29 Chapter 26 - "The Final Conquest and The Shattered City" (1/2)

Weiss Schnee, Jens, Emilia, Otto Suwen, Priscilla Barielle, Aldebaran and an unconscious Crusch Karsten who is being carried by Al, are heading towards the next battle.

Otto : ”Ah… Today is crazy.”

Priscilla : ”You are the one who almost died, twice. So yes, of course it's crazy.”

Otto : ”W-What do you mean? You were almost dead too! What if Capella transformed you into a frog?”

Priscilla : ”I would've killed her.”

Priscilla slowly gets irritated and walks ahead.

Otto : ”Jeez… How is everyone doing?”

Aldebaran : ”Fine bro! Only my shoulder kinda… hurts”

Emilia : ”Doing fine. I'm just low on Mana.”

Weiss : ”F-Fine. Thanks for asking.”

Jens : ”Same here.”

Otto : ”Alright then! Only the Battle against the Jester and The Cloud left! We got this everyone!”

Arriving at the center hall, everyone are shocked.

The five camps are reunited there.

It seems that something happened, everyone is in the main hall.

Jens looks around, and sees the other members of the Emilia Camp there, and so, Otto, Weiss, Emilia follow him.

Ram : ”You all are late.”

Jens : ”What happened Ram?”

Ram : ”Masquerade teleported everyone to this place. Same goes for the ones that were at the Conquest of the Cloud and himself.”

Jens : ”W-What? Why?”

Nathan : ”We don't know.”

Suddenly, Jens hears someone approaching him from behind.

It was Anastasia Hoshin, Reinhard, Felt and Levi Avaritia.

Anastasia : ”What is this all? I thought I was supposed to fight? But now, everything got canceled?”

Reinhard : ”I don't think it's that Anastasia-sama. It's something else. Masquerade is still left undefeated. He and the Blood Cloud representative are the ones left. We can't leave the city like this without defeating them.”

Emilia : ”Reinhard-san? Have you seen Masquerade?”

Reinhard : ”To my disappointment, no.”

Anastasia : ”Haa? Time is Money guys. I can't wait whole day here.”

Felt : ”W-Well! You have to! Also, this is a big deal Anas–”

Anastasia : ”Yayayaya enough. I know it's a important situation, but Julius-san has been acting perfectly.”

Levi : ”Hm? Also Jens-san, what exactly happened during the Battle against Lust, Capella… was her name, right?”

Jens : ”A-ah… Capella defeated us all and she poured Dragon Blood into Crusch Karsten. Is she still unconscious?”

Levi : ”Yes. She seems to be unable to wake up from it. I have no idea what we should do.”

Jens : ”Hm. We should keep her safe for the time being. She and Felix have to stay away from the fight for sure.”

Levi : ”Yes. That's smart. Thank you.”

Jens : ”Ah also… Felt.”

Felt : ”Hm? What is it?”

Jens : ”How is the city?”

Felt : ”Hm, could've been worse. At least hundreds of people died, if not more. Not much has been destroyed except for some buildings, but no people in the inside. The Royal Palace is the only place with baddies inside right now.”

Jens : ”Ah I see.”

Then, a loud voice was heard in the hall.

??? : ”Ladies and Gentlemen! Are you ready for the final battle?”

Everyone : ”?!”

They hear someone talking through their minds. It was a voice unfamiliar to most people, but Jens recognized it out of thousands of voices.

It was Masquerade.

Masquerade : ”Let's call this the Third Flaming Wish! It's the third time the royal palace got attacked after all. Hahaha! How smart of me, ain't I? Anyway, I give you ten more minutes to prepare yourself. Also, you could just leave right now, but remember that I got the 41st King here. Please send one group towards the Main Throne hall, and another group towards the exist. At the exit, a fellow Believer will wait be waiting for you all, to destroy your dreams! Isn't that amazing, certainly it is! Talked too much, PEACE OUT”

A silence fell in the hall after hearing that announcement.

Anastasia : ”Hm? Who was that?”

Jens : ”That was Masquerade, the Jester.”

Anastasia : ”Hm?

Reinhard : ”A fellow believer will be waiting? To who may he be referring to?”

Jens : ”No single idea. But you should go that one and open an exit. People should leave. Not everyone is able to fight against these guys.”

Felt : ”Haa? Why don't you create another two teams like you did? It went pretty well in the end.”

