In another distant area, Minato sprinted across the tattered streets. Guiding him was one of Alyssa’s clones running alongside him.
He arrived on Terra a few minutes ago but was out of luck from where he began. Lost on the streets and wandering around, he was eventually found by Alyssa.
The unfamiliar woman put him on alert until she claimed to have heard of him and was someone close to Kaito. After some time deliberating, he decided to put his trust on Alyssa and followed her.
During their trek, Alyssa debriefed Minato on the situation surrounding the city, the conflict between Reunion and Rhodes Island, and how the Doctor was separated from his group and was rescued by Kaito.
"And you’re sure this will lead me to where that donkey girl is?" (Minato)
"While having doubts about me still is respectable, I guarantee that we’re going in the right direction." (Alyssa)
"And why not bring me to where Kaito-san and the Doctor are? Those guys don’t appear to be combatants, so it makes sense for me to be there to protect them." (Minato)
"That won’t be needed when I’m over there. You’re of better use helping the Doctor’s friends considering their urgent situation. Also, Kaito-san can protect himself and the Doctor with him." (Alyssa)
"Is that how it is? Kaito-san doesn’t really give me that kind of impression." (Minato)
Minato paused to examine the blonde woman next to him in closer detail. This did not go unnoticed by Alyssa.
"You’ve got something else to ask?" (Alyssa)
"Yeah, you said you came from the same place as Kaito-san. How did he bring another person with him when traveling to this world?" (Minato)
"That’s not something I can casually divulge to other people." (Alyssa)
"Oh…" (Minato)
Minato dwelled over Alyssa’s response. He figured the method used wasn’t something related to the group chat as he considered Kaito to be the kind of person that wouldn’t withhold important information related to it like that.
Well, not like he understood Kaito that much as a person yet nor did he have a device to contact him.
The group chat sent Minato to this world without a means to use it immediately or go back home like a phone. That would be too convenient. No, the group chat decided his way home was to find a device similar to the one that was holding the group chat app in his world to use the group chat again. The other option was to use a fellow member’s device to return.
He cursed whoever designed something like that.
"Eyes sharp. We’re reaching close to the climax of this chaos." (Alyssa)
Minato braced himself for the heat of battle.
Amiya’s squad met with another wave of Reunion combatants.
Ears were assaulted by their curses and resentment. The enemy numbers were so large that they enclosed Amiya and her comrades from their escape route. Operators fought bravely as they fend off fighter after fighter. The lack of space meant they’ve only got the option to push forward and clear a path.
Everyone was gaining momentum the longer they fought. Steady progress was made as they advanced with their defensive line in the front parting the crowd.
That's when most took the time to notice something amiss. The air had been stagnant for a long time, there was a subtle movement to it. When everyone felt that same trepidation, the Reunion Grunts riled up in a look of ecstasy.
"Ahahahaha! It's here!" (Reunion Grunt)
"Our salvation! The time of judgement is upon us!" (Reunion Grunt)
"Aaaahhh… AAARRGH—" (Reunion Grunt)
Before anyone could process it, their bodies were buried under a wall of black.
"They were… crushed by something? Was it one of you… who attacked them?" (Dobermann)
Dobermann asked a reasonable question representing their collective confusion from the spontaneous deaths of the enemies. Amiya perked up and gestured to everyone to look towards the sky.
"Everyone! The sky is darkening at a disconcerting rate!" (Amiya)
True to her words, a malevolent bloody crimson hue dyed the sky. Nobody could keep a cool face from the looming terror above. Flames and smoke poisoned the air, titanic slabs of black rock struck the city, and billowing dark clouds turned the world into an ashen twilight.
A sense of danger and desperation to escape washed all over. Nobody would survive a second if they don't escape the growing touch of that thing.
"Even though I vaguely thought Reunion would be mad enough to use the catastrophe to take their revenge… To use it for the destruction of Chernobog…" (Dobermann)
"Whoever conducted this is no longer an avenger, but sick people to the core." (Ace)
"How can they call this the rising era of the Infected? There's not a light shining for our future following them." (Nearl)
Rhodes Island was in a mix of shock, disgust, and sorrow at the apocalyptic sight. Nobody wanted to stick around longer, so Amiya gestured to everyone to get a move on.
