Chaldean Chronicles: Cadence of the Lostgrail

So... The Chaldeans approach.

11:45 AM

The end of an era draws near.

The journey to the throne is.... A long one. Yet, with every single step the Heroes of Chaldea can see the looming ring floating above the throne get more and more vibrant. The swirling colours of the temple were almost hypnotizing... Yet, the stern gaze of the King of Magecraft lingered upon them.

A single weathered hand racked the worn pump pump of the battered shotgun. Cracked lips breathed what felt like the freezing air... possibly the last breath. "A King...." those lips spoke, "All you pathetic rulers are the same, sending men to die in your place while you watch from a throne like a coward."

Disappearing into the shadows even though there were none, the Archer Servant crept forward slowly seemingly unoticed.... and took aim.

The Duke of Wu contempled the great scenery before his eyes. The Temple of Time, removed from the world and its struggles, a place stationary and never changing. A monument to excellence. Yet, it was broken into pieces. Yet, it was filled with the revolting silhouttes of the Demon God Pillars that now opposed Chaldea. And yet, he felt it was... Lacking. As if something was missing. That certaintly, was what gave Taigong the strength to push forward. No matter how mighty the enemy they faced, or how impossible the odds seemed. It was a matter of pride to him, as a Grand. No, it wasn't totally that. It was a matter of pride, as a human. To renounce to what made him human... That, he found it truly revolting. He would bear with it, and he was ascertain the rest of his allies felt the same "Are you ready? Remember, a Grand Caster is not precisely small fish. If we pull this one off, it's gonna be a big catch! But either way, we cannot fail. And I certainly don't want to give the ruffian the satisfaction. Now, do any of you disagree?" With the same careless attitude of always.

This was..or at least should be the last thing that was in the way of the completing Chaldea's goal of saving humanity. For a moment of peace before the chaos ensured she was thinking to herself and had her eyes closed.

"Nope~ This was his direct creation, after all. Mm, it's a shame he wasn't actually here... But disciplining a disobedient child is nostalgic enough!"

The Emperor who held the spirit of Rome within his hand Looked around as he judged Grand Caster's throne room lacking any décor instead just being a ruined temple Lucius tightly griped his sword has he place into the ground "Regardless of his threat we cannot hesitate today Rider, we must end this here and now. Solomon must be stopped, no matter the cost." Lucius lifted Florent out of the ground and on to his shoulder

A single shot. That's all it took. Bang And the King was dead.

1:45 PM

"Target terminated."

Ciel had arrived, this was it, the final battle. All these battles had all lead to this one final moment. It was here where she would have to give it all. She would give a serious look, now in her Powered Mode. She could give a speech but in this mode, she was far to focus on the task to say anything.

"H-Hey, Archer, it won't be- Really."

"..."

1:46 PM

"Excuse me, what?"

The Body of the King slumped down in the throne, a bullet hole burrowed in his head... The bloody smear formed for just a few long moments before... Suddenly, the man stood right next to Francis. A look of amusement visible on his face as a grin twisted on his expression... "Ah... So this is the famous Ghost of the Trenches."

4

7

The hunter’s mission was simple this time, one single prey… A god that thought himself the arbiter of what humanity should be… When he didn’t know the slightest thing about them. …Lytus slowly turned to his fellow archer. Like it would be that easy. Upon the arrival of the Pegasus, he mounted it and summoned his bow, staring coolly ahead.

He gazed forward stareing at their opponent, the king of mages Solomon. And he got one shotted no wait he's right there.

Francis twisted behind him, the voice suddenly echoing in his voice. With a single sweep he raised a gun designed exactly to kill creatures like him. No words. No quips. Just kill him until he was dead.

Ciel knew it wasn't going to be that easy. She would take aim at the enemy and get ready to unleash her Seventh Holy Scripture at him.

Rising a hand into the air, Solomon merely glanced towards the masters of Chaldea. Yet, no spell seemed to be readied for the moment. Instead, his eyes fixated upon them. "Truly. How barbaric."

"--" Veronica is here..! So even killing him won't make him dead.. It looks like some people don't die when they are killed. This'll be hard. Nevertheless, the Amazon smiles. They've got this.

"Here I was, waiting for your arrival... Is that truly the greeting fitting of Chaldea? To attack a defenceless opponent? Here I thought you had more 'honour'."

