Final Chapter: The Golden and Azure Light of Hope

Response to Reviews:

-VC2 will be the first of the two games done, in the next volume.

-Possibly. Richard and his group aren't exactly strict when it comes to this kind of thing, but he knows that things have their limits, and he WILL educate the Lanseal students that fraternisation only goes so far in a actual war, and tell them that it was exactly because of love, that Alicia almost sacrificed herself, so love is a double-edged sword, as it can bring ruin and sorrow, as much as it brings happiness and peace. In fact, he will tell them that they're free to be married and together, once the war is over, because he tells them that blind altruism leads to a quick death.

-Ever wondered how Cordelia suddenly has the power to heal everyone to maximum, in the mission Marmota's End? To avoid gameplay and story segregation, and considering that Darcsen magic is a thing in the head-canon already... I have it that Cordelia has her own brand of Darcsen magic, which allows her to keep her image as a Valkyrian scion with special powers. In fact, you'll see why she has those powers, and why she went into the Shamrock, in this chapter.

-You'll have to wait and see, Fir100. And sorry, but Vyse and Aika aren't joining the team. You forget that the VC Vyse and Aika aren't the ones from the original timeline of Skies of Arcadia. But I do think it's obvious who's joining, if you haven't noticed the subtle hint pointing to said person. If you don't, then I won't blame you, because it's revealed this chapter.

On the deck of the Marmota...

The entire group of Squad 7 members immediately made their way onto the topmost decks of the Marmota, which was a large long strip, with ramps that ascended to several levels of the decks, as there were hatches that were placed around the entire area, with one in the centre.

"Okay, let's find the engine and kill it." Welkin ordered his men.

"That would be most inconvenient. I will not have rats like you scurry along the deck of my weapon of conquest." Maximillian's voice rang through the area, surprising everyone, as they formed up, and raised their weapons.

"Maximilian...? Show yourself!" Welkin shouted loudly.

Immediately after, Welkin shouted that out, the hatches across the deck opened one by one, as tower-like structures that were fitted with energy coils around them, rose up and appeared, as the sounds of whirring and clicking rang through the deck. They were then followed by the sound of loud metallic footsteps underneath them, before there was another sound of a hatch opening. Maxmilian rose out from the hatch in the centre of the strip, as he was clad only in his silver armour, as in his hands was mechanical versions of a Valkyrian lance and shield. The lance in his hand had a hilt that consisted of curved heat plates, and the entire weapon was lined with heat-sinks along the entire length of the weapon, as well as a large eagle crest of the front of the weapon, and a rectangular barrel, with multiple wires and tubes connecting parts of the artificial lance to each other. The shield had energy coils protruding from the centre of the front side in all 8 cardinal directions, and a quartet of energy coils sticking out of the centre, as well as being connected to pipes that seemed to connect around onto his back.

Maxmilian himself seemed to be different as well, as the exposed parts of his arm revealed bulging veins, and his face also had them near his eyes.

"The finest engineers of the Empire shed both blood and tears to forge this Valkyrian shield and spear." Maximilian stated. "As you will observe, their powers exceed even the originals."

Alicia immediately rushed up with a angered expression. "Stop this!" She cried. "Haven't enough men died? Why are you doing this?"

"Why, We fight for Our dream. Do you not think that reason enough? So many have died for less." Maximilian coldly retorted back. "Besides, We must... Rightful vengeance must be meted out."

"What vengeance...?" Gus asked.

"We were born an Imperial prince, but Our mother was of low station. Our father shunned Us." Maximilian recounted, as he looked to the side, his tone bitter."The other heirs saw Us as a threat to their ascension. They bombed our train when We were but a child. Though We survived by some cruel miracle, the fates were not so kind to mother and the rest. On that day, We swore an oath. We would take the Empire, and the emperor's throne for Our own."

"And how does this relate to Gallia, you upstart nobility bastard!?" Marisa growled back with fury. "All this, just because you wanted some vengeance towards your own dad. I don't know much that sounds more pathetic than the bullshit you're pulling!"

"We care not for you inferior peasants. My only goal in this land was the Valkof." Maximilian snorted derisively. "My only delight in this battle is wiping your ilk from the face of the earth. After that, with the power of the Valkof, the Empire will have no choice but to hand over rulership to Us. Only then, will Our vengeance be complete. And that shall be what We shall do, once you are returned to dust, in a gruesome death."

"Not a chance! We're going to beat you, no matter what kind of shit you hop yourself up with!" Marisa stated. "We have both a Valkyria, and a Darcsen warrior on our side!"

Richard then stepped forward, as his expression was quite eerily tranquil, as his eyes rose up to Maximilian's.

"What is it that you wish to say. Your last words before your own demise?" Maximilian remarked back.

"...So what." Richard stated. "Is that the only justification for your invasion of Gallia...? Mari is right... For such a simple reason, to have brought all of this suffering and death right before us... I pity you, Maximilian, for you are so self-centred that you would enact such a cruel invasion towards a nation that had no hand in your suffering."

"Silence. We have no time for your games." Maximilian hissed back.

"Oh, but what gives you the right to seek vengeance, when the Empire had taken almost everything that I held in precious regard, Maximilian?" Richard asked back with a envious and bitter tone, as he stepped forward once again. "I have lost my parents, I have lost almost all of the people I have lived with in peace and harmony, and I have lost the only home I could ever belong to. I have lost so much more than you, Maximilian, so it should be me speaking those words to you. If I truly was like you, I would have used that weapon to raze every single land under the Empire to ashes with the Valkof. But I am not like you, because I do not possess the same vanity and pride that you so cherish. What makes you more worthy of vengeance than me, Maximilian? Do you believe that just because I am a mere peasant, that my vengeance cannot compare to you...? If that is truly what you think, then you are terribly mistaken."

"...We recall that you said that you judge not the ruler by the actions of his kingdom. Or has your mind become so addled that you do not uphold the words you have spoken." Maximilian sneered back at Richard, with a cruel and arrogant smile.

"I may have said that. I valued you separately from the Empire itself. But things change so easily, and the truth is unveiled to me." Richard responded back, as his expression darkened. "It's quite the opposite, the Empire is like it is, because of your own actions. The slaughter of citizens, the razing of many towns. They were all done under your own command. And you wouldn't even spare your own subordinates from your own cruel ambition, using them as stepping-stones, and disposing of them, when their use has come to an end."

"And what of it?" Maximilian asked back, his sneer disappearing. "I have no care for what comes of my army, as long as it brings about the vengeance that I truly deserve. I am quite astonished that mere rabble like you has managed to defeat my Valkyria, Selvaria, not once but twice. If she cannot bring you down, then she is of no use to me..."

Alicia gasped in horror, as Sanae was left shocked at Maximilian's words. Richard didn't even retort back to that, before he spoke again.

