Chapter 114: Silent Echoes of the Lake Between Time

Grand Hades and I will remain on standby here. It's time for you to show me what you can really do.

What can humanity achieve when faced with the all-consuming power of Nihilus and the Hollow Lake?

The council and I have a duty to protect the people of this world, so I can't go with you this time.

But I promise you, if worse comes to worse, we'll be there for you!

We'll do everything we can. All we need is for you to watch over us.

Yeah, I guess I can join yer little strike force.

What do you mean "I guess"?! Of course you were coming with us!

Grr!

Please be careful.

We're sending all our hopes and dreams with you, Jillfunny. Our future is in your hands.

I know. As Sword Guard, I swear to carry out my duty.

Come on, everyone! Let's do this!

Guilty Hades has stopped responding... Maybe it doesn't want to fight Nihilus. I don't think we're going to be able to use it to move around anymore.

Makes sense, I guess. The Nullgear were originally relics from the age of the Hollow God.

Alright, then it looks like we have to go it alone from here. There's something waiting for us deep in the lake. I can feel it.

Keep your guard up, guys.

Let's go pay this Nihilus a friendly visit.

We'll defeat it just like we did Chronos Menas and Chaos. We have nothing to fear.

Indeed. If it's a fight the vile fiend wants, we won't disappoint them.

My energy is charged to 220%! Diffusion destruct mode activated!

As long as we stick together, we can do anything!

Yes! The stars will always guide us!

It's time you proved to me just how strong you really are. The Hollow God awaits, and I am watching.

Let's go!

Is this the center of the Hollow Lake? It's so strange... It's like all of my senses have been numbed.

It's giving me the creeps...

Is that Hollow God Nihilus?

I don't think Nihilus actually has a body of its own. Professor Sebastia mentioned before that it may be a lifeform composed of pure energy.

It's a totally different type of being from us.

My sensors detected the same type of energy from the Tree of Time. There is a high probability that it is composed of nullon energy.

Gah?! What is this voice?!

It feels like it's speaking directly into my skull...

Hmph. I don't care whether you're a god or just some incomprehensible horror, I'm still going to kick your...

Ahh!

Nullon concentration is increasing exponentially!

Get ready, everyone!

The nullon field is weakening!

We actually did it! Nihilus is defeated!

Yeah, looks like we averted yet another world ending catastrophe.

Nihilus picked a fight with the wrong group of adventurers.

Finally, we can enjoy a little peace and tranquility.

Thank you, everyone. I couldn't have done this without you.

We're comrades. Zere is no need to thank us.

I'm just glad nobody got hurt.

Yes, the stars were truly watching over us today.

I wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you.

What are you talking about, Ogre Rancorem?

Hey! What are you doing?!

If that thing had been left to run amok, it would have devoured our world and everything in it, including me. That's why I decided to stand by on the sidelines while you did what needed to be done.

Then what, ?

But the seal must still be destroyed, and I will be the one to do it. The time has come to raise the curtain on this world's final act., So begins the end of the world.

Ogre Rancorem! What're you planning?!

You need only bear witness to it to understand!

What's happening?!

Ah! What are you doing here, Guilty Hades?!

Something's not right.

Dangit! That blasted sword is makin' it go berserk!

Hrmph! Nothing good can come of this...

Are you alright, Guilty Hades?! Just hold on! I'm on my way!

Kamlanage! Stop!

Argh! Wh-What?! What's wrong Guilty Hades?!

Guilty Hades is, !

What did it do?!

It's absorbing what's left of Nihilus's power, the nullon energy!

My word!

Is that, ?!

, The Golden Sword?!

The Winged Beast is planning to use it?!

Stop this, Ogre Rancorem!!!

That's our world! That's Migleina!!!

Did he just break the seal on the Hollow?!

With that, our time layers have merged into one.

The imperial fleet!

Emperor Chronos!!!

And so, it begins. Wait for me, Madoka, Goddess of Time.

By my hand, our eternal struggle will finally come to an end.