Rusher was surprised by what the brown-haired boy said. He was going to win? After a few seconds, the surprise turned into amusement.

“Humph, you say you are going to win? You must have a short term memory. Have you not remember your situation? Your little miracle will not come to fruition.”

“Oh, don’t worry it’ll come true. I am just stuck on one problem once I solve it...is all smooth sailing from there.”

“I will like to see you try.” Time stops and Rusher Appears behind Richard. This time, however, the brown-haired boy smiled.

“Extend!” Just then Rusher got hit by something in the gut. He looks to see the red pole that Alice threw at him had splits in two and a chain appeared connecting both sides.

“That’s one...I wonder how many tries can be successful?” It was the smallest window but it was there. Hmm...he wonders...he hasn’t tried it yet...he has no idea why he didn’t...maybe he is a forgetful idiot. Can he copy legendary piece abilities?!

(‘Scanning...Scanning...Scanning...Scanning complete. Ability: Time Lock...Source...Legendary Piece: Estrella Del Leopardo. Scanning for info...info complete. It is highly recommended that you do not use this move more than twice as it’s Capacity Power Cost is 50% of the Max Capacity Power of the player.’) 50% that’s a lot. But it said not to use it more than twice. Does it mean that his Capacity Power been restored once again to 45,000,000? He did felt like he got a bit of Capacity Power back. But a full restoration of it?

“Alright.” He can now win this!! All he has to do is find a hole and he'll be able to defeat Rusher by outsmarting him in Capacity Power devastation!

Rusher was wondering: How was the brown-haired capable of hitting him despite his ability? That shouldn’t be possible!! Is there a flaw in his legendary piece’s ability? Impossible!! He has finally achieved what Dr. Rowan and Commander Knight wanted for years! It must have been sheer luck that the boy predicted his movement. It doesn’t matter if he gained a weapon from Alice Hishikawa. He did not felt that the pole had some special ability. Meaning that the red pole the boy was holding on his right hand was nothing more than just an ordinary pole that can split into two smaller ones that are connected by a chain. Now that he knows what the weapon is capable of his Le Perfectionement will adjust his defenses to not be surprised by the pole ever again. Once again...Richard Kurosagi has wasted another opportunity to finish him.

“You caught me by surprise with that weapon that was given to you by Alice Hishikawa. However, you just wasted perhaps the last opportunity to kill me.” told the blue-haired male to his adversary.

“Oh don’t count me out, Rusher. I am just getting my second wind back!” Richard with his Omega Eyes activated said with confidence.

That confidence...he once had it. But...that went wayside one time when the M.I.S.T. took his arm away.

()

[December 3th, 2032 10:45:45 A.M.]

“Rusher are you ready? We are commencing our daily training section.” This has been the norm from the last year and a half. Rusher has had full control of the M.I.S.T. he has been smart in it too.

“Always!”

“Alright releasing Defensive Cyber Team level 3 now!”

The door opens and out came four 12 feet tall robots. One of the robots had the appearance of a spider the legs were longer than its body most likely 7 feet out of the 12 are coming from there. another had the appearance of a giant iron ball. There were small arms The last 2 were just oval-shaped headed humanoid cyborgs with long arms that had drills fingers.

So this was the defensive Cyber Team level 3...This will be a cakewalk. He has easily defeated the previous team levels, how hard can this one be?

The two oval-shaped headed cyborgs disappear. Ah, so they were quick. However!!

*SWOOSH*

Rusher dodged the attack of both cyborgs with ease resulting in their drill hands to be stuck on the rocky surface.

“Heh!” The blue-haired kicked one of them hard resulting in it flying and hitting the hard ceiling and bouncing to the ground before punching the other in the stomach with his fist.

It would hurt to hit something as hard as titanium. However, thanks to training with the M.I.S.T. his body doesn’t react that way. In fact; it felt like he was hitting a punching bag. Hard but not hard enough to break his hand. He saw the spider quickly go up to the ceiling before its 100 eyes started to glow and shot lasers from them.

The blue-haired with the swiftest of movement dodged every single one of them with ease.

Too easy, this wasn’t even a challenge at all. The Giant Iron Ball tries to run over him as he was dodging the spider cyborg’s lasers but Rusher caught it instantly and used it as a shield so the lasers could bounce off to the ground and other sides of the battlefield.

After a few seconds of it, he decided to kick the Iron ball cyborg as hard as he could aiming it at the spider that was hanging from the ceiling crushing it like the bug that is supposed to be. After a few statics, it exploded. One down 3 to go he assumed as the Iron Cyborg bounced back to the ground and started to move after a few seconds of it assuming being stunt. He will be stunned too if he got a kick at 300 miles per hour toward someone else and then bouncing back to the ground.

“Alright, who wants to be the next one to go down?!” Rusher told the cyborgs with a “Come on” gesture.

Meanwhile, inside a safer room, the researchers were impressed if not shocked by how Rusher was handling this situation.

“Incredible! He is handling the level 3 defense team like is nothing.” This doesn’t surprise Commander Knight though. He knew Rusher would breeze through the first three tests. Level 4 might give him some trouble for a short time but he will manage. Level 5, 6 & 7 were the same. Level 8? It will be tough for the blue-haired soldier but he will barely pass the test. No, his only concern was the final test. Level 9. He has seen the Level 9 defensive team.

“It is expected of him.” The commander told one of the researchers.

Rusher uses his speed to take one of the humanoid cyborgs and kicking the head clean off from the mechanical being.

“Is this it!?” Told the blue-haired boy before dodging some of the attacks from the other humanoid cyborg. Hmm, how should he take care of this one?

Rusher slide below it before taking the big iron ball cyborg and punching through the armor and hearing a cracking sound from the inside. Hmm, he should make use of this before it explodes soon.

The blue-haired proceeded to use the iron ball as a weapon to punch a huge hole to the last remaining cyborg before he let go of the iron ball with authority.

*Boom*

Both cyborgs exploded as he walked away from the scene. This was way too easy. He is not going to let something like this beat him. Not after what the daughter of Rowan said to him.

(‘I won’t make it to level 9? Heh, just watch and witness I will make The Area create a new level of defense you’ll see you little brat!’) He was motivated. He is going to make that girl eat his words

(‘Show her.’) The M.I.S.T. didn’t have to tell him that!! He already knows what his goal is!