"Now I think I understand... I think I understand what kind of person you are." Richard spoke back in a low voice. "I always wondered if there was someone who possessed the power of a Valkyria, then there would be likely someone who inherited the ambition and mind-set of the ancient Valkyrur. I think that you are the person... While Selvaria inherited their power, you inherited their cruelty and ambition. No wonder you bat not a single eye to the slaughter of innocents, and no wonder you requite not the rapport that your soldiers have given you. The world is merely a board for you, all men pawns before your very eyes. In all of my life... Never have I truly felt disgusted by a person like you, Maximilian, who would claim himself a divine judge upon this earth, and rend all who do not fall under your will to ashes. I understand that my mortal nemesis, as a Darcsen, was not Selvaria... but you, who would commit the same sins as the Valkyrur."

"Do not insult Our grand image, by comparing it to the barbarians of the north!" Maximilian roared with anger.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have compared them to you... Compared to the Valkyrur..." Richard stated with oozing disdain. "...You are far worse, twisting the lives of your own kin, and spreading ruin and destruction wherever you please... There is no worse monster than you, 'Emperor' Maximilian. It would be a pleasure to end your dark ambitions on this very battlefield."

"ENOUGH! WE HAVE WASTED ENOUGH OF OUR BREATH WITH YOU PUNY WORMS!" Maximilian yelled, before he then raised his shield up, as the towers began to activate one by one, thrumming with azure ragnite energy, as they fired off beams of energy right to Maximilian.

When the beams hit him, he immediately grunted and groaned in pain, as the artificial Valkyrian shield and lance in his hands began to glow, and the blue aura of a Valkyria began to surround his entire body, and his eyes became completely white.

"For years, We sought a way to lay Our rightful claim to the Empire. And at last, Our answer has come." Maximilian intoned, with his voice echoing from the sheer energy coursing through him.

"Let me guess... You're talking about the Valkyrur's power." Welkin stated dryly.

"The time for wars waged by men wielding power and steam is fated to end ere long." Maximilian continued, raising his spear up. "The new age will be shaped by emperors, not men. Yes, he who wields the destructive power of the Valkyrur grips the very reins of history! Peasants, let us end this! We shall never stop, not while We draw breath!"

Richard then immediately concentrated his energy, as he transformed once again, this time in full. "Then I shall take your very life, Maximilian!" Richard declared with vigour. "Today, a tyrant and his twisted ambition shall fall, by the blade of a Darcsen who has crawled through the very fields of hell to seek justice for all!"

He then immediately charged at Maximilian with a roar, as parts of the Valkof immediately fell towards the squad, prompting them to move back, as the broken lance pieces created a form of cover for the foot soldiers.

"Up on the Marmota's deck, eh? Nice spot for a final showdown." Largo remarked.

"It's just a shame that the only audience we have here, is the Princess herself." Rosie sighed.

"My Shamrock's chomping at the bit for a piece of this action." Zaka stated. "Don't worry, Your Highness, this battle will be over before you know it."

"I hope so..." Cordelia responded back. "I cannot imagine what Maximilian would do to the land if we were to be defeated here..."

"The Edelweiss is fully functional for battle, Welks!" Isara reported back. "Let's finish this battle and save Gallia!"

"We're all ready for your orders, Welkin!" Alicia responded back.

"We're counting on you as well!" Marisa stated.

"Welkin, can you hear me? I'll fight against Maxmilian, and keep him occupied." Richard told Welkin through the comms. "While he's busy, take down those towers... I don't know if they are responsible for his transformation, but they're mounted with weapons of their own, so destroying them benefits either way!"

"...Alright, I trust you to take care of Maximilian." Welkin accepted. "Let's get started, 7's! Our target is the enemy commander, Maximilian himself! Start with the energy towers!"

Richard immediately jumped towards Maximilian, with his shield in front, and his blade poised to strike. Maximilian merely snorted, before he then side-stepped to avoid the strike, as Richard's blade hit the metallic ground. He then immediately swung his mechanical lance around, in a attempt to cleave Richard, although the black-haired warrior backstepped to avoid the attack.

Rosie immediately moved up, as she got a clear line of sight to one of the nearest towers, as she immediately fired her weapon at the main body of the tower up top, as the shot immediately damaged it enough to cause it to be disabled for the moment. On the other side, Vyse did the same thing with the tower on the other side.

As the disabled towers stopped transferring energy to Maximilian, he immediately began to stagger, as the loss of energy was sudden enough to cause him fatigue. Before he could recover, he found himself slashed across his armour by Richard, as it cleaved through his flesh, although not enough to do any considerable wounds.

"Gngh...!" Maximilian cried in pain.

"Did... Did Rain's attack manage to connect with Maximilian, despite the aura softening the blow...!?" Welkin exclaimed in surprise.

"...I think I get it now, Welks..." Isara stated. "Those towers were transferring energy that was fuelling his artificial Valkyria state! The more of them we destroyer, the weaker his powers become! If we can weaken the towers enough, then even our attacks will be able to do damage to Maximilian! And it'll help Rain considerably in weakening him!"

"Alright everyone, now that you know what those towers do, disable all of them!" Welkin ordered.

"Got it." Reisen stated, as she immediately shot out the tower at the farthest back part of the strip, as Maximilian weakened further.

"You... You mere peasants...!" Maximilian snarled, as he immediately raised his spear, before charging up energy in it, pointing it at the Edelweiss. "You will regret toying with me!"

"Not a chance!" Richard shouted, as he immediately grappled the lance, before forcing it up, causing Maximilian to struggle to wrest the control over the lance from him.

The two of them struggled, as the energy of the lance only grew, before Maximilian could only fire it into the air, in order to prevent the lance from exploding from over-charging.

"In my way... You are always in my way! Begone, you vile pest!" Maximilian screamed, as he immediately smacked Richard across the face with the shield on his arm. Richard was knocked back, stunned by the head-blow, as he was knocked to the ground, trying to regain his footing, while Maximilian charged his lance, aiming to blast Richard with it. "DIE!"

"Not on my watch!" Largo stated, as he fired a lance rocket right in Maximilian's chest, which caused him to stagger long enough for Richard to recover.

"Here, use the smoke as cover from his sight!" Isara yelled, as the Edelweiss fired a smoke-shell right in front of Maximilian, causing him to lost sight of the soldiers.

"Damn your petty tricks...!" Maximilian growled, as he immediately re-positioned himself, before firing into the smoke-cloud. "You cannot escape from me forever!"

The squad-mates immediately dodged away from the beam fire aimed at them, before Richard immediately assaulted Maximilian again with his blade, although this time Maximilian was prepared, as he used the shield to parry the attack, before then firing a lance shot right in Richard's abdomen, sending him flying onto one of the towers, before he slid down, injured by the attack.

"Rain!" Sanae shouted.

"I'm fine...! Deal with the other towers, or his next attack will do you all in!" Richard yelled back, getting up slowly, and jumping back into the fray, but not before coming up and slicing the head off the tower he was knocked into, disabling it permanently.

"I got it!" Marisa said, as she fired a rocket from her Petard, which took out one of the armoured towers, decreasing Maximilian's power.

Rosie, Vyse, Gus and Alicia immediately moved out of the smoke-cloud, as they aimed their weapons at Maximilian as one, before firing off a barrage of shots that all slammed into Maximilian, breaking through his weakened aura and dealing even more damage to him, as he cried once again.

