Those Who Rule the Planet

ORT is on the move again! It's still heading for México City!

Dammit, the odds are already stacked against us! We won't stand a chance if it absorbs the sun too!

We have to stop it from reaching México City, no matter wha

...But then, we can't do that, can we?

I think our only choice here is to change our strategy and make a hasty exi

？！

That's the most intense stare you've ever given me! Grr, come on, Technical Advisor, say something!

True, we can't deny the impossible! Which is why we're going to follow Dumuzid's advice and keep attacking!

Fujimaru, I want you to keep up the remote summons from here! Make sure to take a five-minute break every half hour!

Gordy, maintain a two-kilometer distance from ORT at all times!

Kadoc, man the machine gun and shoot down any seeds that try to come after us!

Mash, if you deploy at this distance, you'll never make it back, so no fighting ORT for a while!

You stay here and keep the Shadow Border safe with Kadoc!

I agree. Even if we can't stop ORT from reaching México City, we should keep hitting it as much as we can.

Not just to keep acquiring combat data, but to increase our chances of victory in the battle to come, even if only a little.

Grrr, I swear, I'm surrounded by idiots! All right then, take your motion sickness pills now while you still can!

If you thought my driving was wild before, you're really in for a shock now!

Tepeu, the seat belts won't fit you, so grab a railing!

Of course. I hope to stay with you all for as long as I possibly can.

？！

Wh-what are you idiots thinking!? What do you expect to do with those weapons!?

Can't you see that monster!? It's coming for the sun! México City is finished!

Just come with me, we'll run away! Hell, you should be honored! Few ocelomeh have the chance to serve as a priest's bodyguard!

Huh!? You're moving further into the city!? Are you really so desperate for battle!?

Damn it all! I came all this way only to learn that the ocelomeh were even more useless than I could have imagined!

Fools! Listen to me, damn you! Fighting that thing will make no difference! Mictlān will never be yours!

Tezcatlipoca and the Crypter were your last hope, and they're nowhere to be seen!

Who are you even fighting for at this point!?

Did Izcalli order you to do this!? Are you trying to protect this city for your king!?

...No. Not for king.

Wha... You can speak my language?

Uh-huh. Finally learned. That why understand you now.

We no fight for king.

Fight for city. Fight for Mictlān.

We want keep living in Mictlān.

Want be smarter. Want children laugh more.

That why we fight. Not for god. For our world.

...

If destroy altar, sun go back there?

You only just claimed control of the sun...and you want to send it back to Chichén Itzá?

(It's not that they don't understand ORT. In fact, they understand it perfectly. They know they're all going to die here.)

(And they're still trying to protect the sun!? Even though it won't benefit them at all!?)

Ghh! What would a youngster like you know!? You've barely been around for three hundred cycles!

Oh for... Why are you even telling me this!? As far as I'm concerned, you apes are

Me know. You bad deinos. You betray deinos to escape here.

But no hate you. You always want live.

Most deinos no see us. But to you, we rivals. You only one.

...

So hard. Must hurry.

Khh... K-k-khhh...!

That's not going to do anything, you damn ape! You don't even know how it works! Get out of the way!

The altars are just for decoration. Remember the stone you stole from Chichén Itzá? The sun's drawn to that.

Yes, that's it. ...Give it here. I'll put it back where it came from.

Good. Now me can go fight, too.

Me give you this. Exchange for carrying stone. Chosen by fate.

What is this? An ape skull? Well...I guess it'll make a decent snack.

Me already lucky be chosen by fate. If you get chance, pass on to next hero.

...Wait, dammit! Aren't you even going to say goodbye!?

What's your name? Even you apes have names, right?

Uh-huh. Have name. Cuauhtémoc. Given by king, not god.

Name sound heroic. Given by great father.

...Hmph. You want to go off to die? By my guest. You might be an idiot, but I'm not about to mock your free spirit.

You and I are the same in that regard. I'm about to return something I helped steal in the first place.

I doubt anyone else has ever done anything so idiotic in the entire history of Mictlān. Ugh, this is so infuriating...

I don't think I ever realized it before, but in some ways, I'm every bit as reckless as you.

Okay, Fujimaru! That's thirty minutes! Unless you WANT to die of hypoxia, take a break to catch your breath!

Six kilometers to go until ORT reaches México City! It's going to breach the walls in about five minutes!

The ocelomeh are doing their best to drive it back, but with their weaponry...

Damn, I knew it wouldn't be enough! How much stronger is that thing going to get once it takes back its heart!?

Huh? Um, speaking of its hearter, the sun...I think it's moving?

？！

You're right, it is... Is that tiny heat source the Solar Sojourn? It's moving towards Chichén Itzá...

Those bio-waves belong to Vucub. It seems he's carrying it back there.

Wait, really!? I don't know what caused this change of heart, but we're saved!

If the sun goes back to Chichén Itzá, then we can defend it with the Storm Border!

The problem is, ORT is gaining on him. He's not going to make it!

It's only a matter of time until the supercell swallows the Solar Sojourn whole!

If Vucub really is carrying it, that'll be the end! The sun will never make it all the way back to Chichén Itzá!

Pterosaurs are light and fast, but I think carrying the Solar Sojourn is slowing him down.

ORT is moving faster than Vucub can fly. In another minute, he'll be caught up in the storm.

Khh! Are there truly no gods willing to help here in Mictlān!?

ORT is about to reach México City's perimeter. The ocelomeh's defenders have retreated to the city center.

They're putting up a valiant fight, but...

...Of course they're gonna fight. They're not gonna give up.

It doesn't matter what age you're from. Wanting to protect your home from invaders, whatever they are, is the most human impulse in the world.

Huh? Hang on. What's going on with these heat sources in the city? Is it just me, or are they unusually hot?

I'm detecting a huge amount of magical energy all throughout México City! It's...a Divine Spirit-class Spirit Origin signal!

...No way.

...Moving Spirit Origin into twin temples. Transforming city waterways into magical circuits. Injecting Spirit Core into ignition constellation, Mamalhuaztli.

...I guess that means it's up to me then.

Dual god combination system Ometeotl, authorized. Activating heart of the city...

Get the hell out of my city, you goddamn invadeeer!

Is that...Tenochtitlan's Noble Phantasm!? It's even bigger than when she fought us!

For that matter... No way. The entire CITY is her Noble Phantasm!

？！

Oho! She looks just like a bucket wheel excavator!

The largest and most awe-inspiring piece of heavy machinery in all of human history!

You said it, Fujimaru!

There's no other digging machine quite like a monstrous two hundred meter bucket wheel excavator!

You mean you don't know, Senpai!?

Bucket wheel excavators are two hundred meter long, truly incredible digging machines!

？！

I don't think Tenochtitlan looks anything like one, and I bet she'd be real pissed off if she heard you guys call her that, but I do know what you mean!

But now's not the time to be geeking out over heavy machinery! Gordy, make for Chichén Itzá!

While Tenochtitlan buys us time, we're going to follow the sun!

This time, we'll throw everything we've got at ORT in the second underworld!

Ghh!

A-aaah! It hurts! It huuurts!!!

... ......!

