"Aha, I knew it was right to follow my hunch. So you all decided to "Observe" this mission, eh?", A rough and laid back voice spoke out from the shadows in the far distance. It came from an unknown amount of distance further into the skies, toward the west. The voice belonged to a man, who currently had a lit cigar in his mouth. He could see Naoto's fight change directions, making its way downward from the rooftop.
The darkness of the night sky continued to spread throughout Zemuria. From this point of view, the Reinford Group could now be seen up in smoke in a couple places. Its middle floors were mostly destroyed by the previous explosions. Despite such wanton destruction, everyone who stayed the night to work managed to make it out alive. Not a single worker was killed by the assassins. And if Naoto had a look at his minimap, a bunch of blue dots could now be seen on the middle floors, securing each factory one after another. They were all moving at a rapid pace.
Of course, Claire led the charge. Every so often, she would find the remains of robed figures drenched in dried blood turned over with clean kill marks. With each passing floor, the frown on Claire's face grew bigger and bigger. The only thought she had at the time was, 'If it really is who I think you are, please be safe...'
As for Ines, she played the role she was given. To be the shield for Alisa. She made sure no damage was received during the entire battle Naoto had with Ace. With the battlefield changing locations, it was soon met with thick shrubs and trees. The nearby forests that stood before the vast Eisengard Mountain Range. It wasn't to the north this time, but eastward. If one continued this path, it would eventually lead to the Nord Highlands. A stark contrast from the Sachsen Iron mine that stood to the north of Roer.
To say the least, most of this place that Ace fell down into was pure wilderness. Fraught with danger and monsters lurking around every corner. Even the RMP dares to not tread this place, let alone securing their railway. That was the only sign of life in this place, allowing passengers to travel from Roer, all the way to the Nord Highlands.
It was a great place to conclude this Emergency Mission. Ace's body has racked up quite the damage by this point. Him falling down from the roof was any short of a miracle. Naoto's group was no longer on the roof. At this time, he had around ten percent health remaining.
And yet, as Naoto's group made a mad dash to finish dealing with the One of Swords, further westward in the night skies...
The man who had a lit cigar appeared out of nowhere. He didn't seem to be alone either. Once he arrived, his eyes fell upon a blue and pink-haired man, who stood next to a green-haired girl. There weren't any airships or the like assisting these people. They were simply floating in the air, likely using their own abilities to fly. As for the man with the lit cigar, he currently had assistance with the shadowy organization to let him be able to do this.
"Well if it ain't the Oathbreaker. Sounds like you had a little fun a couple nights ago visitin' His Highness's castle during a little rendezvous.", The blue and pink-haired man said. Who else could it be but McBurn?
"It was just a little meet and greet. Here to deliver the words of the Grandmaster and all that jazz. The formality was left to the Fool. I just went along for the ride. His Highness sure is somethin'. Didn't think he'd take his name after mine.", Harwood said, and shrugged his shoulders.
"The Rulebreaker, was it? Not a bad name choice. Sounds like His Highness really is intent on cooperating with us. Even if he doesn't see himself as an Enforcer. No. IV remains his, and not to someone else.", McBurn said and yawned. "And we've missed each other on these last few occasions. It's been a while."
"Haha. Didn't think our strongest member, the Almighty Conflagration, would be stuck with baby-sittin' duties. I've caught wind here and there, though. You really shouldn't be up and awake right now, kiddo.", Harwood said, and took a puff of his cigar smoke.
"I know. This is now the third time I've woken up from The Cradle. The last couple times I fell back asleep, but this certain line of causality...keeps progressing in a way that I cannot see. I do not feel as tired as before.", The green-haired girl said.
"It's as she says, Oathbreaker. Hell if I know how things led to this, but the Grandmaster tasked me with watching over KeA. Until she goes back into The Cradle. No idea why she's walking with us of Ouroboros.", McBurn said, and yawned again. "And I couldn't give two shits about it. I'm just here for a good show. His Highness hasn't been slacking."
"I see. Guess this mission's just about wrapped up then.", Harwood said, and nodded.
"That's right.", The green-haired girl said, who was none other than KeA. She had woken up when Naoto entered the DG Cult, then again when KeA found her way to North Ambria to recruit Jayna Storm. Not as much time had passed between awakenings. Only a year at most. But somehow, KeA is awake once again, and being guided by Ouroboros. After saying that, she looked at McBurn. "And see? I told you Naoto didn't require help. This was a good trial."