"Gruhaugh! You... You filthy vermin!" Maximilian cried. "You dare think that this is enough to stop Us!? Very well. We shall see how you fare once the power output is raised to its limit!"

Suddenly, the disabled towers reactivated again, and the beams of energy they produced grew larger, as Maximilian's aura began to glow bigger and brighter as well. The shield in his hand began to spark and shake from being overloaded with too much energy, before the coils on it began to explode one by one, finishing with a larger explosions that tore most of the shield apart, and blew it right out of his hands, despite him not being injured by the explosions. He then began to feel intense pain from the increased power coursing through his body, as he clutched his face, and let out a loud guttural cry, as his entire body and aura flared bright azure.

He then immediately jumped back, as several more towers rose from several hidden hatches, as they contributed their own share of energy to Maximilian, who was reduced to heavy breathing and growls. Richard immediately jumped after him, although Maximilian immediately moved towards where Richard was going to land with a speed far faster than Richard, before he then swung his lance right into Richard, sending him flying back through the air, right into one of the fallen pieces of the Valkof, which was heavy enough to stop his flight, although the impact hurt him severely, as he coughed out some blood from internal bleeding.

"Argh...! Ow... Fuck..." Richard swore, as he used his own blade to get himself standing back on his feet. "Welkin... Now's the time to get rid of those towers...! He's going to tear me limb to limb at this rate!"

"We're working on it! Just hold out a little longer!" Welkin shouted back.

Maximilian immediately walked towards the group, as they tried to fight back, although the shots did nothing, with the enhanced aura that was coating him at the moment. He immediately raised his artificial lance to the skies.

"Filthy vermin... I shall cleanse you from this very earth!" Maximilian chanted, as his lance began to gather even more energy, as a halo of red energy circled around his lance, before it then broke into a massive blast that spread out across almost half of the battlefield, as the blast caused everyone to be knocked onto the ground, as the blinding blast of energy seared through their armour, and into their own flesh.

Inside the Edelweiss's MG turret, Aisha was horrified by how everyone was being crushed by Maximilian's berserk power, before it turned into rage and determination, as she immediately swivelled the turret around, and fired off a barrage of shots.

"Leave them all alone, you monster!" Aisha cried, as she didn't stop firing, even though her shots are doing nothing.

"Impudent runt...! I shall personally execute you for your insolence!" Maximilian threatened, as he pointed his lance right at the Edelweiss, as he then charged up another beam-blast, before firing it directly at the front of the Edelweiss, as the shot managed to hit the armoured gunner's nest, even though not directly. The result was Aisha screaming in agony, as the beam burnt her badly, and she fainted from the pain, and the Edelweiss was severely damaged, as the beam managed to melt the treads of the tank to slag.

"Severe damage...! We need repairs immediately!" Welkin stated. "The treads have been melted, and we'll be a sitting duck at this rate!"

Reisen immediately raised her rifle, as she managed to take out three more towers, although that didn't do enough to weaken Maximilian at all.

Maximilian slowly walked towards the injured squad, before he then raised his lance to prepare another area-wide blast, before he was interrupted by Richard ramming his side with the shield.

"No!" Richard yelled out, as he immediately smashed his blade against Maximilian, although he wasn't doing much, and Maximilian was only flinching slightly.

As Richard swung down again, Maximilian immediately used his lance to block the blow, before he then used his other arm to sock Richard right in the face hard enough to break bone, causing him to stagger backwards, before Maximilian immediately fired a barrage of rapid laser blasts point-blank, causing him great agony and pain, as his body was damaged heavily by the shots.

Alicia slowly got up, while Maximilian continued to blast Richard, who had fallen down on the ground, as she looked in despair.

"No... Is this really how this all ends...!?" Alicia exclaimed. "It can't be like this... We have to win... If Maximilian wins... then... then all of Europa will be consumed in flames!"

Suddenly, she saw her Valkyrian shield drop beside her, as she immediately picked it up, and turned back to see that Welkin and Isara was out of the hatch.

"Alicia... Please.. you need to use your power to fight once again...!" Welkin stated.

"Please Alicia... We need you to fight once again as a Valkyria! We need to defeat Maximilian here and now!" Isara shouted as well.

Alicia looked at the duo, who were begging her to use her inner Valkyria power, and then back at Richard, who was beginning to break down from the continuous attacks that Maximilian was firing onto him, as he could only groan in pain.

"Long have We waited for the moment to end your squad by Our hands." Maximilian stated, before he stopped firing, and started using the lance to bludgeon Richard repeatedly. "You have been a great inconvenience to Us. So rejoice, for you will be the first to fall before the new power We possess!'

Alicia immediately picked up her shield, as she tried to summon up her power, although she could only gather so much.

"Welkin! I can't! I don't have my lance with me! It's impossible for me to utilise my full power without it!" Alicia cried out.

Welkin couldn't say anything, as he was unable to find a way to bring back Alicia's lance.

"...Then use your powers to summon it to your side!" Marisa shouted, as she struggled to stand back up, while the rest of the group did so, along with Rosie and Largo. "I don't know what else we can do, but surely that the Valkyria hocus-pocus has something about a Valkyria being able to summon any lance that she wielded before to her side with a single thought! So will it! Will like there's no damn tomorrow, for your lance to come to your side!"

"Mari...!" Alicia exclaimed, before she then nodded. "Alright, we've come so far... And we can't fail right now! Please, oh gods above... Grant us the chance to turn the tides of battle to our favour!"

Alicia then closed her eyes, as she held her shield up with one hand, and the other outwards, hand open to clasp something, as her aura began to emanate.

Slowly but surely, there was the sound of metal being torn underneath her feet, as it grew closer and closer, before the very lance that Alicia used burst from underneath, as it flew up, right when Alicia clasped it right into her hand, allowing her to complete her transformation into a Valkyria.

"Alright... Rain, I'm coming...!" Alicia exclaimed, as she immediately sprinted towards Maximilian, who had Richard held up by the neck, and his lance pointed right at his chest.

"Any last words, before I send you to oblivion, like the ancient Valkyrur have done to your ancestors?" Maximilian asked with a cold tone.

"Just four..." Richard weakly wheezed. "We're not done yet..."

"What...!?" Maximilian exclaimed, before he turned to see what Richard was talking about, a charging Alicia, who immediately smacked Maximilian away, as Richard dropped to the ground wheezing and weak.

"Rain.. Are you alright...?" Alicia asked, as she helped Richard back up.

"I'm fine..." Richard stated. "I just need a moment for my own recovery to bring me back to working shape. I need a moment though... Take care of Maximilian, so that the others can get to the towers and destroy them!"

"Right!" Alicia nodded, before she turned to Maximilian, who was nothing short of incensed from the interruption.

"So I see, Gallia's Valkyria shows herself..." Maximilian stated, before he charged his lance up once again. "It matters not! My artificial Valkyria is vastly superior to that of any natural Valkyria!"

