of it in one piece. A bit banged up sure, but still.

We were able to come up victorious, or at least, there was some degree of growth amongst us. We were able to live to fight another day.

But ever since I decided to fight Loyce's forces, everything was slowly being ripped apart from me.

As if whatever this narrative was that everything was going to be okay in the end was suddenly torn apart.

People who I wished would never die, ended up dead.

The promise I made to Sarah was broken.

I never felt so hopeless and dark before.

This depressing and hopeless narrative had now taken hold of me. This was no longer a fun adventure between friends, messing around, and playing pranks. Cracking jokes. Making light of enemies for cliches and common tropes that I used to do.

"Come here, child."

I raised my head, to see Witchcraft holding a necklace.

"What is that?" I asked.

"It's an amulet, passed on by members of the Duquesne family."

"And you're passing that down to me... why?"

Bethany regarded me sadly.

"You look like you really need it right now."

I slowly took the pendant and inspected it.

Suddenly, memories of my time with Will and Nora flashed from the reflections of the gem.

Then memories of Sakura and I, taking walks along Gasket's world, admiring the flowers and cherry blossoms.

Then finally...

That time I had proposed to Sarah.

"What do you see?"

"Memories..."

"Bad memories, or good memories?"

My bottom lip quivered.

"Good... warm memories. Really warm memories."

Bethany smiled.

"Then the pendant has chosen you. I am glad to have met you, despite... our first meeting going so sideways."

"I- I don't understand."

Witchcraft took the pendant from my hands and showed me the sides of the gem, but this time, the memories were different.

Images of several cult members performing dark magic in front of a fire flashed, then of Witchcraft battling her sister, Talisman.

"The gem chooses its owner. Depending on their heart. Depending on the nature of its soul. That nature, the nature of my family's acts in the coven greatly corrupted my soul. For the longest time, no one in the Circle of the Scarlet Moon could ever wield the pendant. We all believed it was a shard of great evil, and the one who would wield it would bring the coven to greater heights of dark magic."

"But I don't... get it. You're the superhero here. You're Witchcraft! I'm... just some troublemaker who bit off more than he could chew. Nothing about me would make me worth for this pendant."

Witchcraft rested her chin on her palm.

"Is that so? When we found you, I noticed this warm fuzzy feeling come out of you. Do you mean to tell me that warm, kind, chakra was from something vile?"

My fingers wrapped around the pendant.

"Bethany... why are you doing this for me. After everything I did back in Millennium City. My jokes and antics are inexcusable. Disrespecting the statues of your fallen comrades to giving a bad name to myself and the UNITY organization alike. I tried to murder Doctor Destroyer. I don't get why you're trying to help-"

I was suddenly cut off, as Bethany brought me into an embrace.

"When I was a little girl, my sister and I were to be inducted into our parent's coven. I chose to escape while my sister accepted her role to be part of that cult. I spent years on the run in the streets, desperately trying to stay alive. The entire time, I cursed myself for living this life. And even to this day, I wondered what kind of cruel god would make me live a life like that."

No words left my mouth, as Bethany continued.

"And even to this day, now that I've grown up and got myself a silly husband in James Harmon. I still believe that no child should have to go through something like that. And when I learned of what you had to go through from Marty, I realized... the type of person you are."

Bethany pulled away.

"Aaron, you aren't a terrible person. Your fiancee. Robert Fernandez. June Lee Sung. And your first girlfriend, Jessica Lane. Their deaths were not because you are a terrible person. The jokes and antics you've made were a way for you to cope with the challenges your life threw at you.

"If anything, you have a bigger heart than any superhero I ever knew."

I ran my hand through the amulet.

"I don't know... I don't know if I can keep going."

"Then take a break, just for now. Take some time. But don't blame yourself. After all, it was you who begged your Shadows to bring us here, away from that Primordial's influence."

"Fat lot that did. Now that same Primordial is here too." I grumbled.

A calculated risk I took...

I knew Aran had come for Jun, meaning his influence would have affected this realm, but I knew that there was still a better chance of them surviving here than staying in the Champions Universe. Gasket's realm, at the very least, was far stronger and more robust.

If both realities were subject to de-resolution, while all other realities would be a target by Vala and Loyce for use of hostages, I had to choose the one that was more equipped to deal with it. Added to the fact that Sigurd would have been here to protect them.

But the risk I took still doomed everyone.

I got up, approaching the door.

"Where... where did you guys put Sarah?" I asked.

"She's at the central wing. We were waiting for you, before deciding what to do with her body."

"Thank you."

I opened the door and walked down the hall. Numerous survivors stared at the ground listlessly.

Many were injured.

Some were injured horrifically more than others.

And amongst the survivors, a crowd was huddled around something. They made way for me as soon as they saw me.

And in the center, was the corpse of Sarah Ultear, her face in complete peace.

I slowly rested my hand on her forehead. Cold to the touch, but for some reason, made my chest feel warm.

"She must have been an incredible warrior."

I slowly turned around to see Ironclad standing before me. His sword was unsheathed and planted on the ground.

A Dorvalan gesture to recognize a brave warrior who had fallen in battle.

"Yeah. She was a Hero of Kalidas."

"A great warrior, indeed."

I glared at my hand.

"A great warrior who... who chose to be with someone like me."

Ironclad put a hand on my head.

"You must stay strong. Have faith. For her."

I clenched my teeth.

"S- Sorry. Sorry, Drogen. Not this time."

I turned around slowly and headed to the exit of the hideout. Ironclad looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself.

I just wanted to be alone.

I stepped out and gazed at the distance of Jun's broken world.

"Yeling... how're things out there... I guess in the end, you were right. You were always the one who could stand against Vala. You're used to loss. You're used to these things. Someone like me... with so much to lose, and having lost it all. I can't even keep it together anymore. Loyce is too much for me."

I reached into my pocket and inspected my Draugr.

Hey! Don't you know who I am?! I'm the legendary God-Eater!

I gripped the handle of the gun angrily.

You're going out with the legendary SS Ranked Outer Shadow. Aaron Hope. The most annoying Outer Shadow in the Black Legion! What did you expect?

I began taking ragged breaths. Emotion flooded my body.

No. I believe I will come back to you. And I believe you will come back to me. Our kid won't live a life where they will only get to know one of their parents. I will never ever let that happen. Do you understand?

"AAAAAH!" I screamed, throwing the Draugr across the edge. The gun clattered off the cliff and fell into the abyss.

"FUCK! FUCK YOU!" I roared, summoning my weapons one by one.

I threw my MP7 over the side. Then my assault rifles. My shotguns.

My Ironsight. My Caliga. My M130

"YOU FUCKIN LIAR! YOU GOD DAMN LIAR!" I yelled, chucking all my guns angrily. The sounds of metal clanking and echoing in the silence.

I grabbed the tattered grimoire and glared at it, pulling out a Thompson Contender.

"Fuck you, Aaron! You worthless... goddamn liar... Legendary SS Rank my ass! Promise my ass! All these promises! And in the end, you got the woman you loved killed! You got her killed! You got all of them killed! They're dead, Aaron! THEY'RE... FUCKIN... DEAD!"

I threw the book over the edge until all I was holding left was my Contender.

"You gonna throw that gun away too?"

I spun around in a rage, aiming the Contender at an old man, who was holding a handgun of his own.

"So... that's your ultimate gun? The Thompson Contender. What a classic ol' weapon, eh? Aaron?"

My hand trembled, as the barrel of the gun was aimed right at Marty's forehead.

"Leave me alone. I'm warning you, old man. You may be a marksman but I'm the best marksman that ever lived."

"Yeah? The best, huh? I thought you said you were a goddamn liar?"

I snarled.

"Don't MAKE me pull the trigger!"

"Go ahead! You younguns, one moment you're tossing your guns to one side, and the next, you're threatenin' bloody murder! I may not be as good as you, but I sure as hell ain't gonna be intimidated by a lil nineteen-year-old! Kingston's never let me down! No matter how bad it gets! We got a special bond that transcends everything!"

I glared at Marty.

"Then I'll break that belief. There's no such thing as a special bond. They all fail in the end! I've failed every bond I ever made!"

"Blah blah blah! You finished yet, you self-pitying brat!"

"The hell did you just say?!"

Marty loaded Kingston.

"Yeah! You heard what I said! Ol' Kingston and I. We have been through thick and thin! Against them Destroids back in '92! Against them Destroids in 2021! Against that whack God of War! We have been through it all!"

"SHUT UP! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR BULLSHIT!"

I threw the Contender into the air, jabbing with my fist and summoning a magic circle.

I pulled out two bullets and chucked them into the barrel of the gun before catching it.

"You want a gun duel against me? Then you got it, you paranoid geezer. I'll prove to you that bonds never last." I snarled.

"Bring it on! Kingston and I are ready!"

The two of us faced off, as a breeze parted our hair.

Gunman against Gunman

Champions of Trion

Marty fired Kingston, the bullet coming straight to me.

This guy was serious about shooting me!

I stumbled back, aiming my Contender wildly, but before I could do anything, my entire vision was clouded by white dust.

"F- Flour?! Are you kidding me?! You'd use flour to-"

What was that sound?

He was reloading his gun again.

Where was he gonna fire?

Dammit, I didn't even have time to assess the surroundings before he blinded my vision.

Aspectum - Full Radar

I spun around, whipping my gun to the location of the bullet.

I'd split the bullet. The trajectory of my bullet would jam his barrel.

Marty was known to be a marksman, but most marksman never used their guns in full battle.

Like how a boxer who only trained pads would panic in a real fight, a marksman would panic in a real gunfight.

And panic would always manifest by shooting multiple bullets.

Once I jammed his gun, his panic would set in, and ol' Kingston would blow up.

"Idiot... I warned you." I muttered, as I fired, the bullet soaring to the projectile that I had predicted.

SHUFF.

What?

That wasn't supposed to be the sound of a bullet being split in half!

Suddenly, black rain appeared in front of my eyes, catching me in the face.

I began coughing and retching violently, stumbling over.

It wasn't a bullet!

He faked me out!

I clutched my eyes, stumbling around.

"Pepper spray, what do you think? I've got a few tricks of my own, kiddo!"

Several bullets came flying my way, but before Marty could rejoice, I had already closed the distance, glaring at him. The barrel of my gun pointed at his throat.

"You think a mere smokescreen's gonna beat me?" I snarled.

Marty clenched his teeth.

"Damn... you predicted the patterns of the bullets?"

I aimed and fired, grazing Marty's arm as I spun around, shoving him back.

Marty stumbled, but took aim, firing again, but I opened my hand, tossing the pepper that he had chucked at me earlier back at him.

Marty wheezed and fired, his bullet missing wildly.

I quickly took aim, firing at the bullet and knocking its trajectory straight into Kingston.

Kingston flew out of Marty's hand as the older marksman gasped. I rushed forward, tackling the old man, and the two of us skidded to a stop.