Commander Knight has noticed how much Rusher’s personality has been affected ever since The M.I.S.T.

While he has been becoming overconfident he has to respect the resilience and hustle he is attributing. He is sure that in a few days he will reach level 8 in no time. When that happens...then the real observation will start.

Rusher past each test each day that transpires.

Level 4 was scorpions and he had slight difficulties but nothing that he couldn’t handle. Level 5 An army of wasps. Annoying and could have outnumbered him easily. However, he used his brain to figure out a strategy to take them out. Level 6...Underwater...that was difficult and he made it out with difficulties against a few alligator cyborgs and a shark...almost lost his left arm to it too. Level 7 was very tricky as he needed to be careful of the poison that it unleashed upon death. He would’ve been a goner normally but thanks to The M.I.S.T. he was able to make it and got the antidote in the end when the case opened. Level 8 was a very difficult one. The enemy was invisible. It turned out to be 5 enemies being chameleons that were camouflage inside the room. This was the most difficult challenge of his life. He barely made it out alive in 1 piece. Now 1 more challenge...Level 9. This was it! He was ready...with this M.I.S.T. he will be able to take this challenge down and show her!

“So you made it to level 9...Interesting.” There she is…

“Humph, I told you to not underestimated me, you brat.”

“I still don’t think you are ready for this level, thou.”

“Oh?! And tell me, miss know-it-all. What makes you so sure that I can’t handle this?!”

“I have seen how you handled the other test. Level 9...is nothing that even someone like you can handle.”

“Oh yeah!! Watch me!”

“...I will...and when you tap out of it, I’ll be there to tell you “I told you so.” That faint smile. She thinks she knows everything! Well…!!

“We’ll see about that!!”

“Yes...we shall.” He’ll make this Rowan eat her own words!! He’s the perfect soldier. No one is better than him!! No one!! Not even whatever cybernetic being that is contained in that level 9 room!!

()

Commander Knight was in a private room with Dr. Rowan. They were discussing the results of Rusher level 8 performance.

“He barely made it out of level 8. Maybe this is the limit of what the M.I.S.T. can do for a human being.”

“Hhm.”

“Commander Knight?”

“I am just reflecting. It seems that Rusher’s personality has changed for the past few weeks. It seems that he had a different motive to push himself to get to this level.”

“...Hmm...I can see your point, usually, he would take a few days off from each level defensive system but ever since December 3rd, he has been rushing through these tests without resting for a day or two.”

“Is not an effect caused by Project M.I.S.T. Dr. Rowan?” asked the black-haired commander. The orange-haired doctor ponders before answering.

“Hmm, could be. However, it is uncleared if that is the case. It could also be his legendary piece.”

“His legendary piece...I see.” That could be another reason. They don’t know much about Rusher’s legendary piece and if that thing with the M.I.S.T. inside Rusher is affecting the blue-haired personality.

“Each day it has shown to glow higher than when we first started the tests. It might be that the legendary piece wants to fulfill his owner’s desire.”

“The desire to become the perfect super soldier.”

“Correct.”

“Hmm...I see...we will have to take a close eye on the next test.”

“...It will not be easy Commander Knight. No one has ever even reached the level that Rusher reached. Level 5 was new territory.”

“I know...these security defenses...they’re not made with human technology...this one.”

“Yes is from the alien technology from Lo’SA’R’GOS. Is one of the few alien species that we have information around the universe we live.”

“Yes...you also mention something about them being from another universe too.”

“Only a theory. I still haven’t found any conclusive evidence that they came from another universe other than what it said in the inscriptions and that might be a miss-translation.” Told Dr. Rowan. If the theory was true then it would mean that there are multiple universe existing and these aliens have the technology to travel from one universe to another. However, as he said it might be a translation human error on his part.

“Hmm...does Majestic 12 knows about this?”

“No...this is my very own personal private research. You are the only one that knows.”

“Good...let’s keep it that way. If Majestic 12 knows about this...you might not be able to get out of here ever.” He is correct. Rowan doesn’t want to be working here forever. While it helps him with his curiosity about the universe, the orange-haired male would like to spend some of his life with his daughter and experience a normal life. He wants to experience the true freedom of being a father.

()

Returning to the present time Someone was waking up from the brinks of death.

“I don’t know why you have to bind his arms and legs I told you I can take care of him if he does anything funny.” That voice…

“Safety measures.” Is he...

“Hmm?” Salamander grunted before opening his eyes. He swore he was on death’s door. He was remembering the first time he met the prince and the king giving him the trust and duty of protecting his son until he has grown into a man until he becomes the next ruler of the land. He also remembers training the kid who of course lacked combat ability. After all, he was 10 at the time he started becoming the prince’s bodyguard and the training started three years later. He was still young but was very willing to become as strong as the king himself.

“You’re awake.” Said Harry to the former prince bodyguard.

“Why…?”

“I have some questions and I will demand that you answer them. You make one mistake and you can get back to your dreams only it will be a permanent dream that you’ll never wake up from.” Threatened the black-haired teen to him.

Threats like those were empty to him. Already used to these kinds of threats.

“…” He looks to the sides. So he was bound by the earth as mentioned by Harry Kishima.

“Alright, I’ll ask you anyway. You know about the legendary pieces don’t you?” Ah, this kind of question. Is the black-haired curious about them?

“...I...have.”

“I expected that answer now tell me...Who was the one that originally created them? And for what purpose?” Who? So they don’t know who did?! It seems that each person has their very own version of the story. As of him...they had the real story inside an ancient book. The thing could easily be over a thousand years old. Hundreds of years before even the “first” owners of said pieces were mentioned in the book.

“Ah, I see...It seems your father must have not told you everything...or he, himself doesn’t know about The Creator himself.” The Creator?

“Creator?”

“The first person to create the legendary pieces was known as a genius on his time. You can say he was a know it all. His name was Alvis Cato.” Alvis Cato...all wise, all-knowing.

“Alvis Cato?”