He then fired off a barrage of laser shots that sped towards Alicia, as she dodged most of them, and used her shield to block the rest, although the shots knocked her back with each one she blocked. She then immediately jumped up, before she then reenacted her spiralling attack against Selvaria, as Maximilian immediately thrust his artificial lance at her, as both lances clashed with each other briefly, before Alicia's power managed to knock both of them back from each other.

While Maximilian was occupied with Alicia, Sanae and Homer were busy using their ragna-aid diffusers to bring everyone back on their feet, as they immediately rushed forward, and peppered the remaining towers with every single bullet and rocket in their arsenal, as the last of the towers fell silent, and Maximilian's aura disappeared completely, and he was left completely stunned.

Before he could recover, he found himself slammed by the length of Alicia's lance on the chest, which managed to break his entire rib-cage and cause him to cough out copious amount of blood, as he was knocked across the strip's floor, before he immediately came to a halt, as he tried to get up, clutching his fractured chest.

"Impossible...! Ours is the power of the Valkyrur, combined with the wonders of science...!" Maximilian coughed. "How... how are We beaten by the likes of you peasants...!?"

"Maximilian, you lost the moment that you decided to rely on artificial strength to further your ambitions!" Welkin declared back.

"...It's all over for you, Maximilian...! Never shall the world have to suffer your own destructive ambitions!" Richard cried.

Maximilian immediately stood back up, as his lance was smoking and sparking, as it was damaged from the attack, and his eyes were back to normal, while Alicia depowered herself as well.

"Damn you... dogs of Gallia!" Maximilian cursed, as the rest of Squad 7 immediately moved up, as they pointed their weapons at the humiliated Imperial prince.

"It's time to surrender, Maximilian!" Welkin declared. "Your war is over!"

"Face your defeat with dignity and honour..." Richard told Maximilian with a serious expression. "At least Selvaria died without a single regret, for a heartless bastard like you..."

Maximilian only chuckled into response, as it then rose into crazed laughter.

"Surrender, you say?" Maximilian asked with a twisted smile on his face. "I think you forget. We Valkyrur can give our lives to fuel a hot blazing inferno of destruction!"

The towers then reactivated again, as they transferred energy again, except this time, the energy transfer was massive, more than what the energy towers could handle, as they exploded into pieces one by one, as Maximilian was once again covered with blue energy, except it was now in the form of a massive tall azure inferno. As he did so however, his body was torn even further, as he cried out in unbearable torment, as blood leaked from his mouth from the worsening of his wounds.

"D-Don't do this! It doesn't have to end like this!" Welkin shouted.

"That kind of power... It'll level the entire country if it's released!" Richard exclaimed with horror.

"It seems Our dreams are not to be. Well, then... Join Us. Let Gallia fall to ash!" Maximilian declared, as his aura burnt brighter and brighter.

"I won't let you!" Richard shouted, as he immediately charged at Maximilian with his blade poised in a thrust for Maximilian's heart.

While he charged, Maximilian instinctively pointed his lance down, as Richard was right in front of the lance itself, as it then charged.

And at the very same moment, both attacks were unleashed at the same time... Richard's blade cut right through Maximilian's heart and back, and Maximilian's lance went off, as it fired off a laser blast that tore a massive hole right through his abdomen, as everyone watched in horror and fear, as various cries of "Rain!" came out, with varying reactions.

Isara's face was twisted in despair, as the only Darcsen that stuck by her side ever since the start of this war was critically wounded, possibly even dead from the attack. Welkin's expression was of complete horror, which was mirrored on Alicia's face. Rosie looked completely horrified, as she watched as the Darcsen who made her see the error of her ways, fall and bleed before her, while Largo was completely frightened about the condition of his squadmate. Gus's expression was of genuine emotional agony, and Marisa's was of complete shock. Sanae was completely fearful, as tears leaked from her eyes, while Reisen looked extremely worried, even with how much she tried to stop herself from letting too much emotion show. Vyse was completely fearful, as the only stormtrooper in the squad that he could consider his brother-in-arms was wounded mortally.

Richard's expression was of complete shock, as he looked down at the bleeding hole in his abdomen, before he fell onto his knees. Maximilian was shocked completely as well, as Richard's blade slid out of his fatal wound, and he staggered backwards, towards a large vast open hatch, before he then screamed on his way down.

Before anyone could move to check Richard's wounds, there was a massive explosion of blue energy, potentially Maximilian's suicide blast, as a massive pilliar of blue light shot out of the hatch, causing everyone to immediately turn around and flee. Welkin and Alicia immediately went to Richard, as they immediately pulled him up, although the time it took to do so, was long enough for the blue pillar of energy to explode, as molten debris and fire rained onto the deck of the Marmota.

Alicia cried out in horror, as Welkin immediately held her, and covered her under him. And much to both of their surprise, Richard was standing back up, by some miraculous strength stored within his body, as he forced the both of them down, before spreading his arms and shield out, in order to cover both of them, as debris rained down around them. Suddenly, Welkin and Alicia could hear something falling down towards them, and then Richard shoving them away from him, as they watched as his golden form dissipated, and he was mouthing the word 'Go!'.

They then watched with horror, as a large piece of debris slammed down onto Richard, pinning him by the legs onto the ground.

"No!" Alicia cried out.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the squad managed to escape the rain of debris, as Largo coughed from the smoke getting into his lungs.

"Damn it! The boss, the little missus, and our resident dark-haired hero are still in there!" Largo exclaimed between coughs.

"Hey, boss! Alicia! Rain! You two okay?" Rosie called out out loud to the trio.

Welkin and Alicia heard her, as they turned away from Richard, before looking at each other.

"Welkin, you alright?" Alicia asked Welkin.

"Yeah, except for that..." Welkin stated, as he looked back at the wall of flames that was blocking their way back from the Marmota's deck. "Our way is blocked off. And Rain..."

Welkin then immediately ran over as close to the flames as he could bear, before he called out back to the group on the other side.

"The entire deck's gone up! We can't cross!" Welkin shouted. "All of you, go on and get out of here!"

"Not a chance, boss-" Rosie was about to say, before she was interrupted by Marisa.

"No way! We're not leaving our friend to die here, and neither we will for both of you either!" Marisa yelled back with a frantic tone. "We either leave together or not at all!"

"We're going to look around and find a way to connect to your side!" Largo cried with determination to Welkin and Alicia.

"There's no time for that! Stay here any longer and you put the whole squad at risk!" Welkin argued back. "Listen, I'm not saying this again! You're going to leave now. That's an order!"

Largo's only response was to punch the ground hard. "Damnit all!" Largo screamed with fury, before he then turned to the entire squad. "7's! We're leaving! Get off the Marmota! We got the Princess with us, so we better do what boss says, or she's going to be hurt with us!"

"No way! I'm not leaving any of them, especially R-" Marisa was about to complain, before she was then knocked out by Reisen with a nerve-pinch.

"Don't worry. I'll deal with Mari." Reisen assured the squad. "We need to get off... I'm sure that Welkin and Alicia will find a way to get Rain out of here with them!"

Gus immediately looked back, while the others left, as he looked back at the wall of flames.