I aimed my Contender at Marty's forehead.

"Where's your Kingston now?" I snarled.

"Waiting... for me...!" Marty seethed, as he bit down on my hand. I roared, letting go. Marty ran to the other side. I let him pick up his gun.

"I ain't gonna lose to you!"

"Then die ignorant."

Marty fired, and I returned with a shot of my own, deflecting his bullet.

Marty continued firing, but each bullet was being deflected by my own, knocking them out mid-air.

"Bring it on!" Marty shouted, rushing forward, continuously firing. The entire time, I continued parrying with gunshots of my own, standing still.

Marty then took aim behind me, subtly, and fired at a supporting structure.

"Got em!" I heard Marty whisper under his breath, but to his surprise, I calmly pointed my gun behind me and fired, decimating the support structure.

Marty's shock caused him to stumble forward as I caught him in a judo hold, slamming the old man onto the ground.

I watched Marty struggle to his feet again.

"I ain't done. Never done."

"Yes, you are. I've reached the point where I really don't care anymore. Who I hurt. Who gets hurt. I've been hurting people all my life anyway. It doesn't matter anymore."

Advanced Convocatio - DS35 Turricalum GRAND ADMIRAL

Thousands of red magic circles appeared behind me, as blood leaked from my eyes.

I aimed my Contender at Marty.

"Gravity Protocol."

The DS35's transformed into flat star-shaped disks, emitting a translucent red wave of energy that flattened Marty to the ground, cracking it.

The old man let out a cry, as Kingston was buried deep into the concrete, blood leaving the old man's nostrils.

I walked forward, the light of my DS35's casting a demonic red shadow across me.

Advanced Fire Magic: FIRE GOD IFRIT PILA

An orange magic circle appeared, transforming my Contender into a flaming devil-like black monstrosity. Devil-like horns appeared from the sides of the gun, and a fiery inferno appeared at the center. Where the bullet was residing.

"Can your stupid bond with Kingston stay intact in the face of this?" I whispered coldly.

Marty slowly raised his head, but the gravity was too much.

"Yeah... of course it will. This... ain't nothin'. For ol' Kingston."

My eye twitched in irritation.

"Marty... I am gonna kill you for real. I really will."

"I know."

"No, you don't. This is Advanced Level Magic, running on my own Chakra, my own life force. This is me at my strongest. At this level, I surpass the Aaron Hope that fought Bishamonten by at least ten times."

"SO WHAT?!" Marty growled.

I hesitated, my gun hand trembling.

"SO WHAT, AARON? WHAT DID YOU THINK I WAS GONNA DO?!"

Marty clenched his teeth, curling his fingers around Kingston, desperately trying to grab hold of the gun.

"Did'ya really think. By showin' off your funny little spells and powers that I was gonna cry like a lil baby?"

Rage coursed through my body. Wrathful Chakra ripped my back apart as blue arms emerged.

Embodiment of War - ASURA'S PENALTY

Five arms appeared behind me, each channeling the Fire Magic through their respective Contenders, aiming their barrels at Marty from different angles.

The orange magic circles and fire turned into a deadly blue.

"No matter... how much power you force yourself... I ain't gonna stop fightin'. This is who I am. This is the bond that I've had with Kingston. No matter how hopeless this may seem."

"SHUT UP. WHAT DO YOU KNOW." I growled, blood splurting from my mouth.

A fresh wave of gravitational energy spewed out of my DS35's, smashing Marty deeper into the concrete.

The old man was hanging onto his last line of consciousness.

There was no way someone in his late seventies was gonna keep this up.

He should have fallen a long time ago.

What the hell was he trying to prove?!

"My son... the kids... were killed by the Cultists of Sol," Marty croaked.

Suddenly, the fire magic and Asura arms disappeared.

The DS35's stopped coursing its energy.

I slowly lowered my Contender, as the gun clattered on the ground.

"I lost... everything too. Aaron," Marty muttered.

The old man coughed, forcing himself to stand.

"They tortured him. They tortured his wife, my daughter-in-law. They violated them both inhumanely... in ways you could never imagine. Out of the seventy-eight years I lived, I had never seen a group of crazies so cruel before. They were not human. They truly were... followers of a True Demon."

Marty approached me, grabbed me by the sides of my head, and slammed his forehead into mine.

I stumbled back, blood leaking down my face, as did Marty's.

"I watched each and every single one of em. All the younguns. Some of them I recognized. The same younguns who I saved in '92, all grown up just to have their limbs ripped off! And I had to WATCH. And you tell me, you tell me if we all gave up. Who will keep this from happening to the rest of the survivors? HUH?"

I breathed shakily, as Marty continued.

"This camp, we established here in Trion. We're still alive. I know all about this Black Legion nonsense. I know what you guys are dealing with. This 'Aran Sol'. He's the reason we had to evacuate from our reality. And now he's here. We know!"

"Then why aren't you-"

"Because as long as we live, we can still fight!" Marty shouted, grabbing Kingston and pressing the barrel to the side of my head.

"And even in the face of overwhelming danger, even in the face of you. God-Eater. I can still win, just once, even if I was put to the ground many times. No Demon. No narrative. No Inner Shadow. And no Ancient Spirit of Hope can take away our will to survive. That is what humanity is about!"

Marty fired, the bullet grazing the side of my head as the old man shoved me backward.

"I don't care if this is a different universe. I'm too old to think about all this multiverse mumbo jumbo, but I'll bet my left leg that no matter what universe, there will always be someone who refuses to back down. Because no matter what the narrative is, where there is humanity, there is the will to survive. Because resilience transcends all narratives!"

I fell to my knees.

The will to survive.

For everyone's sake.

Marty... Marty was still fighting, even though he had lost everything.

Together with the people of Trion.

They kept fighting despite knowing that they were defenseless against Aran Sol.

They didn't give up.

A hand appeared before me.

"So I'll ask you once again. Are you gonna throw that gun of yours away? Or are you gonna use it to shoot the lil punk who's ruined all our lives in the face for us?"

I clenched my teeth, getting to my feet and taking Marty's hand.

If Marty was able to face me, knowing full well the difference in our skills.

He knew how bad of a spot I was.

He knew there was a high chance that I, in my frenzy and unstable state could have killed him.

But he stood against me anyway and refused to back down.

What excuse did I have?

I took a deep breath.

"I'll fight. I'll make Loyce and Vala pay. Just as I always promised."

Marty smiled.

"That's my boy."

Witchcraft weaved a magic circle, creating a hologram.

"As far as I know, Aran Sol has taken control of over 98% of this realm. The cultists came in like hordes, but among those ranks were several... generals."

"Generals?" I asked.

"One of them looked like a teenage girl with devil horns and purple hair. Gold eyes."

My fist clenched.

Sarina Ultear.

"That girl had several companions, but she seemed to be under the command of an older man. They all had marks somewhere on the body that glowed blue."

Vessels of Vala.

"That's about all we know. At this point, we've just been surviving. Trying and planning to take back this realm from their control is out of the question. We cannot risk the safety of the other survivors," Witchcraft explained.

Ironclad sat up.

"The cultists are dangerous. Before they arrived, even just being near them caused us to be erased from existence."

I stopped everybody.

"They?"

They had to be talking about Annie. But why did they say "they"? Was Annie not alone?

Was she with Jun?

Marty gave Bethany a sad look.

Bethany sighed.

"It was a woman who some of us only referred to as The Maiden. And she was accompanied by a young girl. As far as I know, the young girl was the one who had the means to allow us to resist the Demon's power."

Annie and some girl?

There were too many questions, but no answers.

"What... what happened to the Maiden?" I asked, my voice small.

"She gave herself up to the cultists. For our solitude," A voice said from the corner of the room.

I turned around to see another superhero walk in.

"The Maiden was one of the strongest warriors I had ever seen. But even she wasn't strong enough to stop the cultist horde. Much less the individual generals. She was... in a way, our hero. Many of us saw her as a source of hope in a time of despair."

Marty nodded.

"When the Demon appeared at our refuge, many of us were erased from existence. Many more were tortured. The superheroes came together to battle but were instantly wiped out. Witchcraft and Ironclad were among the remaining who survived... save... save one..."

"Marty," Witchcraft's voice broke.

"Sorry."

Ironclad grimaced.

"It was a crushing defeat. The Maiden was the only one who was strong enough to fight back the forces of the Demon but eventually, the erasure got to her too. Yet despite her arm fading from existence, she still fought for our sakes. And then... one of the Demon's generals themselves faced the Maiden off. And she was defeated. If she had not agreed to be taken away, Trion would have been overrun."

I bit back my lip.

"Do any of you know where they took her?"

Silence.

"We don't know. But after The Maiden gave herself up, her apprentice left Trion."

This apprentice... who was she?

"Do you know where she was headed?"

Witchcraft put a hand to her chin.

"I believe she was headed in the direction of Fortuna. East from Trion."

If I could find this apprentice, maybe I could get a lead on where they had taken Sigurd.

"Alright then. Guess I'll be off-"

"Wait," Marty grabbed my arm.

I paused, as the old man stood up in front of me.

"Our people... our people have been terrorized by this Demon for far too long. This... Aran Sol. Are you thinking about killing him?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Witchcraft regarded me.

"Do you realize that what you are aiming to do is next to impossible? I read up on what you are capable of. The Legends of the God-Eater. But even you... won't stand a chance against that Primordial."

"Then what do you suggest I do?"

Bethany gripped the edges of her cape tightly.

"S- Stay here. Stay in Trion. Perhaps this is for the best. At least even if it is temporary. The Maiden chose to give herself up for Trion's freedom. You can even stay here until you grow old. We can't risk anyone going back out there again. The Apprentice may well be dead."

"You don't know that for sure."

BANG.

I jumped, as did everybody else.

Bethany took a shaky breath.

"Please don't talk like that. Please don't. Aaron, you are still young. You have plenty of life left to live."

"You make it sound like I'm not gonna come back again. Relax. I'll take care of it. I've been through wor-"

"And so did James!" Witchcraft screamed, as Ironclad slowly walked up to his fellow Super Group member, wrapping an arm around her.

Bethany buried her face in her hands.

"So did James... Defender said the exact same things you said... and now he's faced with a fate worse than death. The reason why none of us have dared step foot outside of Trion is because..."

I didn't need to be a genius to piece it together.

"Defender's out there, outside the city walls, killing anybody who would dare leave Trion."

Ironclad clenched his fist.

"That thing is no longer Defender. That thing is not the James Harmon I knew."

Bethany wiped her eyes.

"Please listen to me, Aaron. Promise me. Promise me that you will not suffer the same fate as my husband. I've... seen enough good people die."

"I..."

My hand dropped.

Who was I kidding?

Did I really have what it took to defeat Aran Sol?

I remembered my battle against Dasc.

He was an Apex Primordial Demon, at least Elite Tier SS Rank.