“Yes...he never went out and when he did it was because he was forced to get out in search of food. Always living on the farthest mountains. The city of Hind described him as a mysterious old man with a high amount of intelligence. He was very dedicated to his work but kept it secret from the city. The city citizens didn’t mind him coming once every 2 months because he was doing nothing to the city that they deemed threatening. He also invented some of the machines that they used to make their products easier so it was a win-win for them. One day Alvis discovered a couple of meteorite rocks with a special glow in it. It was something he never has seen before and so he started investigating them...but no results, the work was getting him frustrated but at the same time it rose his motivation as an inventor and researcher. He must know...know where they came from, and what was so special about them? As the days became weeks, and weeks became months the old man started to give up hope. However, something happened in one of his food searches. He brought one of the small meteorites to the city. Maybe someone in the city with as much intelligence and curiosity as he could live among the residents. This is where he discovered something incredible. As he walked normally he noticed something...the people were slow. It wasn’t noticeable at first but once the crowd became bigger he started to notice. At first, he thought that maybe everyone was just taking their time. But as more people moved in at a slow-motion pace...something in his mind was telling him that it was not the case. Then he noticed his pocket glowing. Could the cause of this be...? As time went by he noticed a new thing...everyone just plain stops. It was the small meteorite rock he was holding on his pocket...it must have been that’s what Cato was thinking. What a discovery...these meteorites must have some sort of magic in it! Despite time stopping he did his diligence and pay for his food despite him taking it and nobody will notice he was the one who stole it. He wasn’t that type of person.” At least he was noble Frederick thought. But to think that the legendary pieces came from outer space...actually, it does not sound as far-fetch as it seems.

“With this new discovery, his investigating vigor was restored to his fullest. What other abilities can he discover on the other meteorites and how can he use them inside his day and nightlife. He was fascinated with his discovery a few months later. The diamond-shaped meteorite rock seemed to let him transform into a dragon. A mythical creature that was said to exist in medieval times. The transparent one allowed him to sense the Rhythms of people. A silver-colored one allowed him to look at his past and the past of his family and other people’s past. One that was topaz colored allowed him to see the future. There was one purple that encased him inside a maze in it there were equations not known to man. He can assume that where this meteorite came from there was a high intelligence mathematician race. So far the others haven’t shown him any progress but he knows that he will soon see their abilities since he foresaw with the topaz that they will.” From what he was telling them is that Cato created the legendary pieces from meteorites that came from outer space. They eventually started to show their abilities in the months of their discoveries.

“I assume that he started creating the legendary pieces after all of them showed their abilities to them, correct?” Frederick told Salamander.

“Precise...However, because of this Alvis Cato’s personality changed. He became more arrogant, saw everyone else as inferior, and thought that the world will be better if he was the one to construct it piece by piece. It is perhaps the cost of having practically God’s power on 12 pieces...Fuh.”

“What’s so funny?” Harry this time interjected.

“No, nothing just remembering the name of one of the legendary pieces. Maybe that is what Alvis Cato’s thought when he held them all in his possession. Although he didn’t account for 1 thing...The Sphere of Rage’s secondary effect.” The secondary effect...Frederick, Genre, and the others have heard of it from Emuna. If the owner of the Sphere of Rage stays in that anger form for too long then they will eventually get killed.

“Secondary Effect?” Harry lacked that knowledge.

“Harry Kishima, there is a reason why the legendary pieces are dangerous but 3 of them are above the others. One of them is the Sphere of Rage if someone stays in The Rage state for too long they will be experiencing hearth problems and eventually die from a cardiac arrest. Alvis Cato knew it tired his body after short periods of use...he assumes that it will be the same but instead of staying asleep for a few hours it will be for a day or two something he could manage...he did not expect it to give him a heart attack. I guess his greed of becoming someone above god...that same God was not happy and send him his divine punishment. You die as a hero or you live long enough to become the enemy, even of yourself.” Hmm, a man with an obsession with discovery ends up dying by his obsession with power from his greatest discovery...such a sad end for someone who wanted to know about their very own creation.

“What happened to the legendary pieces?” Genre asked.

“They were taken by priests and priestesses that fought against the man after he became obsessed with becoming someone that looked above them. They deemed them too dangerous to be held by 1 person so they decide it to use sealing spells to seal the powers of the legendary pieces away.”

“Hence why they had sleep forms.”

“Yes...although it seems one of you has already awakened it.” One of them...OH!!

“You are talking about Emuna Chariot,” Harry told the man.

“Yes...she managed to escape me using her dolls. I managed to get rid of one of them and from the looks on her expression it was a very precious one for her.” Very precious...So either Regalia or Magdalene was…

“How was she!?”

“I will say in very bad shape, there was one other...a ninja girl but she also escaped only this time thanks to Min Tabouillot, she was in worse shape than Emuna Chariot. She disappeared probably to another place using your bracelets that you are all using.” Yuma also faced him...Genre and Frederick were glad that Yuma managed to escape. She must be in the ninja village right now. They know the lake that has a waterfall in it has healing factors meaning that the black-haired teen must be recovering there. It will take a few hours before she is in complete healthy shape.

“Where is this book?” Harry asked.

“Hey, Harry!!”

“I Don’t believe in fairy-tales, if what he claims is true then he surely can give us the whereabouts of this book.”

“Still…”

“It is fine...I could be lying to you about it.”

“You do not…”

“Genre…” Ah yes, he forgets that she can read his Rhythm, therefore, can tell if he is lying or not.

“Fufu, I cannot escape from your Rhythm Trace, can you owner of The Sharp of Sinfonia.”

“Humph, I hope you are right.”

“I am...you were lying the whole battle about your true strength.” Genre said to Harry. She doesn’t like losing an argument, does she?!

“Whatever, it worked out in the end right?!” Frederick sweat-dropped. How can he be so proud of that?

“The whereabouts…” Harry pressed on...there was no convincing him from that, was there?

“Hmm...India.” India?

“You got to be more specific than that.”

“That’s as much specifically that I can get to you Harry Kishima.”

“Huh?!” What does he mean?!

“What do you mean?”

“The last time I was near it was in the palace of the prince secured with the royal guards in the deepest parts of the palace. However, after betraying my prince, they would most likely have moved the book elsewhere for safety purposes. I did not need the books as you can see I do not have legendary pieces otherwise…”

“You would’ve stolen it.”

“That is correct.”

“Humph, fine so I guess we will have to find it there...going to be a long search.” India is not a small city mind you! It is one of the largest countries in the world second to China. Finding it will take weeks even months since they don’t have a specific place to look for in that country.