'Richard... Please be safe... Surely you won't let this be the end for you... Right?' He thought, before he immediately joined the others getting off the Marmota.

Welkin and Alicia immediately looked back at Richard, who was still bleeding heavily from his abdomen wound, already very weak from the blood loss. They immediately rushed over to Richard.

Richard immediately looked up to them, as they tried to get the piece of debris off his legs, although it didn't budge at all with their measly strength.

"Don't... waste your energy... Welkin... Alicia..." Richard rasped weakly. "...Leave me here... I won't make it out of here alive with these kind of wounds..."

"Don't say that! We have a ragna-aid dispenser with Alicia! Just hang on! We'll get you out of here with us!" Welkin shouted back, as Alicia hastily applied the ragna-aid onto Richard's wound, although it did nothing but lessen the rate of blood loss. "No... try again...! You can still make it!"

"Welkin... Alicia... Stop...! You'll end up dying if you stay here with me!" Richard croaked back, as he tried to raise his voice. "You already told your squad to leave... Now it's your turn to get out! I can't make it out of this situation with these kinds of wounds! What part of that do you not understand!?"

"Everything! You allowed me to realise my own mistakes, Rain, and you have helped us all along! You were like a second leader to the squad!" Welkin shouted, as he was becoming increasingly desperate and panicked. "You can't just die here! I won't allow it!"

"Welkin! Listen to me!" Richard shouted with a cracked voice. "I know that you want to leave no-one behind to die, but in a choice where you die with me, or letting me die alone, you must know that some situations can't be salvaged, no matter what! If you keep trying, then you'll have died for nothing, Welkin and Alicia! Nothing! Do you want that to happen? I can't die knowing that I was the one who caused your death! I cannot allow you both to die in vain!"

"Rain..." Alicia stated, as she began to tear up. "I just need to summon up my strength as a Valkyria... And then... And then...!"

"You won't have the time..." Richard muttered weakly. "Before you could regain that power, you'll be blown to pieces with me... So please, save yourselves... Don't die for someone who wanted to bring the name and reputation of the Darcsens back into society..."

He then slowly picked up his shield and sword, before giving it to Alicia.

"...Take these... Give them to Isara... Or any other Darcsen..." Richard told them. "If you truly are afraid that I will die without nothing left in my memory... Then take these... Let them represent the last will of a Darcsen soldier, who only fought for his country, because he wanted to prove that his race deserved to be considered their own kind of heroes..."

Welkin accepted both of the weapons silently, as Alicia could only quietly sob, while Richard looked up to him, and smiled.

"Now go.. A future where you two can live happily ever after... awaits you... So live... Live and show that war can give birth to new life... Like you told me, Welkin and Alicia..." Richard told them.

"...Yeah... Just like then..." Welkin muttered, as tears ran down his cheek. "I'm sorry... Rain... I'm sorry that I couldn't save you..."

"Don't be... Even if I die, at least I die knowing that I saved Gallia with my own blade and shield..." Richard weakly coughed. "It's... the highest honour... that I could have.. before I meet my death without regret..."

Welkin and Alicia immediately stood up, as they looked up, where they saw that the upper decks are still safe to traverse.

"Right... Let's move..." Welkin stated, as he and Alicia immediately left the area, leaving Richard alone, as he was bleeding, trapped, without any signs of help.

"Ah shit... Never expected that Maximilian would have pulled that kind of trick on me..." Richard sighed deeply, as he chuckled weakly in amusement. "...I guess that I really pushed him to his limits, and maybe I should have never provoked him in the first place..."

Richard then sighed again, before he closed his eyes. "Well... Not like that I never died before... I'm well and familiar with the feeling of death..." Richard stated. "I couldn't even explain how many methods of deaths that I have experienced all over 'that' time. I clearly remember the last time I died... A beheading by that damned moon-bitch herself... Well, at least Welkin believed I died a hero... And that's all I care about-"

Before he could speak, he heard footsteps, as he looked around for the source, expecting Welkin and Alicia coming back to him, only to see that it was Cordelia herself, who charged right through the flames with ceremonial lance in her hand, and a green aura around her that seemed to ward the flames from her body.

"Princess...?" Richard weakly uttered. "Why...? Why have you risked yourself... Just to get to me...?"

"Because I shall save you..." Cordelia responded back. "This is not where you will die... Because I haven't repaid you for everything you have done. Perhaps saving you would be a fair payment for the deeds."

"Save me...?' Richard asked, before he laughed dryly. "Princess... I'm bleeding to death, and I'm completely stuck... Unless your magic can heal having been pierced through the stomach, I truly don't think that you can help me here..."

"As a matter of fact, I am able to do that." Cordelia responded back, as she immediately tapped her lance back onto the ground of the Marmota, before the same green aura from before appeared, as it funnelled right into Richard's stomach wound, as it slowly ceased bleeding, and the flesh immediately regrew in but a few moments, much to Richard's surprise. This allowed Richard to gain the strength to turn around and push himself out under the rubble.

"How did you...!?" Richard exclaimed.

"It turns out that you're not the only Darcsen with these supernatural powers." Cordelia smiled back. "I have also cleared away your fatigue and exhaustion, so that you can transform once again. So... Will you take us safely out of this place...?"

Richard then looked up where Alicia and Welkin were, before he turned back, and nodded.

"Of course. I can do that. But I'll need to do something first." Richard answered back, before he immediately scooped up the Gallian princess into a bridal carry. "There we go, that way, you won't fall during my run. Now then, to safety we go, like a white knight escorting a princess like you."

Cordelia could only smile back, although she was still startled by how Richard suddenly got her in a bridal carry. Richard then immediately reactivated his transformation, as he immediately sprinted right through the flame wall, as the Marmota began to explode around them, as he slid and moved across the strip, before they managed to reach the lower decks, with the wave of destruction on the Marmota close on their heels.

"Hang tight, your highness!" Richard shouted. "Because I'm going into overdrive!"

Richard then immediately burst with even faster speeds, as they dashed right off the Marmota.

Faraway from the Marmota...

The entire squad watched as the Marmota was slowly being destroyed.

"I sure hope that Rain made it out alive..." Sanae stated, in a worried tone, watching the Marmota's destruction

"And what about Welks and Alicia...?" Isara wondered as well.

"I'm sure that they have their own way of getting out of here. After all, Welkin's got Alicia and Rain, and they're both strong and fast enough to carry him out." Rosie remarked.

Zaka then immediately rushed up to the group, as he looked quite horrified.

"Guys, I have really bad news... The princess is gone from the Shamrock..!" Zaka exclaimed. "I don't know where she is, but I have a bad feeling about this.

"What...!?" Gus exclaimed. "Why would the princess would even...!?"

Everyone turned to the wreck, as they watched as the Valkof began to explode, as light poured out of the many cracks, before it then exploded, taking the Marmota with it, as everyone was shocked.

Sanae was completely devastated, as she fell onto her knees, her expression completely blank, as she stared at the wreck of the Marmota, with tears leaking from her eyes. Everyone looked at Sanae, as they watched the wreck, and each of them gave a solemn salute, in memory of Rain, and some of them had their heads bowed in silence.