But with the mere aftereffects of Aran's aura, it was enough to make me freeze like a little bitch.

Sarah and I were barely able to defeat him, and I needed Loki's help to figure the dude out.

Aran's power was leagues ahead of Dasc and Kon combined.

In terms of destructive potential, he was SSS Ranked.

Maybe...

Maybe staying in Trion wasn't such a bad idea.

We still had Yeling.

Yeling's dedication to becoming stronger.

The guy went from being a C-lister who could barely beat "Outer" Shadow Transplant, to an SS Rank in a year. From sheer hard work.

The Hinokami was a natural enemy to narrative bending and reality warpers like Loyce and Aran.

This wasn't a battle for a human.

Wasn't Sarah's death enough of a warning for you?

I should-

"So this is the so-called Champions? Huh?" Marty growled.

Ironclad got up and went up to the old man.

"You shall watch your tone, can you not see the hurt in Witchcraft's-"

"We're all hurting! The kid had to carry his dead fiancee over his back with one arm for over three hundred kilometers! We're all going through shit! But why of all people, are The Champions, Millennium City's most famous Super Group, telling us to cower with our tails between our legs!"

Marty turned to me.

"We may have lost The Maiden and The Apprentice. But now we have The God-Eater here. We finally have a fighting chance and you're going to tell him to give up?"

Witchcraft gritted her teeth.

"Do you not understand, Marty? This is no longer about justice and superheroes. Good versus Evil. In the face of a Primordial Demon like Aran, a Primordial who surpasses even Dasc Osa, the notion of justice does not exist anymore. In the end, the idea of playing the Hero was merely a farce that we have fabricated because our enemies were our own."

Ironclad was downcast. Unable to say a single word.

And the disturbing thing about that was the fact that as a Dorvalan, Ironclad was supposed to stand for valor and honor.

Yet here he was in a position where he had no choice but to cower.

Witchcraft sighed.

"I know this is the last time a civilian like you would want to hear from someone like me, Marty. But... if it is any compensation, it hurts me just as much to admit it. The Champions... no. The age of superheroes. It's over. The sooner we realize that, the better."

"Let's just... take some time to ourselves. For now, we should rest. We've all had a long day," Ironclad said, as the tension in the air eased temporarily.

"I agree," I replied quickly.

We had to break this tension before things went out of control. I understood Marty's need for action, but there was a time and place for this kind of stuff.

And it was clear that Witchcraft was still mourning for Defender. Now wasn't a good time.

I felt terrible for putting her in a position of support earlier.

But now I knew.

"Your quarters, Aaron." Drogen led me to a small room. Across the hallway, the rooms were packed to the brim with families. Kids were huddled together in fear and anxiety.

"Forgive us... it was the best we could do. Housing is small as it is in Trion."

"This is more than enough. Thank you, Drogen."

I sat down on the fur mattress.

"Aaron, may I ask you something?"

"What's up?"

Drogen sat in front of me, cross-legged.

"Do you have a plan?"

"A plan?"

The superhero lowered his head.

"A plan to defeat Supreme Primordial Aran."

I sighed.

"No. Not this time. I wish I could have given you a better answer, but... I really don't know how I'm gonna do it. I just know I have to."

Drogen inspected his sword, running his finger across the blade.

"In Dorvala... I was created to be a weapon. All my life I dreamed to become a member of the Dorvalan Space Marines. But when I achieved this goal, it was a means to an end for the admirals to create a Dorvalan super soldier. The powers that I believed were a gift were used merely as a tool. It sickened me. And so, I fled."

I listened to Drogen intently, as the Dorvalan continued.

"To search for my destiny, I traveled to the planet of Malva, where I believed I truly found a purpose. To fight as a gladiator... who could not imagine the glory in battle from that? I thought I was finally living my dream, but with each duel I fought, the bloodier it became. Every time the Malvans cheered at me with approval, there was no honor. The blood on my hands... all for the purpose of entertainment. And so I fled once more until I arrived on Earth and discovered the Champions.

"As Ironclad, I fought to protect the innocent. To fight for honor. There is nothing more beautiful for a warrior than to fight for a righteous cause. But now..."

Drogen stared at his hands.

"Now I have fled that life once more. I have fled. Time and time again. To search for a purpose in my life. To search for destiny. I am a warrior. That in itself shall never change. Yet I find myself always doing the exact opposite of such. A warrior who flees is no different than a coward who has never fought one day in his life. And... that day, when that Demon came to this realm, I fought alongside the superheroes of my world."

I watched as Ironclad gritted his teeth, his glare at his sword was full of fury, but at the same time, hinted at sadness.

"I've never felt so powerless in my life. A warrior never backs down. No matter what. Yet... now I am starting to see, in the grand scheme of things, I am nothing more than a gnat. My dreams of being a warrior mean nothing in the face of overwhelming power. I feel so helpless. These powers that I have been granted... what were they ultimately for? If in the end, I must hide and cower."

Ironclad slowly took off his helmet, revealing pale, dark grey skin underneath.

"But then one day, we found you. The Hangman. Struggling and trudging forward. Tears in his eyes, the corpse of the woman he loved on his back. Tired, bleeding, and in so much pain. Yet forcing a smile on his face, as he continued clawing his way forward. Day after day. You kept moving forward. It was one of the scouts in Trion who had spotted you in the distance, right at our entrance gates. You somehow made it past the monsterized Defender. I couldn't believe it. It had to be a lie. Surely no human could have survived what was out there, yet despite seeing the horrors of the world, you still wish to fight."

I stared at my reflection, my grey hair was sticking up wildly, and my grim expression had no more traces of that goofy smile I used to have.

"Aaron... why do you continue to fight? Despite how hopeless it is? Is it for honor? Is it for a purpose? For justice? How does someone like you keep that fire going despite our circumstances?"

I slowly put my hand over the bracelet that Saki had given me, for what seemed like an eternity ago when things felt so simple and hopeful.

"No..." I muttered.

"The truth is... I felt like giving up. Many... many times" I admitted, remembering all the times I had fallen into despair.

From the endless nights I would spend, crying in the back alleys after Avara's death. Wishing that the next god who attacked me could just kill me painlessly, knowing full well each and every single deity that would attack me would want me to suffer.

To the day Jessie had put the gun to her head, and me, failing to avenge her death by losing to the same God of Hope who let her die.

To the day I got June killed by Jekyll, completely overwhelmed by the God of Warfare. Only to lose to him again in Andropol.

Then Robbie... whose sacrifice ultimately was in vain, as Vala continued her reign of tyranny across the fabric of the multiverse.

And now...

Sarah.

Ironclad blinked.

"But... you are the God-Eater are you not? A being who surpasses even the gods."

"I know it looks like I have a fire in my eyes all the time. But the truth is, that burning passion wasn't there all the time. When I watched Sarah die... I felt like giving up completely. My whole world got ripped from me... no. My world has been ripped from my feet. Sarah meant the world to me and I had to watch her die. I loved her... I loved her so much, and..."

My voice broke.

"I wanted it to all end. I felt like a complete phony. I had made all those promises to my fiancee about raising kids and being there for them... I lost yet another person important to me. I wanted to give up entirely, and let someone else handle the job of defeating Vala for me."

I clenched my fist.

"But despite that... it was Marty who brought me back. Drogen, it's not a matter of being defiant to the very end. Very few people can do that. And I know for a fact that I'm not one of those people. But... to me... it's about being able to get back up when you feel like giving up. It's okay to fall apart. And it's okay to feel like giving up. But what matters is that you make sure that this is temporary. If it had not been for Marty's sharp blowback to reality, I would have ended up wallowing in sorrow forever."

The robe Sarah had given me gently brushed against my forearm. Even though the scent had been completely ruined by my BO and sweat, I could still detect faint hints of her familiar lavender. Feeling her robe against me gave me a sense of comfort but also a sense of grief.

A small smile formed on my face.

"It's not me that you should be looking up to, Drogen. Because the truth is, I'm only here because of all the people who have helped me. I'm not an extraordinary person. I'm not beyond anything. I'm not even beyond my comrades who have sacrificed themselves to allow me to get this far, much less a god."

I slowly put a hand on Drogen's shoulder.

"I can't say the same for you, but as a human... our strength comes from each other. In numbers. In support. In brotherhood and in sisterhood. The Aaron Hope you see today, the God-Eater you hear from rumors, the Dainsleif of the Black Legion that you read in the database, and the Hangman you hear about from UNITY... whether these stories are good or not. They're from the numerous interactions I've had with amazing people... and maybe not so amazing people. But people nonetheless."

The next morning.... night? Afternoon? It was so hard to tell in Master Jun's world.

I made my way to the main gate of Trion, but not before visiting Sarah, who lay on her deathbed in peace.

I will bury her... in Kalidas.

Where her journey began.

I went up to Sarah and gently kissed her.

"I'll be back, Princess Ultear. Don't go missing me too much," I laughed, gently.

"Aaron," A familiar voice said.

I turned around to see Marty, carrying a whole slew of guns slung on his back.

"Go home, Marty. You're gonna get arthritis if you keep walking like that!" I shouted at the older marksman.

"You shut up, young buck! No way am I letting you go alone!"

"Oh boo hoo! What are you gonna do, chuck a bag of pepper at Aran Sol or something?"

"Hey! Ever learn to speak to your elders with respect?!"

"Oh wow! What a crime! If only the MCPD were here to arrest me!"

Marty limped next to me.

"Hey, where are your guns?"

"In my Convocatio realm, duh. What kinda idiot slings his guns over his back? You better do something about that, I'm not gonna put up with their clanking clunking sounds when I try to sleep at night."

"What an unreasonable request! I'm offering you my help and you're making fun of me?!"

"You're the one who volunteered!"

Marty crossed his arms.

"Hmph."

I sighed, as I weaved a hand signal.

A red magic circle appeared before us.

"Chuck your guns in here. Ammo. Slings. Nades. Anything. When we need them, I can summon them for ya."

Marty blinked.

"That sure is some handy magic ya got there! I don't even think the Bullet Mage can do that!"

"Don't you compare me to Caliburn, that's disrespectful."

"Where did you learn something like that?"

I smiled.

"From the greatest, cutest magic teacher ever."

Marty snickered.

"Can I learn from her too?"

"Wanna duel again? I'll kill you for real."

Marty chuckled.

"Before we get to that... what say you. Is Miss Duquesne not coming along?"

We turned to a towering man, clad with grey metallic skin armor, as he approached us, a massive sword strapped to his back.

"No... in fact, she does not even know we have gathered here. I know having me out there will place an insurmountable burden on her... I am among one of the last of the Champions left. But I cannot sit idly by. Marty O'Neal... you have a heart as gold as Defender's was. I commend you greatly."

Marty put a finger under his nose.

"Damn right, I do. Whether it was '92. Or '22. Kingston and I will always be there to kick ass and protect the innocent."