Jens : ”M-Me? I don't want to decide which people will fight or not, that's basically sending them to fight for their lives.”

Anastasia : ”Aren't we doing that already Jens-kun?”

Julius : ”My lady is right.”

Jens : ”H-Huh?”

He suddenly hears Anastasia from his right.

She puts a finger on her chin and looks up, putting up a thinking expression.

Anastasia : ”I mean, if you think about it. Everyone today has risked their life for the Kingdom, so now wouldn't be any different. Everyone here became what they are. People that live to fight. The weak wouldn't be around here. I mean, look. We got Sword Saint-san, Halibel-kun, Jens-kun. We got a lot of strong people!”

Jens : ”Still, it feels wrong putting people on the line. I'm not the leader, remember?”

Anastasia : ”Hm? I disagree. You won two Crusade's today. That states enough, doesn't it Jens-kun? You're special. I want to prove that, in fact. I'll be joining you to the Jester Conquest.”

Julius : ”A-Anastasia-sama?! What are you talking about? There is no way you can fight!”

Anastasia : ”Julius-san? I'm a Dragon Priestess, like Crusch, Felt, Emilia and Priscilla-san. I can't just let people fight for me. By doing things like this myself. I'll save more time to become a Princess!”

Julius : ”But I can't put you in danger like that. I'll have to go with you–”

Anastasia : ”No need Julius-san, Halibel is going with me. His power level is beyond yours and the Jester is rumored to be extremely strong anyhow.”

Jens : ”But what if you get hurt Ana?”

Anastasia : ”Haha… Let's say that I have a Trump Card up my sleeve if that happens!”

Ana and Juli

Jens : ”So that's the case. I see. Anastasia.”

Anastasia : ”Yes? What is it Jens-kun?”

Jens : ”H-How is it going with Joshua Euculius?”

Julius : ”H-Hm..”

Suddenly, a gaze of sorrow appears in Julius' yellow eyes.

Anastasia shocks lightly but remains the same facial expression.

Anastasia : ”It's very bad. He doesn't seem to remember anything about the world, his family or himself.”

Jens : ”His Memories got eaten by Gluttony Sin Archbishop, Ley Batenkaitos. Who's Request was the Book of Wisdom. What was he talking about?”

Anastasia : ”Ah, so you've heard.”

Everyone listens to the conversation between Jens and Anastasia, while some people are walking away to form other small conversations.

Jens : ”You brought something to the City on Purpose, didn't you?”

And those words, shocked the crowd.

Halibel : ”Oyoy, filthy human. Don't be like that Bro, she ain't like–”

Anastasia : ”Hold right there Halibel.”

She puts her arm in the air and points it towards Halibel, showing a sigh of stopping to talk.

Anastasia : ”That certainly is a nice theory you have there, Jens-kun. Why do you think that?”

Nathan : ”W-What are you saying Jens? She's a Royal Candidate! Why would she even?”

Julius : ”You're overstepping your bounds Jens-san. Say something she doesn't like and I'll cut your–”

Anastasia : ”Julius. Let the boy talk please. Now, Jens, continue.”

Jens : ”Hm. It seems my assumptions were right. You really did it on purpose.”

Julius : ”T-That's enough!”

Halibel : ”Oy, I'm gonna make some hot soup out of ya organ–”

Jens : ”Before you do that. I'm pretty sure Ley requested the Book of Wisdom, which Joshua had in his possession, am I right?”

Julius : ”No! He never–”

Anastasia : ”Correct. Continue. I'm sure enjoying this revelation so far.”

Julius : ”Anastasia-sama?!”

Jens : ”Then I'm correct. Regulus requested a 'Witch', which was Emilia. He requested a 'Certain Book', which is the Book of Wisdom. He requested a King, which is Jet. But there only remains one question…”

Anastasia : ”Aaaah. It seems I got unmasked, didn't I?”

Jens : ”You have the 'Artificial Spirit' in your possession, don't you?”

Julius : ”A-Anastasia-sama… is he lying? Tell me he's lying!”

Anastasia : ”Ahaaaaaaaa! Hahahahahaaaaaaaaa! Amazing work.”

Reinhard : ”Anastasia-sama, how is that possible? The Book of Wisdom—”

Anastasia : ”Didn't I tell you already? I'm Greedy.”

Everyone looked with a disgusting expression at her.

