"So… This is your world, huh?" Tamamo said as she sniffed the air and looked around the city. After defeating the succubus trio, the veil around the city was lifted, and it looked like everything went back to normal, at least for now.
That blue-haired succubus still looked at Luka while gritting her teeth in frustration, her hand wiggling her fingers nonstop. The angel behind her looked around as well, not without keeping his distance from everyone else. Jotaro and Hakunen stayed side by side with Luka in the middle.
There was also this little white-haired one that he fought, but she was behaving for now, as she had taken as much of a beating as him.
"Yep, this is my world. You said your friends were lost, right?"
"Exactly," Tamamo replied, her tails swishing with agitation. "When those portals opened, we were separated for some reason. We are now aware that Granberia had disappeared into one of these so we decided to look for her."
"That green lizard, right? It's going to be easy to find her. It kind of stands out here."
The group walked through the city, their mismatched ensemble drawing curious stares from passersby. After some time, they reached Luka's office, and the sight that greeted them left them speechless. The room was still a disaster—papers scattered everywhere, broken furniture littering the floor. The lifeless forms of the White Rabbit and the dinosaur lay exactly where they were before he left.
"Damn," Morrigan muttered, her face twisting in disgust as she surveyed the destruction. "This is your workplace?"
Luka crossed his arms, glaring at her. "You're the one who trashed it."
"Oh right! That's the hole I made!" she pointed at the wall with a laugh.
Jotaro stepped forward and threw the bound Myusca on a wall nearby. A cloth had been put in her mouth to stop her from speaking and she was tightly tied up with a rope. The same had been done for Nemea.
Vinum sighed slightly upon seeing the two of them unconscious but she knew better than to say anything right now.
"So, first: let me contact Nina," Luka said, holding his hand over his earpiece that was thankfully still working after his fight with Vinum.
"I hear you well. We started looking for odd events with Promenstein but it seems everything is returning to normal for now."
"I'm not sure if that's a good thing…" Luka replied, muttering under his breath. He then glanced at the succubus trio. "I don't think you three are responsible for those portals, am I right?"
Vinum crossed her arms. "We're not. As much as I hate to say this, it's something beyond me."
"So we're in the dark, then." Tamamo sighed. "Those portals opened in our world too and I would appreciate it if we could resolve this matter quickly."
"Yeah! It's not like we already have enough problems as it is!" Morrigan chimed in angrily.
Luka took out a drawer from his desk and rummaged in it while listening to the complaints of the people gathered there. While they were all from different worlds, he was glad a common understanding could be found. Well… Except for those three of course. He also wanted to meet their Luka, since he figured he was their leader or some sort of hero in their world.
"There, found it." he picked up a small keycard from it and stored it away in his pocket. He then activated his earpiece once more. "Nina, we're heading out. I firmly believe there is a chance these guys at the Council of Sorceries know something."
Tamamo's ears perked up, and she tilted her head. "Council of Sorceries? What's that?"
Luka sighed, leaning against his desk. "They're an organization that oversees magical activity and research in this world. I don't really like them. They cause nothing but trouble most of the time. Still, if anyone has insights into what's going on with these portals, it's them."
"To think humans would establish such an organization," Vinum murmured, her eyebrows furrowing as her expression shifted to one of cautious interest.
"Yeah, well, they're not exactly noble heroes," Luka continued, his voice laced with disdain. "These guys are basically my enemies. The only reason we're in a truce right now is because going against each other is more of a pain than it's worth. That doesn't mean they're going to let us in easily."
"So, we're walking into enemy territory," Morrigan said, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Now this is getting interesting."
"It's not a fight unless it has to be," Luka corrected her sharply. "We're here to get answers, not start a war."
"I agree," Hakunen nodded firmly. "Just to be sure, they don't have a weird scientist there, right?"
"I hope too… We already have our hands full with Promenstein shenanigans," Tamamo added.
The detective chuckled. "You guys seem to have a lot of trouble back where you live. Don't worry, the only crazy scientist here is Nina."
"Hey! I may be a scientist, but I'm not crazy!" Nina's voice crackled indignantly through his earpiece. "Well, besides the whole android rebellion incident."
"Please don't remind me…" Luka sighed, running a hand through his face. "Anyway, you guys ready?"
"What do you mean, ready? How will we go there?"
"Through teleportation, of course!" Luka said with a smirk, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small talisman. "Everyone grab onto me, and don't blame me if you feel sick after this."
Tamamo leaned closer, sniffing the talisman curiously. "Oh! This is different from a harpy feather. I don't recall using talismans to teleport."