...No. I'm not buried yet. Not as long as there are still people here who want to live.

BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I'LL GIVE UP!!!

My name is Tenochtitlan! I am the magnificent floating city worshipped by the greatest warriors!

I am the heart of the Aztec world...and I'll keep coming back no matter how many times I die!

...Ah.

Right... Of course. I should've realized that could happen.

ORT is...gone now. It changed course and kept going without so much as a second thought.

To it, we must have been nothing more than pebbles along the road. The bastard.

...But, I guess it's okay. That means, well...

...Goodbye, my city. Goodbye, my people. Goodbye, nosy Nitocris.

As you can see, I have no more heatno more regrets, in my heart.

This is as far as my dream for this city goes. With this, Hummingbird falls back down to the Lake of the Moon...

We're about to leave the fifth stratum and enter the fourth stratum, which means we're coming up on the second underworld!

So far, we've been chasing ORT, but now we're taking the lead!

It's still too soon to go on the attack, though! Remain on standby and wait for instructions from the Storm Border!

So the Storm Border's figured out a way to do something about that supercell, huh? That might improve our odds a bit.

The sun is passing through the second underworld now.

We can ensure it reaches Chichén Itzá safely by slowing ORT down in combat.

The sun will never move farther than the third stratum, so I suggest you not operate under the assumption we will have another opportunity in the second or first.

The second underworld is the last place we'll be able to muster our full strength, which makes this our final stanFujimaru?

？！

...

No, never mind. I only called to you because I was tense. Don't mind me. Just focus on preparing for the next battle.

But please don't push yourself too hard. Not that, being a noncombatant, I have any business saying so.

？！

All right, we've entered the obsidian mountain range! Be careful not to bite your tongues!

Dammit, what was Sion thinking!? How am I supposed to drive up to the peak on a hellish mountain path like this!?

Still, we know Beni-Enma will be waiting there for us, along with the Command Room's plan for dealing with the supercell!

...And that's our plan. At least in theory, it has an eighty-percent chance of success.

Do you foresee any problems with it?

Do I!? I don't see anything BUT problems with it, chirp! How can you expect me to do all that!? I'm just an ordinary inn proprietress!

I'm with Beni-Enma here. Just what do you think we are, anyway?

How could you treat me like this after you asked me to walk all the way here from my own underworld?

Right. Of course you'd feel that way. I know it's a lot to ask, but there just isn't any other way.

Will you help us?

No. I'm out. I'm going back to the first underworld.

Guardians die if they leave their underworld, you know? The only reason I'm not already gone is that I'm the strongest guardian around.

But if this nonsense is the best you can come up with, I'd rather fight ORT in the first underworld.

There, I can take it down no problem. After you, Fujimaru, and everyone else at Chaldea are long gone, obviously.

...Professor's plan is reckless, chirp, but your idea smells like a losing one too, Protea.

That being said, this plan will never work unless you agree to it.

I could try to do it myself...but I know I'd hesitate at the most crucial moment, chirp.

Oh good, the Shadow Border's here. The only problem is, I still haven't convinced the guardians to help.

Would you please try talking to them, Master? Maybe discussing this in person will help.

Oh, they finally made it? Scrambling up these mountains must be hard for such puny humans.

Perfect timing. Let's hear what Mash and Fujimaru have to say, chirp.

Maybe they've got a better idea in mind.

？！

Okay, Beni-Enma, let's go with Chaldea's plan.

I can't stand to see him like this.

I agree, chirp. I've already made my peace with this.

Now I'm especially glad I've been training since I became a guardian, chirp.

？！

It's nothing. Now, you stay in that little car of yours.

If I see you walking around trying to act all chipper right now, I might just have to squish you.

I'd love to make you a delicious dinner, but I'm afraid that'll have to wait till a little later, chirp!

Just make sure you wash your hands thoroughly first. No matter how tired you are, good habits are still important, chirp!

I don't know what brought on this change of heart, but whatever it is, I'm grateful for it.

All right then, Shadow Border group, I'd like you to remain on standby here.

Once ORT reaches the second underworld, Beni-Enma and Kingprotea will execute our counterattack plan.

Trismegistus II has analyzed and identified the organ generating that supercell...

...so, our plan is pretty much to grab it and hack it to pieces.

(Sigh) Fujimaru looked so exhausted, I just agreed to the plan on the spot.

But now that I think about it, this is like ninety percent on me, right? Don't you think it's awful of them to make a girl do heavy labor like this?

There's no such thing as men's work or women's work. There's just the right person for the job, chirp.

Whatever you can do to help, that's what you should do. And if it lines up with what you want to do, even better.

And in that sense, it was exhilarating to see you agree so quickly!

I was a little worried, knowing how rebellious you became as an Alter, but now I like you even more, chirp!

Don't bother. I'm not here to make friends.

More importantly, don't you think it's time you went through Alterization yourself already? At that size, you can only pass judgment on human opponents, right?

Oh, right. Very well then... I renounce my sparrow servitude, chirp.

No matter how tasty the food served in the guest chambers may be, it will still lack true flavor! Behold the ultimate, colorful, sharp-edged flame knife!

As terrifying as a ghostly wail. As scorching the wintry sun. Where Beni-Enma the Vermillion Bird is needed, there she will go!

(Where the hell did that come from!?)

...All right. The plan couldn't be simpler, but let's go over it just to be sure.

You grab hold of the enemy and stop it from spinning, then I slice the organ creating that storm in half.

A galactic supercell... That sounds like quite the storm indeed.

However, my sword mountains have a range of four ri. They can easily cut a storm down to size.

I see. You do know our opponent's immortal, right? Got a plan for that?

If our opponent cannot die, then I will simply apply the concept of death to them.

As a matter of fact, First Hassan taught me a secret angel technique that I can only use here.

It will only work on the part my sword mountains cut off, but I will make absolutely sure to kill it.

Wait, seriously? Well, whatever you do, don't accidentally cut me with that move, or I'll haunt your ass forever.

As if you would ever become a ghost out of the Sarayashiki haunted plate house. Worry not. I have no sword capable of cutting friends.

Our job is to wait for an opportunity, then create a new one.

As soon as the crew of the Shadow Border can make ORT falter for a moment, we make our move.

Yeah. I don't want him to have to do any more mass summonings, but there's nothing I can do about that.

So make sure you stop ORT, even just for a second, Fujimaru.

We'll take it from there. I'll show you what an Underworld Guardian can do when we mean business.

...Hey, how long is a ri, anyway?

I saw you flinch there, ORT!

Deploying Serial Phantasm. My fingers enclose the world...

Here comes a frothy ocean of milk! Releasing ultradense ether liquid!

Yeah, yeah. I know! It'll just roll right off you, won't it!? Guess I'll just have to grab hold of what we're after myself, won't I!?

Gh-ghh... Yaaaaaaaaah!!!!!! You're not going anywheeere!

Now, Beni-Enma! Do it!

Understood! Well done, Protea! Now leave the rest to Daigurenmy blade that can cut the boundary between life and death!

Mountain blades, heed my call! Send these galactic storm clouds on their way!

Whoa, that was one hell of a shake! Did they do it!?