Anastasia : ”Come now. Come now. Don't make faces like that. The Book of Wisdom was being guarded at the Sanctuary by the Mathers, but somehow, Joshua-san found the book in the forest near the Hoshin territory. I knew it would cause trouble in the capital, but I didn't know the Cult would attack.”

Julius : ”A-Ana.. And the spirit?”

Anastasia : ”How silly it might sound, I'm not sure if you can even call it a spirit. It seems 'she' is asleep right now. So I wouldn't be able to call upon her.

Nathan : ”She? The Spirit is a girl?”

Anastasia : ”Yep! A pretty one! But let's not blame it all on the Anastasia Camp. The Book of Wisdom showed me information on where danger was and what to do today, but certainly, the book did not show any of the attack.”

Emilia : ”I'm sorry for being overprotective, but could you prove that? Do you still have the Book in your possession? Show me the writing in the book please.”

Anastasia : ”Sure thing! Joshua-saaan!”

The short girl screams the name of the amnesiac boy.

From far away, he runs towards Anastasia with a book in his hands, a purple one.

Joshua : ”Y-Yes Ana-san?”

Anastasia : ”Please, may I have the book?”

Joshua : ”S-Sure!”

He gives her the book, and as she opened it, she rapidly rushes through the pages with her eyes until she found the page.

Anastasia : ”Here.”

She points with her finger at some symbols.

Anastasia : ”That's right before the Regulus attack. Nothing was stated about it.”

Emilia : ”She isn't lying.”

Anastasia : ”I wouldn't do that. I used it for my own benefit. That might sound greedy and selfish, but that's how I am.”

Jens : ”I see. We'll put this aside for the time being. Let me create some groups, but you aren't done with me Anastasia. You've committed a serious sin today.”

Anastasia : ”Yaya, just continue.”

Jens : ”A-Alright. Let me think.”

While thinking, Jens puts his hands behind his head and looks up.

Jens : ”O-Okay, this might work!”

Jester Conquest

Jens – Emilia – Nathan Harmonia – Anastasia Hoshin – Maria Aqua – Halibel – Levi Avaritia – Felt – Ram – Flam Remendis

Believer Conquest

Otto Suwen – Reinhard van Astrea – Julius Euculius – Wilhelm van Astrea – Priscilla Barielle – Grassis Remendis

Jens : ”That's how it will be!”

Otto : ”Aaaaah? Why will I be leading the Other Conquest? Why not Reinhard or Julius? I'm not cut out for that job!”

Jens : ”A-Actually, I think you are. After I saw what you did during the Lust Crusade, you really proved yourself Otto.”

Emilia walks towards Otto and gives him a push in the back.

Emilia : ”You were amazing Otto-saan!”

Otto : ”Aaa-ah?! Thank you, both of you! I won't disappoint this time either, with you believing in me, I cannot fail!”

Anastasia : ”That's the spirit of a merchant! Truly admirable!”

Otto : ”Aaaaah? Did just the most famous Merchant ever give me a compliment?!”

Anastasia : ”Hey there, I didn't say you were around my level. So don't get all hyped up!”

Otto : ”Ah, right.”

Wilhelm : ”Jens-san.”

For the first time, the old man who looks like an former warrior calls Jens' name.

Jens : ”Hm? What is it Wilhelm, was it?”

Wilhelm : ”Can I talk to you, between four eyes.”

Jens : ”Ah yes.

The two of them walk away from the group, but Nathan follows them.

Wilhelm : ”Hm? I didn't ask you to come.”

Nathan : ”A-Ah, I know. But I've something very important to say.”

Jens : ”Oh? What is it Nathan?”

Nathan : ”Status Report, actually. Cynthia died. Alexandrius was found dead in the hallway. Haku Segmunt got murdered. Crusch Karsten is cursed. Elis Rose Evergarden seems to be at the Jester Conquest, as that's where the King is. Joshua lost his memories. The blue haired girl along with Roswaal are back at the mansion. But we got something… really troublesome.”

Jens : ”That sounds horrible. What is the worst news?”

Nathan : ”It seems that Meili Portroute is completely gone.”

Jens : ”Haa? Dead?”

Nathan : ”No. Not dead. Ram used her Clairvoyance and she saw her around the Prison somewhere, but she's completely gone from the Capital map now!”

Jens : ”She or her Aura?”

Nathan : ”She. Her corpse would still contain remaining Aura and Mana. Her whole body is gone.”

