The group moved towards the Fantasy Tree, seeing Mason and his Assassin standing with a few more of Charlemagne's knights: Anseis, Ivoire, Gerier, and a female knight, Engelier.
Charlemagne stepped forward, his voice commanding. "Step back. Chaldea has won, and we will be destroying this Fantasy Tree."
Mason smirked. "So the king decided to betray his people."
Suddenly, blood splattered as Charlemagne was impaled by a sword. He gasped, turning his head to see Mason's Assassin withdrawing the blade. The assassin jumped back to Mason as Ritsuka rushed to Charlemagne, healing him with Sun Magecraft. None of Mason's knights moved to help; to them, Charlemagne had betrayed their cause.
Mason laughed maniacally. "Hahahahahaha! You think you can trust me, Charlemagne? You think I'm on your side?"
Ritsuka's eyes widened. "Your servant... Assassin... his name is Jack the Ripper."
Mason grinned. "Correct. I wanted to summon Jack the Ripper, but I got something else."
Jack the Ripper emerged from Ritsuka's mind, looking confused. "Then what is your class?"
The Assassin smirked. "No, I'm not a Saber."
Ritsuka guessed. "Archer? Lancer? Berserker?"
Mason laughed again. "None of the main seven classes. He is a Pretender."
Ritsuka's eyes narrowed. "A Pretender? Then who are you, really?"
The Pretender Assassin stepped forward, a sinister smile on his face. "I am not just Jack the Ripper. I am a manifestation of deception and trickery, a Pretender who takes on the guise of others. You see, I embody the chaos and fear that Jack the Ripper instilled in his time."
Mason nodded. "He is the ultimate tool of confusion and deceit, perfect for disrupting any opposition. And now, with Charlemagne weakened, we will ensure this Lostbelt remains intact."
Charlemagne struggled to stand, leaning on Ritsuka for support. "You... won't succeed. Chaldea will stop you."
Ritsuka helped Charlemagne up, his resolve firm. "We need to destroy the Fantasy Tree, now more than ever."
Mash, still recovering from her battle, stood by Ritsuka's side. "We won't let them win."
Kadoc and Ophelia, transformed into their Infinite Ice and Break Drive forms, readied themselves for the next battle. "We'll take down Mason and his Assassin," Kadoc said, determination in his voice.
The battlefield was set, tension thick in the air. Ritsuka, Mash, Charlemagne, and their allies faced off against Mason, his Assassin, and the remaining knights. The fate of the Lostbelt hung in the balance.
Ritsuka summoned his Umbral Summons, his shadow army ready to fight. "Let's end this."
Charlemagne, despite his injuries, gripped his sword tightly. "For the future of proper human history."
The two forces clashed, a cacophony of steel and magic echoing through the air. Ritsuka's shadow soldiers engaged Mason's knights, while Kadoc and Ophelia launched coordinated attacks on Mason's Assassin. Mash protected Charlemagne, deflecting blows with her shield.
Mason's Assassin moved with deadly precision, evading attacks and striking back with lethal force. "You can't stop us," he taunted.
But Ritsuka, fueled by determination and the support of his friends, pressed on. "We'll see about that."
As the battle raged, Ritsuka focused his Sun Magecraft, creating a massive burst of energy that illuminated the battlefield. "This ends now!"
With a final, powerful strike, Ritsuka's attack broke through Mason's defenses, hitting the Fantasy Tree directly. The tree began to crack and splinter, its energy dissipating.
Mason screamed in fury. "No! This can't be happening!"
Charlemagne, seeing the tree's destruction, smiled weakly. "You've done it, Ritsuka. You've saved our world."
As the Fantasy Tree crumbled, the Lostbelt began to dissolve, reality reasserting itself. Mason and his Assassin vanished into the void, their plans thwarted.
Ritsuka, Mash, and their allies stood victorious, the remnants of the Lostbelt fading away. "We did it," Mash said, relief in her voice.
Charlemagne nodded, his strength waning. "Thank you, Chaldea. You've restored the proper course of history."