They did! Confirming the galactic supercell has shut down!

ORT hasn't slowed down, but now we can go into the next fight with an advantage!

Good. That's our first objective completed. All right, everyone, back on the Shadow Border!

We're going to make our way to the third stratum and deal as much damage to ORT as we can along the way!

According to Trismegistus II, if we can destroy about sixty percent of ORT's outer shell...

...we can then blast it with the Storm Border's main cannon at point-blank range to erase it for good!

Hang in there, Fujimaru! We're in the homestretch now! This all-out battle in the second underworld will be the last!

Don't worry. I've heard from both of them.

Kingprotea said she's going to relax in the ocean of milk, and that the rest is up to us now. And Beni-Enma said she would wave to us from the underworld's tallest mountain!

Apparently, neither of them are going after ORT again, so that they don't get turned into crystal.

？！

Is the Storm Border's primary cannon ready to fire?

Oh yes. Thanks to Ereshkigal's incredible valor in the third underworld, they've had time to get two engines running in parallel.

They can fire the primary cannon anytime. All that's left now is for us to wear ORT down as much as we can!

Right! As soon as ORT is damaged enough for the Storm Border to destroy it, as Trismegistus II calculated...

...we'll all make a mad dash for Chichén Itzá!

Ugh, I'm so tired. As if making a trip to another underworld wasn't bad enough.

Between these mountains shredding my skin to ribbons and my "friend" slicing me up along with the enemy, I am done.

I'm getting out of here, and I'm taking my ocean of milk with me. See you around, Beni-Enma.

You did great, Protea. Your grappling would have given any sumo wrestler a run for their money, chirp!

Who knows? If you had fought ORT in the first underworld, maybe you would have been able to finish it off with a backward belt throw worthy of a yokozuna.

But are you sure you want to disappear here, chirp? Wouldn't you rather say goodbye to him yourself?

No need. He'd only get even more depressed if he saw my invincible self all beat up like this.

I don't care how fatigued he is from summoning Servants.

He's plenty used to that by now. Besides, I enjoy watching him suffer.

I just can't stand seeing him trying to force a smile on top of all that. I hate that kind of false bravado.

I don't want to see him clutching his chest every time ORT absorbs another Servant, either.

So instead I'll disappear here and that'll be that. What do you think? Nice and neat, no?

...I think I'll do the same.

I'd hate for my Master to see me at my worst.

So I'm going to wave goodbye to everyone from up here! Luckily, I have plenty of flint to spare, chirp!

I've just received word that the sun has been returned to the altar in Chichén Itzá.

However, its output has fallen significantly... At its current rate, it'll be nighttime in an hour.

That must be Vucub's doing.

As long as they have the altar and the Solar Sojourn, the sun will obey a priest's commands, at least to some degree.

He must have instructed the sun to decrease its output so it would be harder for ORT to find.

Well damn, that was considerate of him. Guess he was a worthy rival for you, huh?

Rival? Hardly. He's a much better priest than I ever was, since he's so naturally earnest.

...What a beautiful sunset.

Even if that sun is artificial, I daresay this sunset is just as picturesque as any you'd see in Proper Human History.

I never imagined that this was how my dream to enter a Safari Rally would come true... Just goes to show you, you never know what life has in store.

Please don't try talking like me. It's really rather embarrassing...

...Still, this will be the last time we take in a Lostbelt's landscape...

...and the last time we're present for one coming to an end.

？！

...The Storm Border just sent us another report.

They've confirmed that ninety-eight percent of all of Mictlān's indigenous life is dead.

Now that the Tree of Emptiness seeds don't have anything left to attack, ninety-seven percent of those have killed themselves.

At the moment, the only things still alive in this subterranean world are us, a few deinos, and

ORT. And ORT won't be around much longer, either.

Yup. The Storm Border's primary cannon has already begun its firing sequence.

Once ORT makes its way through the plains and into the jungle, we'll bring an end to this.

...As for the enemy we'll have to face afterwards, we can worry about her once we get back to the Storm Border.

I'm so sorry for the trouble our Kukulcan is causing you... I know she's in a very difficult position.

O-oh, no, not at all! I can understand where she's coming from!

I'm just kidding. In her capacity as the king of this Lostbelt, I don't know what she'll ultimately end up choosing...

...but I'm fairly certain the one thing she won't do is wipe all of you out.

Personally, I'd like nothing more than for her to move on from this Lostbelt and join you on yourOh?

？！

Wh-what's going on!? Nobody told me to expect anything like this!

What's with all these life signs!?

Is it another incident!? Are there Tree of Emptiness seeds gathered here!?

No... These signals are coming from deinos...and they're all headed this way.

But, how? I thought they'd all scattered into the jungle...

...Aha. So that's what happened.

Good grief. It's wonderful to see you all back in the city...

...but I can't believe you're still just chatting peacefully when an extraterrestrial is about to destroy Mictlān.

Is this just what fully mature intelligent beings are like? This isn't at all like the future I'd imagined...

Now I'm wondering if my real body, out there resting between dimensions, wasn't maybe a little too hasty with her choice...

In fact, now I'm wondering if I was deceived. Maybe I should kill that shady Taoist after all...

Oh? Is that Vucub? Oooh, things just got much more interesting.

Are you all STILL out here wasting time!?

I assume the fact that you came back to Chichén Itzá means you still care for it!

But that monster is going to destroy Mictlān even before the sun can explode!

There are no living creatures left in or below the fourth stratum! Are you just going to roll over and let the same thing happen here, too!?

Show some spirit for once, dammit! Even the ocelomeh didn't go down without a fight!

I know, but still...

You make a good point, but that's pretty rich coming from you after you conspired to destroy Chichén Itzá in the first place...

Whether we fight or not, we're still going to go extinct. What point is there in making a stand?

Acting without a good reason is wrong. We can't waste our energy on pointless endeavors.

Pointless!? Ugh, you are so

...No. You're right. You're absolutely right. This isn't your problem. It's OUR problem.

We were never going to change. Why would we? It's how we've stayed peaceful this whole time.

No matter what happens, Mictlān will be destroyed. I suppose it makes sense that we wouldn't change, no matter what form those final moments take.

Don't be stupid. You're living beings, right? 'Course you can change if you want. Sometimes you guys are so smart you swing right back around to being dumb.

Huh!? You're

Sorry I was gone. Izcalli shot up just about every inch of me except my head, so regenerating took a bit.

The King of Dinosaurs!? Y-y-you're alive!? I-I mean, thank goodness you're alive!

I can't believe you don't see the point in acting or changing your mind just 'cause the result'll be the same. What are you, slaves?

You're supposed to be dinosaurs! Seeing you so totally lacking ferocity is sickening. You should all be apologizing to the dinosaur fans who were so in love with your wild nature.

Listen up. It doesn't matter if your actions don't end up changing a damn thing.

As a species, you guys were strong and intelligent. You've long since gotten rid of anything wasteful or unnecessary in your lives.

The Malla taught you that excess leads to conflict, tearing people apart instead of bringing them together.

They weren't wrong. They've had the right idea for a long time.

As a species, you guys became incapable of acting for purely selfish reasons, or just because you personally didn't like something.