Jens : ”I see. Thank you for notifying. Please, ask the Camps around if they saw something.”

Nathan : ”Understood!”

Nathan runs towards the group and starts to inform everyone.

Wilhelm : ”May I start?”

Jens : ”Ah yes. What is it?”

Wilhelm : ”It's about… A selfish request.”

Jens : ”Oh? Why ask me?”

Wilhelm : ”Because you're the one that saved Crusch-sama's life. She could've been dead.”

Jens : ”Excuse me? I didn't save anyone.”

Wilhelm : ”You did. Even Weiss Schnee told me so.”

Jens : ”Ah. I see what she's doing. Alright then, what's your request?”

Wilhelm : ”Please. Kill the Jester.”

Jens : ”Hm? Do you have some kind of relationship with him?”

Wilhelm : ”Yes. He killed my wife, the former Sword Saint. Theresia van Astrea.”

Hearing this, Jens gulps and looks at the angry, yet calm Wilhelm.

Jens : ”T-Theresia van Astrea?”

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A young man wearing the Royal Guard uniform, with beautiful blue eyes and long brown hair was practicing his Sword Skills in the flower fields near a ruin.

??? : ”Hey! Do you like flowers?”

??? (2): ”No. I hate them.”

For over than two weeks, every afternoon, when the man was training, an unknown girl was there, and until this day, they never exchanged names.

The woman is a beautiful one. She was tall and had long red hair with flowers attached to it, blue eyes and a white complexion. She was wearing a green and white dress in the flower fields.

The man gave her a harsh response to her question.

Theresia : ”Why do you wield a sword?”

The man swung his sword again.

??? : ”Because this is all I have left.”

Theresia : ”Is that so?”

???: ”We shared many conversations, but I still have a question for you. Your name?”

Theresia : ”Me? I'm Theresia van Astrea.”

Episode_20.png

???: ”Astrea you say? A name created by the Gods.”

It wasn't noticeable, but the man hated nobility, royals and humans. The name ”Astrea” is a noble name. It's one of the closest related families to the Royal Lugnician Family.

Theresia : ”That's what they say? I'm never outside, so I don't know what people say. This week has been the first time me going outside”

???: ”Why, if I may ask?”

Theresia : ”First time in many years, yes. My dad, Veltol Astrea is very strict and overprotective. He's afraid. My mother, Tishua Astrea is very loving, so she doesn't want me to get hurt.”

???: ”The name of the Sword Saint, van Astrea… What great justice have you delivered to this world for gaining 'van' in your name.”

Theresia: ”That's my little secret!”

???: ”So that's how it is. I understand. I'm leaving tonight, there's a war coming up Theresia.”

Theresia : ”Are you not coming back? I had fun talking to you!”

???: ”I'm sorry to disappoint. But I have to fight for my family.”

Theresia : ”Then let me help protect them! I want to help my friends.”

???: ”No. I've recently became a Knight.”

Theresia : ”I see. Well congratulations then! You're one step closer to your dream.”

The woman closed her eyes and smiled. Mentioning his dream, the man was left confused.

???: ”My dream?”

The man asked himself, out loud.

Theresia : ”Hm? Don't you wield a sword to protect others?”

???: ”A-Ah…”

Theresia : ”Also, your name?”

Wilhelm : ”It's Wilhelm. Wilhelm Trias.”

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Wilhelm : ”I… Don't want to… Die…”

The man's head faced towards the ground, unable to move because of the pain, he still layed on the ground.

He was surrounded by Beast Humans, the Demi-Human War has officially started.

Demi-Humans were killing humans outside…

??? : ”You're Donnneeeetsuughh!”

A lizard human, grabbed his axe and put it behind his back, preparing to attack.

The man was humiliated. The same day he got promoted to a Knight, is the day he was going to get killed.

Wilhelm : ”Is this what Death feels like?”

Behind Wilhelm, was the Trias Mansion, in flames.

The residents of the Trias Mansion were all family to Wilhelm, and all that was left from them was Ash.

He was all alone, there was nobody to save him, except himself.

But he failed. He failed to save his family. He failed to protect the village. He failed to fight for his own life.

He failed.

??? : ”Dieeeee!”

The Lizard Human swung its hand, but then, just in a single split second, the throat of the Lizard Human got cut open.

A woman with red hair, sky blue eyes, wearing armor, appeared right before Wilhelm got killed and saved his life.