Ritsuka looked at his friends, pride and gratitude in his eyes. "This is just the beginning. We have more worlds to save."
With their mission complete, the group prepared to return to Chaldea, ready to face the challenges ahead and protect humanity's future.
The group then heard a laugh of insanity, and they saw Mason getting back up, next to him was the Pretender Jack. Both looked at the Chaldeans with twisted grins.
Kadoc glared at Mason. "Give up, you lost. And I know the Alien God didn't give any transformations to Team B, like she did with Team A."
Mason chuckled darkly. "Oh, I know that, Kadoc. But have you heard of the forgotten Magecraft? Fusion Craft, or Will Fusion Magecraft?"
Mason glanced at Pretender Jack, who extended his hand to him. Mason took Jack's hand, and a blinding light enveloped them both.
Ritsuka shielded his eyes. "What's happening?"
Mash tightened her grip on her shield. "We need to be ready for anything."
The light intensified, and Mason and Pretender Jack began to merge. Their forms twisted and combined in a grotesque display of magical energy. When the light finally subsided, a new entity stood before them, a fusion of Mason and Pretender Jack.
The new entity, a grotesque blend of both figures, emanated a dark and powerful aura. "You see," the fusion spoke, its voice a chilling mix of both Mason and Jack, "Fusion Craft allows us to combine our strengths and abilities, becoming something far more powerful than you can imagine."
Ritsuka clenched his fists. "We won't let you get away with this!"
Charlemagne, despite his injuries, stood beside Ritsuka. "This isn't over yet."
The fusion entity laughed. "Oh, it's far from over. Let's see how you handle our new power!"
With a swift motion, the fusion entity launched a barrage of dark energy at the group. Ritsuka and his companions dodged, retaliating with their own attacks.
Kadoc and Ophelia, in their transformed states, unleashed their ice and fire attacks. "We have to take him down together!" Ophelia shouted.
Ritsuka nodded, summoning his Umbral Summons once more. The shadow soldiers charged at the fusion entity, engaging it in a fierce battle.
Mash, her shield at the ready, charged forward, blocking an incoming attack and creating an opening for Ritsuka. "Now, Ritsuka!"
Ritsuka seized the opportunity, using his Sun Magecraft to channel a concentrated beam of energy at the fusion entity. The beam struck true, causing the fusion to stagger.
Charlemagne followed up with a powerful sword strike, his blade glowing with magical energy. "For the future of our world!"
The fusion entity roared in pain, but it quickly recovered, launching another wave of dark energy. The group braced themselves, their determination unwavering.
As the battle raged on, Ritsuka noticed something. "The fusion... it's unstable. If we can keep pressuring it, we might be able to force it to separate!"
Mash nodded. "Understood! Everyone, focus your attacks on breaking their fusion!"
The group redoubled their efforts, attacking with everything they had. Kadoc and Ophelia combined their ice and fire powers, creating a devastating elemental assault. Ritsuka and Mash coordinated their strikes, exploiting every weakness they could find.
The fusion entity began to show signs of strain, its form flickering and distorting. "No... this can't be!" it screamed.
Ritsuka channeled all his remaining energy into one final attack, a blazing beam of Sun Magecraft. "This ends now!"
The beam struck the fusion entity, causing it to convulse violently. With a final, desperate scream, the fusion split apart, Mason and Pretender Jack collapsing to the ground, both severely weakened.
Charlemagne, his strength nearly gone, approached Mason. "It's over."
Mason looked up, a defeated expression on his face. "You... you may have won this battle, but the war is far from over."
Ritsuka, Mash, and their allies stood victorious, but they knew this was just one step in their ongoing fight. "We'll be ready," Ritsuka said, determination in his voice.
With Mason and Pretender Jack defeated, the group turned their attention back to the Fantasy Tree. It was time to destroy it once and for all, ensuring that this Lostbelt would never threaten proper human history again.
The group stared at the Fantasy Tree, uncertain how to proceed. They had thought defeating Mason and Pretender Jack would be enough, but the tree still stood, its malevolent presence looming over them.