"There is no honour in war!"

Peter appears shortly after his master. He made no announcement of his arrival as he was extremely focused on their goal. Though a part of Peter wanted to speak with the King of Magecraft, he's been placed in a predicament where it may be near impossible.

Lytus knocked back a group of arrows, simply pointing at his prey, his eyes laser focused. Though humanity could not naturally exist here, his pendant glowed. His goddess was with him.

"Here I was, waiting for your arrival... Is that truly the greeting fitting of Chaldea? To attack a defenceless opponent? Here I thought you had more 'honour'."

@Solomon, The King of Magecraft (@Andle | Cam, Ib, Rach) - jump "Do not speak to me of 'honour', you that wears the visage of the Grand Caster. You yourself have resorted to less than savoury methods, considerating you incinerated all of Humanity without a chance to strike back. That isn't quite honorable from you."

1:51 PM

"Besides, I don't care too much about it myself, to be honest."

She prepared her weapons ready to attack Solomon when she saw the opportunity. She had a black key coated in poison ready to throw at him.

Shaking her head and smiling coolly, Sheba steps forward. "It's been quite a long time, King Solomon, or rather Goetia if I remember properly? I wonder as well, is taking the name of your 'father' while you trample over his vision what you consider honor?"

Just as the man fired the bullet upon the King of Magecraft, the man simply flicked his wrist. The bullet slid to the side- away from it's trajectory as the eyes of Solomon glew a dim red. "Very well then. If you do not wish to entertain a conversation, I suppose there is no need to indulge." With that, he once again vanished. "Ami. Take care of the Trash."

He didn't stop. Faster then a blink. Loaded. Fire.

1:57 PM

"God damn you, DIE!" Francis yelled as he loaded two more times and placed two shells from the pistol in Goetia.

"Our opportunity to converse with the King of Magecraft has ceased. It seems we shall proceed with the 'heavy work' of this encounter." Peter comments as he watches the Archer start blasting.

1:58 PM

"A shame. I believe there could've been something we could learn." (edited)

”…..There is nothing to learn from arrogant deities such as he. Naught but depravity and pride.”

"What a contrast in both optimism and pessimism! I'm a bit in the middle. But that's for later!"

Suddenly the Demon God Pillar Ami would appear in front of Chaldea. It would take a moment to look at the entire group. "Chaldea, you will have no beginning, no end, you will simply be removed from existence. Their is no need to prepare yourself for this, no need to feel sorrow or anger. All of this will be rendered void." spoke the Demon God Pillar.

"I wouldn't be so sure this one is the best teacher. Not even Solomon himself was, if he even would take interest... Well, now that we've introduced ourselves, might I ask how- Oh, of course."

Asteria was moving alongside Ciel quite cheerfully. “Ah hullo there!!”

"I am disappointed in you, Chaldea. If this is the way you wish to handle things however... I shall humour you."

"Hello Mr. Ami.." She said in that drawl tone of voice akin to a student having to greet a teacher.

"Damn it another pillar, take this thing down then advance towards Caster!" Lucius prepared for combat

Peter makes no further comment. He just prepares to assist his fellow Chaldeans.

"Asteria, lets focus and take down the enemy." said Ciel in a serious tone.

"No Matter what, we can't fail when we've already come this far!"

"Not what I had in mind for when we got here but alright! Solomon or Goetia as someone of these guys are calling you. We've come to defeat you!"

"I am being serious, it just consists of being a little bit relaxed you know~? Being super tense don't do you well for performance."

The man remained calm, too calm. Despite the bullet wounds riddling his body- it didn't even seem as if he had been bothered. That included the large hole in his forehead.

2:13 PM

"Francis Pegahamagabow. The Ghost of the Trenches. Your haste and bloodthirst shall be your undoing."

2:14 PM

Rising his hand into the air, the Grand Caster closed his eyes for a short moment...

"We got a solution to that?" Francis said as he retreated. "Rich coming from you. How many have you sent to their deaths and killed? I've seen enough bastards like you in a lifetime to hate for a lifetime."

"I am being serious, it just consists of being a little bit relaxed you know~? Being super tense don't do you well for performance."