Luka blinked, confused. "A harpy feather? Wait, you use feathers to teleport?"
"Why? Don't you?" Tamamo tilted her head as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"...No," Luka answered flatly, his disbelief evident. "And that talisman is not easy magic either."
With little room for argument, everyone grabbed onto him. Luka activated the talisman, which flared with a bright light before pulling them through in an instant.
The familiar disorienting sensation washed over them, and as usual, the talisman burned out in the process, crumbling to ash in Luka's hand.
They found themselves standing in a different city, the hum of urban life surrounding them. Before them stood a tall, nondescript building.
As far as buildings went, it was utterly unremarkable—its plain gray exterior devoid of any distinguishing features. Camouflage. It was clear the Council of Sorceries didn't want to attract attention, blending into the mundane cityscape perfectly.
"This is it?" Morrigan asked, unimpressed as she glanced at the structure. "I was expecting something… grander. You know, towers, floating crystals, ominous vibes."
"It's better to hide magic in this world," Luka said, adjusting his coat. "We had once an outbreak of civilians learning about magic, it didn't go well…"
"People are staring," Hakunen interrupted, his tone soft but pointed. His eyes darted to the growing number of onlookers.
"Of course they are," Jotaro grumbled, glancing at the group. "You women are standing out," he added, directing his gaze particularly at Morrigan.
"I don't want a guy with an outfit like yours telling me how I look," Morrigan shot back, her tone sharp but amused.
"She's got a point, Mister Jotaro," Hakunen nodded, agreeing with the blue-haired succubus. "Though I think your look is cool!"
Pit chimed in, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I don't see anyone dressed like a monk around here, either."
"You're all standing out," Tamamo chuckled, fanning herself lightly while her nine tails swayed in amusement.
Luka let out a resigned sigh, fishing the key card from his pocket. "You're all standing out…" he muttered, sliding the card into the electronic lock.
The door clicked open with a soft beep.
"I'm surprised a magic council doesn't use magic to lock its doors," Vinum thoughtfully remarked.
"You'll see why later," Luka replied cryptically, stepping inside.
The group followed him into a sterile, dimly lit hallway. The air was unnervingly still, and the noises of the bustling city outside were abruptly cut off. The silence was oppressive, as though the building itself existed in a space separate from reality.
Tamamo's ears twitched. "A barrier… A strong one. This thing doesn't just block sound; it's filtering intent, too. Unwanted travelers wouldn't even make it past the front door without getting turned around or… worse."
"Exactly," Luka confirmed as he led them deeper into the corridor. At the far end, an elevator stood open, but the sight inside made the group halt in their tracks.
"Blood…" Tamamo muttered under her breath, her ears standing on end as she scanned her surroundings.
"Is that normal?" Morrigan asked, feeling some kind of chill crawl up her spine.
"No," Luka said flatly. His expression darkened, and he cautiously stepped forward to inspect the elevator. "This elevator connects to both the underground archives and the offices above. There's security on both ends, so… there shouldn't be this."
The floor of the elevator was smeared with blood. Splashes of crimson painted the walls, and handprints dragged along the metal frame told a story of a desperate escape for survival.
"It's fresh," Vinum remarked with a mocking expression.. "Looks like your Council of Sorceries didn't fare too well."
"That doesn't explain the lack of bodies," Jotaro added, kneeling to inspect the bloody handprints. His brow furrowed as he studied the pattern. "This doesn't look random. Whoever left this was clawing to get out."
Luka clenched his fists, stepping into the elevator without hesitation. "We can't waste time speculating. If something's wrong here, we need to figure out what it is—and fast."
He turned to the group, waving them in. "Let's go. Stick together and keep your guard up."
Reluctantly, the others followed, stepping into the blood-streaked elevator. The metallic tang of blood was heavier inside, making the confined space feel oppressive. Luka pressed the button for the underground archives, and the doors slid shut with a quiet ding.
The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, revealing a chilling scene. The corridor stretched ahead, its walls and floor smeared with blood. This time, bodies littered the area—mages and researchers, their forms broken, burned, and mutilated. The air was thick with the acrid stench of charred flesh and decay.
"Okay, what the actual hell is going on here?" Morrigan broke the tense silence, her voice laced with disgust as she covered her nose.
Luka stepped out cautiously, his sharp eyes scanning the area. The fallen were all dressed in the coats and attire of the Council's staff. He crouched near a body, examining the wounds. "These were all researchers and mages who worked here. They didn't stand a chance."