"All operators, stay alert! We prepare for the worst… to weather this catastrophe!" (Amiya)
Under her leadership, everyone reorganized for the long haul. No matter where they went, it was exceedingly difficult to avoid the falling buildings and face an unending horror to the death cries of countless Reunion members.
More clusters of rock from the sky kept burrowing the trembling earth. Too many close calls were made when weaving and passing through narrow gaps under the storm. The determination to survive burned in Rhodes Island’s hearts.
"We made it… we survived the first impact." (Amiya)
"And the catastrophe is visibly weakening!" (Nearl)
"But we're not out of the thicket yet. Everyone, exercise caution. Who knows how many are left over." (Ace)
"Every street is buried beneath rubble, and the roads are no longer visible with these buildings in the way…" (Amiya)
"Don't tell me the Originium is already metastasizing? We were so close to getting out, but…" (Dobermann)
While everyone caught their breaths, Amiya examined the state her team was in. They had many close shaves and survived, but she blamed herself and her inadequacies as a leader for bringing them in such a downtrodden state. She lamented at how she lost the Doctor and believed they wouldn’t have been in such a disconcerting situation with him around.
Reality did not wait for them much longer as it got much harsher.
Suddenly, they were quickly surrounded. In the plaza, to the streets and buildings. Everywhere was filled with Reunion. Their numbers alone could kill all of them dozens of times over. Death had been courted enough times today in their opinion, but Reunion had too much respect for Amiya’s team to let them run off.
"We're done for if we fight in a wide-open area! Our chances of survival are much higher at the plaza's exit!" (Nearl)
"Nearl…" (Amiya)
"There's no choice but to fight." (Ace)
"Break away from their encirclement, then it's our chance to slip out of the chaos." (Nearl)
"…I understand. Everyone, be ready. Stay strong and follow your defensive formations!" (Amiya)
Her team nodded to her, aware of the growing predicament. Chances are that not all will come out alive. Such thoughts were pushed to the back as they exerted their tired bodies and focused.
Before any burst forward to begin the final hurdle, a clear and crisp sound of someone stepping out of the crowd appeared in front of the team. Was that an envoy? No, the feeling she gave off was too eerie and filled with danger.
"That person… she's the ruler of Reunion… Talulah." (Amiya)
This woman… She was like the embodiment of fire and brimstone. The closer she came, the more suffocating the air became to breathe. The shadow which masked her appearance came undone. She had horns that felt like they belonged to a mythological creature. Smoky white hair and a black dress exuding the air of nobility. From her left arm was an armband with the familiar Reunion logo, and to her right side was an intimidating longsword.
"This woman…! Everyone, we must ensure Amiya, and the medic teams all escape safely! Otherwise, we'll all be dead at the hands of that living monster!" (Nearl)
"No! If we stand together, we will win…!" (Amiya)
"Think this through, Amiya! Can you guarantee that all of us will live?" (Nearl)
"Urgh…" (Amiya)
Amiya clenched her fingers tightly. Nearl was right, it's impossible for everyone to live after facing that walking calamity. And because of their suboptimal state from fighting so much without an exceedingly competent commander, such as the Doctor to command them, none believed in their own chances and being optimistic won’t save them.
"Me and my squad will handle this. The rest of you find an opportunity to escape during the fight." (Ace)
Amiya resolutely refused him.
"Rhodes Island will not abandon anyone! I can't stand for any more sacrifices." (Amiya)
"Then do you wish to die here together?" (Talulah)
Many felt their skin crawling from that cold voice. That woman… Talulah, was she concentrating heat around her hands? No, the air surrounding her was being superheated.
"Look out! She's planning on launching her Arts!" (Amiya)
Talulah grasped fire in her hands. The air burst from that concentrated power. She released her palm in their direction, and a wall of smoldering flames flew.
Are we going to die? Such thoughts crossed their minds from watching the approaching mass of death.
"Nearl, don't! You can't survive from that, come back!" (Amiya)
Amiya's distressed call did not stop Nearl's knightly figure dashing towards that ghastly spear. Many imagined Nearl's body melting in an instant under that pressure.
And just like that, Nearl disappeared, engulfed in the flames. All stared at that tragic sight. Some were almost at the verge of breaking down.