"...Damnit..." Marisa cursed. "You stupid idiot... Why did you have to go and take Maximilian out yourself...?"

"...Rain..." Gus muttered. "I guess that this was your choice all along."

Reisen didn't speak at all, although there was great sadness in her eyes.

"You know... For a dark-hair... You were one of the best ones that I ever had the chance to meet." Rosie admitted. "And now you do this... You really care about this squad more than yourself... I guess that things change in life."

"Rain..." Isara muttered, as she then clasped her hands together in front of her in prayer. "I hope that you would be happy wherever you are, possibly where my own father is..."

In the solemn moment of silence, the group managed to hear the sound of rapid footsteps coming their direction, as they looked up and saw that Richard was sprinting at the speed of a car, dashing right at them, with a fainted Cordelia in his arms, surprising everyone, and causing their jaws to drop.

He then stopped right in front of them, with a casual smile on his face.

"...Hey." Richard stated, before he then laid Cordelia on the ground. Just after he did so however, he was tackle-hugged by a bawling Sanae and Marisa, as he was tackled onto the ground. He was then joined by Isara, who attacked him with a tight embrace from another side.

"Rain... I'm so glad... Glad that you managed to make it...!" Isara spoke with great relief.

"Hey, what the hell...!?" Rosie exclaimed with confusion. "How the hell did you make it out, with that kind of wound!?"

"Funny you should ask..." Richard answered back, as he lifted up his uniform, to reveal that the puncturing wound was now merely a faint scar. "Turns out that the princess went back for me, using her magical healing stuff to restore me back to good health, and revitalised me enough to allow me to transform again, allowing me to outrun the Marmota's destruction in time. So I have the princess to thank for me being right here."

Reisen merely shook her head at Richard, although she had a faint smile of relief on her lips. Richard immediately crossed his arms.

"Well... I guess that this is going to be one hell of a thing to claim. Turns out that Lady Fate herself favours me so much, that she wants me to stay with you guys." Richard joked, before he was decked in the face by Rosie.

"Not funny! You almost died there!" Rosie scolded Richard.

"Right, right. Sorry about that." Richard answered back, before he then pointed up to the sky. "And look, there's a plane in the sky!"

Everyone looked up, as they were amazed by how a small wooden biplane soared through the skies, as there were two figures on top of it, especially Isara.

"My... My plane..." Isara stated, as she was moved to tears. "They... They really did it...! They finished the plane!"

They watched as the plane flew towards Randgriz, as everyone immediately followed its path.

"Looks like we'll need to get back in Randgriz, if we're going to meet our loved lieutenant once again!" Richard stated. "Time to head back home and celebrate victory as a squad! Zaka, take the princess. She's done enough for both me and all of us."

"...Will do." Zaka nodded, as he took the princess again, this time making sure that she wouldn't suddenly disappear from inside.

Everyone made their way back to Randgriz, as the ones who slain the prince who wished to sunder all in his wake...

The 25th day of October, 1935...

The death of Maximilian, commander of the Empire's invasion of Gallia, paved the way for truce between the two nations.

After seven tumultuous months at war, Gallians everywhere looked forward to a time of hard-won peace.

Squad 7 of the Gallian militia disbanded shortly after the conflict's conclusion, and its members began to move on, each following their own path. Although not before they were bestowed honours and awards for being the ones who ended the final conflict.

Attached was a picture of all of Squad 7's officers, including Isara and Richard's friends, as they had the round medal of the Saviour of Gallia medals in front of their chests, a golden medal with the image of the royal castle, crossed over by both spear and lance, with a golden ribbon, and the word 'GALLIA' inscribed on the front. Richard and Welkin were standing in front of the group, as Welkin and Richard saluted back to a smiling Cordelia, as they also had the Order of the Golden Wings on their uniform, as it was a octogonal crest with a golden border, sapphire gems encrusted on the 4 directions, and a golden eagle on the centre of a white backdrop.

And here, at the end of their long struggle, I lay my pen to rest.

Irene Koller... Signing off.

A picture of the entire squad, who were gathered up in front of a camera stand, as they posed in their own manner, as the officers and Richard's group flocked close to their commander, Welkin.

A few days later, at the front gate of Randgriz...

"Are you sure that you're leaving...?" Welkin asked, having changed back into his civilian outfit, due to Squad 7 having disbanded officially, as Alicia was with him, dressed in a blue and white civilian dress.

Richard and his group were dressed back to the same civilian clothes that they first came into the world in, as Richard was the one that was speaking with Welkin and Alicia, as Sanae was trying her best not to tear up, while Gus looked a little sad as well. Everyone, except for Sanae, had their own weapons on their back, as they have been emptied of any ammo, inside of their large backpacks.

"Sorry, Welkin... But my mind is truly set." Richard responded back. "We don't exactly belong in Gallia... And I decided that we would wander Europa, and get to see the world around us. You know... It was because we wandered the world, that I managed to meet you all those months ago... Who knew that I would be taken into a adventure that brought us close to each other."

"Is that so...?" Welkin asked, as he was quite reluctant to see Richard off.

"Hey, don't be sad, Welkin and Alicia." Richard assured Welkin with a smile. "It's not like that we don't plan to return at all. We just simply have learned so much about the world around us... More than we could back in our old village. And seeing all of the different things in the world... I decided that I would travel across all of Europa, and help the people all around the world. Just because Gallia's done with the war, doesn't mean that everything is fine elsewhere."

"But... You're not even a soldier anymore..." Alicia responded back. "None of you are..."

"We know, we know. We're not going to be joining any more wars, I'll tell you that." Richard answered back with a casual tone. "We had enough of our share of battles for our entire life. We're just going to stick to roaming this entire continent, and just enjoying ourselves. Hell, one day, I might actually be lucky enough to meet someone like you, or Alicia."

"But what about your weapons...? Did you really have to take them with you...?" Welkin asked Richard.

"Oh, I decided to keep them as memoirs of the war that I fought for the sake of this country. After all, they were the product of our own will to protect those we care about, and the freedom and independence of all within our boundaries." Richard answered back with a sigh and a frown. "Still... Nothing's going to hurt more than resting every moment, thinking about this damn squad... So much has happened... And we won't meet again for a very long time... It feels just sad to deal with that..."

Everyone was silent, before Richard then spoke again, as his smile was back on his face. "Well, it's time for us to go." Richard said. "Tell Captain, and all the other guys and girls in the squad that we'll see them again in time. In fact, tell Vyse that I expect him to live his life like a wild and determined beast, and then tell Aisha that she should enrol herself in a military academy, because I have the feeling that she'll be one heck of an officer. Also tell Wavy that I send his my best wishes for his life with his family. After all, he's managed to come back alive, and a winner for his family. I'd say more for the others... But I really don't know what to say about them... I feel like that I'm abandoning you guys, but somehow, I feel like that the bonds we have made won't disappear like that. Who knows...? I might actually send letters to you, to tell you how I'm doing so far, and I expect you to reply to me, because that's what friends expect of each other..."