Ritsuka, feeling a strange compulsion, suddenly began to speak words that formed in his mind. "To the will of the universe, to the protector of everything, to I who am his champion, I say to them all, give me the strength so I may summon the sword of the universe."
Everyone watched in astonishment as the world around them shifted to shades of gray. A bright light emanated from the gem in Ritsuka's arm, causing the ground to crack and tremble. As the light intensified, a sword of pure, radiant energy materialized in Ritsuka's hands.
The sword shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance, its very presence radiating immense power. Ritsuka, feeling a surge of strength and clarity, took a deep breath and swung the sword with all his might.
In an instant, the Fantasy Tree was cleaved in two by the blinding arc of light. The tree let out a final, haunting wail before it disintegrated into nothingness, its dark energy dissipating into the air.
As the sword's light faded, it returned to the gem in Ritsuka's arm, leaving him and everyone else in a state of bewilderment. Ritsuka lowered his arm, breathing heavily, as he tried to comprehend what had just happened.
Mash stepped forward, concern and amazement in her eyes. "Ritsuka, what was that? How did you know what to say?"
Ritsuka shook his head, still trying to process everything. "I... I don't know. It felt like the words just came to me, like something or someone guided me."
Charlemagne, who had been watching with a mix of awe and relief, approached. "Whatever it was, it worked. The Fantasy Tree is gone. You saved us all."
Ophelia and Kadoc, both still in their transformed states, nodded in agreement. "You did it, Ritsuka," Ophelia said, her voice filled with gratitude. "But we should figure out what that power was and why it chose you."
Ritsuka nodded, his mind racing with questions. "Yes, we need to understand this. But for now, we have a mission to complete. Let's regroup and make sure everyone is safe."
The group, still reeling from the extraordinary events, began to gather their bearings. Despite the confusion and uncertainty, they knew they had accomplished something incredible. They had not only defeated powerful foes but had also destroyed the Fantasy Tree, a pivotal victory in their quest to protect proper human history.
As they prepared to leave the now-cleared battlefield, Ritsuka couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious power he had wielded. He knew this was just the beginning, and that many challenges and discoveries awaited them in their ongoing journey. But for now, they had earned a moment of respite and triumph, a testament to their strength and unity.
After leaving the lostbelt, Ritsuka condensed the remnants into an orb, similar to Anastasia's Lostbelt, and sent it into space.
Kadoc watched the orb drift away. "So, Ritsuka, where exactly are those orbs going?"
Ritsuka glanced at the crystals fused into his arm. "Just like Anastasia's Lostbelt, it's searching for a suitable planet. Until it finds one, everything inside remains frozen in time."
Kadoc eyed the crystals. "These things are pretty impressive magical items."
They shared a brief laugh, then returned to the Shadow Border, ready to head to the third Lostbelt after a short respite.
Later that night, Mason woke up in an unfamiliar, white landscape. He looked around, finding no one until he spotted three figures approaching—Kirshtaria's Valkyries.
Mason recognized them immediately. "Let me guess, Kirshtaria sent you three to bring me to his Lostbelt."
Hildr stepped forward. "Yes, our beloved Kirshtaria wants us to bring you to our Lostbelt, but..."
All three Valkyries drew their spears. Mason staggered back, alarmed by their sudden hostility.
Ortlinde fixed her gaze on him. "He said to bring you back, whether alive or dead."
Mason's eyes widened. "Wait, I'm still alive!"
Thrúd responded, her voice cold. "Yes, but we saw how you betrayed Charlemagne. There's no guarantee you won't betray Kirshtaria as well. We can't let you leave."
Before Mason could react, the Valkyries struck with precision. His life ended swiftly, his betrayal sealed in silence.
The Valkyries returned to the Norse Lostbelt, where Kirshtaria awaited them. They ran to him, embracing him warmly, ready to weave the lie they had prepared.
Kirshtaria looked at his three Valkyries. "I see, so that happened. It's a shame; Mason could have been a great ally. It's unfortunate he had to die during his fight with Ritsuka."
The three Valkyries exchanged glances, relief washing over them as they saw their beloved master easily convinced by their lie. They maintained their composed expressions, happy that their deception had worked.