"It's more than that," Jotaro said, stepping forward and gesturing toward the carnage. His gaze was fixed on the positions of the bodies and the destruction around them. "Look at how they're facing each other. This wasn't an invasion… They fought among themselves."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. The cracked walls, scorched floor, and scattered debris painted a vivid picture of intense, chaotic combat.
"A coup?" Tamamo suggested, sniffing the air. "Was there political strife here?"
Luka stood, his face grim. "There was. But the leader was mostly unchallenged 'till now. Besides, I don't see these guys fighting each other so directly."
"Corruption…" Vinum muttered, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the scene. "It reminds me of that friend of yours, Monk. The red-haired one."
Hakunen's brow furrowed as he turned to Vinum. "Kazuya? Why would this remind you of him?"
"There was an interesting power inside him," Vinum replied, her tone measured yet tinged with curiosity. "I'm just pointing out how this situation feels similar to that power's effects."
Hakunen's confusion deepened, but before he could respond, Luka stepped forward, his focus shifting entirely to Vinum. "Do you mind elaborating on that?" he asked, his voice firm.
Vinum smirked slightly, "I don't think you humans could handle it," she teased, a hint of condescension in her voice. "But, if you must know, it's a force that's fascinating from a theoretical standpoint—an outer god. However, it's not something that should ever be awakened or harnessed."
"Why not?" Morrigan pressed, her curiosity piqued.
"Because its nature is to consume," Vinum replied, her expression darkening as she gazed at the bloodied walls. "It thrives on chaos, amplifies it, and spreads it like a disease. If something like that was unleashed here…"
"An outer god, huh…" Luka sighed. "Well, let's hope you're wrong and keep going."
The group moved cautiously through the corridor, the stench of blood invading their nostrils.
"Do you think there is still a survivor here?" Pit asked, scanning the surroundings. "We must save anyone that's left here."
"I don't think that survivor will let himself be saved," Tamamo's ears flattened as she glanced around warily. "There's no way to know if that corruption can affect us too, so try not to get in contact with anyone else."
They continued through the bloodstained corridor, the heavy stench of death and decay thick in the air, their every step a grim reminder of the carnage that had unfolded. Tension lingered in the air, each of them silently bracing for what might lie ahead.
After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a large room. It was vast—too vast for a facility like this. The walls were impossibly distant, as if space itself had been warped to accommodate this enormous chamber. The architecture was unlike anything they'd seen, an eerie blend of both high-tech and arcane design.
But what shocked the group wasn't the sudden enlargement of the space; it was the two figures standing at the far end of the room. One green female lizard holding a sword, and a man smoking a cigarette that emitted a faint blue smoke with each puff.
"Shit…" Luka's hand instinctively went to his pocket as he reached out for his gun.
"Granberia…!" Tamamo's breath hitched as she recognized her friend from the other side of the room. But she made sure not to speak too loudly, as she realized something about her was different. The familiar fierce gaze Granberia usually bore was now replaced with an empty stare, devoid of any emotions.
Her gaze flickered toward them, and she took a step forward, gripping her sword tightly.
The sword in her hand was different too. Its sleek, modern design contrasted sharply with the rest of her traditional armor, and the vibrant green sheath seemed to hum with an energy Tamamo couldn't quite place. The blade itself, when it caught the light, looked almost unnatural, as if it wasn't there.
Tamamo's heart twisted in her chest. What had happened to her?
"So, to think you would come here," the man smoking his cigarette spoke, his voice resonating in the room. "Is there anything you need?"
"Fuck you Desmond, you know what I'm about. What the hell happened here?"
The man known as Desmond took a slow drag from his cigarette, the faint blue smoke curling lazily around him as he eyed the group with an air of disinterest. His gaze flicked over each of them, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Nothing, Luka," he replied, his voice smooth, almost mocking. "It's already over after all."
Granberia stood motionless beside him, her once proud and confident posture now unnervingly rigid, like a soldier waiting for orders.
Luka moved into a more defensive stance, though his eyes never left Desmond. "What did you do to her?" he demanded, his voice sharp with a mix of anger and concern. "She's not herself."
Desmond chuckled softly as if Luka's words were more an inconvenience than a threat. "Oh, just a little…" he gestured to his head and made the sound of a mixer. "You know. My boss wanted a specimen from one of these worlds and so I got him one. Unfortunately… He didn't live long to see her usefulness."
"Wait, the director is dead?"
As soon as Luka asked the question, his earpiece crackled, Nina's voice urgently screaming at him. "Luka! Get the hell out of here! Something crazy is happening outside!"
Luka's eyes flicked to the earpiece as Nina's frantic voice blared through. His stomach churned with anxiety. "What do you mean? What's happening outside?"