Welkin nodded, as Alicia did so too. "Then maybe one day... We'll see all of you again, and we would talk about the times we had, while we were away from each other." He replied back. "That good with you, Rain and guys...?"

"Hah... It's a promise then, Welkin. Make sure that you take care of Alicia well, because she sure as hell need a guy like you to be by her side in this dynamic world." Richard chuckled, before he turned to the rest of his group. "Come on, why the long silence! Let's say a few goodbyes to our old friends, won't we!?"

"Welkin, Alicia... I want to say thank you for all you have done for us." Gus responded back, with a short bow. "I only hope that we will meet again with everyone else, so that we can celebrate our time as a squad in this war, because of the bonds we have made."

"Aw shucks... I'm not exactly good with saying goodbyes at times like this." Marisa groaned, before she then faced Welkin and Alicia. "Welkin, Alicia... You better not mess yourselves up, because Isara wouldn't be happy if her own brother had problems without us!"

"We hope to see you again one day as well, Welkin, Alicia." Reisen responded to them with a faint smile.

"Welkin! Alicia! Take care and live a happy life!" Sanae cheered back with a energetic smile.

Welkin nodded back, as he was smiling. "Thank you... All of you." Welkin stated, before he then rummaged through his pockets. "Before you go, Rain... I want you to have this."

He then pulled out a woven version of the emblem of Squad 7, as Richard took it with a gasp, before looking down at it with wide surprised eyes. After a few moments, he immediately clenched the emblem in his hand, as he had tears of joys and a wide smile on his face.

"Welkin... Thank you for this..." Richard responded back calmly, before he then turned around. "Alright, time for us to jet out of Randgriz, and start our journey through Europa!"

Richard and his group immediately left the gates, as Welkin and Alicia watched them.

"Take care... Rain... Mari... Remy... Sally... and Gus..." Welkin muttered silently under his breath.

In the outskirts...

Richard's group walked down the path in front of them, as Randgriz was getting further and further away from their sight.

"Well... That was quite the war we had..." Richard remarked with a smile. "So tell me, how did you guys feel about being a part of the famed Squad 7 of Gallia? Sure is nice that we're lauded as actual war heroes, right?"

"Yeah... I guess that it's much better that we managed to save so many lives..." Gus stated. "I never thought that this war would have been much better than the last war we ever fought in... But still... The Empire is truly ruthless... Not even the worst of the Outside World forces would dare to execute civilians with little justification, and create concentration camps like the one in Fouzen..."

"Ah, who cares...? It's not like we care about the war in general, right...?" Marisa scoffed. "I managed to enjoy blowing shit up with whatever weapon I had in hand. And boy, do I like that damn Petard. It sure is one hell of a thing. Still doesn't beat my Hakkero in destroying things. After all, we fought and we won like ordinary humans. I might actually have to call myself the Ordinary Blonde Soldier, in addition to my Ordinary Black-White Magician title."

"Either way... The war has ended in our favour." Reisen stated. "Gallia is now indebted to us, and countless lives have been saved, from the worst outcome of the Empire succeeding to utilise the Valkof to destroy all of Europa in a wave of death and destruction. I was tempted to use our full power to destroy Maximilian and the Marmota with him, but it seems that we and Squad 7 are far more than he can handle, even if he tried to play god."

"Not to mention that we managed to save all those innocent lives... Isara lives... And those Darcsens in the concentration camp..." Sanae remarked with a content tone. "If it wasn't for our intervention... They would have all died because of cruel fate... Just goes to show that we're not the kind of people to take this kind of unjustified death lying down. And I actually feel more sorry for Selvaria... After she just wanted to fight one last time as a Valkyria. I'm glad that you gave her it."

"Heh. To each their own, I guess." Richard responded back to all of them. "Personally, I feel better, now that Welkin's not as much of a air-head and morally blind idealist like he was in canon. With my help, it'll be smooth sailing for him and Alicia, because I personally gave her the fire in her heart to acknowledge that she doesn't need to inhibit her own Valkyrian powers, just to be 'normal'. And I can be happy that Isara will be able to become an aunt to their future child. All is well in this world, as it should be."

"Uh... About that..." Sanae awkwardly said, as she rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "I don't Isara is staying with Welkin and Alicia..."

"What the hell do you even mean-" Richard demanded, as he turned to Sanae with a serious expression.

Before he could continue, he could hear loud footsteps, as they turned around to see a severely exhausted Isara sprinting after them, before she then stopped mid-way to catch her breath, while the others walked over to her.

"Isara...?" Gus asked.

"...Wait... Wait for me..." Isara panted heavily, as she wheezed a little. "I... I want to go with you all..."

"Why...?" Richard asked with genuine concern. "Why would you want to go with us? Don't you want to stay with your brother, Welkin...?"

"Well... I couldn't just ignore what Sally told me... Or should I say... Sanae...?" Isara responded back, as she finally regained her breath, just as the others lost it in shock.

"...You know her true name...?" Marisa asked with a astonished tone.

"Of course... She told me it... while you guys were occupied with welcoming Welkin and Alicia back, after they landed with the plane that Kreis, Leon and I have made together." Isara explained. "She told me to come with me for a moment to somewhere, and when I did come and ask her what she wanted, she literally hugged me and bawled herself out. She told me not just your real names, but everything... About there being other worlds than the one we're in, about how she's like a ancient magic user, and that all of you had your own kind of magic, and how you pretended to be from this world, and why you did all of that."

Richard turned back to Sanae with a glare, causing her to shrink back with a slightly fearful expression, before he then sighed and looked back at Isara with apologetic eyes.

"...Now you know..." Richard responded back. "I'm sorry that I had to deceive you all. It's not exactly good for other-worlders like us to be considered such, so we pretended to be like the people here... Those fake names were the only thing we faked. Everything else... was genuine, like the bond we have made with you, and our feelings for Gallia. But even knowing this... Why have you come for us...? We were planning to leave this world, and return in a later time. We never planned to truly abandon you Isara... And I am satisfied enough that I saved you from a death that you were fated to suffer. I didn't want to drag you into our own kind of mess..."

"But that's exactly why I came..." Isara stated. "I care for you all, because you all treated me just as well as my brother and Alicia did, and you, Richard... You cared for me so well, that I couldn't stand to leave you... Sanae told me more about you... About how you did all of this, because you truly cared for everyone that you met, about how, even in your true self, you strived to save as many lives as you could... And that you put your friends above everything else... That's why... I want to go with you... So that you'll be able to have me fighting alongside you. After all, if I was truly meant to die back then... Then I owe you my life, Richard... I want to go with you, and help even more people, like I did with Welks and the rest of Gallia."

"...Does Welkin know of this...?" Richard asked stoically.

"I did tell him several reasons why I wanted to come with you, but I never told him about who you all truly were." Isara answered back, shaking her head in denial. "He eventually agreed to let me go, because he knows that all of you would be able to keep me safe and sound, no matter wherever you all went, and I believe in that as well..."