Theresia van Astrea, a Knight too.

Immediately, the four other Beast Humans ran towards Theresia, but she outskilled them easily.

A Wolf Human threw his spear towards Theresia, but she used grabbed the spear right on time and launched it back, demolishing the Wolf's skull.

??? : ”Bluagh!”

Then, a Shark Human grabbed his staff and fired crystals towards Theresia.

Immediately, Theresia activated some kind of shield.

Theresia : ”Divine Protection of Zero Magic.”

Immediately, the spell of the Shark Human disappeared and got launched back.

Then, the woman dashed forward towards the other two Beast Humans, and with a single slash, she slaughtered them all.

Wilhelm : ”T…Theresia van Astreaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Out of anger, out of frustration, out of Wrath, the man yelled the name of the woman who saved his life.

It was uncertain for a second, but as soon as he thought about it, it became a fact. The woman in front of him, the woman that he started to see these weeks, Theresia van Astrea.

Theresia van Astrea is the Master Sword Saint.

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Wilhelm : ”That's how it went… She was secretly the former Sword Saint when she saved me from the Demi-Humans who attacked my village.”

Jens : ”O-Oh… I'm so sorry for your loss. But why were you mad at her for being the Sword Saint?”

Wilhelm : ”Because I loved her. I couldn't accept the fact that the one I loved, was the one that would protect me. I wanted to wield a sword… to protect those I love… But I failed at being that…”

Jens : ”A-Ah… Wait, how did she die? If you're alright with talking about it of course.”

Wilhelm : ”Our son… Heinkel Astrea was ordered to fight the Jester, but he refused. He was scared of his job as a Royal Knight, so Theresia took over his quest.”

Jens : ”She got defeated?”

Wilhelm : ”Not exactly. During that fight, when Theresia was winning the battle, the powers of the Sword Saint got transferred to their new host.”

Jens : ”New host—? Aah!?”

Wilhelm : ”Yes. The powers of the Sword Saint, during that fight, got transferred to my grandson, Reinhard van Astrea.”

Like that, Jens stood still, not knowing what to say or think.

Wilhelm : ”Because of that power being transferred, my wife died. The only one to blame is me and the ones that come after me, my son and my grandson.”

Jens : ”Waitwait please. You're blaming them?”

Wilhelm : ”I haven't talked to Reinhard van Astrea since he was two years old.”

Jens : ”What do you mean!? It wasn't his fault he inherited the Sword Saint powers!”

Wilhelm : ”How do you know, if I may ask?”

Jens : ”W-Well, I don't know. How does the Sword Saint powers work?”

Wilhelm : ”The Divine Protection of The Master Sword Saint passes down from Saint to Saint. That day… Reinhard received the blessing from Theresia.”

Jens : ”But didn't she go alone? How was it–”

Wilhelm : ”Some of my former comrades went with her. Most of them died. Some survived and gave the information to the Lugnician King, and then I was the one that heard it.”

Jens : ”But—”

??? : ”Jeeeeeeeeeeeens!”

Suddenly, someone called out Jens' name. Without turning his back, he first finishes the conversation.

Jens : ”Wilhelm. I've to go, and so have you. We'll discuss this matter later with you. But first, I'll swap Felt and you from Conquests. This will be our fight. We'll be the ones that triumph today. It will be a hard fight. You know,”

Before he finishes his sentence, he looks up to Wilhelm.

Jens : ”The willow doesn't need to learn to stand. As sun seeks day, we'll find our own way and we'll catch the dream together someday soon. We'll rise. No, we're rising. We're rising like the moon already at this point. You know, the river moves to reach the sea. Rain will help the flowers be flowers. We're the same Wilhelm, you and me. We'll keep fighting until we've fulfilled our desires.”

Wilhelm : ”Those are wise words Jens. I'm sorry for losing my temper a few seconds ago. My apologies. Thank you so much for that talk, it helped me.”

Jens : ”Ah, no problem. Go talk to Felt about the changes. I'll go take a look what's up.”

Wilhelm : ”Understood.”

Both of them turned around and faced of what was coming.

Behind him, Weiss Schnee and Emilia were waiting for him.

Emilia : ”It's almost time Jens. Are you ready?”

Jens : ”Yes. I'm ready as ever. The final battles. We need to win this one.”