But this is your last day on Earth. No matter how selfishly you act, it won't change what comes tomorrow.

Make all the mistakes you want today, 'cause you're not gonna have a chance to regret them tomorrow.

I see. So nothing we do will have any lasting repercussions anymore.

If nothing we do can change anything, then that's all the more reason not to

It might not change anything, but that doesn't mean it'll be meaningless. Fighting the death coming for you, even if it's a losing battle, isn't a waste.

You still have a choice. You can let it all end the same way you'd end any other day, or you can rise up to meet that end.

It might be stupid, maybe even a waste of energy, but just putting in that energy is meaningful.

Meaningful... For whom, exactly? I don't see how it could be meaningful for us.

For something bigger than yourselves. You've been taught that ever since you were born.

As of right now, your story doesn't have a single conclusion.

You loved hearing about the other Lostbelts, right? Well, the people who lived in them didn't just disappear one day.

Even when they had no hope of survival, they still went out fighting against their greatest enemy: Chaldea.

You guys didn't laugh when you heard about that. You knew there were legitimate reasons for them to fight for the end they wanted.

Coming to terms with your extinction or fighting it to the very last are two very different approaches. If you think of your story as a sentence, it's all about where you put the period.

Remember, there's literally no tomorrow. So why not make fools of yourselves for a change now?

I see. You do make a good point.

Yeah. I never thought of it like that before.

This is exactly why you're our king. Your speech had much more bite to it than Vucub's. All right, if we're going to do this, I guess we'll have to make use of NFF Services.

Wait... WHAAA...!?

I'll go with this oversized rifle. Hmm, the recoil's going to throw off my aim.

This design wastes a lot of kinetic energy in the explosion. Can anyone here modify this gun?

Bullets are useless against ORT. What if we repurposed our bio-waves instead? That could work.

I'm definitely sticking with bullets. This rail gun uses opposing electromagnetic poles to fire them at much deadlier speeds than standard firearms.

I've always thought NFF Services guns were lacking something, but in fifteen minutes, we can have them modified, stabilized, and ready for training.

Let's not bother with rockets that explode on impact. We need rockets that will penetrate ORT's armor and detonate inside it.

While we're at it, we should make the whole rocket launcher bigger, too. Big enough to fill the rockets filled with bomblets.

Da Vinci taught me the principle behind explosive ammo like that. Apparently it violates some kind of treaty in Proper Human History or something. Sounds rough.

(I can't believe how quickly they're making advances! They might actually be the most dangerous species I've seen yet!)

You know, NFF Services are really nice. Until now, I wasn't sure if you had any purpose whatsoever, Koyanskaya...

...but you've proven yourself an avatar of salvationor at least, discovery. Can you show us even more weapons?

Hehehe. This path of evolution may be dangerous, but I certainly don't mind being needed in this fashion.

I take it this means I'm your new object of worship? Your living goddess?

No, we already have a god. You're just a convenient means to an end.

Tch. Worth a shot.

Khh... Gnnnnnn...!

What? Feeling left out yet again, Vucub?

Hey, I get it. It's freaky seeing them all band together with their half-baked ideas, thinking along more human lines.

I-it's nothing like that! I-I wouldn't be part of that group even if they begged me!

I'm nothing like those weaklings who change their whole approach after a few words from their king!

Of course you are. You're all the same.

The fact is, every one of you deinos who came back here did so 'cause you were dying to do something.

That something isn't fighting, or even loudly proclaiming your existence.

It's the desire to make your mark as a species.

That's what drives you guys forward. Always was, always will be.

...Hmph. Is that so? Well, they're welcome to it. I'm just

What're you doing just standing around? Get ready now. You're gonna be my ride, right?

Why do you think I became your king in the first place? We're doing this together, Vucub.

Hell, these deinos don't even know the first thing about fighting!

Us hot-blooded types gotta lead the way, or they'll never figure it out!

？！

They're all smiling and waving as they go by...

Fifty... Sixty... Those are the deinos that survived the attack on Chichén Itza. And they're...armed.

Don't tell me they're planning on attacking ORT themselves?

...

Storm Border to Shadow Border. I believe you have just passed a pack of deinos.

They may be armed, but we are not their target.

They are heading out to attack ORT.

The King of Dinosaurs informed us that they do not need our help. He instead urged us to focus on our own mission.

So I ask that you continue on your current path to rendezvous with us as we originally planned.

The primary cannon's firing sequence is complete.

By our calculations, you should arrive at the Storm Border around the same time ORT enters our firing range.

Be aware that whether our attack on ORT succeeds or not depends heavily on your arrival time. That is all.

...

Preposterous. That can't be right! We must have only thought they were carrying guns!

The deinos are wise and gentle... They're the ideal form of humanity! They may not be human per se, but they embody the goal we should all be striving for!

So why?

Why would they go off to fight!? Especially when there's no reason for them to do so!

We can destroy ORT all on our own! That's what we've been working towards this whole time!

There's no point in them spilling their own blood here!

Gordy...

Goredolf, please keep your foot on the accelerator. I know you still have time, but you never know what may happen.

Also, this is where I'm going to say goodbye. Thank you all for everything.

Oh, right, do you have anything I can use as a weapon? Even something simple, like a knife, will do.

？！

All of my fellow deinos have gone off to fight. I can't be the only one not to do so.

I understand that, to you, this may seem like nothing more than us throwing our lives away, and I'm inclined to agree.

By rights, we can and should be doing all in our power to avoid this battle.

But, be that as it may, this is the decision we've finally arrived at. If I ignore it now, I could no longer call myself a deinos.

？！

...How about this? It's a submachine gun we keep on hand for emergencies.

You're pretty small for a deinos, so you should be able to use it.

Of course. Don't worry, I know how to use it. I'll only disengage the safety once I've left the vehicle.

Goodbye.

Wait!

Don't do this, Tepeu!

I know we have no right to stop you. I really do.

But even so, I can't just stand by and let you do this! And not just you!

All of the deinos we've met have been wonderfully peaceful and accepting people.

So why would you all choose to fight now!? Especially when you know for certain that you won't survive!

We've been lucky enough to see so many different worlds over the course of our journey.

Even if some of them had made terrible mistakes, or did awful things, nobody in those worlds deserved to die.

And compared to them, you deinos are just so kind and wonderful...

It's one thing not to be able to avoid your extinction...but why would you throw your lives away in a battle you know is as hopeless as it is meaningless!?

I'm shocked. I had no idea you harbored such anger, Mash.

No, that's not right. You've just been through so much that your gentle nature was insufficient to restrain you.

Deinos never considered anyone special.

We were all equal in every way that mattered. That's why we never fought amongst ourselves.

But I'm not like that. I placed more importance on those I cared for.

I remember how your eyes shone when Xquic told you about the ideal form of humanity you had always imagined.

But then, and correct me if I'm wrong, I believe you found yourself conflicted over her conclusion.

People are all equal, their lives equally precious. No one should be given special treatment.

But, if so, then we shouldn't grieve anyone's death, because doing so would undermine that equality.

...Right. Everything Xquic said made sense, and I was moved by what she said about how everyone is precious.