I checked my inventory, keeping twelve DS35's in interlocking chain form around my wrist. Sarah's robe fluttered in the wind.

"Alright. Let's get moving before we get caught."

Marty grunted.

"Will do. The last thing we need is to deal with an angry Witchcraft."

We made our way to the gate, but before we could step out, I stopped.

"Aaron, what is it?" Ironclad asked.

I took a deep breath.

"If you're gonna try and stop us with these runes, you might as well face us in person, Bethany," I said, slowly turning around to face Witchcraft, who was hovering in the air above us.

Numerous magic circles flanked our left and right.

Witchcraft glared at us, her eyes glowing purple.

"Drogen... how could you... after seeing all of our comrades be slaughtered... after seeing him. How could you go out there again? How could you do this to me again?!"

Ironclad gripped his sword.

"Bethany... if we don't go... the people of Trion will forever live their lives in fear."

"It's better to live our lives full of fear than to live our lives seeing our loved ones be slaughtered! Trion... Trion is the only thing keeping us together! Survival is the only thing keeping us together! And you're going to put an end to all of that?!"

"Lady, if you don't get out of the way, we will force our way through," Marty said.

Witchcraft glared at Marty, as a blast of magic power slammed the old man back. I managed to catch him before he could hit the ground.

"Hey! What's your problem?" I shouted at the superhero, but Ironclad stepped in between us.

"I must go. This is what I am meant to do. I am a warrior."

Witchcraft shook her head.

"No... No. You are not a warrior anymore, Drogen. You are one of us. Our days as superheroes are over."

Ironclad unsheathed his sword, slamming the ground and dissipating the runes with tremendous force.

"Your days as a superhero may be over, but you do not get to decide for the rest of us. Not for Defender. Not for Kinetik. Not for Sapphire. We chose to fight. And if they were alive and by my side, I swear by my sword that they will say the exact same things I would say. A superhero never gives up! Beyond honor... if no one saves the innocent, who will?"

"ENOUGH!" Witchcraft shouted, blasting at us with Eldritch energy, but Ironclad stepped forward, blocking the strike with his sword.

"Let us... go... Bethany!" Ironclad growled.

"NO! This... this is Aran's influence! The Demon's gotten to you... I can't let him take another person precious to me. I refuse."

SZRAK.

Witchcraft appeared behind Drogen and opened her hands, unleashing a powerful purple explosion that sent the superhero back.

Marty whipped out Kingston and took aim, but I grabbed the barrel and lowered the gun.

"No," I whispered fiercely.

Ironclad rushed in and stopped Bethany from attacking us again.

"Don't you want to save him... Don't you want to save James?!"

Witchcraft stumbled back, her eyes wide with rage.

"James is GONE, Drogen! That thing isn't James anymore!"

"How long will you continue to lie to yourself!"

Ironclad pushed Witchcraft back as she flew backward in the air.

Bethany stabilized herself, hovering above us and generating more magic circles.

"He's gone... He cannot be saved. And the people of Trion cannot be saved. The last time a Primordial came to this world, we were almost wiped from existence even with the help of the entire magic community, everybody from all ages of time who came together to fight him. But now... now the only people left are us and The Hangman! We don't stand a chance. It's hopeless!"

"This time could be different!" Ironclad protested.

"No! No, it won't! It will never be different!"

Witchcraft screamed, the magic circles becoming stronger and larger, as a storm of Eldritch energy developed behind her.

Ironclad braced himself.

"It is the nature of a superhero to fight no matter what. No matter what! This was what you always taught me... when I came to Earth!"

"That was before I watched all our friends get slaughtered and destroyed!"

KRA-KOOM.

I turned around to see the survivors exiting their homes to watch.

Many had their hands over their mouths, in fright.

The kids were forced to look away.

They couldn't see the heroes they looked up to all their lives fight themselves like this.

Bethany looked down at us from above, electricity arcing across her body.

"Drogen, if you do not back down, I will hurt you."

Drogen gripped his sword.

"Do you even hear yourself anymore? Is this what you truly want?"

A flood of arcane energy smashed into Ironclad, as the superhero barely was able to keep the clash.

"Bethany... I know... and you know... deep down. Ultimately, you are the one who wants these people free the most. Because the one who lost the most, out of everyone in the Champions Group, was you. The one who wants Aran to be stopped the most out of us... was always you. You don't need to deal with the pain of seeing your husband again, let that fall on me. Even if you deny it yourself, as your friend... I will help make your dream a reality."

"SHUT UP," Bethany shouted, as another wave of energy slammed into Drogen, who buckled over.

I put my hand on Draugr but hesitated.

"Why... why are you fighting?!" A young girl screamed as Bethany hesitated.

The Eldritch storm suddenly ceased.

Witchcraft stared at the girl, her eyes wide.

"You... you shouldn't be out here at this hour!"

The little girl's father quickly ran to her side, scooping her up.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Forgive us. I didn't know she was out of the room! Forgive us!"

"Why are you trying to hurt Ironclad?! You two are supposed to be best friends! You two are supposed to be our heroes!" The little girl screamed at Witchcraft, who slowly began descending, her face pale and full of shock.

Ironclad breathed heavily, leaning against his sword.

His eyes were barely open.

I watched Witchcraft inspect her hands as if she couldn't believe what she was doing.

"I..."

"Lyla! That's enough! We're going home!" Lyla's father shouted at his daughter, but Lyla ignored her father, slipping out of his grip and running up to Witchcraft, grabbing her wrists.

"Why did you hurt your best friend?! Why?! WHY?!"

Bethany fell to her knees, her expression frozen as Lyla shook the former superhero back and forth.

"We... we were never meant to end up... like this... I'm doing all of this to keep you all safe!"

"I don't care! You hurt your best friend! A superhero would never do something like that! Witchcraft would never do something like that to her comrade!"

"LYLA!" The father grabbed his daughter and dragged her back.

"NO! Daddy let me go! No! No!!! Daddy!" Lyla protested, kicking her feet.

Bethany turned to the little girl, as I approached her.

"Is this truly what you want? Was this the world you envisioned when you fought alongside the Champions as Witchcraft?" I asked.

Bethany clenched her teeth; a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Of course not... but... I... I..."

I held out my pendant in front of her.

"This amulet belonged to the Duquesne family for generations. You gave this to me, not just because you thought it would help ease my mourning. But because you recognized that even in the face of overwhelming odds, someone like me would stand up against it. Just as I had for many years."

Bethany was silent, as I knelt down in front of her.

"Even if you claim that it's futile to fight against Aran, a part of you was still hoping. Hoping that James was still alive. Hoping that things could turn back to the way it used to be. Even if you have lost faith in yourself, a part of you still had faith in the people around you."

"Hope... I've had to manage what was left of our reality all on my own... if anything... Hope is the most dangerous thing to ever have. I don't expect someone like you to understand."

"You would be surprised."

I got to my feet, shifting Sarah's robe and revealing the insignia of the Black Legion.

"I am Outer Shadow Dainsleif of The Black Legion. My occupation and sole purpose of living has been for the Black Legion organization. And our enemy is Vala. The Spirit of Hope. I've been at war with Vala for many years now. I've completed assignments across the multiverse... traversing numerous realities. Though many of our missions were shrouded in mystery, we all knew it all came together in a common, ultimate goal. Which is to destroy the being responsible for all the unfairness in this world. The being who is responsible for this so-called 'Hope'."

Sarah's robe fluttered in the air, as I approached Ironclad and helped him up. Marty joined me, until the three of us stood before Witchcraft, who stared at me.

"Things feel out of your control because when Aran attacked your world, there was no one in your realm who was equipped in facing that threat. But things are different this time because I am here. I will help free your people. My enemy was, and will always be Vala. That is what it means to be a Shadow in the Black Legion Organization. Fighting Hope, fighting enemies who vastly eclipse reason... that's literally my job."

I fished for something in my pocket, and put it in Witchcraft's hands.

Bethany inspected the object before gasping.

"This is-"

"It's a relic. A relic to Takofanes. I... uh, stole it from you when I first met Defender. To you, it was probably something not very important. Er... actually I guess it's really important. Back then anyways. But to this day I actually had it in my inventory. In a way, it helped remind me of my time in Millennium City. Served as a souvenir and a keepsake, and has become something important to me. When I've freed your people, I will come back for this relic. When that time comes, I want you to keep it safe for me."

Witchcraft blinked.

"And... if you don't return?"

"Then... consider it as me returning you something I stole."

I turned around, Marty and Ironclad trailing behind as we made our way to the exit.

"Hangman."

I stopped, glancing behind me.

Bethany managed a weak smile.

"You have my blessing. In your greatest moment of need, remember my face, and remember our world. Remember those good memories that came to your mind when you touched that pendant. And you will be able to wield my power. That is... all I can do for you now. My power and my dreams, they're yours now. Please. Please save our world."

I smirked.

"Who do you think I am? I'm the goddamn Hangman. Hang in there, all of you."

Everbreak Hill

In the direction of Fortuna... east of Trion.

I knew exactly where The Apprentice was.

"Where are we going?" Marty asked.

"Everbreak. It's a region in Gasket's world shrouded in natural wildlife."

Ironclad blinked.

"But I thought Jun Gasket's powers were technological in nature."

"That's true. He's a technopath. But his powers of technopathy were always leagues ahead of others. At some point, he had learned to turn machines into organic life. That was how he had managed to turn my friend into a human, even if it was part way."

"I see... a being with unfathomable knowledge... could create something like this too, huh."

I was silent for a few seconds, as we paced cautiously, careful to avoid alerting any Cultists.

We made a deal to only use magic if absolutely necessary, to keep ourselves under the radar.

I had all of my weapons in hyper-silence mode, and my DS35's in their dampening protocol should a fight break out. We could take out our enemy quietly.

Convocatio would be a last resort.

We finally found a spot to camp, as we huddled in a small space under the ruins of a collapsed tree.

Whatever that thing Defender had turned into was, we hadn't encountered it yet.

Wasn't really too thrilled to meet him either.

"All right. I'll take watch duty," I said, as the three of us sat together in a circle.

My eye twitched in annoyance.

"You know, this is the part where you two go to sleep."

Ironclad and Marty nodded but continued sitting there.

"What's the point of me doing watch duty if we're all gonna be awake?!" I snapped.

"Well, none of us wants to sleep," Marty explained.

"Indeed. It is dishonorable for a warrior to put the burden of patrol on another," Ironclad chimed in.

"That's great. I literally picked two of the worst options to come with me."

Ironclad leaned against the bark next to me, as we cracked open a few beers, taking leisurely sips.

"Earlier, when we talked about Gasket... you were thinking about Doctor Destroyer, weren't you," I said.

Drogen lowered his bottle.

"Yes. A being with such a mind, perhaps it was from my experience with Doctor Destroyer that made me somewhat hesitant with Jun Gasket. But the more I learn about him, the more I see why you admire him so much."