After KeA said that, the three saw Ennea join Naoto's side now on the ground, quickly chasing after Ace. Sharon was following them to finish the job. As for Ines, she remained on the roof, waiting for Claire to arrive with the RMP.
"Yeah, yeah. Your insight is quite scary.", McBurn said, still having a nonchalant look in his eyes. He seemed somewhat tired, now that the matter of the Emergency MIssion was wrapping up. The battle wasn't technically over yet, but it was clear as day that Naoto is the winner. McBurn was thinking of stepping in, but he didn't think Naoto could actually drive one of the Garden's strongest members into a corner so easily. Instead, he looked back at KeA. "And well, here I was lookin' for a chance to the favor His Highness gave me. At least, wouldn't you say this is a good alternative?"
"Hmm, now I think about it, you two aren't alone.", Harwood mused. "And I ain't referrin' to my arrival."
It was then the three of them heard a voice yell out to them in anger. It was clear it wasn't theirs.
"You insolent curs! I demand you release me from this infernal cage at once!", The angry voice said, yelling out in pure hatred. As for McBurn and KeA, the two only had pity in their eyes. Next to them was exactly that. A cage, composed entirely of dense, fiery blue flames. The heat the cage was releasing was intense. That didn't seem to bother the three one bit. It was a miracle the person who yelled out, who was presently inside this cage, was still alive.
Upon a closer look, this person was wearing dark-colored trousers and a long shirt. He had a tattered robe over his body, and a very large, upturned collar. Areas like his wrists and ankles were entirely decked out in flashy, golden armor. A purple orb could be seen in his left hand, while his right hand held a purple staff. Each one of these were Artifacts. And yet, no matter how much this person struggled, he couldn't activate the power of his Artifacts, and couldn't break free. No matter what he did, McBurn's powered up blue flames locked the guy in.
It would seem McBurn's flames had evolved to the point that it could prevent certain Artifacts, treasures bestowed by the Goddess Aidios to mankind, from working.
McBurn just stared at the guy with a pitied look.
"You sure like to yell a lot. Can't you see we're workin' here?", McBurn said.
"How dare you ignore me. I needn't tell you what I can or cannot do. I solely exist to rule over all of you puny insects. Release me at once!", The figure said, yelling in anger. Hearing that, KeA's eyes turned cold. Looking at the pitiful man inside the cage, he felt KeA's cold stare. Someone as proud as him felt his back run cold. It was as if KeA was staring right into his soul, unworthy of judgement.
"Mr. Overseer, your role has ended the moment you managed to bring Nadia and Swin into the Garden of Swords.", KeA said, keeping her voice cold. As she said that, she looked at McBurn. "But I am surprised, McBurn. To think your flames can prevent an Artifacts' powers. No more space-bending for you huh?", KeA continued, turning her cold stare into a smirk.
"Even I'm surprised at how powerful my flames have gotten. All thanks to His Highness. It does seem to prevent Artifacts to some degree, but I doubt all of them fall under its range. Definitely not to the likes of your level yet.", McBurn said, looking back at KeA.
"True. Still, I can't help but pity Mr. Overseer here. In the grand picture of things, you have absolutely zero value. You are but an insignificant ant now that Swin and Nadia are training in the Factory now.", KeA said, looking back at the captured figure.
"Y-You dare call ME insignificant!? Once I break out of this infernal cage you will be the first I send straight into the abyss. I AM THE EMPEROR! All shall kneel before me!", The figure roared, calling himself The Emperor. That's right, this man was the very same person who Naoto called cringe earlier for having such a name.
And yet, it looks like he was captured by Ouroboros without much issue.
"You keep spoutin' the same shit over and over. On whose authority do you have to command me?", McBurn responded. With a snap of his fingers, a blue flame appeared above his hands. "And you dare say that in front of the person who granted you freedom in the first place?"
"W-What do you mean---?", The Emperor tried to say, only to finally realize that the Oathbreaker was floating behind McBurn and KeA.
"You really ought to consider changing personnel, Oathbreaker.", McBurn retorted.
"True. I could've done better. Then again, I did let the Gardens remain autonomous for the most part. The only part I had a hand in was giving them a little push to get the gears crankin'.", Harwood said, taking a moment to take a puff of smoke.
"You...", The Emperor uttered. His eyes sharpened, seeing the Oathbreaker come into view. "You're the one who is behind it all. YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!"
"Oh dear me. Is that really what you think? If there's anyone to blame, it is but the hairs on your back. You were given a set of Artifacts, and the most you could do was flaunt them around for little to no gain. Maybe the Gardens need some restructurin'.", Harwood said, and wondered.