But in spite of that, I still found it difficult to accept her conclusion.

If what she said was right, then...we ought to treat the deaths of loved ones and strangers the same.

And yet, back then, I...

Indeed. That is the key difference between you and us.

And there ARE differences, Mash. It's inevitable. No two lives can be the same.

It's okay for you to empathize with people you're close to more than those you are not.

Proper Human History's humanity has always sought connections and things that would bring joy to their lives. That's why you flourished.

This may sound heartless, but in a truly equal world, you would end up just like us.

It would lead to a world where there was no such thing as a special person...a world where I couldn't even save my one and only friend.

Tepeu... Um, are you referring to...?

Yes. I wanted to save Xquic.

I wanted to save her from being forced to stay in the same place for six million years, observing life in Mictlān, the only one of her kind.

But my efforts led only to discord and failure, to the point that I hid myself away in an attempt to forget everything.

I was resigned to my fate as just another unchanging deinos.

But then, all of you showed up.

Your tales of Proper Human History were all dangerous, but they were also wonderful and inspiring.

I remember the shock I felt when you first wandered into my home. The trust you and Habetrot showed each other through how you both spoke.

I remember Fujimaru's heartbeat, and how light and sincere it is.

Marine's footsteps as he happily ran around. U-Olga Marie's indomitable smile.

Father Kotomine's suspicious word choices. Da Vinci's wisdom and childlike exuberance.

I could go on, but I'd best stop here, or we'll be at this all day.

My point is, I may have volunteered to be your guide, but you were the ones who truly showed me a new world.

I enjoyed myself immensely. And that's a good thing. Fun is a good thing.

Of course it is. How could it be bad? As long as you're upholding good morals, of course. Hahaha.

So please, don't think of your world, your actions, as some terrible burden to bear.

Haven't we told you before? All of the deinos support you wholeheartedly.

We don't hate you. We don't envy you.

I... Yes. It's true. You have...!

Well, having said all that, I do have some new thoughts.

I know humankind hasn't had sixty-six million years to flourish on this planet.

But even so, the fact that nothing changed here in all that time makes me sad.

With that time, we could have accomplished so much. But we never accomplished anything.

So I wonder now... Was what we had really the best, most peaceful world we could have hoped for?

I now think that very way of life itself was wrong. We never did anything good; we just avoided making mistakes.

Humans are incapable of choosing the correct answer.

This is because, even if they make the best choice they can at the time...they will inevitable learn of a better way later.

There can be no absolutely correct choice for any intelligent beings. Our conclusions will always have mistakes, because we are people.

We deinos didn't know that. We had no way of knowing that.

But now, at long last, we're able to choose a mistake for ourselves.

After sixty-six million years, we've become the same kind of humanity as you: the kind that reaches for the stars.

...The same as us? Don't be silly. We're the ones who should be striving to follow your example.

Then let's each learn from the best in the other. I can think of no more indulgent way to evolve.

...Anyway, I really must be going now.

I already told Fujimaru everything I wanted to say to him at Chichén Itzá.

Thank you for everything, Mash.

The very first time we met in my cave, instead of taking up your weapon, you greeted me so openly. That is one of the many things I love about you.

Not at all... I was so happy when you responded so kindly in turn!

Goodbye, Tepeu! Thank you so much for being our guide!

...

You could've flipped that thing onto its back easy enough, but you still never lifted a finger to help them. Right to the end.

How's it feel, watching the species you've spent your whole existence protecting die out? What, nothing to say? Tch, figures.

Well hey, at least I had fun. You know, after all that complaining, by the end, Vucub started humming to himself.

I didn't even realize I was humming along with him at first. It was "Ride of the"...something.

...Did you talk the deinos into this? Did you convince them it was better to go out fighting on a hellish battlefield than to face their extinction peacefully?

Yeah, I did. Waging war and losing battles is Tezcatlipoca's job. It's the only way I can demonstrate my divine power.

Still, this wasn't nearly enough to satisfy them. Sixty-six million years of ennui is a tough nut to crack.

Guess that means I lost, since I couldn't bring them satisfaction through a fight.

See you around, Lady Birdbrain. If we ever meet again, we'll have to have a real proxy war.

...

？！

Welcome back, everyone. You've done a great job keeping pressure on ORT.

Thanks to your efforts, we have a real shot at taking it out. The plan is currently in its final stage.

Our primary cannon, the Hume-Barrel Rayproof, is almost done charging.

The moment ORT comes within thirty kilometers of the Storm Border, we'll spin up virtual Triton Engines Five and Six.

We will then stabilize the Void Space power supply and enter firing mode.

We'd like all of you to stand by in the Command Room until then.

In fact, we're not planning on any further close engagements with that thing. This blast will either hit it, or it won't.

Must you be so cavalier about such a horrifying prospect? And what's to stop us from spinning up Engines Five and Six now?

I can't possibly be the only one who wants to avoid an engine failure right at the most crucial moment, can I?

Believe me, I wish we could, but the primary cannon's effective firing range is limited.

According to Trismegistus II's calculations, ORT must be within ten kilometers for us to land an effective blow.

Because ORT is capable of regenerating itself from as little of its mass as a handful of cells, we have to completely vaporize it in a single shot.

Hmm, so that's why we can't go full power right off the bat. Okay, I get that.

But what do we do if ORT has an attack capable of destroying the Storm Border from more than ten kilometers away?

...

What? What is that look supposed to mean? That we'll just have to trust to LUCK!? Say something!

Are you sure there's nothing we can do? Is there really no way to defend ourselves if ORT makes the first move?

No. We simply can't maneuver well while the primary cannon is deployed.

Our only option is to rely on magecraft and our armor plating's electromagnetic barriers to protect us.

Naturally, we do have enough resources stockpiled to use those protections, but if ORT exceeds our projections, we'll be done for. I'm afraid you'll just have to accept that, Goredolf.

We've done everything we can. The cards have been dealt and it's time to play our hand.

Khh... All right, Captain. If you say there's nothing more to be done, I'll take your word for it.

Very well then! Everyone, take your seats! Win or lose, laugh or cry, this will be our final stand!

If there's anything you've left undone, now's the time to do it! ORT certainly isn't going to wait for you to get back from a bathroom break!

ORT has crossed the plains! Thirty-three kilometers to go until it reaches Chichén Itzá! Thirty-two... Thirty...

Okay, it's less than thirty kilometers away now! Copy, engine room!?

All right, it's about time! Firing up Engines One and Two, and virtual Engines Five and Six!

Engines Three and Four have been diverted to power our defenses, so there won't be a second shot! Don't miss, Marine!

Don't worry, I won't! ORT is a much, much bigger target than the Foreign God!

...So this is it.

We're keeping the sun at our back, so ORT will be coming right for us.

Now it's all down to whether it has some way of attacking us from more than ten kilometers or not...

ORT's twenty-three kilometers away... Twenty-one... Nineteen... The hell? Is it actually picking up speed?

What's it planning to do, body slam the Storm Border!?

No, that can't be right. Even ORT can't possibly cross ten kilometers in a matter of secon

Okay, we've got an emergency, people. ORT's internal cellular mass is growing rapidly.