I smirked.

"Yeah. Well. As childish as he can get, he's still my Master for a reason. And I'm sure all of his subordinates felt the same way."

We continued sitting in silence until Ironclad shifted in his space.

"Get some sleep, you old lug," I grumbled.

Ironclad reluctantly laid down on the ground, his back turned. After a few moments, Drogen broke the silence once more.

"Can you make a promise for me, Aaron?" Ironclad asked.

"A promise? I can try but I can't guarantee it..."

"That's fine."

I heard the superhero shuffle in his spot.

"If I fall in battle... and become like James. Kill us. Kill us both. And tell Witchcraft that I was killed in battle with my soul intact."

"That won't happen."

"It may very well likely be so. My faith has always been to fight. To guarantee victory is foolish of a warrior."

I gripped Sakura's bracelet, which I had been holding onto ever since we made camp here.

To guarantee victory is foolish.

But to guarantee the will to fight was not.

I would do everything I could to ensure the casualties were minimized, but casualties will happen.

That is my reality.

I need to stop lying to myself.

I knew what my answer was.

"Alright then, Drogen. You got yourself a deal. And in response, if I ever become a monster... I want to be able to have faith that my friends will be there to take me out too."

Ironclad grunted in approval.

"If only... the warriors in Malva... had your level of honor... if only the people in Dorvala were like you... how different my life would have become."

An hour later, Drogen and Marty followed me to the ledge of a plateau.

"Stop," I whispered to the two.

"What is it?" Marty asked.

I summoned one of my DS35's to unlink and transform into an eyepiece, zooming into a crowd of cultists at the top of a hill.

"Cultists."

"Should we avoid them?" Marty asked.

"No time. They could be staying there for all eternity. They're just gonna be in the way. We need to find the Apprentice as soon as we can."

"What is your plan, Aaron?" Ironclad asked.

I turned to the two.

"You guys can resist Aran's aura right?"

Ironclad nodded.

"Yes, the Apprentice provided us with her protection."

"Alright. Here's the plan."

Ironclad and I made our way closer to the cultists, as their conversation became more clear.

"It sure is handy to have you around."

"Come on, Kyle, let's not tease her, after everything he put her through!"

"How can I not? Look at how lifeless she is. Look at how devoid of life she is... if even Lord Sol were before her, nothing would change! Her soul is completely gone!"

I heard a thud, as I could make out a young girl's grunt.

"Come on, bitch. Spit it out. Tell us where your partner went."

No response.

Ironclad tensed, but I put my hand on his forearm.

"No," I mouthed.

Ironclad glared at the cultists.

"This is beyond dishonorable. This is fiendish."

I heard more thuds and whacks.

Whoever the girl was, that was being surrounded by these cultists, was getting beaten viciously.

And from the way she grunted from the pain, it was as if she had stopped caring altogether.

Partner...

I made a fist.

The cultists were attacking The Apprentice. They had to be.

But I couldn't be for sure, I would need Aspectum or some way to confirm it.

And if I used magic, I would risk being detected by these guys. Their powers were magical in nature.

We needed to wait for an opening.

Otherwise, we would risk being detected.

And if we could eavesdrop on these guys, we could gain more intel on the situation of Gasket's World.

"Spill it bitch! You're really pissing me off," Kyle snarled, as I heard a thud that sounded like a punch to the face.

"Come on, Kyle, you're gonna kill the kid!"

"Look at her, Rey. She's already dead enough inside. We just need intel from her, then we can do whatever we want."

Another cultist approached the girl.

"How long are you going to sit around like this? You've been sitting on this hill ever since she let herself get taken by us. You should be thankful if anything, that you aren't given a fate like the superheroes who tried to fight us."

No response.

"Alright. This isn't going anywhere," The cultist said, as he slowly turned around.

"Freeman, are you sure? This is the only lead we have to her."

"We'll find a way. This was just a means to confirm it, but we already have an idea of where she went. If we can find Gasket, then we will find her."

Gasket.

They were trying to search for Annie, but it sounded like she had escaped them.

"Wait. Freeman. Let's stay here a while. I wanna have my fun with her," Kyle said.

Freeman made a disapproving sound.

"Even if we are murderers, it is appalling the depths of depravity you've fallen, Kyle."

"So you're not gonna join?"

Several of the cultists joined in, arguing with Freeman until Freeman made an annoyed yell.

"You guys are so annoying! Go ahead. Like hell do I care about some half-dead teen with no intel whatsoever; wash up once you're finished with her. Consider this your reward after slaughtering the Khionians yesterday."

"WOOT!" The cultists cheered, as I heard something like fabric ripping.

My jaw dropped.

No way.

They were gonna...

Ironclad tensed again, as Marty's voice buzzed in my DS35.

"Aaron! They're... they're... we have to do something!"

There was no opening yet... we had to wait.

We had to.

I heard a repeated thudding sound that made my blood run like ice. The girl's grunts became laborious as I could tell she was trying not to cry.

Nausea, disgust, and hatred welled up inside me.

For these scum.

This trash.

A plan...

A plan...

Screw the plan.

We're gonna waste these mofos.

"Fuck it. Marty. Gun down the one in the corner by the tree, on my mark."

"Got it."

I turned to Ironclad.

"On my signal, chuck your sword at that trunk over there."

Ironclad nodded.

I reached behind me and took out my newest revision of the Ironsight, as the barrel expanded, revealing six sub-barrels with their own sniper shells cocked and fully loaded.

One of my DS35's unlinked and attached to the scope, as I took aim.

"Mark."

KRAK.

SHOOM.

The body of a cultist fell over, as the crowd stopped what they were doing.

"What the hell was that?!"

"A gunshot-"

SLAM.

"Look out!"

The tree that Ironclad had topped fell on top of the cultists, their pants still pulled all the way down, as I pressed the trigger.

"Go to hell," I snarled, as eighteen of the cultists were immediately executed.

Six sniper bullets shattered three rows of human trash before my very eyes.

I rushed forward, as Kyle quickly grabbed The Apprentice by the neck in a chokehold.

"Make any moves and I will kill her!"

I stopped before the cultist, my red eyes seemingly glowing with fury.

"There's no place in hell for someone like you. I'm gonna erase you from existence," I snarled.

"Heh. An empty threat," Kyle sneered.

The Apprentice's messy blonde and blue hair was covering her face. I couldn't make it out, but she was covered in bruises all over, and her clothes were ripped and torn.

She looked no older than sixteen.

But for some reason, something in me was bubbling when I saw her.

"No matter what I do to this girl, it's nothing in comparison to what he did. Hey. Girlie, why don't you take a look at who's here?"

From within the bangs of her hair, the girl gazed at me with lifeless eyes.

But no response.

My hand twitched, as Kyle quickly tightened his grip.

"Hey! What did I just say? I have the advantage here! Make one silly move and I'll kill her!"

"No. You never had the advantage."

Trigrams - Six Hands Style

My fingers flickered, as a blur of motion, and the sound of the bullet piercing Kyle's shoulder sent the guy flying back, letting the girl go.

QUICKDRAW

I rushed forward, slamming Kyle against the side of the trunk.

"Piece of shit... I'll make you pay for what you did!" I snarled, swinging my fist as Kyle's body crumpled, smashing the entire trunk into pieces and splitting the tree in half.

Kyle collapsed, coughing out blood.

"Don't matter... she's used to it... that little slut... was already used to it, after all, he did far worse things."

"He? Who the hell is he?"

Kyle laughed, cackling crazily, as he slowly lifted his finger...

At me.

My eyes widened as I quickly aimed my Draugr and shot Kyle in the head.

The cultist's lifeless body crumpled.

I ran up to the girl, who had huddled in the corner, burying her face in her knees.

"Hey... hey. The guys are gone. They won't hurt you anymore. You're okay now," I knelt down in front of her, but the girl didn't raise her head.

"L- Listen. I came from the city of Trion. I'm looking for a friend. I think she might be yours too. Do you know where she-"

"Go away."

I paused, putting my hand up.

"I- I'm not here to hurt you, I promise. I just need-"

"Need. Need. They all need something from me. You needed something from me and I gave it to you. But then you threw me away. They all threw me away."

"What are you talking about? Have we met before? I don't recall meeting someone like y-"

I'll always be there for you. So be the boss that we all look up to. Kay?

My voice caught in my throat, as I stumbled backward.

"No..."

The girl slowly raised her head, her bangs covering her eyes and most of her face, but that was more than enough for me to recognize her.

This was impossible.

It made no sense.

There was no way.

After everything I had done...

"Let me stay here. Forever. You did terrible things to me, but I can never hate you, Aaron. So let me stay here until I die," June Lee Sung muttered, her lifeless eyes peering into my soul.

"Aaron, how's the Apprentice, you- hey, are you okay, kid?" Marty asked as he and Ironclad got to my position.

The color had drained from my face, and no coherent words left my mouth.

"Ju- June... I... I watched you die. How are you alive...?"

June regarded me.

"How dare you."

"How dare... me?"

June slowly got up until we were face to face.

Suddenly, a force smacked me in the face.

June had slapped me, tears forming around her eyes.

"After everything you did to me, now you're pretending you never did it in the first place?!"

"What are you talking about?! Did what?! I... I watched you die! When we were fighting Jekyll, you died!" I shouted, frantically, and my breathing became erratic.

What the hell was she talking about?!

What I did do to her?!

The time I spent with June had been nothing but good memories. Or me helping her move on from her past.

I...

What did I do...!

June clenched her teeth, as she turned around, huddling back in the corner of the hill.

"Leave me."

"But June, it's not saf-"

"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE," June screamed, as I jumped.

Ironclad put his hand on my shoulder.

"She hurts greatly. We need to give her some distance."

I clenched my fist.

June...

What happened to you?

"June, if we leave you here, the cultists will come back. They'll come back and-"

"It's fine."

"No. It's not fine. Do you even know what they just did? What they were going to do-"

"I don't care... I'm used to it."

I clenched my teeth, the image of June smiling flashing in my mind, as her lifeless eyes made contact with mine.

Instinctively, I rushed forward, grabbing her shoulder.

"June! You... you shouldn't say something like that! This isn't okay! You-"

My voice trailed away.

"Whatever I did... I'm sorry."

June remained silent for a few seconds.

"Sigurd went to get the Omega Upgrade."

I looked at my former Auxiliary Shadow.

"The Omega Upgrade? Are you for real?"

"To the direction of the armory... The Citadel."

Marty went up to me.

"Aaron, we don't have a lot of time. We found The Apprentice. Where to next?"

I looked at June, who remained huddled in the corner.

My heart felt like it was going to burst.

"I'm not giving up on you," I said.

No reply.

I slowly turned around, and we began heading in the direction of the Citadel, where Sigurd was presumed to be.

My face still smarted from where June... the sweetest girl I ever had the pleasure of buying stuffed animals for had slapped me.