“Alright, my other question should be simple to answer. Is there a way out of this HQ.” Hmm, that caught the man off guard. He assumed they would have known an alternate way out since they infiltrated the place in the first place.

“I assume you mean a way for soldiers and us from getting out.”

“What else am I asking?!”

“...How did you manage to infiltrate this place?”

“HUH!? WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT US AS IF WE’RE SOME KIND OF DUMB KIDS!!?” Yelled Harry Kishima to the short-haired man.

“We have...our sources.” The blonde-haired small teen interjected.

“Problem is...we can use that source anymore...well not right now at least,” Frederick told Salamander.

“I see...I assume it had something to do with those bracelets you are holding.”

“Sort of.”

“Hmm…” Salamander was contemplating whether or not to tell them. Worst case scenario he would get killed by Harry Kishima anyway if he tells them...on the other hand he will betray LeDutch himself...that is something you do not want to cross. He has seen how knowledgeable he is especially of the M.I.S.T. he is no fool hence why he is the leader of Rois et Reines. He will not have hired LeGrace if he didn’t know that they had the M.I.S.T. his boss is very careful when he choose his partners.

“Well, Are there or are there not?!” A very impatient man.

“...There are.” That got everyone with high hopes of getting out of here without wasting their Capacity Power in a possible fail attempt to Hyperlinking.

“Location…” Genre asked.

“...Before we teleported, we were 5 rooms close to it.”

“So not too far from where we currently are.” Said, Frederick. Oh, so it seems that when they get teleported to this world they stay in the same location that they teleported from! Hmm, a very handy bracelet indeed. People will be assumed they teleported somewhere else if they don’t have this knowledge.

“I think I heard enough.” Said, Harry.

“1 question…” Interjected Genre once again much to the annoyance of Kishima.

“…”

“...The M.I.S.T. what is it exactly…?” Ah...hmm...that is a very good question...he only knows about it from Kula Rowan and Rusher during their meetings with LeGrace. But the origin of it...he still has no idea of it.

“I cannot tell you exactly the origin of it. However, I can tell you as much as this...This M.I.S.T. it is something you want to be careful of using.”

“Careful of using?”

“Yes...It’s…” Before he could go any further something sprung out of him and went straight into his eye.

“WHAT THE?!”

“TCH!”

“…!” That thing...was it…

“GUAHHHHHHH!!!!!” EATING HIS EYE?!

“Harry!!”

“What do you expect me to do!!” Damn, he didn’t care about the question that the blonde-haired one asked but he will be damned if he doesn’t get some answers!!

The thing came out of the other side and stare at Harry before it charged at him at incredible speed.

“Humph!!” Harry transforms into his Lighting Flash Yellow before Slashing the thing and dissipating it into nothing.

“Genre can you heal him!!?” Frederick asked.

The blonde check to see if there was a way to do so but...his Rhythm...it was…

“His Rhythm...it stopped.” It stopped that meant…

“Tch!” So much for answers of this M.I.S.T., he looks at the hole in the eye of the now deadman. Is that the cost of using this M.I.S.T.? If so, then this thing cannot get out like this!! It will be another problem for the Kishima family to deal with...and they are already problem full with the black hat hackers and the legendary pieces. A double edge sword, with the cost being...you will get consumed by it in the end.

()

Rusher sensed something...It was...Oh...it must be him...is he…

“Wide open!!” Rusher used his legendary piece’s ability to distance himself from Richard. This time he was careful, he will not repeat the same mistake of letting his guard down only to get hit by Hishikawa’s weapon.

“How many times are you going to charge at me with reckless abandonment, Richard Kurosagi?”

“Until I hit you?” Richard answered stupidly. In reality, the boy was self-aware of this being useless...he just needed that one small window of opportunity for Rusher to attack him during one of his Time Lock so he can use his very own Time Lock himself thanks to the Omega Eyes copying it and downloading it into his brain.

“Don’t get your hopes up because you are dual wielding at this moment. You can have 6-7 weapons in possession it will not change the results of this battle.” Rusher rose his triple barrel laser and it glowed before it formed a huge blade with a phosphorescent green light. The blade itself had a rectangle hole in the middle that concealed a battery shaped blue whirlwind.

“Tornado.” Rusher swings his sword and a massive gust of wind was unleashed from the sword.

The brown-haired boy got out of the way in time but saw the result of the attack.

“Whoa…” Shredded in seconds. There was nothing left of the Sun obelisk.

“You managed to dodge that without me using La Estrella Del Leopardo.” Not even using his legendary piece?! Was it that fast on its own?! If he gets hit by that…

“Shall we test what happens if I do so?” In less than a blink of an eye, the brown-haired teen got caught in the attack.

“RICHARD!!” Screamed in horror as she saw the boy getting shred by the attack from Rusher’s Tornado blade.

“Humph, as I thought...this is finally farewell...Richard Kurosagi.” Rusher has finally done it. He has killed…

*Slossh*

“What…?” Who…? He then noticed something not only did he got cut deeply diagonally from his body to his right shoulder but he also didn’t have something in his neck.

“Phew...Time Lock on Time Lock sure can be difficult.” Said someone...that someone was none other than Richard Kurosagi who in hand not only had La Estrella Del Leopardo in hand but The Sphere of Rage.

“Impossible...you were…”

“Shredded like a Kaftsty Parmesan cheese? Yeah, I think an explanation is in the section for that correct?” The brown-haired said.

“Let’s see, as you used your tornado attack and enhanced it with La Estrella Del Leopardo Time Lock ability I kind of cheated the system and use my very own Time Lock to change from my Scouter class to my Magical class create a clone and core shift back to my scouter class and take the legendary piece dangling from you and a certain piece that belongs to my childhood friend. All of that in the trans-course of 5 seconds. I kind of needed an extra 5 to cut you so as I said cheated on using my very own Time Lock by using your Estrella Del Leopardo on that one.” The boy explained.

He...Use La Estrella…

“Oh yeah, I think I need to thank a certain someone for these.” Richard signaled to his eyes.

“...I see...so back then you were just analyzing me until you could analyze La Estrella Del Leopardo with those eyes of yours.” Rusher told the brown-haired boy. Those eyes...they must've given him the ability to copy abilities of his opponent’s by analyzing the object responsible for said ability being unleashed. If he knew this information from the start...he would have gouge those eyes when he got the chance with his triple laser cannon.