Hildr stepped forward, her voice steady. "Yes, Master Kirshtaria. Mason fought bravely, but in the end, he couldn't withstand Ritsuka's power."
Ortlinde added, "He was a formidable opponent, but his betrayal was his downfall."
Thrúd nodded in agreement. "We ensured that his sacrifice was not in vain, Master."
Kirshtaria sighed, looking contemplative. "We must be cautious moving forward. Ritsuka and his allies are proving to be more resilient than anticipated. We can't afford any more surprises."
The Valkyries nodded in unison, determined to protect their master and uphold his vision for the Lostbelt.
Meanwhile, back in the Shadow Border, Ritsuka and his team prepared for their next mission. The defeat of Charlemagne and Mason's betrayal of Charlemage weighed on their minds, but they knew they had to stay focused.
Ritsuka looked at his comrades, determination burning in his eyes. "We've faced tough battles before, and we'll face even tougher ones ahead. Let's stay strong and united. Our mission isn't over yet."
Mash nodded, her resolve unwavering. "We'll stand by you, Ritsuka. No matter what comes next, we'll face it together."
Kadoc and Ophelia exchanged glances, both ready to continue the fight. With a shared sense of purpose, the team readied themselves for the challenges of the third Lostbelt, knowing that their bond and determination would guide them through whatever lay ahead.
Ritsuka then looked at Kadoc. "Hey, Kadoc, how loyal are the Valkyries to Kirshtaria?"
Before Kadoc could respond, Anastasia stepped forward, her voice calm and composed. "I can answer that. Even though Kadoc didn't meet them since he was in my castle all day, I did encounter them. Their loyalty to Kirshtaria is unwavering."
Ritsuka raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How so?"
Anastasia continued, "The Valkyries are bound by their programming and their sense of duty. They were created to serve and protect their master without question. Kirshtaria's ideals resonate deeply with them, making their loyalty not just a matter of programming but also a personal conviction."
Mash, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "I've read about the Valkyries. They are warriors of unwavering resolve and dedication. If they see Kirshtaria as their rightful master, they would follow him to the ends of the world."
Kadoc added, "From what I know about Kirshtaria, he's charismatic and has a way of inspiring those around him. It's not surprising that the Valkyries would be completely devoted to him."
Ritsuka sighed, considering this new information. "We need to be careful then. If the Valkyries are that loyal, they'll do anything to protect Kirshtaria and his Lostbelt."
Anastasia looked at Ritsuka, her eyes serious. "That's correct. But remember, their loyalty is also their weakness. If we can find a way to make them question their master's ideals, even for a moment, it might give us the opening we need."
Ritsuka nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Right. We'll need to be strategic about this. Let's gather more intel and plan our next move carefully."
Anastasia then looked at Ritsuka. "Also, something tells me they are in love with Kirshtaria."
Kadoc raised an eyebrow, looking at his Avenger Servant and girlfriend. "What makes you say that?"
Anastasia smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "The same way I knew you would be my soulmate when you came to my Lostbelt, Kadoc."
Ritsuka glanced between the two, curious. "Love, huh? That complicates things."
Mash, ever the pragmatist, added, "Love can be a powerful motivator. It can make people do things they wouldn't normally do, even if it means going against their own principles."
Anastasia nodded. "Exactly. If the Valkyries' loyalty is not just out of duty but also out of love, it will be even harder to make them question Kirshtaria's ideals."
Kadoc looked thoughtful. "We need to tread carefully. If we can somehow show them that Kirshtaria's path isn't the best for them or for the world, we might be able to sway them."
Ritsuka agreed. "We'll need to find a way to reach their hearts. It's a risky strategy, but it might be our best shot."
With this new understanding, the group readied themselves for the challenges ahead. They knew that the third Lostbelt would test not only their strength and strategy but also their ability to connect with and understand their enemies on a deeper level.
As they moved forward, Ritsuka couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. Every step brought them closer to their goal, but also closer to the unknown. With his allies by his side and new revelations guiding their way, he steeled himself for the battles to come.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones