In a place with a cosmic and ethereal atmosphere chaos reigned as corpses were found on the ground, flames arising, the scent of blood filling the air and screams of terror and agony resounding across the area. "I thought the Gods were going to be more entertaining but they were much weaker than they were not even as fulfilling as an appetizer." Said a figure in shrouded in mystery. "I guess I'll just consume your world and be done with it." It said as a young girl seized the opportunity to escape. "Seems an insect was just squirming around." Said the figure.
Back in Turbena village, a month after the Vartos Lucius Drankein event, "Are you sure of what you're saying.", "Yes there is no doubt in my mind that Ace truly has forgotten everything and he no longer possesses an ounce of mana within him. It is not a case of mana depletion or else it would regenerate in time but even that is not happening. In addition to his memories, he also seems to have lost his magical abilities. I don't know what he experienced that put him in that state but there is no way to reverse it." Said the local cleric of the village who responded to Chris's and Ellie's question.
During that time Ace was with Shaw and Isabella, "Okay then what about that time mom grounded us for being late to dinner because were playing in the forest?" asked Shaw, "Sorry Shaw but I really can't recall anything." answered Ace. "I know you're trying your best Shaw but rushing it won't do much good." Said Isabella, "Just let him continue, Isabella. I quite enjoy it. Seems I really have lived quite a few interesting moments before I lost my memories. Well enough about. Just continue telling me everything you can about the old me." He said.
As they continued, the two of them told Ace everything they could about his life. Time passed and they went back home. "Sorry seems that I really am causing you trouble, huh?" said Ace. "Well it wouldn't be the first time. You've always been the kind to act first and think later without thinking about the consequences." Said Isabella, "Sorry" he said while Isabella shook her head "It's alright whether you remember me or not I'll always love you Ace." She said as gently took his hand, harboring a smile and then kissed him.
"Even if you say that Iza, I still am sorry." He added. "You said it, you said <
As she finally exited the forest, wolf-like monsters were right behind her, pursuing her. "DUCK DOWN!" screamed a voice in the distance. "Beast Flare." It stated as a burning fire blast attacked the creatures. It was Shaw who appeared. "Big bro, Big sis Iza, here!" He yelled. "Well aren't you a nuisance. If you leave right now I promise not to attack you. How 'bout it kid?" said the figure revealing a woman with a rebellious attire and appearance. "If you get in my way I won't hesitate to kill you." She said
"Run! You won't be able to face her." Said the young girl. "Mom and Dad always taught me to help others and I know big bro wouldn't just give up." He responded. "For the last time kid, step away from the girl. There won't be a third time." Said the mysterious woman as Shaw pulled out his tongue in disrespect. "In that case die." She responded as she released a black magical attack , "Avaritia" she stated raising her hand. "Ice Bastion" stated Isabella as an barrier appeared protecting Shaw.
"She's strong. Spirit Assimilation, Ice Valkyrie" she stated as she transformed in her assimilation form. "Great another pest." Said the mysterious woman. "Ace, take the girl and run. We'll hold her off while you get help." Said Isabella as Ace responded okay. He grabbed the girl and started running carrying her. "Beast Integration, Savage Bane" stated Shaw as he transformed into a beastkin-like appearance and his body taking a flame-like reddish-orange humanoid form. "Hmm, you think you can hold me off. If that's case then show me your mettle. Avaritia Serpentine." Stated the mysterious woman as black mana snakes appeared and attacked the duo.
During that time Ace was still running. "I need to hurry and get help. I don't know why but I've got a bad feeling about this." He thought as a sudden unclear sound spurred in his mind, "Ge…g…ng…." as he heard it, he felt his heart pounding and as he continued to run it became stronger and clearer. And at that moment, "AAAAH!!!" screamed Isabella and Shaw landed near him after being thrown back by their opponent. As he lost his footing and got back up, he saw Isabella and Shaw who were injured. "Just escape and leave me be. She was after me from the beginning, you can take your friends and go." Said the young girl they were trying to rescue.
"And you really think I would let them leave. The moment they decided to interfere their fates were sealed." Said the woman as she appeared and the young girl's face was filled with despair. "I can't do anything. There's no way to beat this person. Is this really how it ends? I just can't accept it. Seriously old me, I don't remember what you, what we did but if it means we lose like this then we were total idiots." thought Ace as he frustrated over the situation they were in and his past actions.
"Get..y..g…ng…., Get your head…ga.., GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME AND START FIGHTING, YOU IDIOT!" said the same voice spurring in his head, Ryu's voice. "Time to die, you mongrels." Said the woman as she prepared to eliminate them with her spell, "Avaritia Apo…" she started as Ace kicked her with a powerful kick. "AARGH! Bastard how did you….huh?" she said as she witnessed Ace who had a glowing emblem on his right hand. As he straightened his arm he stated, "Ouroboros Overwrite, DRAGON'S GAUNTLET!" as a gauntlet appeared on his arm, "Sword Shift" he stated as the gauntlet turned into a sword.
"Blade Battle Arts, Izanami <
"I-i-impossble." She said as she fell on the ground. "I can't believe it. He defeated her in a single attack. But that power it is neither mana nor divine. What kind of power is that?" said the young girl who witnessed the battle. "Iza, lil'bro, how are you doing?" asked Ace as he went to check on them, "I am fine while you were fighting her, I used my magic to heal myself." Answered Isabella. "Good. Sorry to ask but also heal Shaw, I'll check on the girl." Said Ace, "No problem at all." Responded Isabella. A few instants later, "Thanks Isabella." Said Shaw, "Seems like everyone is fine we should head back at the village. We'll also take this girl with us." Said Ace as the other two nodded in agreement.
At that moment, a violent earthquake started. "They have arrived. Despair humans, for your doom has arrived. May Yggdrasil consume and devour you all, HAHHAHAHA!" said the mysterious woman as a strange orb-like mass appeared in the sky. Seeing it Ace screamed, "Quick take cover!" as he shouted out those words, the orb exploded engulfing them in blinding light which continued to expand endlessly, covering the village, kingdom until only blurs can be seen. As Ace opened his eyes, "Iza, Shaw, where are you?" , "Here!" they responded at the same time. With them, was the young girl they had rescued. "Where are we?" asked Isabella, "I don't know either. After that light blinded us, the next scenery I saw as I opened my eyes was this one." Answered Ace. Having arrived in an unfamiliar place the group decided to scout the area while not knowing the future that awaited them.