“Looks like this fight is over,” Richard said in a very serious manner.

“A person is never perfect no matter how much it adapts to the problems of life. I should know. I right now have a few conflicts in my life...but...I will solve them when the time is right. It is also the way I prefer it. It is better to have flaws than to always think that you are perfect and nothing you can do is wrong. I alone wouldn’t beat you. I had to have someone wake me up from my loss of hope when you got me in a corner. And thanks to that person...I cannot afford to make any more mistakes!! I will win, Rusher!! And not because I am perfect but because I am a flawed human with friends on my back to catch me when my flaws catch up to me and push me to the ground!!” Those words got Rusher angry.

“Flaws...Do you actually believe that a flawed human as yourself can defeat me...The perfect super soldier!!?” Using his speed Rusher cleave upwards.

“Don’t make me laugh!!” Richard had to dodge but then look toward the direction that the attack was going.

“Alice!!”

“Hyaahhhh!!!” Alice could feel the strong wind from the attack. If those winds touch her...it will be a gory result just like the clone Richard created with his Magical class. However, this didn’t happen because…

“Are you okay?” The brown-haired got there in time. The same couldn’t be said of the platform she was standing as it just became hundreds of rock pebbles that fell to the sandy ground below.

“Y-Yeah.” The boy had to react fast dodging another tornado attack from Rusher.

Alice felt the wind blowing from the speed of the boy carrying her in his arm trying to dodge what could be an instant kill.

“This is kind of a problem.” The brown-haired boy said as he ponders if he uses the legendary piece that he took from Rusher. Still...things are going according to the strategy at this rate...he will be able to…

Rusher has been remembering the last time he got this irritated by an opponent.

(‘That time…’)

()

[December 8th, 2036 11:26 A.M.]

This was it. The day that will determine if they achieved their goal.

The blue-haired is not going to lie he was getting excited. Why was that? Maybe it is because he wants stronger challenges in order to prove that he was the right choice. It could also be because he wants to become the first-ever super soldier that has survived this project all the way to the end and beyond. He will be a no pun intended perfect example of how to become a super-soldier. The perfect super soldier...just a few minutes away from achieving it.

“Rusher...I will ask you again. Are you sure you are ready? There will be no going back from these once the test starts.”

“Yeah, I am as ready as I ever been. I have something to prove here too you know!” That’s right, he has something to prove. That is to shove it to that smarty little brat!! Even if she is the daughter of the doctor that runs this project, she will learn to show him some respect after this is set and done!!

“Alright…We’re commencing Level 9 in 10 seconds...and Rusher…”

“Hmm?”

“Good Luck...you will need it.” Those were the final words of Dr. Rowan.

“Rusher...this will be the ultimate test...make P.E.P.A. proud.” He intends too.

“I will Commander Knight.” With that said the conversation was over and the door slide opened.

So who…

*Slash*

Rusher looked at his shoulder to see a large cut and his blood splattered on the floor. It was so fast...how did he not notice?! He looks behind him Three robots...they were human...just like…

(‘Failed subject...clones.’) Failed subject...clones...he noticed something...that aura! Their faces it was all coming back to him. These Cyborgs...they were exactly like the soldier he saw the first time he saw the chamber. They had spinning blades on their arms and they were all having that creepy smile on them.

‘Join...us…’ they can talk!!

‘M.I.S.T.’

‘Join The M.I.S.T.’ Tch!! No time to be distracted. He has to adapt!! He comes this far he will not lose!! He will become the perfect super soldier!!

“Heh, this is what I have been waiting for all this time!! Bring it you freaks! I will not fail like you miserable bunch!!!” They just creepily chuckle before they disappear.

Adapt, Improvise...Overcome...and most important Survive!! Four words that have been put on the mindset of every P.E.P.A. soldier since the day they join the elite group.

The blue-haired soldier closes his eyes.

“He is using it, right now?!” Were the words of the orange-haired doctor as his short black-haired commander simply looked at the fight. So he is not playing around...no surprise. He cannot show mercy to the enemy, especially one that has the same M.I.S.T. as him.

“The real battle starts now.”

Rusher closes his eyes as all three of the human M.I.S.T. induced Cyborgs charged at him in 3 different directions. He vanishes making them all missed their blades. There was another factor to it too...the legendary piece that Rusher held took effect without the blue-haired male noticing.

“He vanished?” Commander Knights were observant...Rusher didn’t improve his speed...no something happened. Oh...so that’s it? The legendary piece...was listening to his desire. Yes, he would not win even with the M.I.S.T., or the chances of doing so were slim. But if the legendary piece is starting to respond to Rusher even if the blue-haired soldier is not noticing...then this test is already been decided.

“…”

La Estrella Del Leopardo was responding to the desire of Rusher. So much that another legendary piece was glowing on the other side of The Area. A legendary piece that an orange-haired young girl was holding.

“Interesting…” She wonders if what is causing this is…

Back to the battlefield chamber. Rusher takes advantage of the confusion and punches a hole through one of them with his fist and in succession Kick the head clean off the same cyborg. So they can bleed the color of human blood? He shouldn’t be surprised.

“Who is next!?” The two other cyborgs hesitate for a second before they charge at him. Humph, they are so slow...he can just pass them and take their arms off if he wants too. Unknown to the blue-haired male this was due to the legendary piece adding him. Him seeing the cyborgs moving at a slow pace was all because of La Estrella Del Leopardo.

Rusher did take the spiral’s from one of them and then used it as a weapon to slice the armless cyborg in half. Only one remains. Unfortunately for Rusher...his time was running out. His blindness and being unnoticeable to it will ultimately...end him get killed.

“You are not going anywhere!” He said to the last one who tries to escape. Fear...this thing was afraid of him!! This is it!! He can do this!! He dodged a desperate attack before he catches the last Cyborg.

“You’re done!!”

Commander Knights noticed something…

“…” The Commander noticed the M.I.S.T. it was…

“That’s enough...cancel the test.”

“What?!”

“Do as he says.” Dr. Rowan noticed it too. Rusher...despite winning this battle...he has failed.

“I am going in.” Knights told Rowan and he nodded if anyone can get that man back to his senses it is Knights himself.

“You're done!!” He cut the spinning blade left arm of the cyborg. Yes, Cry in pain and fear!!