"Nothing good, I assume," Desmond sighed, throwing his cigarette on the ground before crushing it. "Welp, it was a good ride, Luka. But this is the end. Both for you and me," he looked up in resignation, his voice a quiet whisper. "I guess you can't fight against everything…"
Luka's pulse quickened as he heard Desmond's words. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing in on him from all sides. Nina's warning echoed in his mind, and Desmond's eerie calm only intensified the urgency.
"What do you mean, end?" Luka demanded, trying to keep his voice steady, though the tension in his body was evident. He took a cautious step forward, his hand still hovering over his weapon. "You're not making any sense."
Desmond's smirk returned, but this time it was more a grimace than a smile. "Oh, you'll see soon enough. The corruption isn't just inside her," he gestured to Granberia, who still stood motionless beside him, sword in hand. "It's already seeped into the world around you. It's everywhere now."
Without hesitation, Luka rushed back towards the elevator, a bead of sweat running down his forehead. The group followed suit, confused by what was going on. Tamamo stood there, looking at Granberia without knowing what to do.
"It's useless little fox," Desmond said with a smile. "I don't know a cure for her. It's a miracle she hasn't tried to kill me yet, to be honest."
"But I can't just leave her here…"
"If there is one guy that can resolve this issue, it's Luka. So trust me, he is going to need all of you." With that, he pulled out another cigarette before lighting it up. "Though… I don't think this is something that's stoppable anymore." With one final look of determination in his eyes, he glanced at Tamamo. "Tell him Weapon 0 caused this. He should understand. Now go."
Tamamo gave a reluctant nod, understanding the urgency in Desmond's words. There was no time for hesitation. She took a deep breath and quickly curled into a ball, propelling herself forward with a burst of speed, her body rolling smoothly toward the elevator. The group had already moved in, and Luka stood at the controls, waiting for her arrival. His fingers hovered over the button, timing it perfectly until she was in position. The moment the doors closed, he pressed it, and the elevator shot upward.
Once they arrived back up, they all rushed toward the exit, and everything became clear.
Utter chaos was what happened. Screams and the sounds of destruction echoed through the streets. People were attacking one another, their faces twisted with violence, no sense of reason or recognition in their actions. The scene before them was nothing short of apocalyptic. Cars careened wildly into buildings, crashing with deafening impacts, while others seemed to be driven by some kind of blind rage, plowing through pedestrians at full speed.
Even two lovers, their faces contorted with fury, tear into each other. One woman had her nails dug deep into the man's face, trying to gouge his eyes out, while the man fought back with equal savagery, biting into her flesh. The scene was grotesque—unnatural—and it made the blood of the group run cold in their veins. This wasn't just violence; it was the purest form of madness.
Luka cursed under his breath as a man approached them angrily with a metal bar that he probably took from a road sign.
"Damn, this is a real melee," Morrigan chuckled, clearly not reading the mood.
"What is causing this?" Put asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Suddenly, Luka's eyes went wide. He turned back to face the others and quickly shouted. "Get back inside, now!"
The group hesitated for only a moment before reacting. They quickly started to retreat toward the elevator, but Luka was already moving back, eyes scanning the streets frantically.
"Right," Vinum nodded with a grim look. "If that 'thing' has taken control of everyone here… we might be next."
The realization hit like a freight train. The corruption was spreading beyond Granberia, beyond the immediate area. It was in the air, the very people around them were no longer themselves, and it would only be a matter of time before they were consumed by it too.
"I… I don't want to be like that!" Pit shot back, his voice rising with fear.
"No one wants," Jotaro sighed.
The earpiece inside Luka's ear crackled again, this time with more static than usual. "We're leaving this world with Promenstein, you need to get out of here too!"
"What? Why?" Luka asked, his hands trembling slightly.
"The…Throw…Nuc…"
The communication was soon cut off abruptly, leaving an eerie silence in the aftermath. Luka stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath. The message had been incomplete, but the gravity of it made him shiver. Throw… Nuc?
"No way…" There was only one thing she meant by this. If by some twist of fate that 'thing' had control over everyone in the city then perhaps…
A flash of light blinded everyone for a short instant. Everyone looked outside, and Morrigan pointed at it.
"Hey, isn't that kinda bad?"
"It's a fucking nuclear bomb!" Luka shouted in panic, his face pale.
The whole group stood in silence, as the sound of the explosion hadn't reached their ears yet. But as soon as the shockwave was about to arrive, an emergency portal opened near them, a pair of hands grabbing the group before pulling them out of there…
…Once more into another world.