Go Beyond Logic!

It appears...preparations are going smoothly. The power to go beyond logic, OOPArts, Gontlett. If our technology successfully contains it... we can achieve what Synth Hydra could not...

Wh-What is happening?!

I've never seen such a reaction! Is it malfunctioning?!

Silence, human. While I still have patience, you should remove yourself...

...Does this human have his wires crossed?

Enough nonsense! Our plans are no business of yours! Be gone!

...End of recording.

The record our comrade left in the ancient tome in the ruins...

To think that our glorious plan would fail because of...that HERO! How dare he!

All of my soldiers who attempted to avenge our fallen comrade have lost... I am the last to remain...

I must change this history! For the sake of the future of synth humankind!

...do!

Aldo!

Huh? Rufus? Is that you?

Now that's my partner! I knew you'd recognize my voice!

It's kind of hard to miss... Where are you?

Uh...sorry, I can't really show my face right now. Oh! But can you meet me in front of the tavern in the Gamma District? Be there or be square!

Hey, wait! I couldn't even get a word in edgewise...

(It's unlike him to stay hidden, though.) Ah, well. I might as well head to the tavern.

Just leave me alone already! I'm not going!

Hey now, don't say that, Levon!

Oh, there he is. Hey, Rufus!

Fancy seeing you here, Aldo! I guess heroes know where to find each other!

What do you mean "find each other"? You're the one who told me to come here.

Huh? What're you talking about?

Weren't you just in the Theta District telling me to meet you at the tavern?

Nah, I've been here for a while. Must be the wrong...WAIT! Could it be an imposter?!

Can I go now? I have...uh...plans.

Now hang on there, kid. What about the "Blazing Defender" show?

I'm not going! I don't care anymore! Heroes are lame!

Hey, wait!

I'm so sorry about my son, Rufus...

Did something happen?

That was Levon. He's my hero in training!

Your hero in training?

Well...my son and I moved here about six months ago. But he's so shy, he wasn't making any friends... He just stayed all by himself. That was when Rufus reached out to him.

Yep! He was telling me all about how he liked the "Blazing Defender" cartoon!

It was thanks to Rufus that Levon started cheering up. He even started making friends his own age, but...

Did something happen?

Well, they like playing "The Blazing Defender" together, but you know how children are. They all want to be the hero. My son doesn't want to fight with his new friends, so he never says the role he wants... And now he's saying that he never liked heroes to begin with.

I get it now. I bet he was frustrated with himself for feeling jealous, so now he's pretending nothing's wrong.

I invited him to the special show today, but he turned me down.

...Yeah, I can't let this go. I'm gonna go ask him again!

Mind if I go with you? I feel bad for interrupting you earlier...

Don't sweat it! I'm happy to have you along, though!

...Hey, Rufus? How are you planning to convince Levon to go to the show?

Is that how it works?

Excuse me!

You're Rufus, right? I was told to give this to you...

No, actually. I was just out walking, and this suspicious man gave me these clothes... It all happened so fast, I couldn't say no...

Well, that's...weird. What did he look like?

He told me not to say anything if I was asked... But I can say he didn't look like a tailor. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to forget this ever happened...

Wait! ...What was that all about?

I don't think that's it...

But I gotta admit I am curious what's going on.

Huh?

A wormhole?! Why here?!

Ack! It's no use! It's pulling us in!

It appears...preparations are going smoothly. The power to go beyond logic, OOPArts, Gontlett. If our technology successfully contains it...

This time we will surely achieve what we could not before.

...How unexpected. To think that our superior who was waiting in our own time would appear here...

The history in which our plans were thwarted...I have come to counter that threat. ...Granted, my mere arrival here may have already altered history as it was previously recorded. As it stands, the Gontlett has malfunctioned. In the original history, this was supposed to happen later... However, this does not mean we should let our guards down. Continue your work with caution.

Is all of that true? Did we really lose to the self-proclaimed hero and see our plan to use the Gontlett fail as it was stolen?

It is true. You did attempt to use the nearby villagers as hostages to reclaim the Gontlett from the hero... But you were defeated once again and blasted back to these ruins. This is where, unable to move, you rusted away...leaving only the record I spoke of.

How in the world did we lose to some human who claimed himself to be a "hero"!

I should ask the same question! But whether we believe it or not, that is what was recorded in the tome...