Looks like we've got a metal tentacle headed our way. This one can probably extend up to twenty kilometers!

A tentacle!? Not a body slam!? Oh craaaaaap!

It's coming right for us! Captain, evasive maneuvers!!!

We've fought those things more times than I can count; armor's useless against them!

The moment they touch you, they absorb you!

Electromagnetic barriers to maximum! Deflect that thing before it can touch the hull!

We're managing to deflect it, but it's not letting up! Engine Three's gonna overheat if this keeps up!

That's fine! Five more seconds and we're clear to fire!

？！

Well, we could, but it would put a lot of strain on the ship, so I'd rather save that for a last resort.

For the moment, I am trusting in a very capable ally to get us through this!

Authorize QP transfer to Type 79 Tamamo Tank! Open the hatch!

There we go. I've been waiting for you to agree to the terms of our business arrangement. Now, let me show you the turret I've been building with the supplies I stoer, borrowed...

Behold, the Calamity Dispersing Shrine Type 79 Mictlān Special! This is what I'll be using to keep your assets secure!

So THAT'S where she's been! I was wondering why I hadn't seen her around!

Okay, my little temp employees! Just follow the instructions in the manual like I showed you♡

Hell yeah! Big Sis Koyan just gave us our first order! Okay, bros, everyone in position!

Yay! Now we can finally help Fujimaru's gang for real!

This makes all that secret work we've been doing in the jungle since Big Sis recruited us worthwhile!

Are the people on the Storm Border hearing this too? They are? Great!

I told you we'd turn things around in overtime, remember!? Now watch as we score the game-changing goal!

？！

The Deinonychus Brothers! You're... You're alive!

It was damn close, but we've always been good at pretending to be down for the count! Glad to hear you sounding so happy, Big Sis Mash!

Okay, bros, it's time to start shooting up a storm!

Don't let a single one of those gross-looking things get past you! We've gotta intercept them all!

ORT has crossed the twenty kilometer mark! Eighteen... Sixteen... Fourteen... Twenty seconds until it's in effective firing range!

Open anti-threat response valve! Set magical energy circulation to full speed! Spector, increase pressure on the bow!

Margin of error correction on! Sheba firing safety off! ...Target lock acquired on ORT's center!

Ooh... We can do this! We can actually do this!

ORT has entered effective firing range! Captain!

FIRE!

...Wha...

A space storm!? But, we destroyed the organ it uses to create those!

Oh craaap.

ORT's internal mass and gravity generation have doubled! I think that's its next-generation organ! (Crying)

If I'm reading this right, it didn't just regrow the organ. It upgraded the damn thing!

What's more, it's using the leftover cells to reform those spidery appendages.

？！

No! It didn't evade the shot completely! It just managed to bend the Rayproof's trajectory!

Sion, recalculate a trajectory that'll land a direct hit through that gravity field! Engine room, start prepping a second shot!

We can't back off! If ORT closes the distance and reclaims the sun, we'll never be able to win!

I told you, it's impossible! Even if I run the engines into the ground, it'll still take at least two minutes to recharge!

ORT's getting closer, and it's still generating that storm! Nine... Eight... Seven...

The storm's already rocking us like crazy! I can't keep the ship stable!

...!

？！

Don't even think about it!

The whole area out there is bathed in cosmic rays! Even your Mystic Code can't guarantee your safety!

We'll... We'll...

(We'll have to retreat and escape Mictlān... But, then what do we do!?)

(Dammit! I can't believe we had all this time to prepare and there's still nothing we can do!)

(If only we could buy enough time for a second shot...)

I understand. You're one move away from victory. As it happens, I have a proposal that may just be of help. Care to hear it?

？！

Goodness. Commendable reaction speed, Captain Nemo, but I suggest you stand down.

That time is presently stopped does not mean you are not running out of it.

This is one of the Foreign God's seven super Authorities, the Tachyon Jail. And it won't last very long.

Tachyon manipulation... So it is not that time itself is stopped. Rather, we are moving faster than time.

That's right, Sion. Incidentally, the Foreign God named this Authority herself.

I wish to be perfectly clear on that point. I had no part in naming it.

Can the pointless chatter! Get to what I sent you to discuss, Rasputin!

？！

Director! You came back!

Hmph. Didn't I tell you? I'm not about to spend my time in this Lostbelt watching you Earthlings breathe your last.

The people of Proper Human History have things they need to answer for in Proper Human History.

...Even if their world has been bleached.

Good point. Then I'll keep this brief.

In consequence of Daybit Sem Void's machinations, ORT is presently relying on the Foreign God's heart to power itself.

It would be a disgrace to her divine reputation if she were to return to the surface without reclaiming it.

As such, the Foreign God has decided she is willing to join forces with Chaldea against this common enemy.

？！

Gaah! You fool! Why would you agree to their proposal without even hearing their terms!?

But Fujimaru's right! This is our only shot!

Okay, Father, what exactly does joining forces entail here!?

We will maintain this faster-than-time space and provide the power needed for a second Rayproof.

In exchange, we would like you to defeat ORT's real body and give us the right to use the Rayproof for ourselves.

Oh, come on. Don't tell us to defeat ORT like it's nothing! Don't you think we'd have done that already if we could!?

True, attacking ORT in normal space-time via normal means is a losing proposition, given its ability to regenerate faster than you can destroy it.

But what if you were to attack it here, in this time-accelerated space?

Oh! Yes, that would work! Since ORT is on the verge of collapse, that would be enough to push it over the edge!

What about supplying us with power? How is that going to work?

I thought something like this might happen, so I took the liberty of clandestinely modifying the Storm Border's charging mechanism.

You should find there's now a pipeline to provide magical energy to the engine directly from the outside.

Yup, there sure is. I didn't pay any attention to it earlier because I thought Da Vinci added it.

So it was actually your secret little "gift" to us all along, huh, Kotomine?

？！

It was strictly for insurance purposes, Fujimaru. Remember, this is an emergency. Let's not dwell on trivialities, shall we?

Now then, the moment you defeat ORT, the Foreign God will undo the time acceleration...

...then use all of her considerable magical energy to fire the Rayproof and obliterate ORT from this planet.

That is our proposal. I trust you find it acceptable?

Of course, this would require that Master Fujimaru go out onto the deck to command his Servants directly.

？！

Right! Honored to join you, Master!

Then may your actions demonstrate your sincerity, brave youths. And may God's protection be with you.

Grrr, I can't see any other option!

All right then. Fujimaru, Mash! Go give ORT hell!

But don't forget, even with the time dilation, that space storm is still alive and well, so make sure to settle this quickly and get back here as soon as possible!

We'll back you guys up as best we can, too! I'll start by diverting Trismegistus II's computational abilities to the summoning ritual!

This way, you'll be able to pseudo-summon any Servant you want on top of the Storm Border! Even the ones whose Ghost Liners were absorbed by ORT!

Remember, this is going to be the true final showdown between ORT and humanity!

So make sure you pull out all the stops and show Olga Marie what you can really do!

...Good, the conditions have been met. Now stand back. I'll take it from here.