(‘Show him...fear…’) That was the M.I.S.T. agreeing with him. However, that was just a diversion as it started to consume Rusher slowly. The torture would've continued if it weren’t for one man.

“That’s enough, you have proven your point.” Commander Knight said strictly to Rusher.

“Is not done!! I haven’t finished him up!!”

“No...even if you finish him off...you still fail.” Fail?! Is his commander nuts!!? He has won!! He has passed!! He has shown that brat that he can defeat anyone...He is perfect…!

“What do you mean?! DO YOU NOT SEE THE SITUATION!!?”

“I am...but do you see the results of this situation.”

“I can see it clearly!!”

“Do you?” Commander Knight asked again...Tch no point in letting him know with words because he ignored him again.

“Fine...You want to know why you fail?”

“YES, WHY DO YOU THINK I DID?! I HAVE…!” That’s when Rusher’s heart sank. Commander Knight showed him why he has failed.

How did he not notice it right away?! His arm...it was halfway gone!! The M.I.S.T. it has…

“AH!! AH!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!”

()

“So you three are all going there.”

“If you say he’s heading that way then yes.” Answered Troy to Leos Kishima.

“...I see...well, I am not going to stop you from doing anything reckless.”

“Do not worry President Kishima, we’ll make sure he doesn’t,” Diane told the President of Omega Corp. The two partners of the private eye will not let that man do something stupid. If LeDutch target is Japan itself...then they must intercept somehow the terrorist’s target. Besides...Their male partner has unfinished business with LeDutch. Yes, this was personal.

“Well, if you say so, I guess we can let them be Leos!” The father of Richard said. Ayane wasn’t surprised about Xino’s response. He was not the type to think before speaking.

“Sometimes…”

“Hmm? You say something Ayane?!”

“...Nothing…” That answered puts 3 question marks on the top of the brown-haired adult before he shrugs.

“Alright, then. I would like to join up but...I kind of have a company to run.” Leos said...Troy calls BS on that. Nevertheless, he wasn’t going to goat him to come...they would be here all day and it will be a waste of time. This man might seem to portray himself as a naive, lay-back man...but that could not be far from the truth. He is one of the most intelligent people on this planet and someone who no one wants to become an enemy off. There are maybe 5 people that he will not be able to solve. Two of them are present here: Xino Kurosagi The Enigma of Paris, and Leos Kishima The smart and cunning President of Omega Corp. Xino is someone who no matter how he tr to dig on he will always be a mystery as he finds ways to create doors of endless clues that could lead nowhere or can lead somewhere. And even if it leads somewhere it will not be enough to reveal what that man will be currently thinking of doing. He is Leos's best anti-virus next to Ayame Hishikawa for a reason after all. As for Leos...he always finds a way to solve problems with a simple line of words. Very calculating individual. Perhaps it has something to do with the legendary piece he posses. When you have your fate in the palm of your hands, I guess there is no opening that you can leave for anyone to exploit nor enter.

“Bon Chagrin.” Said Troy as he finally could take one of his cigarette and light it up to take a puff of it. Sometimes Inès can be quite a pain. He just wanted to have one smoke...what is it a big deal to her?! He’ll be fine…

“Can we believe The President, Troy? I mean he can be…”

“Such a mystery Sherri? Well, he is the president of the biggest virtual gaming company in the world. So I kind of understand his carefulness.” Ah!! He misses this sensation for the last 6 hours he was in there.

“We still don’t know the specific place he will be or when will he be in close proximity of Japan.” Noted Diane.

“That may be true. However, we at least have an advantage or at the very least are on the same track as Red. We’re also 1 step closer into closing this case.” Diane cannot argue with that. It seems that having The president and the father of the current Omega Singles Division Champion on their side balance the fact that Red has his superior and the rest of Majestic 12 with him. She is another one of the people Troy cannot figure out. She can sometimes be very unpredictable in her decisions. Quite smart too...perhaps the smartest person currently living on Earth and she doesn’t have a legendary piece herself. However, she is just as stuck as he is with Xino Kurosagi and Leos Kishima in figuring them out. Albeit he bets she is closer to solving what they’re thinking than he is. Just like a real A.I. curious about what info she can extract from everyone. The Human A.I. SAIA. Superior Artificial Intelligent Angel a fitting anagram name for such a genius girl.

()

Obelisks were becoming more of a desert on every attack Rusher unleashed with his Tornado blade. The brown-haired didn’t have a good time to put his red-haired childhood friend that he is holding in his arm out of harms way so he can finish this fight once and for all...he has figured out the pattern of his opponent thanks in a majority of taking his legendary piece out of the blue-haired leader of LeGrace’s grasp. Just one thing to do...he wonders if he has enough Capacity Power to overcome any attack that Rusher would unleash on him.

‘Warning’ The boy dodged the whirlwind and it destroys one of the eagle Obelisks.

“Richard.”

“Don’t worry...This fight will be over soon and then...we can go home.”

“...Hn.” The red-haired nodded. She believes in her childhood friend. It seems the legendary pieces are with him on this too with their intense glowing.

Using his speed Richard flew until he vanishes and re-appears above Rusher and kicks him hard toward the sand making a huge splash of sand to be lifted. The boy took this opportunity to reach a new platform before putting the girl down.

“That should give us time.” He looks to the red-haired girl before handing her legendary piece and the pole that he was carrying on his waist tied up.

“Er...I kind of didn’t know how to keep your weapon since I don’t wield two scabbards so…”

“Oh, no is okay!!” Replied the red-haired.

“...Richard…”

“I don’t have an answer, right now.”

“Eh?”

“Can you please wait a little longer...I-I need to think about everything.” Is he talking about...? So...he actually...

“Since when?”

“Hmm? Do you mean about knowing? About a few days before the Omega Representation Tournament...maybe even sooner than that. You have done a lot of things for me. Cheering me from the sidelines, encouraging me to never give up resulting in me finding different patterns to win. But I’m not very good at telling people right away what I feel at the moment. Aeris is no different.” Aeris? Did she tell him?! AWWW!!! She is 1 step further than her!!!

“It is why I need time to think...So can you wait until I make a decision?” Wait until...Alice smiled...She may have a chance after all. But now she is competing with her pink-haired childhood friend. That will not be an easy task...However, She has waited almost 10 years...another 1 or 2 will not hurt.

“Yes.” The boy looked at the sweet adorable smile his childhood friend gave him.