Wh-What is happening?! Another malfunction?!

Is that the hero?! He will not restore the old history so easily!

Huh? Where are we?

What?! Synth humans?!

(It looks like some kind of ruins...so we probably aren't in the same era as Elzion.) (Did these synth humans come through a wormhole, too?)

What! Why are there two of you?!

It appears that human prefers battle over conversation...

Do not falter. He is simply that kind of human. I will admit this is unexpected, but we have already made our move. We will go outside and draw the humans to the place we planned! We are ready for you, Hero. But can you keep up?

Hey, wait! Rufus!

We're in the Rucyana Sands?!

So it's a desert outside... This seems earlier than the era Elzion is in, but...

What do those synth humans want, going back in time?

Wait, Rufus! This is obviously a trap! We shouldn't chase after them when we don't know anything!

It IS pretty weird seeing synth humans in this era...

Fine! Let's go after them!

Hold it right there, synth villains!

Heh. So you have arrived.

...I have arrived at the location, sir.

Excellent. Engage at will. This trap will turn history's tides in our favor!

Wh-What is this?!

Guh... Blast it!

Aghhhh!!!

Resistance is futile... Give up, Hero!

Rufus! Are you alright?! Urk! Just what...are you trying to do in this era?!

HAHAHAHA! Very well. Allow me to enlighten you as my captive audience.

B-But, sir! Is this really the best time to monologue?!

Fear not. Our victory is all but assured. And isn't seeing the hero's face as he falls into despair its own reward?

Our goal is to create a new history for the planet authored by synth humans. That was our purpose for creating the Synth Hydra, but his change of heart threw a bit of a wrench in our plans...

(These are the guys who built the Riftbreaker?!) (Is that where they got the technology to jump through time and space?)

As we were developing a new plan, we discovered that a power to go beyond logic, OOPArts, was in this era. OOPArts, the Gontlett... If we could modify it and extract its power as much as possible... We would be able to influence not just our own timeline, but other time layers as well.

You what?!

However, even this plan was ultimately stopped... By you, Hero.

Me?!

But then, I was able to get my hands on the records left by my subordinates and learn you would appear here. And THAT is how I was able to concoct a plan to change history and stop you!

Hahahaha! MWAHAHAHA!

...Was that always how the boss laughed? I'm starting to get kind of creeped out...

It's like he's some kind of supervillain obsessed with the hero now...

This will leave you immobile for some time. Which means we will be free to modify the Gontlett as we please... I could always rob you of your lives as you are bound there...

Why, you! I won't let you escape alive. Die, foolish hero!

Keh heh heh... So this is a hero. I was a fool for underestimating you.

...But that would do nothing to avenge our fallen comrades. I will give you a taste of your own powerlessness, foolish hero!

Attack the dwellings to the east. Raze the village set to herald the filthy hero's legend to the ground!

Yes, sir!

You can't do this! Those people are innocent!

Aaagh!!!

Nng...

The bonds restraining you rebounds the energy you use to resist, magnified several times. Give up if you value your life. You will remain here, listening to the screams from the village as it is destroyed. Unable to save them... A complete failure. This is the end, Wannabe Hero.

Wh-What was that?

An earthquake? But there was nothing in the records...

...Report. What?! The Gontlett malfunctioned at full power?! I'll be right there!

Hey! Wait!

Dammit...

Aaaggghhh!!!

Ugh... What do we do?!

The only thing we CAN do! We gotta protect that village! What kind of hero doesn't go save the day at a time like this?!

GRAHHH!!!

Rufus, stop! I know how you feel! But your body can't take any more! There's gotta be another way!

Blast it all... The Blazing Defender could've done it! How can I call myself a fan if I can't get out of this and go help!

AAAGGGHHH!!! Why won't...my body...listen... There are people...who need saving!!! And I'm a HERO!

Looks like our hero's in the hot seat!

Huh? Who's there?!

This voice... No way!

My name isn't what's important. Although I can't exactly show myself right now... If you really can't handle this, I can lend a hand if you want. Those restraints look breakable from the outside.

You can?

But...are you okay with that, Mr. Hero Extraordinaire?

I'm...

After all that hero talk...are you really okay with rolling over and giving up? Is that really what a hero would do?

Hey, that's taking it too far! Rufus can't handle any more...