@Asteria Caelestis (@MoonBowBishPoisonFist|Pormal) - jump "I am using magecraft to suppress my emotions. This allows me to focus better."

”Your arrogance and no understanding of humanity shall be yours, GOETIA!” A voice rang out from behind the Chaldeans, on a very high platform, and a magical ritual circle appeared to cover the entirety of the star-specked sky above them. Those that looked would see their director, holding a hand to the sky. A wind without origin seemed to billow around her, her fringe blown aside to reveal the activated crest of the Animusphere bloodline of mages and a fire in the girl’s eyes. She was young, far too inexperienced to be heading an operation like this. She had no compatibility with rayshifting, she had poor potential as a master. The only thing she was good for was her magecraft. That was fine. She’d do it all anyway. Because she was needed.

"We are the ones that shall inherit the Stars."
"Though we may be but a spec in the endless Cosmos."
"We show our pride and power even in the face of Gods."
"Our life force, our living will that turns the world, the thing called Animus."
"I reach now into that endless sky, calling upon the imaginary element of Hollow."
"And from it, I shall produce miracles, twinkling lights that we humans wish upon, to fill this Void!"
"May you scatter like them, ANIMA ANIMUSPHERE!"

"How annoying." The man simply let out a soft huff, shaking his head. "Do you not understand your resistance is futile?"

"Truly... This is proving to be quite a bore. I shall let you handle this, Ami. Prevent their advance. I shall focus on important matters." With that, the Man once again returned to the throne.

”Evidently you don’t understand… Even if it is futile… We must try. That is our nature!”

"This matter will soon be nothing more then a void. Not even their traces will exist after this."

”Chaldeans, falter not! Our victory is in sight, think not of failure, do not even consider it an option!”

Focalor, Furfur, Halphas, Malphas, Marchosias, Pheniex, Raum, Stolas, Vepar. Aim, Bathin, Botis, Ipos, Morax, Naberius, Purson, Saleos, Zepar. Barbatos, Beleth, Buer, Caim, Eligos, Gusion, Leraje, Paimon, Sitri. Balam, Bifrons, Crocell, Furcas, Haagenti, Sabnock, Shax, Uvall, Vine. Amdusias, Andras, Andrelphus, Flauros, Kimaris, Orias, Valac, Vapula, Zagan. Aamon, Agares, Allocer, Baal, Gamigin, Malephar, Marbas, Orobas, Vassago. Yes. Even you, the disgraced. Pulled back into the folds by the strings of truth. Asmodeus, Astaroth, Berith, Bune, Foras, Forneus, Gaap, Gasya-Labolas, Ronove. (edited)

11:05 AM

Rejuvenate and Return to the Fold. Time of Decision has Come.

11:06 AM

I invoke upon our anthropic principle.

11:07 AM

Cast your vote for the final fate.

11:07 AM

@Brand: Color [Staff] Reply as respective pillars.

"Though I may be outvoted, My King... You know my thoughts. Though I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to witness, in the end."

"Complete destruction…shall be upon them."

"The end draws near... How lovely..."

Affirmative. Decision remains unchanged.

"We have composed the symphony of mankind's demise. Today, let the fools of Chaldea hear it as their last moments approach."

"The evidence remains, not even their futile attempts can absolve mankind's errors. Let judgement be cast upon them."

The termination of the Human Order shall commence… let the Chaldeans bask in their folly as we erase all traces of their existence.

Final Vote. Ami.

"Let humanity become one with the void. Leave no traces of them behind. No more sorrow, anger or anything, let it all become one void."

". . ."

2:06 PM

"The decision remains the same. Ami, you may rest for the moment."

"To the void I return... for now..." said Ami as they would turn into dust.

”The Trash Heap has been neutralised, press on!”

"Push on toward Caster! Don't give him any chances, we end this here and now!"

"Let us eliminate the target and restore humanity." said Ciel as she then took aim at her primary target.

"How foolish of you to think you'll achieve any of that."

2:09 PM

"With every moment, the ritual draws to completion."

"Well foolishness is a mark of humanity, it just means we come up with the wildest ideas to achieve our goals~!" behappi

"Allow me to give you a proper welcome however, Chaldeans.... Though a King normally shows much more hospitality- Unfortunately for you our patience has turn thin for your kind... Yet, before you proceed. I have but a single question for you."