As the flames died down, Rhodes Island had that despairing expectation of seeing Nearl's charred corpse.
"…Hmm? Who…" (Talulah)
Speechless. That's what everyone was feeling. None saw a corpse, but the pristine figure of Nearl unharmed. And in front of her… was another figure of a teenager holding back the flames. His blue hair wafted from the wind, and his arm outstretched in front of him. People’s minds roared incredulously. He blocked that monster's Art with his bare hand!
"I barely made it." (Minato)
"You… how did you manage to survive that?" (Talulah)
That once emotionless voice was now tinged with irritation… and wariness. That distinct neutral face had changed with emotion.
People from Rhodes Island and Reunion expressed their shock in their own way at the unbelievable feet.
"I'm asking you again, who are you—" (Talulah)
The loud screeching of wheels interrupted Talulah’s words. In a corner of the plaza, Reunion soldiers dispersed when a metallic vehicle came through at high speeds without a care for any unlucky fools who remained in front of its path. The truck flew out of an uneven exit, landing and skidding across the plaza until it stopped right next to Minato.
"Hey, how’s it going? You’re Minato-kun, right?" (???)
The head of a man with light brown hair protruded out from the window of the driver’s side. Only Minato recognized the man to be Kaito.
"Yo. You came right on time." (Minato)
"Yeah, my bad. I was busy helping out others." (Kaito)
"Nothing to be ashamed of. This would be our first time meeting in person, huh?" (Minato)
"Mhm. It's really awkward since it's in the middle of a burning city, but there's no fixing that." (Kaito)
It fell as if the tension from earlier was gone, and the two proceeded to chat like old friends in the middle of everyone's gazes.
The rear door opened and the Doctor came out. A wave of shocked expressions appeared on Amiya and her comrades upon seeing his unharmed figure.
"Doctor! You’re safe…" (Amiya)
"Hah, I knew you wouldn’t die so simply from something like this!" (Ace)
Relief swelled up in Amiya as the remorse that weighed down on her was lifted. Ace merely grinned, happy to see his friend safe and sound again.
The Doctor casually waved to them. He turned to Minato who moved towards him.
"You’re Zero Sanity, right?" (Minato)
"Yup, that’s me. I’ve got to thank you for saving my comrades, Minato." (Doctor)
It was the first time the group chat members have gathered like this.
"Doctor, both of you, back away from that spot!" (Amiya)
The excitement from this unexpected meeting was short-lived as Amiya desperately called out to them.
The ground beneath their feet was melting and changing into a bright yellow color. Minato moved the quickest, but not to escape. Instead he grabbed the Doctor and threw him back to his comrades.
The plaza ignited with Kaito and Minato submerged under a giant pillar of magma.
The joy from earlier was chilled to nothing from the extreme moment. But betraying expectations a second time… the two of them leisurely walked out of the pillars of magma.
"Good thing the truck wasn’t toasted." (Kaito)
"Now that's what I call rude." (Minato)
"You think that lady over there did it?" (Kaito)
Many wanted to exclaim why they aren’t reading the air properly. Why did it seem like the two came out of a sauna instead of the mouth of a volcano? Even Talulah had an ugly grimace on her face.
"She's the only one who stepped forward. My guess is that she's the leader of these rabble-rousers." (Minato)
"What should we do? I was hoping to talk things out, but her personality and aura isn't giving me any chances." (Kaito)
"What else? It comes down to us fighting her and the rest of her thugs." (Minato)
Kaito had a troubled look on his face when the rest of Reunion took a step forward.
"Eehh… I’m reluctant, but it does seem like that’s how things are proceeding." (Kaito)
"You’ve done well to protect the Doctor along the way. Why not stick with him and let me handle the rest. These people won't stop their pursuit, so I’ll work as a distraction." (Minato)
"You’re joking, right? That's impossible for me to do. I've come this far without abandoning anyone." (Kaito)
Minato shrugged his shoulders at Kaito’s stern glare.
"This is nothing. I told you, I'm something of a badass." (Minato)
"Don’t you value teamwork as the leader of your group back home?" (Kaito)
"Of course. So if you think I’m overstepping it, be sure to pull me back out." (Minato)
A flat stare was what Minato received. The exasperated sigh Kaito held was let out, not willing enough to expend effort to make him change his mind.