Because his body's at its limit? I guess you've gotten quicker on the uptake. With an example like you around, it's no wonder that kid stopped caring about heroes.

Are you talking about Levon? How do you know about him?

You saying it's none of my business? It's all of my business, man! You gotta get back to your own era and help that kid. If he doesn't like the Blazing Defender anymore, you just gotta make him look up to you. ...If you're a real hero, that is. Not that you look like one right now... Well, Hero? What are you gonna do?

...... ...Yeah, you have a point...

Rufus...

You're right! Even if my arms are chopped into pieces or my legs get pulled off... I'm gonna save that whole village AND my friend's sense of wonder! 'Cause I'm a HERO!!!

RAAAHHH!!!

Wait! Rufus!!!

Aldo! You're my partner, right?! So you gotta believe in me before you worry about me!

I do believe in you! But I also hate seeing you suffer like this!

Suffer, huh... You know how much one plus one is? Lots of folks say that if two people team up, it can be worth three, four people... But that's not it either. Heroes can be worth 100...1,000...10,000 people. There's no right answer! With you and me together, our answer will go beyond...

Gahhh!!!

Rufus! Okay, okay, I get it! You've still got some fight left in you, right, Hero?

You got that right! Heroes have no limits! No one needs to see me look all beat down!

GRAAAHHH!!!

Rufus! You did it!!!

'Course I did! Now I'll get you, Aldo!

Buuurning Knuckle!!!

There's a real hero! Now go save everyone! I'll see you at the entrance to the village!

You got it!

Oh, before I forget! Change outta that costume before you go! See you later!

Hey, Rufus... Was that...

Let's go, Aldo! We got a village to save!

Hey, wait up! Don't you have to change?

DAAAHHH!!!

HOW DID YOU CHANGE SO FAST?!

Because! I'm a hero!

I guess I've seen everything...

...The malfunction had me worried for a moment there, but there are no abnormalities detected currently.

Are you saying an expulsion of that much power...had no adverse effects?

Well, worrying doesn't do anything to help. I will have to make adjustments to the power levels and rework some features... But that should be done by the time you return from seeing the remains of that village.

Y-You broke free of those restraints?! That shouldn't be possible...

You know who that was, Rufus?

Wait, what?!

Haha! Great work!

I knew I would recognize me right away!

Huh?

Just what is going on here?! If you're trying to confuse us with your tricks, you're too late! My comrades have already left to destroy the village...

Too bad! I already treated those comrades of yours to a grilled knuckle sandwich!

Sure did! The whole village is safe and sound!

Huh? HUH?!

Urk... They must have failed... Still! The Gontlett remains! Do not waste time with those meddlers! We must go back to the ruins!

Are you talking about...

This?

What! Why do you have that?!

You gotta work on your security in those ruins!

Hey, Red! Think fast!

Does this mean...he can control the Gontlett?!

You synth humans don't get how this OOPArts tech is supposed to work.

Wh-What did you say?! ...... ...No, before you answer that. I have a different question. Why are there five of the same human here right now?

That's because...

We're superheroes!!!

THAT EXPLAINS NOTHING!

Isn't it a given that a hero would go save his self in another universe?

Yeah!! The many-verse, or whatever it's called!

(Are they Rufuses from other time layers? But how...)

We can explain if you want... Positions, everyone!

On it!

Like the will of the eternal sea! I am the Azure Flame, Breaking Blue!

With fists that call the storms of power! I am the Verdant Flame, Gusting Green!

With a light that pierces the dark! I am the Ivory Flame, Shining White!

Like the silent shadow of the battlefield! I am the Indigo Flame, Eclipsing Purple!

Burning bright with the heart of justice! I am the Crimson Flame, Blazing Red!

We are the Elzion Defense Force!

Do you get it now, synth villains?

Get WHAT?!

(Yeah... Now's not exactly the time, but I'm with the synth humans on this one...)

Blast! This nonsense will be over with as soon as we reclaim the Gontlett and resume our plans! I will destroy as many so-called heroes as it takes!

Bring it! I...no...WE will put a stop to your evil plot!

How do you like THAT!

Curses... I was supposed to change history and stop the hero... Why are there so many anomalies...

This is the power of the Gontlett.

...What?

It's true that it has the power to go beyond logic. But the OOPArts tech itself isn't really all that strong on its own. It was apparently created to be a weapon that helps the user surpass their own limits.