"...But do you... Are you aware of the many different threats that lie within the other worlds?" Richard sternly questioned Isara. "Every single threat we face is more dangerous than the Empire, and their individual power far exceed that of even Maximilian, making him seem like a firefly compared to the very sun. You could possibly die, even with the help of everyone... And you'll face dilemmas that no person could ever imagine, and suffering that could possibly break you several times over... Even knowing this...? Do you still wish to walk the same path as we do... as travellers of the dimensions...?"

"I do... Sanae told me the very same thing... And I gave her the same answer." Isara stated. "I may not be as strong as the rest of you, and I don't have any mythical and magical powers of my own... But I'll do my best to do what I can to improve. I'll learn everything regarding the technology you have, and I'll work myself to improving everything that you all have. I can use my own skills to make your army and organisation better than before, and I'm happy to do just that, because the more I help... The more you all can fight for the sake of those who deserve to be helped by people like you..."

Richard was silent for a moment, as he looked into Isara's eyes, as they blazed with a determination that couldn't be easily snuffed out, no matter what kind of hardship she would face. Looking into that very passion through her eyes, Richard slowly relented to Isara's choice, before he then sighed with a smile.

"...I guess that you won't take no for an answer, Isara... If you really want to help, even knowing the dangers that await you... I'm happy to bring you with us." Richard answered back, before he then embraced Isara tightly. "Don't worry. I'll make sure that you won't regret making this choice. In fact, when Welkin sees you again... He'll be proud of you, once he knows the truth."

Isara was surprised by the hug, before she then returned it with her own, as they held together for a few moments, with the others watching their caring embrace, with Sanae letting out a long-drawn 'Aaawww~' in response, with a euphoric expression.

After a few moments, Richard let go, before he then immediately summoned his communicator.

"Hello, hello?" Richard asked, through his communicator. "Nitori, I've found someone that you might be very interested to see. Take her as your apprentice. I can guarantee you that her performance as engineer and researcher is going to surprise you quite hard. In fact, I think that she's like you."

There was some indistinguishable chatter from Richard's communicator, in Nitori's voice, before Richard then turned off the communicator, and then immediately opened up a sukima nearby, as Gus and the others entered.

Richard then grabbed Isara's hand, as he slowly guided her into the portal, with a warm smile.

"Isara..." Richard stated, as he slowly moved into the sukima. "Welcome to the Unmei Force."

He then entered it fully, as Isara went in as well.

While he moved through the portal, another X-stone formed into Richard's hand, as it was a red stone with the symbol of a glowing flame on it.

'A will that has been tempered through the flames of combat... You have proven yet worthy once again, young warrior... How many remain, until the time of truth comes, I wonder...?'

In Mugen's realm...

Selvaria immediately woke up, lying completely flat on the ground, as she gasped for air from her lungs. She immediately sat up, and looked around, only to see darkness wherever she looked.

"What is this ominous place...?" Selvaria asked herself. "I recall utilising the Final Flame to raze Ghirlandaio and the Gallian army to the ground... So why... Why do I still live, and why have I ended up here...?"

She then looked down at her sides, as she could see her lance and shield beside her, surprising her greatly.

"How... How did my lance and shield have arrived by my side...?" Selvaria asked, as she picked them up.

"Because I decided that you needed them to be able to work properly." Mugen told her, as he appeared in front of her, as the silver-haired Valkyria immediately poised herself for battle.

"Who are you...!?" Selvaria demanded. "Why have you kidnapped me!?"

"Kidnapped...?" Mugen asked with a raised eyebrow, before he then wagged his finger with a cocky grin. "Oh no no no. I didn't kidnap you. I resurrected you from your own death. Pretty hard, since you literally atomised yourself, but with some more energy, I managed to collect enough of you to make you whole once again. So you should thank you for bringing you back to life-"

Selvaria immediately thrust her lance right at Mugen, who immediately used the black gauntlet on his arm to catch it, as it didn't budge under his grip, with Selvaria trying to force it through, with grit teeth.

"Now now, it's rude to bite the hand that feeds you, Selvaria Bles." Mugen warned Selvaria, shaking his head in a disappointed manner. "I just simply want to have you join my little group, so that I can start spreading my influence through this very multiverse."

"I have nothing to speak for a dishonourable necromancer..." Selvaria coldly hissed. "My allegiance for His Grace will not be shaken by your petty attempts!"

"But what I told you that 'His Grace' Maximilian is dead?" Mugen responded back with a chuckle. "What will you do then? Take your life in order to pay for the death of your own 'love'..."

"...Impossible..." Selvaria muttered, as she lost her will to fight on, as her lance clattered to the ground. "His Grace... cannot be dead..."

"I wouldn't lie, dear Selvaria... Or would you like definitive proof that he is well and truly dead?" Mugen stated. "I can assure you that it ain't a pretty sight. You might even retch at how your dear Prince has been mutilated by his own desires."

"What... What do you mean...?" Selvaria responded back.

"Dear Maximilian tried to artificially utilise the power of the Valkyria. You know what that would have meant for you..." Mugen continued. "He tried to play god, and he was struck down with retribution for his arrogance and destructive pride. You see, 'His Grace' cares not for your own life. In fact, he doesn't even have a single shred of sympathy for you. He only wanted that power within you, and when he got what he needed, and when you failed him, he disposed of you, telling you to burn yourself to death in a self-destructive motion. And look where it got you, cold and dead, while Maximilian continued across the land, collecting the Valkof, and using it to raze everything in his path like a irresponsible child. In fact, had he lived, he would have literally turned Europa into a sea of flames, just to conquer the entire land. I kind of hate the omnicidal bastard, who wouldn't hesistate to burn his own family. A karmic death, that his own power is what ended him along with the Marmota."

Selvaria was struck silent, as she was trying to come to terms with Maximilian's death.

"But don't worry. I'm far better than he'll ever be. At least I'm coming truthfully onto you, Selvaria." Mugen remarked. "I won't lie, I need your power, but I won't abuse or neglect you, as long as you do not question my orders and try to keep things the way I like it. Everything else, will be of your own wish. In fact, if you love Maximilian so much, I can bring him back from the grave, and make him finally understand your own love to him. And then we'll come out with both of us winning, you get to have Maximilian married with you, and I'll have my purpose fulfilled. Hell, I'll just simply remove that damned arrogance of his, and he'd be a decent person to have."

Selvaria looked at Mugen with eyes filled with disbelief, before Mugen then turned back to her.

"So then, Selvaria... What will it be? Will you come with me willingly, and get what you wish..." Mugen offered. "Or do I have to temporarily use desperate measures to make you work for me one way or the other."

Selvaria looked at Mugen, before then back down at the ground, as she thought about her own debt to Maximilian, and then Richard's words to her in their final battle. It didn't take long for her to make her decision.

"Very well... I shall do as you please... At least give me your name." Selvaria answered back, with slight disdain from her voice.

"Well, I'm not one to reject a lady." Mugen stated, before he bowed deeply. "Mugen... The one who will make the gods tremble, and all fear my name... I look forward to working with you... Dear Selvaria."

Unmei Force: Soldiers

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