"…Alright, if you're confident enough to handle ALL of them, be my guest. Just know I'll step in if things go wrong." (Kaito)
"I'll keep that in mind." (Minato)
Kaito began to move to the back but stopped at Minato’s side to whisper to his ear.
"Make it quick. The fight ends when I blow away the Catastrophe." (Kaito)
"Wait, what…? Did I hear that just right?" (Minato)
The words shocked Minato greatly and he whipped his head around, but Kaito already resumed his walk towards the Doctor and his comrades.
The many widened eyes of Rhodes Island were shifting between Kaito and Minato, questioning if either were of sound mind to leave a single person to fend off against the entirety of Reunion on his own.
"So what do you think? Now is a good time to leave while Minato-kun keeps them busy." (Kaito)
A lot of people blinked when Kaito directed his words at them.
"I can't do that. He saved my life. I will not allow someone so young to throw away his life here." (Nearl)
Nearl was impressive as always having recovered the quickest. Concurring opinions resounded in the group.
"It's unacceptable. We won't leave anyone behind." (Amiya)
"We're all of the same mind. Kid's too reckless for his own good, no matter how strong he may be." (Ace)
Receiving their opinions, Kaito scratched his head with a helpless expression. Coming to his rescue, the Doctor, who was the only one that didn’t question Kaito’s decision, spoke for him.
"Rationally, all of you are right, and normally I’d agree too… However, there’s no need for concern when Kaito is staying behind with him." (Doctor)
"What do you mean, Doctor?" (Amiya)
The Doctor’s support for this insane decision greatly surprised Amiya. She didn’t believe her ears heard him correctly initially.
"Minato’s one thing, he’s cocky and in over his head like the young man he is. But Kaito, he’s a powerful insurance I’m confident in. I can’t imagine him losing if he were to take action." (Doctor)
Murmurs were exchanged from listening to how much confidence there was in the Doctor’s voice.
"And don’t think I don’t notice how tired you all are. You’ve done admirable to get this far, but exhaustion has clearly caught up to you. Our best move is to skedaddle out of here and not engage in meaningless fights." (Doctor)
Many were hesitant but one look back to Talulah had convinced them to avoid confrontation. Rhodes Island got back on their feet and hurriedly departed from the plaza.
Ace grunted affirmatively to Kaito while Dobermann looked disapproving and grateful. Nearl cast a sidelong glance to Minato before nodding to Kaito. Finally, Amiya gave one last worried look to the two before turning around with the Doctor by her side.
Left alone with observing the incoming battle, Kaito astutely stood to the sidelines.
Talulah raised an eyebrow, surprised by how Kaito kept his word.
"Hoh? I thought your other friend would join at your side. You dare stand before the Infected's noble cause?" (Talulah)
"Just me alone will be enough. I can't be the only one here who hasn't done anything." (Minato)
"What the hell is wrong with this guy!? Does he have a death wish!?" (Mephisto)
"..." (Faust)
"What is he planning?" (Skullshatterer)
"What a stupid child." (FrostNova)
"..." (Patriot)
Among the esteemed leaders of Reunion they expressed disdain for the rash actions of the otherworlder.
Talulah ignored Minato for a moment to direct her gaze back at Kaito.
"Earlier we lost communication with Crownslayer. Was it you who did something?" (Talulah)
"Oh definitely. Don’t worry, she’s safe. But it shouldn’t be me you should pay attention to right now." (Kaito)
It impressed Talulah how Kaito did not even shudder when meeting her glare that seemed to burn as bright and intensely as her flames.
Minato stood his ground before all of Reunion. He pulled something from his pocket… a pistol?
All stared at Minato as he lifted the arm carrying that pistol. He lowered it and aimed the barrel… to the side of his head.
"Persona—!" (Minato)
And then… pressed the trigger.
Talulah : ???
Mephisto : ???
Faust : ???
Skullshatterer : ???
FrostNova : ???
Patriot : ???
Kaito: ???
Afterword:
Serious-senpai: "...Kaito… I LOVE YOU! You can just sweep all of them away if you wanted, but you left some space for seriousness to happen! I SERIOUSLY LOVE YOU!"
Nearl
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Talulah
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Mephisto
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Faust
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Skullshatterer
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FrostNova
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Patriot
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