“I waited almost 10 years to hear that. I will wait as much as you need.” She is so...That put the boy at ease. He handed the legendary piece and pole to her before turning around.

“Thanks...I promise...it will not take very long to decide. I just need to be ready when the time comes.” Richard told Alice. The brown-haired boy has always been careful about these types of topics. He feels like this would distract him from reaching his goals. But...he cannot ignore it forever. And now that he knows how his 2 childhood friends feel...He has to make sure that he makes the right decision and not regret it when he chooses between his pink-haired angelic childhood friend or the red-haired priestess behind him.

Rusher shook his head before he saw someone landing a few meters from him.

“Let’s end this Rusher. The next attack will decide it all.” The next attack? Oh, so he is going all out.

“Fine…” Rusher said before gliding up 10 meters into the sky.

Richard had to shield his eyes because of the soon before clouds shade his vision.

Rusher’s hand transformed again. From the blade into a thinner arm cannon. This one had only 1 barrel but it had 1 huge container. There were six wings on the arm cannon. Two of them who were diamond colored at 7 meters long who was on the far back, 2 of them that were golden that was 5 meters long in the middle and the last two silver that was 3 meters long. The barrel was a black panther whose mouth was so wide open that it feels like the panther’s jaw was dislocated.

“I must thank you...I usually will not use this attack on the real world...a single shot from this I am confident that will reach and obliterate our Earth’s core. But we don’t have to worry about this landing on the ground now do we?” The blue-haired told Richard. The brown-haired teen knows that Rusher wasn’t lying. After all the attacks he has shown...he will not be surprised if this attack is a Saturn planetary level of devastation attack or higher. If that is the case…

“If you are going with that I guess I will just have to unleash what is left of me in this one attack and match or even surpass you in that ante.” Richard’s Kris Dagger glowed intensively while sparks of blue lightning crackled from the tip of the blade to the bottom of the pommel.

“Humph!” The wings each slowly gathered dust off each of the colors: Diamond, Gold, & Silver and transmitted the dust to the container which converted into energy. The sound it made was that of an engine from a power plant. The barrel roared like a panther before opening its mouth slowly as the light was beginning to gather in the center.

“Cannon Final: Panthère chaotique.” The blue-haired adult unleashed a beam so huge that it could cover 8 people with it if they were all line in a horizontal line.

Richard closed his eyes. No sound was emitting from his surroundings. However, he heard a voice.

(‘I shall help you...help you awake my master from his blind ambitious revenge.’) Was that the voice of the legendary piece La Estrella Del Leopardo. Hmm, such a mature feminine voice. It seems that the legendary pieces can communicate with their owners or other owners if the said owner refuses to communicate with them or does not have any knowledge. Although, he had no idea that La Estrella Del Leopardo could talk...then again his legendary piece has a dragon and the first Omega inside so…!!

“Okay!!” Gripping hard on his Kris Dagger Richard unleashed his most powerful attack.

“White Dragon Strike Fang Cross!!” Unleashing two slashes the two smaller white lines went toward the huge blast that was coming down. As it approaches closer to the blast the lines expanded slowly until it was almost the same side as the blast before it collides with it.

The force of both attack colliding created strong gusts of wind that forced Alice to hold on for dear life on the platform. She saw something in the distance and then use her pole.

“EXTEND!!” the pole split and extended until it reached it. It was a pillar with this she will not be blown to heavens knows where from the strong winds as her chain pole ties itself around the pillar. It was lucky for her as the platform cave in and broke.

“Hungh!!” The girl grunted as she held for dear life. Her legendary piece glowed very brightly as it illuminated the sky of Obelisks.

()

Meanwhile, on different parts, the owner of the legendary pieces glowed.

“What is this?” Kula said as she saw her legendary piece glow.

“Richard…” murmured Aeris...she was resting. Using her life force to slightly heal Kula so she could survive took a toll on her so she decides to take a short rest to recover her Capacity Power.

(‘Heh...do you need have to call us every-time Kurosagi?’)

(‘It seems that Kurosagi is calling us.’) Those were the words of Rubik and Warren.

“Kurosagi…” She must be talking about Richard Kurosagi. But why would he be calling upon her legendary…

(‘The Kurosagi I am speaking is not the current owner.’) Huh?!

“What do you mean?!”

(‘Inside The Diamond Dragonite resides not only Omega-lo but...the 1st Kurosagi that held the Diamond Dragonite.’) The First...The original Kurosagi was inside the Diamond Dragonite?! How did that happen?!

“...Interesting...although logically speaking...that makes no sense at all.” Kula said. Logic will tell you this for sure but...there is no logic when it comes to sentient legendary artifacts.

()

“Genre your legendary piece!”

“…”

“I assume my idiot of a rival is doing something to show off. Humph!”

Genre just looks at her legendary piece glowing intensively.

“Let’s wait a few seconds.” Genre told the boys. Frederick understood. She must be low on Capacity Power. Healing him and their now-deceased opponent must have taken a toll on her. Plus, her injuries are not fully healed yet.

“Humph!” Harry didn’t like it at the very least. Nevertheless, he stood his ground. He can wait a few seconds before finding Richard Kurosagi. Once he does and they get out of here using the escaped room’s pods they can settle the score of who is the stronger of the two.

()

Emuna’s legendary piece glowed making the white-haired small teen notice the intensity of it.

“Master?”

“Oh...Sorry...It seems...someone has reached me finally.” Said Emuna to her doll.

The person which she was speaking was her legendary piece. A 40meter doll with a blue dress and a skirt. The doll holds a fan that hides its face while its hair was tied in a braid and was colored brown. Its eyes unlike her dolls had life in them and were ocean blue. She sat on a royal golden chair with a diamond and emerald decorations around the arms of the chair. Behind her is a coffin 45 meters long. She assumed that is the coffin that the doll was sleeping until now.

(‘Kurosagi is calling...Master, I am glad we finally can speak.’) Said the doll in a female voice.