？！

Wait, no! I didn't mean for you to go back inside! I meant you should find a safe place on the deck!

You can't pass up a chance to witness the gallantry of Earth's ruler in person! Now you stay right there and watch me!

？！

...Yeah, that figures. Of course that's the color you people would be showing right to the end.

And since this is a special occasion, I'll even make use of your Earth tools! Initiating magical energy provision! Instantaneously charging Rayproof!

...

... ...

Well!? Aren't you going to say something!? This is it, you know!

Do you think this is some kind of party trick!? Maybe you Earthlings really are evil...

Who cares, just cheer me on! You are as clueless as they come, Fujimaru!

？！

I guess that's okay, though. I'm only here to keep a promise.

You're probably wondering why I'm doing all this, aren't you?

You didn't kill Protea in the first underworld, or Beni-Enma in the second.

You knew they were monsters, and you accepted them anyway.

Well...that's why. It's such an annoying way to do things, but you'd better not ever stop.

...Also, one last thing. I was too scared to ask this before, but it's now or never I guess...

Who was Olga Marie, anyway? Did I used to be Chaldea's director?

？！

？！

...I see. That's a nice dream.

I just wish I could've done a better job.

ORT is gone! It's really gone! I knew you'd come through, Olga Mari

...Director?

？！

Command Room, do you read me!? I need you to scan the surrounding area!

I don't see DirecOlga Marie anywhere! That blast must have knocked her back down to the

...Mash, I hate to say this, but I've completely lost her signal.

We confirmed her Spirit Origin vanished as she fired the Rayproof.

...It's obvious when you think about it.

Not even the Foreign God could use that much energy without any consequences. Not without her heart...

Well!? Aren't you going to say something!? This is it, you know!

No... No, that can't be right. We finally found her again... We were finally talking and laughing together...!

Senpai... Senpai!

？！

？！

...

？！

...You're right. The battle is over now.

Neither I, nor the Storm Border, have any strength left to spare.

More than anything, I'm worried about you, Master. You've never fought for so long without rest before.

You should have Nurse take a look at you, then get some well-deserved rest.

？！

Yes, of course! Let's go back and celebrate our victory!

Wait! Hang on! Some crazy powerful summoning ritual just started! Did someone call for a Servant!?

Trismegistus II says to get the heck outta there, right now!

Misappropriation of Proper Human History reflections.

Overviews of three hundred million years of this lost human history.

These have been used to construct a new virtual Heroic Spirit form.

Biological Classification: One Radiant Thing Grand Servant, Class: Foreigner

ORT summoning imminent.

？！

A...summon...?

Does this mean ORT learned our summoning ritual right before it was erased...

...and built a virtual future where it could summon itself as a Heroic Spirit...?

？！

？！

The bow's surface armor has peeled away! Our second layer of internal armor layer is warped and malfunctioning!

Ionized particle burst incoming... It's solar wind! It doesn't have the same impact as the supercell...

...but at point-blank range, we have no way to stop or evade it! Chubs!

I know! Bridge, get us out of here, now! Rapid ascent, emergency turn, I don't care! We've got no one left who can fight!

Dammit, Tezcatlipoca's future was right after all! That thing is simply too much for humans to deal with!

It's no use! The ship doesn't have anything left to give! It's taking all we've got just to stay in the air!

Captain! Sion! What do we dooo!?

Save the whining for later! All Marines, man the weapons!

This ORT might not be the same as the original! Try hitting it with Spiritron torpedoes! Throw them at it if you have to!

Fujimaru, Mash, get off the deck and inside the ship now! This new humanoid ORT is going to make contact with you in only ten seconds!

Ghh...! Master, hold onto my shoulder!

？！

Absolutely not!

New Spirit Origin detected! Wow, did you see that!? It flew in at supersonic speed and didn't even make a sonic boom!

How did it fly over here without breaking the air barrier!? Who IS that, anyway!?

That's

Okay, I'm here! Sorry it took me so long!

(Oh, right. I should be acting dignified right now!)

You will come no further, visitor from the void.

Six million years ago, you consumed the space tree. Since then, you have served as Mictlān's foundation.

But now, my compatriot, you have become our terror and extinction, and I shall pass judgment upon you.

Your claws shall not touch Proper Human History! I, Kukulcan, god of the sun, shall annihilate you!

You put up such an amazing fight. Are you still breathing, Tepeu?

...Oh. You were watching us? That wasn't very nice of you.

You know, before today, I had never once taken part in battle.

It was a novel experience; I even surprised myself at how well I handled it, but...it's really quite painful.

I must say, dying hurts. It's also...quite frightening.

But you know, just learning that for myself makes this effort all worthwhile.

I've been so preoccupied with theoretical applications that I almost made a dreadful mistake.

Thank goodness...

Regardless of the reason, I'm so glad I didn't drag Xquic with me into this fate.

I see. Thank you for your insight. I will preserve them for posterity.

...The last of the ocelomeh fell a while ago. My role here is over now.

The deinos who went back to the jungle have entered their eternal rest, too. You and your compatriots are the last ones left.

Once I've observed your final moments, I'll cease functioning as well.

ORT will head to the surface and fracture the planet, and the Malla will then wait for new life to be born on that fractured surface.

That is the cycle of extinction. ...Congratulations on a life well lived.

Why thank you. I'm breathing my last, so that's nice to hear. I'll probably be gone before the sun goes out for good.

...Is that all you have to say? You and your compatriots are the last of the deinos.

If you have any last requests, I'll fulfill them as best I can.

(Cough, cough, hack) (Spitting up blood)

Tepeu!?

I'm sorry for the mess. It seems this is what happens when you laugh with only one lung.

You're so expressive now. You were never like this before.

You never so much as batted an eye when we saw the future in México City, or when Chichén Itzá was attacked.

At first, I thought you lacked the capability to feel grief...but now, I see that you simply did not yet have a means to express it.

You must not have known how you should behave at the time.

But now, you look so much more natural. The expressions you once imitated have become your own.

Didn't Xquic also say it's okay to be sad during sad times?

...Don't be ridiculous. That would be the height of inhumanity and cruelty.

I did nothing at all to save you. I was just the arbiter who watched things play out from on high.

For me to grieve your deaths now would be unforgiveable.

Unforgivable? Who would deny you their forgiveness? Deinos? The Malla?

So what? Who cares? None of that has anything to do with how you feel.

You've been repressing your feelings for so long, Kukulcan. Don't you think it's time you let yourself be free?

Don't worry about us. Please, just do what you feel like doing.

For that matter, standing back and letting someone else handle this would be wrong. It's your mess to clean up.

Wha...!? Then, you really did know, Tepeu!?

Of course I did. I knew right from the start.

Which is also why I know you're only refusing to let yourself go help them because you feel guilty.

If you're going to go to sleep anyway, you should do so feeling relieved, not stressed. I would much rather you see us off with a smile than a grimace.

...Are you sure? Is it really okay for the teachings of the sun to start doing what she wants at this point?

Of course it is. Though if I may, I would like to make one request.

Please...let us go out with one last dream.

Since we never created any stories of our own, we'd like you to show us a form that will take our breath away.