2:11 PM

"Why."

2:12 PM

"Why have you come here, come this far? Couldn't have you simply restrained yourself for the good of humanity, to see the world remade into a paradise where your own kind cannot endlessly purge itself like a blight?"

"Cannot endlessly purge ourselves? What do you mean by that? What do you truly intend to do?"

"I shall create a world without the concept of death. A world comparable to the genesis of mankind- The Garden of Eden. Free from the rot of conflict that takes lives and cuts the lifespan of humanity short. An environment in which the plague exhibited by you is wiped clean- a brand new canvas to paint upon free of the smudges of dirt and tears caused by your own doing."

"A world where every human is cursed with immorality. That is a fate far worse then death, I know cause I have experience that first hand. You view is flawed, humans will reject it."

"You know... In such a paradise can humanity truly grow. In such conditions they will fall stagnate, humanity is built on dreams... A dream to complete our goals before our finite lives come to an end... Can one really soar if they are ever locked in what appears to be a beautiful little box?" Asteria smiles at Solomon, aiming to be a little bit poetic with her choice of words.

"Why....?" ..She's not really thought about it. But that's because she knew that it wasn't really a question that had a hard answer. No, it's simple. It's the easiest Question he could have asked. "Its because you're wiping out what makes us Human..! So many people have died, and we're going to fix everything you've broken..!"

"That world sounds like nothing more then an Ornate cage, and beyond boring!"

". . . How pathetic." Rising a hand up to his face, the man simply shook his head. "Truly. Pathetic. Yet, I must commend you on your strength... To make it this far is truly quite impressive. One cannot doubt strength of humanity."

"How prudish. So you intend to force on mankind a fate you consider to be correct, regardless of what we may think of it." "But there's no need for words. Let us show you the true strength of this humanity you call 'pathetic'."

". . . Ka... Kahaahahahaahahahah!"

2:37 PM

"All this talk... All this resistance. How futile is it? Do you not realize what awaits you?" "I truly despise humanity. Yet, I will commend you for your strength... That being said- I do not intend to entertain you any longer than necessary. You've wasted too much time 'heroes'. It doesn't matter now... For your end is about to come. Sunset comes for this wretched reality as I make my own!"

2:37 PM

@deleted-role

The ring in the sky begins to shimmer....

”Kh… Goetia’s energy is reaching a peak! The Human Incineration Ritual’s first stage is complete! Brace yourselves, everyone!”

"In the end, my triumph was foretold. You should be thankful! Were it not for my intervention, humanity would have no future. Yet here you are, daring to defy my masterplan. Thinking you have any power to stop it. By destroying the foundation this humanity, the strength of human history has been reduced to zero... The ring you see in the sky? You all are little more than batteries for my plans! Now... It is time I draw the power from the power source and strike down it's only defenders!"

”I see… The incineration is only a side effect… Incoming!”

. . . "The time of birth has come. He is the one who masters all. Ars Almadel Salomonis"

"Fou! Fou!"

Lucius gritted his teeth as the attack charged towards them as he called to his Master Ibaki I need to make use of a command seal, teleport me back 30-ish Feet @Andle | Cam, Ib, Rach Lucius Placed his hand on the scabbard Saber gave to him and thought to himself Heh I guess I am putting my faith in your hands now Arthur

What an oddly specific request. How big a distance is that?

2:59 PM

Like... Two beds or--

About 5 king Sized beds. (edited)

Got it. On it!

Lucius Teleported into the middle of the Group as he raised saber's golden scabberd into the air and spoke its True name as it let out a Holy golden glow "AVALON!"

The beams of light clashed down against the shimmering shield... Yet, even it begun to crack away under the immense heat. The sheer pressure put down- it all was too much even for the greatest of phantasms.

"Fou--! Fou!!!"

"I... I don't think it will hold!"

"HAHAHAHA I'M GOING TO MAKE IT GOD DAMN HOLD!" Lucius poured more and more of his Mana into keeping the barrier together as he could feel hit finger tips begin to go numb "I am not going to let so dumbass Magi with terrible tattoo's destroy humanity or us!"

3:13 PM

Tsk, if anyone has any mana to spare now's the time to use it. (edited)

I’m afraid all of mine is currently in use!