(‘That is right...we finally able to speak properly.’) Another one this time had a strong male voice. He was 50 meters tall towering the female doll. Dress in samurai armor. The dõ a silver plate with a diamond in the center, the kusazuri was clad in emerald stones that radiated energy on the haidate. The tateage was rusty while the sineate looked new both of them iron. He wore kogake that looked like sandals perhaps one of the few openings it has if you were to attack this behemoth of a doll. The kote silver with a ruby in it every 2 meters apart from the 18-meter large kote. Sode clad with spikes and as silver as it could be. The Gauntlets or tekkõ was rusty and brownish. He didn’t wear a helmet so his black short hair was shown and his red eyes as red as the blood pierce through anything that stared at them. A coffin 55 meters long resides on his right. These were the legendary piece The Coffin of the Soulless manifestations. Meiyo & Royale.

“What the?!”

“Ahh!!”

“Stop...Gah!!” What is…!?

“Master…”

“Be ready Magdalene,” Emuna said. She was very careful about this situation. From what she was hearing someone was taking the soldiers down 1 by one. However, this could be a facade to let them get their guard down.

5 minutes passed, 10, 15...on the 20th minute the door slide open. The Dolls took the weapons and all aimed at the target.

“WHOA!! WHOA!! HOLD YOUR MOUTH LASERS, LADIES!!” It was Sexan Arifer and behind him was Adel.

“Adel. Sexan.”

“Sexan’s piece was reacting so we assumed that one of us was nearby. We never assumed it would be you, but we are glad that you were.” She is looking at their tattered clothes. Sexan wasn’t wearing a top while Adel’s armor could see better days but...they seemed to be fine. They must have waited inside Omega so their wounds would be healed and their Capacity Power recovered quicker.

“I see.” That still will not explain how she can now communicate with her legendary piece. If they’re telling her that Kurosagi is calling them. That means that inside Richard Kurosagi’s legendary piece resides…

“How did you managed to get here without getting jumped by soldiers.”

“We kind of had to get through a lot of them…”

“You didn’t…”

“Oh! We found someone who can help us get out of here!” Sexan said remembering the person they met before coming here to clear the soldiers. It was very convenient that they found this person...although, she was drag by a crowd of soldiers along her way to the escape pods that she told them were here. Good, because they had no idea how they were going to get out of here. Using Hyperlinking is risky and could put them in a vulnerable state.

“Hey! Come here! Is safe in here!” Sexan yelled to the person. This was a girl, she seemed very young like 19 years old with long mint hair dressed in all white. She wore glasses on her gray eyes and she seemed like the meek type.

“H-Hello.” Said the girl. She was not a soldier, nor a fighter. She was just an ordinary researcher. One of many in this facility. She was just interested in the machinery that The Armageddon had. Such big gears...the arsenals...The Engine!!!!

“Gwehehehe!!”

“Er, are you alright?” Sexan sweat-dropped as he saw the girl with a giggling while breathing hard.

Emuna takes back the meek type comment...she must be a loving freak of some sort. She has met some on the anime cons once when she went with Linnet. Hmm...she wonders if there is something that fascinates her here. Usually is some sort of new thing.

“Ahem...I’m sorry I sometimes get in too deep thoughts.”

“Do not worry about it. I have one question. Where is the escape room?” Oh!!

“Oh is simple...we’re not too far from here.”

“Great!! Can you guide us there!?” Sexan was happy...they can finally get out of here without wasting their Capacity Power!!

“Hold the excitement for a moment Arifer. We still need to find the group.” Adel calmly said but even she was relieved that this girl knew the whereabouts of the escape room.

“Luckily, Leos was one step ahead of us it seems.”

“Emuna?”

“Our President made sure if we were to be separated that our D.O.B.I. has a tracker that we can use to locate everyone who owns them. It even has an advance search so we can find specifics D.O.B.I. and not wander around forever. Although, I doubt we will find other people with these here.” She does have a point they are in the middle of oceanic nowhere in a sense. The only way they can find a person is if they were flying above them. And who would risk flying in the middle of the triangle with all those rumors of missing ships and aircraft?!

“Alright, so all we have to do is use these trackers, find everyone, and then she can guide us to the escape room, correct?”

“That’s the plan Sexan Arifer.”

“Alright!! Let’s not waste time then!!” Sexan said. Their leader should have already retrieved Alice from LeGrace and could be hiding. Defeating Rusher would be nearly impossible so the only thing their brown-haired leader could do is have hit a surprise attack and taken Alice with his speed and high tailed out of there. It sounds cowardly but...they were not here to fight LeGrace, to begin with. They were here for the sole purpose of rescuing a friend and then coming back home safe and in one whole piece.

()

Back to the fight, the struggle between the two warriors continues…

“Grrr!!” Richard grunted struggling to get control of the situation. That attack is stronger than he anticipated.

“Hrr!!” Rusher has to admit, this is a very strong attack. However, it seems he has a slight advantage. Is over!!

“This is the end! RICHARD KUROSAGI!!!” The blue-haired leader of LeGrace unleashes most of his strength gaining more advantage.

“Damn It.” The brown-haired teen is starting to lose this power struggle. If only he can get a little more Capacity Power.

(‘I’ll Help…’) Said La Estrella Del Leopardo. A lilac-haired woman with crystal ice eyes appeared behind Richard Kurosagi. Her body was very mature, J-Cup size breast, around 5’10 but a very slim slender body. She was dressed in a black kimono with a fir tree on each side along with Calla Lilies surrounding it. She was holding a staff with a white Zinnia flower on the top that was closed. The white Zinnia sprouted until it became a huge flower and from it, dust appeared and entered the brown-haired teen.

Richard felt his energy increasing...Is the legendary piece giving him her strength?! Alright!! With this, he can win he just needs to give it his all!!!

The boy stepped back a little while his Kris Dagger grew 5 times its size and with a mighty swing the boy shouted...!!

“WHITE DRAGON STRIKE FANG MAX!!!!” Richard swung his sword and an 8-meter white line appeared uniting with the two smaller cross lines that were battling the large beam. The attack was so strong and so devastating that it cut through the blast but also…

“Agh...I-Impossible.” Cut Rusher in half. However, that was not all there was something else that it did.

“W-What is…” Richard saw it a huge white line was in the sky and inside it, there was something in the dark that the slash had opened. Red eyes...black wings...tail...it was looking at him...was that...a dragon…

*Shriek*

With a strong screech, the winds of the desert were stronger than the winds that Rusher’s Tornado attack emitted. Although the dragon screeched it did not come out and soon the slash...slowly closed...but the boy will not forget the day...that he saw...a real live dragon...and something tells him...This will not be the last.