How was this possible...

I watched her die.

I saw it with my very eyes.

Jekyll had shot her in the head.

There was no way she could have survived that.

And the things she had said... what I did to her.

They made no sense.

I needed...

I needed to know. The answers to so many questions I had.

"We gotta be on guard. We struck too early. As I went to kill those cultists I noticed one of them moved their lips like an incantation. They're aware of us now," I said.

"We had to do what we had to, ain't no way were we gonna let those degenerates break that little girl!" Marty protested.

"I know, and that was a choice I made. If I could go back in time I would do it again. We'll deal with whatever comes our way," I replied.

June's empty eyes flashed in my mind.

I'll have to figure out her too.

Suddenly, massive footsteps echoed across the distance, causing the three of us to immediately find cover.

"What the hell was that?!" I gasped.

Ironclad grimaced.

"Old friend... so this is what's become of you. I'm so sorry."

Old friend...

I glanced at the massive creature, which had to be dozens of feet tall. It was extremely skinny and humanoid, but its skin was grey, rolling off was black mist.

And from its face, where its long black hair reached the ground, was a relatively tiny mask, about the size of a human's head.

Defender's mask.

"What in the fuc-" Marty muttered.

Defender tilted his head and screeched in the sky, a horrifying scream that made my blood turn to ice.

I noticed that he was carrying something with his unnaturally long arms...

It looked like a pillar.

A pillar of...

"Is that Witchcraft?!" Marty choked, as I grabbed the geezer and yanked him back behind cover before the monster could see us.

"Aran did this to him?" I asked Ironclad.

Ironclad wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"The cultists did. They did some strange ritual, stripped him of his armor save his mask, and forced him to look at something until his mind broke. I remembered his screams to this day. And I know his screams have been haunting Bethany this entire time."

Part of me wanted to save him, but I honestly had no idea how.

Was this thing even Defender anymore?

"What do we do, young buck? Fight or flee?" Marty asked.

I gripped my gun.

"If we fight that thing, chances are, someone will wind up dead. I don't wanna kill Defender unless I know that there is absolutely no way to save him. For Bethany's sake. For now, we'll wait until he's gone. Our priority is The Citadel."

We waited for a few more minutes.

Those minutes felt like an eternity.

The entire time, my mind was fixated on June.

About what she had said.

Did she feel this way because I didn't make an effort to find her?

But how could I have?

How could I...

I watched her body get sucked away in that vortex when X8's hull was breached.

And the entire time, and even till recently, I was tormented by the guilt of getting her killed.

If I had tried to search for her... it may have well been a wild goose chase that would never have amounted to anything.

"I can't leave Defender like this. He is my friend," Ironclad declared, as he slowly got up.

"Stop! You buffoon! What are you doing?!" I growled, trying to force the big lug back down, but I might as well have tried to tricep push down an elephant.

"That thing will tear us to shreds. Even I don't think I can kill it."

"Him. That thing is Defender! I cannot watch him suffer like this!"

"I know how you feel! But we aren't equipped to deal with this threat. I have next to no knowledge of this type of opponent. If we rush in blind we'll get slaughtered and all of this would be for nothing."

Ironclad sat back down, as we continued waiting for the monsterized Defender to leave the spot.

"You would leave Defender to suffer... is he just an obstacle to you? There was once a superhero I worked with who was like that."

I turned to Ironclad.

"You know that's not what I meant. I need intel before I rush into a fight. I can't afford to be injured again."

"Is that the reason why you left June?" Marty asked.

I clenched my fist.

"June is different. I'll come back for her too... but there's-"

"More important things? After the many things she claimed you had done to her, even if they weren't true, abandoning her would be the last thing the kid wants," Marty cut me off, kneeling before me.

"I can't take any more risks! If there was a way to assess the situation I would have done so a long time ago!"

Ironclad gripped his sword.

"So all you need to save James is intel, right?"

I stared at the superhero. I knew exactly what he was getting at.

"Are you serious? You can't go and distract him like that, you'll get slaughtered!"

Marty drew Kingston.

"Aaron, summon my gear. Ironclad and I will distract Defender. While we're distracting him, you can figure him out."

"This isn't some kinda party trick you guys. I can't just watch my friends get their asses kicked and a magic strategy pops in my head!"

Marty turned to the monsterized Defender, as it continued stumbling, screeching, and howling in pain.

In so much pain.

"Aaron, you're a smart kid. Why don't you use that incredible brain of yours to figure out where Defender is heading?"

Where was he heading?

The direction that monster was stumbling to...

My eyes slowly widened.

He was heading to Everbreak Hill, where June was.

"June..."

Ironclad got up from the hiding spot.

"Ready when you are, Marty."

"You got it, old lug."

"You're old too!"

Marty gripped Kingston, but before the two could charge in, I stopped them both, two DS35's emitting a wall of red energy.

"Stop. What the hell are you gonna do with that old ass revolver? You forgot about your gear."

I summoned several grenades.

"Distract Defender, but be careful. We don't know how he fights yet, all of this is conjecture. From the length of his arms and the way he moves his body, I'm guessing he's the type to use large swooping attacks. Due to his height, the safest spot is close to the torso, but far enough to not get caught by the shockwaves of his footsteps and that black aura."

I tossed some bullets at Marty.

"Old man. Focus on his Achilles tendons. Try and get him to buckle."

I turned to one of my DS35's.

"You. Protect Ironclad. Make sure he can swing his sword, be his shield."

The DS35 expanded into Crossform, hovering next to Ironclad.

Ironclad nodded grimly.

"And I shall direct his attention."

"Slice and dice."

The three of us made a break for it, chasing after the superhero who once protected the people of Millennium City.

"Hermes Protocol!"

Two DS35's unlinked, cladding onto my feet as I shot forward into the air at supersonic speed.

The monster continued marching forward, and I was able to make out the details of its face.

It had socketless eyes, just empty black voids, and its mouth was contorted into a permanent groan.

There was no way I could blind it. It was marching based on its other senses.

At its center, right on its forehead, was Defender's mask.

"ARGHHHHHOOOOOOOHHHHH" The monster moaned, as it reeled its arm back.

"GET CLOSE! YOU TWO!" I shouted as Marty and Drogen rushed forward.

Marty fired Kingston with one of my bullets, a massive blast of energy cutting into Defender's tendon.

The monster buckled, falling to one knee, as Ironclad leaped into the air, swinging his sword as hard as he could.

KLANG.

The sword bounced off the monster's skin as if it were made of impermeable rubber.

I reached behind me, pulling out my Raptor RPG.

I took aim at the monster, and it opened its mouth to roar at me, but I had already fired the rocket, the projectile exploding within the monster's body.

The inside of Defender's torso glowed orange. I dove out of the way and evaded the shockwave.

I reached into Sarah's robe and pulled out several Buzzsaw orbs, chucking them at the beast.

The orbs expanded, cutting against its skin, but the teeth broke off.

The monster spluttered black fluid from its mouth, as I directed my boots out of the way, but this Protocol was just a prototype.

I soon lost control, spinning wildly and slamming into the ground.

"Gah!" I growled as Marty and Ironclad began struggling.

Strange black apparitions were appearing at Defender's legs, fighting the two off.

Marty leaped back, dodging one of the apparitions and blowing its head off with Kingston.

"The thing's summoning creatures!"

Ironclad swung his sword, decapitating one of them.

"He's keeping us from making him collapse!"

A tough exterior... and had a tough interior.

It needed to have a weakness.

I narrowed my eyes at the mask.

I drew my Draugr and took aim, firing the bullet as it whizzed past Defender's attacks, flying in the direction of the mask.

Instantly, the monster cowered, shielding its face.

"The mask! Its weakness is the mask! Restrain him somehow!" I shouted.

Ironclad acknowledged, leaping into the air until he was face to face with the monster.

"Wait! He's gonna-" I was cut off by a howl by the monster, and a massive, swooping motion.

"No... James, don't do it! It's me!" Ironclad shouted, but before he could say anything else, the attack connected, as I watched the superhero smash into a rock face.

Marty yelped, trying to escape from the apparitions which were surrounding him.

He was gunning them down proficiently, but there were too many.

I pulled out my AR and took aim.

"Down!" I growled as Marty ducked. I squeezed the trigger, cutting down the horde with an entire magazine of bullets.

I turned back to the towering monster, which had knelt down and glared at me. Our faces were only a foot apart. Black ooze foamed from its mouth and sizzled on the ground.

Sweet Mother Theresa on the hood of a Mercedes Benz!!!

I pulled out a CS gas grenade and chucked it at the monster, the gas-clouding Defender.

The monster retched as I grabbed Marty by the wrist and dragged him out of the way, just out of the distance of the monster who collapsed violently on the ground.

"Thanks! Ya really saved my hide! We should be safe now," Marty shouted over the noise.

"Shut up! You're gonna jinx it! We still have to escape the shockwa-"

SHOOM.

The two of us grunted as the shockwave slammed into us from behind.

I sprawled on the ground, watching Defender squirm wildly, its cries of agony sounded inhumane.

Gas... poison...

Chemical attacks could penetrate its physical defenses.

I reached into my robe and pulled out another magazine, this one full of toxic rounds.

I loaded my Draugr and took aim at its mask. Defender instantly covered his face, but there wasn't much he could do now that I had already figured him out.

I rushed forward, as Defender screeched, his arm outstretched to grab me, but suddenly, Ironclad appeared in front of me, stopping the blow with enormous strength.

"I won't let you harm another person... James... you will be a superhero, through and through!" Drogen roared, as Defender howled into the sky, summoning more apparitions from its feet, trying to stop me.

But Marty stepped forward, aiming his Kingston and shooting them down from a distance.

I leaped onto Defender's hand and began running up his arm.

More apparitions appeared around me, as I corkscrewed in the air, unleashing bullet hell with my MP7.

I landed on the monster's shoulder, sprinting all the way to its face and not stopping once.

Defender opened his mouth, as he tried to cover his face, but Ironclad had grabbed both the monster's arms, keeping him from defending himself.

Marty was in the distance, shooting down all of the apparitions that were trying to yank the superhero away.

I aimed my gun at Defender's mask.

Suddenly, Bethany appeared in my mind.

The way she spoke of her husband.

If I shattered Defender's helmet...

I'd kill her husband for good.

I hesitated, and in that moment of hesitation, I was too late.

"GROOOOOOAARRRRR!" Defender screamed, as black streams of energy exiting his mouth.

I stumbled back.

"Drogen! Marty! Fall back! Defender's just shot a flare!"

Ironclad and Marty retreated, as I stumbled, unable to figure out what to do.

Kill him... or save him...

But whether or not I could save him... I had no idea.

Suddenly, cultists appeared left and right. These ones looked different from the ones we had encountered earlier.

"As above."

"So below."

"If letters form a word."

I jumped back, narrowly dodging a scythe that would have cut me in half.