"If it weren't for this blasted cage, I would have imploded your bodies into tiny particles of dust by now!", The Emperor yelled, still angry.
"Is that right?", McBurn said, and proceeded to intensify the blue flame in his hand.
"Hehe.", KeA said, and giggled. KeA didn't back down, and just looked at The Emperor, who was still trying to struggle and break free. She then pondered for a second. "It looks like you haven't come to terms with the reality happening before you. Maybe I should spell it out. But how did that saying go again?"
"You tryin' to think of something, kiddo?", McBurn asked.
"Ah, now I remember.", KeA replied, nodding her head. "It is 'Off with your head!'", KeA continued. The moment The Emperor heard KeA say that, his gaze turned serious.
"You wouldn't dare.", The Emperor exclaimed.
From there The Emperor attempted to reach his hand outward, temporarily forgetting that the cage he was currently in was made entirely out of McBurn's blue flames. The moment he tried to grab one of the bars, he felt a really intense burn streak across his entire hand. It only took a second to realize that his hand was burnt to a crisp. Not even a limb remained.
"AHHHH!", The Emperor yelled out, feeling an intense pain on his hand that was no longer there. The burn was so severe that it cauterized his wound in an instant. Not a single drop of blood dripped out.
Seeing The Emperor attempt this, McBurn's eyes turned cold.
"This is your own grave you dug. I'm sure Melchior would love to replace you, given the chance.", Harwood said, only to reveal a discontent look in his eyes. "Anyway, it sounds like everything is wrapped up here. I take it you will report this to Campanella?"
"You can leave it to McBurn, Mr. Harwood. We were considering letting this guy play with Naoto, but after having a look at the bigger picture myself, I saw The Emperor's life truly has little meaning. The lives that are impacted by his actions are already set in stone. It doesn't matter whether Naoto decides to "save" Ace or not.", KeA said, explaining things from her end.
"I DARE YOU TO SAY THAT AGAIN!", The Emperor roared, disregarding the pain he was in. "Stop saying my life has little meaning, you insolent curs!"
McBurn disregarded The Emperor's outburst, and looked at the Oathbreaker this time.
"What's the plan, Oathbreaker? It's only a matter of time.", McBurn asked, wondering what to do with The Emperor.
"It don't matter to me. I'm more interested in what you said earlier, kiddo. Is it true His Highness only treads this singular line of causality, as you would put it?", Harwood asked.
"Mmm.", KeA answered with a small nod. During that, she turned back toward Roer, and saw the figures on the rooftop were now gone. Several figures of the RMP could now be seen, assisting with the cleanup of the battle's aftermath. Claire had arrived next to Ines, and was making sure no harm had come to Alisa. She presently had her orbal pistol drawn. She was having her subordinates check the surroundings.
"It's pretty astounding, isn't it? It really makes me wonder where all of this will lead to.", KeA replied with a smile. Then, her body turned back toward the flaming cage. The burn marks were evident on The Emperor's hand now. "Still, you serve no use no matter which party is involved, whether it be Ouroboros, the Church, or other persons of influence. Kill him."
"Heh. Just what I wanted to hear~", McBurn said, and snapped his fingers. Just like that, the blue flames inside the cage erupted.
"AHHHHHH!", The Emperor screamed, feeling every inch of his body getting burnt in real time. "This won't be the last time you hear of me!!!"
Sadly, The Emperor couldn't even finish his words before his body burst out, and was engulfed by McBurn's flames. He killed him off right then and there. Only the Artifacts of the Monarch's Regalia were left behind, slowly falling down into the air. The Oathbreaker moved quickly, and retrieved each one. As he did that, KeA spoke out to him one last time.
"You really should consider better personnel, Oathbreaker.", KeA said, before moving back toward McBurn's side.
"Haha, duly noted. Lady KeA.", Harwood said, now with Artifacts in hand. Using his spare hand, he took one more puff of smoke.
"Anyway, we should go, McBurn. Everything is wrapped up here.", KeA said.
"Yeah. A shame, but I wouldn't mind clashing against His Highness again in the future to see how strong he's gotten.", McBurn replied. With yet another snap of his fingers, the two bid The Oathbreaker farewell, leaving him alone.
As for The Oathbreaker, he watched on in silence.
"I really don't like it when more work is piled up...", Harwood said, and sighed. Just like that, he too, vanished from sight. What just happened on the outskirts of Roer acted as if nothing had happened to begin with. They were too far away to enter Naoto's radar...