Weiss : ”Jens. Let me go with you–”

Jens : ”No. There's no way you'll be coming with us. You've history with Masquerade. That would only make you stand in the way. He'll use you against me.”

Weiss : ”And what if something happens to you? How will I continue with my life?”

Jens : ”Weiss, seriously. Don't do this.”

Weiss : ”No way that I'm not coming with you! After all, putting me, Maria and Emilia in one team, will allow us to use maximum amount of Water and Ice magic, we could potentially freeze his soul to death.”

Emilia : ”Is that so? I've never combined my powers with someone elses. Pack, are you awake?”

Emilia ticks on her Green Manastone on her necklace, and suddenly, a gray cat appears on her shoulder.

Pack : ”Lia! What happened?”

Emilia : ”I-I'm safe. Jens saved me from the two battles.”

Pack : ”Why didn't you use—”

Emilia : ”Don't mention it–”

Jens : ”Absolute Zero?”

Suddenly, Emilia and Pack both widen their eyes after they heard Jens mention their trump card ability.

Emilia : ”How… Do you know about Absolute Zero?”

Jens : ”What do you mean? You once—”

And right then, Jens suddenly loses his consciousness.

While losing it, he collapses and see multiple people running towards him, he heard their screams, but was unable to recognize who's screams they were.

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Emilia : ”Jeeeeeeens!”

Weiss : ”JENS!”

Wilhelm : ”Hm? What happened?”

Anastasia : ”Weiss-sama, what's going on ya?”

Everyone gathered around Jens as they looked down, right then, they hear the door of the Throne Hall opening.

Reinhard : ”It seems it's time. Everyone listen!”

The group of all the camps looks towards Reinhard.

Reinhard : ”We must continue our mission! The Not Masquerade Conquest, follow me. The not chosen fighters, go to the Western Wing of the Royal Castle and search a secret exist underneath a bookshelf!”

Immediatelly, the non fighters ran towards the Western Wing and disappeared from everyone's field of view.

Reinhard : ”Nathan-san, Emilia-sama, Ram, take care of these people.”

Nathan : ”Understood.”

Emilia : ”Hmh.”

Ram : ”Yes.”

After hearing the confirmation, Reinhard turned around, walking towards the exist, and his team followed him towards the final 'Believer' Conquest.

Maria : ”Aaaah? What are we gonnaa do noow?”

Halibel : ”It seems it's not the best move to leave him here behind, is it? I think it would be better if we would take him with us to the conquest, in the meantime, someone should heal him, shouldn't someone?”

Anastasia : ”I agree with Halibel-san.”

Levi : ”Hmh. That doesn't sound as bad.”

Nathan : ”Then I'll be leading this battle until Jens returns, is everyone alright with that? If you've objection, say something.”

Nobody said a word.

Nathan : ”Alright then. Let me see. Emilia?”

Emilia : ”I'm here!”

Nathan : ”You'll be healing Jens until he returns.”

Emilia : ”Understood!”

The boy Nathan looked around while thinking about what people's role would be.

Nathan : ”Anastasia-san, stay in the back, and if you've an opportiunity to hurt the Jester, go for it.”

Anastasia : ”Yaaa.”

Nathan : ”Maria Aqua.”

Maria : ”Yeees?”

Nathan : ”You'll be our mass healer. Maria should be protected whatever the cost.”

Maria : ”Understood Nathan-san!”

Nathan : ”Alright then… Halibel. Wilhelm van Astrea. Levi Avaritia.”

Halibel : ”Oy.”

Wilhelm : ”Yes?”

Levi : ”Yes?”

Nathan : ”You'll be our front line. You guys will be the fighter against Masquerade in hand to hand combot or with Sword Skills. Me, Ram and Flam Remendis will be attack from afar.”

Flam : ”Nathan. Me and sister share the same blessing. We have the Divine Protection of The Speaking Mind, which allows us to share messages through each other.”

Nathan : ”I see. That will be useful for sure. I'll tell you when to send a message, okay?”

Flam : ”Understood.”

Nathan : ”Alright. Halibel, could you carry Jens?”

Halibel : ”Sure thing bro.”

Halibel grabbed Jens and put him on his shoulder, carrying him.

The group walked towards the throne hall, and right before they entered, Nathan had final words to everyone.

Nathan : ”Let's do our best everyone.”

Emilia : ”Yes!”

Emilia immediately started healing Jens and Halibel at the same time.