But you guys were trying to add all these future-y functions and stuff, right? That's what made it go all buggy.

So that's what brought the hero to this era from the future... Wait. That major malfunction earlier... That must have brought the rest of you!

You got it. It used up so much power it pulled us across not just time and space, but also time layers! Or something.

Unbelievable... But why are they all the same human?

Dunno! Maybe it's a heroic miracle? Or something like that.

What does that even mean! ...No matter. If we can control it, we have proof of that tech being capable of connecting multiple time layers at once!

Truly incredible technology... Sir! Should we really leave this in the hands of such absurd humans?

Unfortunately, we are at a disadvantage... If we recoup our numbers, we will have plenty of future chances to take it back. We will make a tactical retreat!

Ack! My eyes!

Where did they...there they are!

So you noticed. But your attacks will never land at this range... We will return to the future and refine our plans!

Ugh... They're gonna get away!

Hey, Aldo! Don't go looking all beat down now!

But there's no way we'll get there in time!

Remember Aldo, a hero should never set their own limits! A hero makes it in time even when it might seem impossible!

A real hero goes above and beyond!

All right, Gontlett. It's about time we turn up the heat, and rain down the pain! BURNING METEOR STRIKE!!!

What?!

You're toast!!!

We did it! This is the power of a hero!!!

We won!

As long as the righteous hero Rufus is here!

The world is safe!

From any evildoer who appears!

Looks like we're all clear... But the villagers might freak out if they see five of the same face all lined up.

To a super awesome hiding place! Away!

They defeated those shiny beasts and saved the village! We are in their debt... Our saviors!

So cool! I wanna punch like that!

They left without even telling us their names, but we should still spread the word of their deeds.

Indeed... A legend befitting the blazing passion of those who defended our village...

...The Gontlett apparently only pulled us here for a short time. It'll stop working any minute now, and then we'll get sent back to our own worlds.

Why do you know so much about the OOPArts tech?

I don't! Some other me just explained it, and I'm just saying what he said!

...?

It was great fighting with you, me! Thanks for the pep talk!

Aw, c'mon! I just did what heroes do!

Oh, right! Before we go back, I should tell you something...

Where do you get all that energy... All those surprises left me bushed...

But I am worried about Levon. Let's split up and look for him.

Not here either... Hm?

That's one big crowd... Is that for the "Blazing Defender" event Rufus was talking about?

What's up? Did you find Levon?

Huh?!

Hello, heroes in the making! Welcome to an extra special "Blazing Defenders" show!

Hm?

Wait, what?!

Still...who would've thought the Blazing Defender turned into six people?

(I don't think Rufus realizes...) (The original "Blazing Defender" was probably him sent to the past.) (And now that history changed, the other Rufuses were added into the mix...)

(Wait. Does that mean that "Sword" is supposed to be me?!)

Oh! Hi, Rufus!

You were? Sorry, I was with my friend today!

What do you mean? My friends are Blue and White, and I'm Red! We're all heroes!

We're gonna go on patrol now!

We will!

Yeah... That worked out great, Rufus!

You know, I was actually sent to your future before getting sent here.

Really? You were?

It was supposed to be that the Gontlet went all funky just once and pulled you by yourself. But then that synth human guy came to this era to change history.

When he made all those changes to the Gontlett, it went crazy three times. The first time, it sent Blue to your future. The second time, it pulled you and Aldo here... And the third time, it pulled the four of us here too.

I got to the future first, so I figured I could find me and Aldo. I wanted to help, so I made it so that you'd come to this era with your trusty partner.

Wait, so the Rufus who told me to go to the tavern...

Yep! That was me!

And the guy who asked that lady to give me my costume...

You got it! I had her give you one of mine. It woulda taken the steam out if I had to hand it to you to change in the middle of battle, right? Plus, we gotta match!

No kidding!

Wait... One of yours? But the one I got is red, not blue.

Heh. You'll understand someday.

The whole Gontlett calling us all from different worlds thing... It keeps happening. We're all saving different Rufuses from different worlds.

Ohhh, so that's why you knew about the OOPArts tech.

Yeah. It's 'cause I heard the explanation a ton of times. Don't have the foggiest idea what it means, though! Anyway, that's how it is. Someday, Red...you'll be the one saving another you.

Huh? A yellow costume...

Which means...