Since we

Yes?

Since we won't be leaving anything else behind, that would be our first...and final myth.

...I never truly supported the Chaldeans, even after seeing Proper Human History Heroic Spirits for myself.

You were the ones I loved. You and everything else that lived in Mictlān.

The ones who loved me and called me their friend, even though I was a false sun.

So if this is truly what you want...

...then I will gladly become this Lostbelt's god.

I am Kukulcan, the winged serpent, and the avatar of the golden sea of trees. Now, I shall go to steal my heart!

Right!?

I've been secretly gathering stories about Proper Human History's Quetzalcoatl for a looong time now!

And since I'm her biggest fan, I knew I had to go for the mantle and feathered headdress, yes!

I mean... Stop screwing around and take this seriously, Mr. Chaldea!

？！

That thing is ORT's Ghost Liner. It summoned itself using the remaining traces of its own dead cells as a catalyst.

It is no longer a living creature; it's simply a mechanism for preserving this Lostbelt.

Since it is a product of Mictlān, it's only right that Mictlān should take responsibility for it!

I cannot allow that thing to roam free, even if it means the end of this world!

So I ask that you fight by my side this one last time!

Lostbelt or not, Kukulcan's wings exist to help those who dream of a better future!

...

Report. Virtual Heroic Spirit form's Spirit Origin has been destroyed.

Warning. Approach of foreign life-form detected.

Lostbelt records are being inserted into the space-time continuum.

Paradox effecter-based inflation confirmed.

Invasive star cell colony incoming. Zone of origin redefined to 14.6 billion years of observableuniverse.

ORT's arrival is imminent.

？！

No. That invader may be a variant that originated in this Lostbelt, but Chaldea still defeated it.

The reason ORT refuses to stay gone is that some part of it still exists: the sun.

...Please, let me handle it. This is the job I was meant to do.

...ORT. Invader from the void. You and I have long shared a mutual codependence.

You consumed the Tree of Emptiness to extend your life, and we used your heart to prolong the world's existence.

Erasing you now will also mean erasing this Lostbelt.

However...

...I cannot force the future Tezcatlipoca showed us at the altar of the sun upon Proper Human History.

...Thank you for everything you've done for us.

Now, allow me to state the Malla's will: this is the end of Mictlān.

After sixty-six million years of raising life in this underground world, the answer we have arrived at is:

"This was a good world. But it was not the only way forward."

We recognize that now. We realize that we were halting the development of this planet's species.

Extinction comes for everything.

You are a living creature, and so are no exception, regardless of what your environment or ecosystem may be.

Now know this!

This sun is your heart, and the embryo from which I was born!

I am Kukulcan, the one born from the sun! I, too, am a part of you!

And now, I shall return this body to the sun to finally destroy you! Interstellar engine heart, activate!

The wind comes down from the heavens, and the stars fall from the cosmos.

Only ORT can defeat ORT!

We have no right to feed on this planet! This is the end, Ultimate One!

Ahh... The stars...

...Be that as it may, our lives were nonetheless beautiful.

Even if I no longer have anything left to read... Even if we never made anything of value...

Even if...this passion should cool and fade...

Oh my, I can't believe it. They even got the sun to pitch in and help them win!?

(Sigh...) I never thought I would see a Lostbelt king end their own Lostbelt. If that's what she chose, I'm not sure where that leaves me.

Why do you say that, Big Sis? 'Cause you weren't much help?

Are you blind, you nincompoop!? Of course I was helpful! Besides, NFF Services was never meant to be a star player.

Our forte has always been staying in the shadows, helping people live their best lives.

And that's exactly what I did this time as well. My clients' survival is all I could ask for.

I still plan on having a great deal of fun with Chaldea in the future, after all.

Now I see. You merchants of death sure get some nasty ideas. No wonder you're not sure where this leaves you.

Yeah, you came out of the shadows even though your job was already done.

But you know, you're starting to sparkle and fade away. Does that mean you're gonna die here, Big Sis?

Not to worry. This is just me making my Servant exit♡ I'm under no obligation to cooperate if it means dying myself!

What about all of you? It won't be long before Mictlān disappears, too.

Good question. Since we're all in Chichén Itzá anyway...

...we've gotta get in one last xokta game!

Since there's four of us left, we can play a two-on-two ritual until the end!

We've always lived our lives so we could do what we wanna do until the world ends, and we're not gonna stop now!

...I see. That makes sense. A wild stallion can't help but gallop across the plains to the end.

Life is at its best not when we're under the yoke of another, but when we're pursuing our own joy.

You said it! Anyway, we don't wanna waste any time, so we're gonna get going! Bye, Big Sis Tōchtli!

...Well then, it seems my work here is done.

Oh man, I actually blew up the sun☆

It looks like I destroyed all the Trees of Emptiness in Mictlān, too. Oh well, nothing to be done about it!

Anyway, I know this Lostbelt's going to disappear now, but that doesn't mean I did it to help Proper Human History.

I'm a free-spirited alien. Don't go thinking of me as some friend of humanity, okay?

？！

？！

Yes, it is! You've never been our enemy, Kukulcan! Not for a second!

It was amazing how you were completely on our side! You've been an incredibly helpful Lostbelt king!

Huh? Oh, come on. Surely you must have wondered whether I was really your enemy or your friend at some point, right?

...Oh, right. We didn't fight even a single time, did we? That's really kind of a shame, yes...

But, I guess that just couldn't be helped! After all, you once said:

"Kukulcan has a duty to protect Mictlān because she's the king of this Lostbelt." (Determined expression)

"But she's also not the type to hate someone just because they're technically a foreign enemy." (Even more determined expression)

Right? Kadoc told me all about it! So how could I go and attack someone who thinks that about me!?

？！

Honestly, instead of attacking you, I wish I could go with you...but I'm this Lostbelt's god.

So I won't be keeping you here, or accompanying you on your journey.

I'm Kukulcan, this world's sun and the god who created Mictlān. ...And the one who destroyed it.

So now that my job is done, I want to stay here and watch over this sea of trees until it's completely covered in darkness.

...

Still, that being said, I did just make my divine debut!

So you might end up summoning me as a Servant after you get back to the surface, yes!

That's how Proper Human History's system works, right? You share your intellectual property, regardless of what it is.

As a people, you both use and squander a ton of resources, all so you can eventually reach your final destination.

？！

Anyway, I'd better get going. ...Oh, right. I almost forgot.

The Malla may have all died out now, but I still want to pass on their last consensus.

"We will be rooting for you."

This isn't because you were present for Mictlān's final moments.

It's because it's only natural for living things to cheer for people who are still in the middle of their journey.

...All right, goodbye again. For real this time.

May you all grow as much as possible, and go as far as you can.

And may your path be as blessed as you could ever hope.

That was our dream back in the ancient past, and it remains our dream for the distant future.

For the journey of life will continue forever and ever, shining with golden splendor.

...There she goes.

？！

Now that the sun is gone, gravity here is starting to fluctuate.

The Storm Border is already headed up to the first stratum...and the surface beyond.

It's a shame to part ways like this, but it seems the jungle isSenpai?

Senpai!?