"And the words form a story."

I whipped around, shooting several bullets from my MP7 in an arc, forcing a cultist behind me to leap back.

"What to do if the letters are no more?"

"Tsk!" I jumped off Defender's face, sliding down his grotesque grey flesh and landing on the ground until I was surrounded by cultists left and right.

These cultists were the same ones I had encountered in Millennium City.

They were nothing like Kyle and his band of degenerates.

"Aaron! Watch out, these were the same cultists who infected The Maiden's arm!" Ironclad shouted.

Our position was compromised.

"Why does he fight against this narrative?"

"The Hero of the Sword is dead."

"His soul should be dead."

"No. He wields the Affirmation of Self like the Inner Shadow of Death."

"He resists the flow of this story."

If our position was compromised... then there was no reason to hold back now.

It was full steam ahead.

"Get back... both of you..." I muttered to Marty and Drogen, who took a step back, their faces pale.

A smile crept on my face.

"I got a bone to pick with your boss... for what he did to Sarah... you'll have to do." I said, as Chakra began coursing through my body.

"We will change the course back."

"Finish him."

I stomped on the ground, generating a torrent of energy that forced the cultists back.

TRIGRAMS THIRTY-SIX HANDS - ASURA'S PENALTY

I growled, as five arms of energy appeared all around me until I wielded six Caligas.

"You love to talk about stories, don't you? Here's a nice ending. The bloodiest kind you can possibly imagine!" I snarled as I went low in a swooping motion, squeezing the trigger as a violent blast of the anti-aircraft rifles completely disintegrated the cultists in a fine black mist.

A vortex of wind pressure emitted outwards, as I glared at the horde of cultists that began emerging from the ground.

"Narrative breaking self. We must alert the generals. We have alerted them. Yes."

I aimed my Caligas, ignoring the blood that was now leaking from my eyes.

Ironclad and Marty appeared next to me, sword and gun assisting me.

"So what now?" Marty asked.

"What you two always wanted. We fight." I replied.

We charged, but not before something caught my attention from the corner of my eye.

I stopped, as Marty and Ironclad clashed with the cultists.

"No..." I muttered as several cultists had broken from their formation, going in the direction of Everbreak Hill.

If I went after them, Marty and Ironclad would-

"Go! We will hold them off!" Marty shouted at me, as the DS35 that was protecting Ironclad was now assisting the two in combat.

"Save her... Aaron. You made the decision to fight and try to save Defender for my sake. Now it's our turn," Ironclad said.

I gritted my teeth, as I unlinked five more DS35's.

"Protect my friends. With every ounce of your being," I commanded my DS35's, as the sentry drones acknowledged, expanding and turning into shadowy specters of me.

Five Aaron Hopes appeared next to Marty and Drogen.

"Don't you dare die on me, you two," I said.

Marty raised Kingston, as Drogen raised his sword.

I took a deep breath, turning around, and making my way to Everbreak Hill as fast as I could.

The Reason

Lightning Magic - Augmentus

Electricity arced across my body, shunting me forward.

June hadn't moved from her spot, still peering into the distance. A cultist was inches away from bringing down his knife, but I had already drawn my handgun.

Time slowed down, as I pressed the trigger. The bullet began soaring through the air, cutting through the skulls of each cultist in a calculated trajectory.

I skidded to a stop until I was face to face with a towering cultist who had to be at least five inches taller than me.

And twice my size.

I aimed my Draugr and fired, but the bullet ricocheted off the man's body as if his muscles were like high-strength rubber.

The man brought his fist down. I quickly redirected his elbow off of my forearm, his fist narrowly missing June.

I aimed my handgun again, firing off a nerve point at his body, but the bullet bounced off again.

The man smirked, cracking his neck.

I pulled out a taser and rushed in, but the man suddenly appeared behind June, kicking me in the chest and grabbing my Auxiliary Shadow by the neck.

June was jerked back, as I fell backward.

But as I stumbled back, I aimed the taser at the man.

"Aaron Hope loves this girl. Has your character change-"

BLAM.

The man flew backward, slamming into the side of a tree with his eyes wide.

"What?!"

Light Magic - False Sword

The spell became undone, as I lowered my Spitfire shotgun.

"You tried to use June as a meatshield, so I'm assuming you are scared of currents," I snarled, reaching out.

A DS35 unlinked, cladding my hand and activating a large current.

Red electricity surged across the gauntlet as I charged forward.

The man roared in defiance, charging me as well.

The two of us threw our respective punches, as our fists collided against each other's cheeks.

My vision momentarily went dark, but I quickly regained consciousness, glaring at the man who yelled in agony, his body smoking from the enormous current my DS35 had delivered to him.

The man slumped over as I fell to the ground, blood trickled down the side of my mouth.

I turned around. June stood before me, her lifeless eyes inspecting me listlessly.

"Why did you come."

I sighed.

"Because I wanted to."

Suddenly, the ground began to shake, as cracks formed, dividing the two of us.

I quickly ran forward, grabbing June by the waist and jumping on one of my DS35's which entered hoverboard mode.

"Hold on to my waist," I told her.

June reached out, but I felt her hand touch my stump from where my right arm was amputated.

I heard her gasp as she stared at me.

"You're- You're not..."

I didn't have time to process what she was gonna say, because the next obstacle seemed like a doozy.

"So this is how it is. Gasket's little ol' Dainsleif, stirring trouble once again?"

"Silence, Tengen. We can't lose focus, just because we have Vala's blessing now."

"Focus? Boy, I'm at the top of the world. Where's your Hero, Hope? I want a rematch. I was winning that one, just so you know."

I held onto June tightly.

"June! You need to hold on, I can't carry you with only one arm!"

June was still shellshocked, her face pale.

"You're not him..."

What the hell was she saying at a time like this?!

WOOSH.

"I thought I didn't make myself clear. Where's Hero Ultear?" Outer Shadow Tourmentus snarled as his voice appeared above me.

I quickly tightened my grip on June, forcing my DS35 to propel us out of the way, but from the corner of my vision, Outer Shadow Fenrir had already transformed into his gigantic wolf form, chasing after me with frightening speed.

"Suppression Protocol!" I shouted at my DS35's, as the remaining three links hovered around Tourmentus, but in a blink of an eye, thousands of blue lines appeared, cutting the Sanctuaries into tiny pieces.

"What the hell man?! I just upgraded these things!" I complained.

Riordan appeared in front of me, growling like a feral animal.

"Hang on!" I shouted at June, who complied, grasping my waist tightly as I reached behind me, pulling out my Ironsight and setting it to missile launcher mode.

I bombarded Riordan's maw with dozens of rockets, sending him hurtling back.

"Dumbass, how many times do you gotta learn not to open your mouth when you're around me! ...And that came out wrong."

SLICE.

I gasped, as the Sanctuary June and I were on exploded. The two of us began to freefall, and before I could react, Hero Tengen had crashed into me mid-air, slamming me through two tree trunks, and tumbling down the ravine.

"Hey! Are you listening to me?! Where the hell is Ultear?! Where is-"

"SHE'S DEAD!" I roared, jamming my Ironsight rifle against the Hero's forehead and firing, sending him flying back.

I slowly got to my feet, rage in my eyes.

"She's dead... Tengen. So shut up already..." I growled, marching forward.

June sprawled on the ground, motionless.

"Sarah... Sarah's dead...?!"

"So that's how it is... is that why you took her cloak? Tryna be a Hero like her now? Well, she wasn't much of a Hero. I'm the real deal though," Tengen said, unsheathing his other cleaver until the Hero of the Dual Cleavers faced me off.

Embodiment of Wrath - YAKSHA MODE

My body swirled with wrathful white chakra, as two devil horns sprouted from my forehead, and a devil tail appeared from my tailbone.

Its sharp triangular end sliced the ground.

The two of us marched toward each other.

"I'm SS Ranked now too, you know," Tengen smirked, as he closed in with blinding speed, but I had already figured him out.

All of my reflexes had been significantly enhanced by Chakra, and I had already reached his position, aiming my Draugr at his chin.

"I forgot the part... where I'm supposed to give a shit," I whispered fiercely, firing and sending the Hero into the air.

"You can't stop two SS Ranked threats at once, Dainsleif," Riordan said, as a pack of wolves surrounded me.

I quick-switched to my MP7, delivering an arc of SMG bullets that dissipated the wolves, then weaved through Riordan's snap.

But before I could do anything, Tengen had already recovered, his cleaver aimed right at me.

If I didn't have my speed enhanced by Yaksha Mode, I would have been decapitated.

I narrowly dodged, but the cleaver still made contact.

Instantly, my side felt like it was on fire.

"GAH! What the hell?! Did you buff your meat choppers or something?!" I coughed out, but before I could deliver another witty reply, Riordan snarled with frightening speed, pinning me to the ground.

These two...

These two were getting stronger.

When they were around, they were at best S+ Ranked. After all, Riordan's werewolf form couldn't beat Bryce vampire form.

Dammit... that meant...

That meant more of Vala's essence had reformed.

"Come on, Dainsleif? Thought you were the best Outer Shadow in the Black Legion? Gonna lose to Master Loyce's nobodies?" Tengen taunted, as the two continued their assault.

I dropped several grenades on the ground.

OCTAGRAM OF DEMONS

Eight clones appeared, their weapons aimed at the two, but Tengen laughed crazily.

Cosmic Power Magic - ETERNAL PURSUIT

Hundreds of afterimages of Tengen appeared, slicing my clones up before they could do anything.

Riordan suddenly leapt into a shadow, and I lost sight of him.

Dammit!

I couldn't keep up with their movements! They weren't giving me enough time to think.

Distance...

I needed distance...

"Hey, girlie. Aren't you supposed to be dead?" Tengen asked as he shot to June's location.

My eyes widened.

"HEY! Don't! Stop!" I shouted after Tengen, but not before Riordan appeared out of nowhere, chomping down on my leg.

"GAAAAH!" I yelled in agony, as Tengen landed in front of June, who was petrified.

"A C+ Ranked Auxiliary Shadow... Chrissake. In this day and age? You're worth less than a goddamn Shadow minion!" Tengen laughed, as he pushed June to the ground.

"GRRRR ANDREW! DON'T YOU FUCKIN DARE!" I roared, trying to fight the urge to black out, but Riordan tightened his bite on my leg and lifted me into the air, slamming me back onto the ground.

"Ayo. Aaron, isn't this how June died?" Tengen chuckled, pretending to hold a gun, and pointed the imaginary firearm at June's head.

"Kapow, bitch! HAHA!"

I began trembling with rage.

"Tengen... Tengen..."

"Shut up dude. Yo. Tommy, keep this fool down, would you?"

Fenrir grumbled under his breath, several Shadows wrapped around me, pinning me down.

"What... you... you can... summon Shadows... in Aran's world...?!"

Tengen raised an eyebrow.