Wilhelm grabbed his sword and so did Levi.

Nathan : ”Let's do this!”

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Satella : ”Jens.”

Jens : ”Satella.”

Without understand where he his, his consciousness remained in a dark garden. A garden where the lands never end and where the sky has no limits.

Satella stood in the middle of the grass lands.

Jens sat on his knees few meters away from her.

Satella : ”Don't let him take the position of the Washuu King.”

Jens : ”Washuu King?”

Satella : ”You must regain the title as the Legendary Sage one day soon before you can defeat him. Masquerade is not who he is. I failed in understand love… and because of that, he's upset at me choosing over you. He wants to steal your title as the Lost King.”

Jens : ”But I'm not the Lost King, am I?”

Satella : ”You are. Everyone believes you aren't because of your amnesia—”

And just like that, the world shattered.

Before he could understand what happened, he hears a whisper in his right ear.

??? : ”Oh? Are we having fun monsieur? What about us playing a game? Games can be fun, right? I think they can be, because Games are made to be fun. What about we solve this peacefully? Why don't you just die, take the blame of everything which happened in Eldia, and disappear? Nobody will miss you anyway. You would be better of dead.”

Jens : ”Dead?”

And like that, he feels an extremely hot feeling coming out of his chest, he looks down and notices a dagger going right through his chest.

Immediately, his consciousness returned to his original body.

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Masquerade : ”Oh? It seems he's awake, isn't he?”

Jens opens his eyes and sees the world upside down, he starts moving and falls almost two meters down. When hitting the ground, he noticed that he was on Halibel's back.

Jens stood up and looked at the throne, where Masquerade was sitting.

Masquerade : ”Goodmorning sleeping beauty!”

Jens : ”Masquerade…”

Masquerade: ”That cold and heartless voice makes my spine shiver! So stop it please. Rather, let's talk this out. I don't want any conflict.”

Levi : ”Are you trying to sell us something?”

Masquerade : ”No you stupid little piece of trash. I want the Artificial Spirit, The Book of Wisdom and Wilhelm van Astrea.”

Then, Jens gets pushed aside by Wilhelm and Wilhelm approaches Masquerade slowly.

Wilhelm : ”You monster. Don't think I'll surrender. I'll avenge my wife, Theresia van Astrea today.”

Masquerade : ”So that's the case. Okay wait, what if, we'll go to a theater, and watch how Theresia died, that should be fun too–”

Then, Wilhelm disappeared in a flash.

Before Jens could blink his eyes, he noticed Wilhelm's blade near Masquerade's throat.

Out of thin air, Wilhelm moved location. He had the upper hand this right moment.

Masquerade : ”A-Ah… I hate conflict!”

Like that, Masquerade grabs the sword, and suddenly, a red glow comes out of the mask of Masquerade's left eye.

Masquerade : ”I had enough. We'll solve this now, peacefully or not. Adam Taurus.”

Suddenly a man walks into the hall from a door behind the Royal Throne.

Masquerade : ”Everyone, meet the 2nd in Command of the Blood Cloud, Adam Taurus!”

Adam is a tall man with red and brown hair that spikes backward in a windswept way. While most of his hair is red, a portion of it in the back and several streaks are brown. A noticeable trait of his appearance is the mask he wears, which obscures his eyes and upper face.

Adam : ”It's nice to meet you all, and it seems I already know the Snow Princess… Hmm.”

His mask is whitish-tan with red, Japanese style, horn-like symbols decorating the front, and two slits on each side presumably to allow for vision.

Weiss : ”That's impossible. You were dead! Blake dealt with you!”

Adam : ”Oh my little Snowflake, she barely did anything to me.”

Adam wears a long-sleeved black suit jacket with slit sleeves and more red designs and a white symbol on the left side. His suit jacket is red on the inside with red flame-like accents at the bottom and his wilting rose symbol on the back over a white floral design. His suit jacket is half-buttoned, exposing a red shirt with a black line running parallel to his collar under it.

Emilia : ”Weiss-sama, who is this?”

Weiss : ”Back when Team RWBY was active, this was the former lover of one of our teammates. He's insane and extremely powerful. B-But we've dealt with him, and he was dead!”

Masquerade : ”But our lady doesn't really like Fallen Heroes, she prefers those alive.”

Adam : ”Sadly, I won't be fighting any of you. But I will be fighting the other team. So may we meet again in the future.”