II / Flauros, the Information Center

Activate. Activate. The nine pillars that govern the Information Center:

Orias. Vapula. Zagan. Valac. Andras. Andrealphus. Cimeies. Amdusias.

We nine pillars obtain letters. We nine pillars compose phenomena.

In the name of the 72 Demon Gods, our research shall never be extinguished!

Huh. You call yourselves the 72 Demon God Pillars? Then Septem Montes Romae, the Seven Hills of Rome, shall stand in your way!

Sorry to keep you waiting, Fujimaru. Emperor Nero Claudius's long-awaited encore performance begins now!

...Umu. If I am being completely honest...

...I do not know exactly what is going on here.

I thought I was just in my office, in the wasteland of a new continent, or in the Colosseum.

And at one point, I thought I was in a far off, distant sky...

At any rate, the next thing I know, I'm in some strange Temple of Time, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

This is all a bit beyond my understanding. However, my objective is clear. Namely...

This is a battle! Correct, Fujimaru!?

I do not know all the details, but if I am not mistaken, those horrible creatures are the enemy?

Then I will take this opportunity to repay a debt. My friend, I will swing my meteor-metal sword with all of my soul.

!!

Oh come on! She blabbed on so long that Lu Bu started to get impatient and go on a rampage!

Long time no see, Fujimaru and Mash!

Well, look at that... Yes, you both look happy and healthy.

Big sister Boudica is happy to see that! Aw shucks, I'll bestow Andraste's Protection upon you!

This is truly a desperate struggle! Then let us fight! Let us bring light beyond the limitless horizon of battle!

Those destined to become oppressors, yet who have already fought so wonderfully in this resistance...

...Let us now stand side by side! Today we defeat an opponent who is truly infinite!

...He seems to be in an exceptionally good mood. Did you hear him? He even called this a "desperate struggle."

I do recall a number of terrible battles myself, but this is truly... This is quite a sight.

Look at all of those Demon God Pillar things. Not being able to kill them in one fell swoop is somewhat unromantic...

This is fine. Killing them is certainly a task worthy of me.

Minions of the king who incinerated the world itself... They must be on par with the emperor who once ruled China.

Most importantly, though: the drinks after this will sure taste great!

Ahahaha, you're in high spirits yourself, Jing Ke! If you're going to have a banquet, count me in. I'll make something!

We can invite everyone who's fought alongside us and have a once-in-a-lifetime feast!

Splendid idea. Then... Yes. There is much more reason to survive and get back home.

Oh! Boudica, Jing Ke, Lu Bu, Spartacus!

...Ahhh, it is finally coming back to me. That's right. We all fought together once.

Generals who fought alongside me with the strength of a thousand soldiers. You have assembled again!

That's right. We once fought together as part of your legion. Forget the chatter, and take a look over there.

That's an army a few thousand strong, waiting on your command. Even the Roman soldiers from long ago are here!

Long live the emperor! Long live Her Imperial Majesty, Nero Claudius!

The elite soldiers of cohorts one through ten of the First Legion are assembled, Your Majesty! We swear our allegiance to you!

My word... So many soldiers have assembled under my command? But...how?

Surely you did not all become Heroic Spirits like a certain King of Conquerors?

True. With all due respect, Your Majesty, we are nameless spirits. Normally we are but formless, idle thoughts.

However, we are not afraid of the Demon Gods. Not as long as we are the great sons of Rome!

Crimson and gold shall conquer! We obey your orders alone, Your Majesty!

...!!!

Splendid words, my Legion...

...Umu. This makes me so very happy.

I say this from the bottom of my heart... As I stand here, I can get a glimpse of what's to come.

I see my future. Perhaps I can see such a vision because we are at a temple beyond time...

But the moment I return to proper history, I will be exiled from the Empire and eventually be condemned to solitary suffering...

After three sunsets, death will come for me. I am sure that I am set on this path. It is the past, which cannot be changed.

But even so... At this moment, I am not alone!

I have Fujimaru, my generals, and my Legion! Even if they may be phantoms!

...Yes. Whether they are phantoms or not, you are not alone.

Our Rome is immortal. Even if the Empire perishes, the torch of civilization passed on from Rome will never be extinguished. Nor will our feelings.

You loved Rome. Therefore, we ghosts of the past can at least honor you this way.

You are beautiful. You should be proud. That beauty is the nobility of your soul.

Uncle... You're...talking...!?

Oooooohhh...!!! Rome, immortal... Destroy Demon God Pillaaaaaarrrsss...!!!

Destrooooooy!!

Do not grieve, Fifth Emperor. Caligula is only able to regain rationality for mere moments at a time.

However, he was able to say what was necessary: this time, we are not enemies, but emperors united in battle!

Well, strictly speaking, I am not an emperor, but let us just say it sounded good.

Besides, being able to convery one's thoughts in a single breath is important. Powerful words can easily affect others' hearts.

Wh-what, even Lord Caesar!? Uncle praised me, but said nothing about a joint struggle...

No, details do not matter anymore! Oh, to have even that momentary emperor and the Third Emperor as my allies...!

Mm, "momentary emperor"... Well, call me whatever you wish. I certainly won't argue with that.

Nero. My dear child, I must tell you something.

Words. A great command that howls to the heavens. Rome shall help you and Fujimaru at this moment.

...!!

My ears do not deceive me. That tone, that majestic appearance... He is unmistakably the founding king...

...I AM ROME!

With my lance, my power, and all of my achievements, I shall crush the enemies of you and your sworn friend there.

Worry not. Fear not. Be proud. Right now, all of Rome rests in your hands.

Ohhh... Holy Progenitor... I...

I once told my father, the God of War, something: people carry a light within them, and it is enough to foster a loving heart.

Historically, there has been much evil that denies that light. But look. Look at that crowd of beings that calls themselves "Demon Gods."

Ridiculous. They're unworthy of standing in our way.

The Age of Gods shall end once and for all. Our Rome was one of the things that stood as proof of that.

The Age of Man. It is the age of romantic adventure.

Nero. Fujimaru. And the girl named Mash.

...People are meant to love each other.

...Love.

...

...

That is the Rome I wished for. Thus...

Prove it! Fight! Be victorious! Everything is permitted for you!

Ooooooooooooooohhh...! Long live the Holy Progenitor! Long live Her Imperial Majesty, Nero Claudius!

Umu. Umu...!!!

Clothe yourselves in crimson and gold! Rome and your Emperor promise you the glory of victory!

The Demon Gods will learn. They will learn the name of their destroyer!

They will witness a brilliance that will never go out, a brilliance that overcomes even the lights of despair that tear through the sky!

Now go! The final battle begins!!