"Well. Duh. They're Master Loyce's Shadows. Not that clown Gasket's retard ghosts. Now sit down and watch the fun. I'm gonna enjoy this. I have no clue how The Jubilee came back, I thought the little loli got her head blown off by Jekyll. But whatever. I love tormenting you, Aaron."

"Grr... gak... don't... DON'T!" I yelled.

Tengen laughed.

"I'll chop her head off, then post it on my IG. Show it to what's left of the Black Legion Organization,"

I tried to fight back, but my Yaksha Mode became undone. Blood burst from my nostrils.

June stared at the ground, her eyes wide.

"Aaron... that time... that time when you assaulted me..."

I looked up, in shock.

"I... did what?!"

"That time... when you promised to take me back to Master Jun... you lied... you... you took me somewhere else... and told me... told me I was meant to ruin you... that the narrative said I was meant to destroy you, and so you had to break me down again..."

My heart fell to the ground.

"Who... I... I never did any of that! What the hell are you talking about?! June!"

Tears brimmed in her eyes.

"All those times... that wasn't you... oh god... oh god!"

"June... June listen to me, just calm down. I'll get you out of this. I- I promise I GAAAH!" I yelled, as Tommy pushed me further into the ground.

Tengen chuckled.

"The fuck? So you actually survived? Now that's messed up. Guess I'll just finish his job then."

"TENGEN! TENGEN DON'T! I BEG YOU!"

Please.

Anything.

Anything but that.

Moments replayed in my mind, almost like all of my memories with June had come back to me, flooding me all at once.

The sound of the gunshot playing over and over again in my mind.

"Stop... STOP!" I begged, as Tengen laughed, raising his cleaver.

June closed her eyes.

"I'm... I..."

SNAP.

I slowly opened my eyes, to see Riordan slumped over, then at Tengen, who stared at the stumps on his wrists.

His cleavers had fallen on the ground with his severed hands still attached.

"AAAH! WHAT THE- WHO DID-"

Come on. You two. Don't you think that's a little... bad taste? A voice echoed all around us.

"Tommy... get up. You still there, pal?" Tengen grimaced, as he limped away from June.

I forced myself to June, burying her in a hug.

"June... hang in there. I'll... I'll protect you with my life. I swear by it."

Tengen scowled.

"Come out! You lil coward! You think this is enough to stop the Hero of the Dual-"

Blah blah blah. All I hear is some loser with too much big dick syndrome. This is my whole schtick!

Riordan's werewolf transformation dissipated, as he limped to Tengen's side.

"I can smell her. I know where she is. We can beat her, we're both SS Ranked now."

Tengen grinned.

"Hell yeah. Let's do-"

SMASH.

Tengen's eyes widened, as Riordan slammed into the ground. The Hero became face to face with a familiar-looking woman.

"Y- You?!"

Loki licked her lips.

"Hey. Do me a favor, you two morons are SS Ranked right? Go fetch your hands. Let me show you how a real trickster kicks the asses of two nobodies."

Tengen hesitantly attached his hands back to his wrists, as Riordan stood next to him.

"We can beat her, together, Andrew. Two SS Ranked threats can defeat a god. If Aaron can do it as one, we can-"

SLASH.

Riordan stared at Andrew, who stabbed him with a knife.

"A- Andrew?!"

Suddenly, Tengen's image distorted, revealing Loki, who had switched places with Tengen.

When the hell did she do that?!

"TOMMY!" Tengen growled, running toward Loki at full speed.

"Hey. Mind your step, Hero," Loki smiled sinisterly, as Tengen's feet became suspended in what appeared to be a strange goop.

"What the hell?! When did you plant those traps?!"

"What do you mean? Since you two were trying to find me, you were distracted. So I took the opportunity to chuck a few traps here and there. You two are honestly so adorable, thinking you could beat me just because you got a tiny little boost from Lady Vala."

"You got a boost too! You're a cheater-"

"Alas, Outer Shadow Tourmentus..." Loki appeared behind him until she wrapped her arms around the Hero.

"I am the God of Trickery... who said I would fight fair?" Loki began snarling, her body transforming into a huge, werebear.

"ROAAAAARR," Loki slammed Tengen into the ground in bear form, then began mauling at his face.

Before we knew it, Outer Shadow Tourmentus was unconscious and defeated.

Loki then turned to Riordan, who backed away in fright.

"Where's your bravado, Outer Shadow Fenrir? Just so you know, that name you took for a codename, would canonically be my son's name. If I were the real deal Loki from Norse Myth."

Fenrir's eyes widened.

"What... did you just say?"

Wait what?

This Loki wasn't the real Loki?

Loki tilted her head, smiling.

No way.

So she was just like...

"Like Jekyll, I was a mortal who turned into a god. Well, you don't need to know anything ever again. I know I promised Lady Vala that I wouldn't step outta my bounds... but frankly, seeing this scene... makes me really really mad."

Riordan gritted his teeth.

"You won't get away with this. You won't."

"You don't need to worry about me, I'm pretty clever."

Loki then lifted her hand and to my disbelief...

A weapon appeared in it.

One that I recognized immediately.

From an orphanage so long ago.

Loki aimed her crossbow at Riordan.

"A boy I once knew said this. But I guess it's a little late for that now. Ah, whatever."

Riordan tried to escape.

"Shadows, take me back! Take me-"

Riordan paused, as nothing came out from the ground.

Loki laughed, lowering the collar of her shirt and revealing the Mark of Vala.

"You're not going anywhere. Looks like I'm going to have to... beat you into fish paste!"

Riordan yelled in fear, as Loki fired the crossbow, which went right through the Outer Shadow's skull, leaving behind a blue glow.

The Outer Shadow crumpled to the ground, dead.

Loki then turned to me, as I gripped June tightly.

"Seems I let go a little bit too much. Guess you've figured it out by now. Otherwise, I'd be one disappointed teacher."

My bottom lip quivered, as hundreds of emotions ran through me like a goddamn dump truck.

"You... all this time... you were alive...?!"

Nora smiled.

"I figured it would be too much, considering Jubilee's reveal has also been uncovered-"

Nora paused, as I threw my arm around her, burying my face into her shoulder.

"The enemy... Nora... why... why?!"

Nora regarded me.

"Should an Outer Shadow be acting like this in front of his own Auxiliary?"

I slowly pulled away, turning to June, who was staring at us with her mouth wide.

"Nora. We need to-"

"No," Nora cut me off, turning the other way.

"We will speak again, but as enemies. I only came because... I guess this struck a personal chord with me. As I said, I've been one of the closest people in your life. Seeing this... made me really angry. So. Looks like we're back to being enemies! Peace!"

"Hey! Where are you-"

Nora/Loki turned around, her body glowing blue.

"Take care of yourself. Little bro."

"NORA! HEY, DON'T GO! NORA! NORA!" I shouted after her, but I was too late, as I collapsed.

I clawed my way back up but noticed June was still trembling.

"June... Hey. Let's get you someplace safe."

June glared at the ground.

"I really am... meant to destroy you."

"Don't say that. You were... you are. One of the greatest things that have ever happened in my life. So please... let's..."

June turned to the sky, her purple irises glinting.

"I was tricked... I... I don't know... what's real anymore."

"June, wait. I-"

A wave of power slammed into me, as June began warping space and reality.

What the-

What was this?!

I knew June had the power to jam energy fields... but this was beyond jamming energy.

Energy swirled around my Auxiliary Shadow, as the two of us tumbled out of reality.

"AAAAAAGH!" I screamed, tumbling through layers and layers of something... something like glass.

Before I knew it, I found myself in somewhere new.

Only this wasn't new.

My back slammed against asphalt, as I looked up into the cloudy night sky of June's homeworld.

"What... is this..." My voice trailed away.

I slowly got to my feet, to see June heading into the distance.

"June!" I called out, but June ignored me, trudging forward into the night.

I ran up to her, but a wave of force kept me away.

"June! I don't know... I don't know what happened to you, but please. Please, let me help you! Just as we've helped each other so many years ago!"

I put my hands against the invisible wall that was barring me away from my friend.

"June... please let me in. Please let me understand. Let me understand what happened! You don't have to do this alone anymore!"

"Sigurd abandoned me."

My eyes widened.

"No. She couldn't have. She left to search for Master Jun but she-"

"She abandoned me. Because she knows what I am. Of what the Jubilee was created for."

My heart felt like it was going to rip apart.

Seeing my youngest Auxiliary Shadow like this.

She was the closest to a younger sister I ever had.

"That isn't true! That isn't... Please..."

I clutched my chest.

It hurts...

I did so much...

I did so much to try and move on...

But now June was standing in front of me. Shattered into many pieces and left as a husk of the person she once was.

June continued walking.

And as she took a step, I took one with her.

Trailing in the distance.

But I never let the gap between us get any wider.

June stopped, as reality warped around her.

A scene had manifested between us.

I recognized it immediately.

A kid, no older than sixteen, walked the same road trail that June and I were walking.

Along his back, were numerous firearms, and on his waist, were dozens of grenades.

His black hair, streaked with grey, was grown out long, the bangs covering the front of his face.

And his red eyes...

A younger Aaron Hope propped his assault rifle against a rock.

"Shadows, where's my target?"

An overlord. He possesses the greatest influence in this world.

"Coal... he manages the coal acquisition in this society."

Aaron continued walking. In his pocket was a slip of paper.

I knew what it was.

It was a torn-up picture of Jessica Lane, my first girlfriend.

Aaron smirked.

"Hey. Jessie. Am I doing it right?"

An awkward smile formed on his face. I forgot how bad I used to be at smiling.

It was a feeling I was never used to.

Or rather... it was something I hadn't done in a long time.

The scene shifted.

This time, it was of a thirteen-year-old girl in rags, playing with loose pieces of black rock. Her face and her body were smeared black from the coal, but she didn't seem to mind.

"Johnny! Where are you going?" The little girl tapped one of the rocks.

"To war. I will come back, and when I do, I will propose to you, June."

The little girl tapped another piece of coal.

"But Johnny... why won't you propose now?!"

Johnny the Coal spun around.

"Because we aren't ready yet. But when I return, you will become a woman. And when that day happens, please wait for me."

Suddenly, a voice broke the narrative.

"June! Are you playing with coal again?! I told you not to play with such precious materials! This goes straight to Yasha!"

"Sorry Daddy! I'm sorry!"

June's father yanked the coal out of June's hands and then smacked her in the head, causing her to cry.

"No more of this fantasy. Did your mother teach you nothing? We don't get to dream."

June held back sobs.

"But Daddy... I want to see the sunset! I want to see the red clouds!"

"That's enough! You are such a burden! Why did we even bother having you!"

The scene dissolved. The older June continued walking.

And I continued following after her.

Neither one of us said a word.

There was nothing I could say... I just didn't know what to tell her.

But the one thing that I could do...

Was to be there for her.

Just as we used to always be there for each other.