Senpai does have some problems on that front~

3:19 PM

I am running on fumes here.

"Don't give up!" Taking a deep breath, Veronica too. She too expended her Magical Energy to help out. When it comes to making something more durable.. She knows a thing or two about that..! "It will hold!"

Ciel would give some of her mana to Lucius, attempting to do her best to help with the barrier. "Don't give up, we can do this!" said Ciel to the others.

As the impact of the Noble Phantasm cleared... The King of Magecraft looked on with a cold gaze at the heroes of Chaldea. His eyes fixated upon what remained as the temple quickly begun to reconstitute itself from the impact. To say the least... If this attack hadn't been stopped, it was doubtful anything would survive.

"Fou..."

Lucius gasped for Air as the attack ended "It looks like it held together, is everyone alright?" Lucius looked at his half melted shield

"Lets do this everyone! We are not alone, we're here standing together with the hopes and dreams of all of humanity supporting us!! This fate that they're forcing upon us, lets change it to something we can be satisfied with~!" Asteria smiles at the rest of the group as they all tough it out.

"..Yeah! All Good..! Bit warm, but.." They're fine..! They've got this.

"Concerning nonetheless, Need to ensure that doesn't happen a second time."

”….Alive… Let us continue the hunt.”

"Ooh, quite hot I dare say! Me and Sibuxiang are fine, in that regard!" He says mockingly... Yet he understood that had not been properly used, they would be dust. If that was used a second time, there would be no guarantees of survival.

"So it seems you have survived..." "Not that it matters. Did you really think it would simply end with your survival? I suppose you are better compared to cockroaches than any other animal. I have already grown used to this nature of humanity. Refusing to get squashed when faced with impossible odds."

3:28 PM

"I suppose I will simply have to strike you down again, this time without one of your tricks."

If not for the Saber servant’s intervention, he would’ve been turned to ash or motes of light. Though he had to sacrifice some of his mana, it proved to be effective as everyone is all right.

"Damn bastard... That took nearly all the magical energy I had left to help keep that barrier up..." He muttered to himself before he jumped up into the air cutting the distance between him and Solomon quickly. He prepared his blade to swing but waited. "Let me ask you this since its just you and me right here, why did you choose this path to go down? Do you really believe that this is what's best for humanity? And what did you mean by humanity had no future if you hadn't intervened?"

"So now you decide to ask questions, is that it? I have seen the future of humanity- or rather lack of thereof. In just a few months, all that shall become of it is darkness. Our decision had been made by then, our mind made up yet simply observing was no longer a choice. We do not expect you to understand."

"I can't control what the others do, everyone makes their own decisions. That's something we have as humans and the humanity you seek won't have. There had to have been a better path than just wiping out all of humanity. What if that same future where we're swallowed by Some type of darkness comes to pass in the world you created?"

"You don't understand the futility of this struggle. You do not know what I know... I won't waste my time on this nonesence. Begone out of my sight." "The Time of Crowning has Come. He is the One who Begins All... Ars Paulina."

4:11 PM

"Come Ami. Finish what you have started."

"As I promised, I have returned! All will become a part of the void!"

"You can't expect someone to understand if you don't explain but ok." He noticed the Fou was now on top of his head. "Sup little guy, got any bright ideas on how to beat him fast before he can fire anyone of those super beams? What did he call it? Are alman salmon? Well whatever it's called I don't think we can survive another one." Yeah he was talking to fou even though he was sure he couldn't understand a single word fou would say.

"Fou! Fou. Ou. Ou."

4:31 PM

That was its brilliant plan. No. It won't repeat it.

"Yep, didn't understand a single thing you said there. I'll stick with yes or no questions tap my head once for yes, twice for no. Should we all charge at him?"

. . .

5:58 PM

This is truly... Becoming more trouble than it's worth.

6:00 PM

Very well then.

6:00 PM

Select a Target marked for Extermination, one of 72.

6:01 PM

@[Serpon]Teno/Penth/Nico/Azu

6:04 PM

"Ah. I see how it is. You seek to fight alongside your pathetic friends, now is it? We have observed you well, Veronique. Let us see how you fare the moment you are left in the darkness."

"MASTER!" The hunter held his hand out as he looked out towards the throne, his eyes wide with shock and worry. He knew she could handle herself, but all alone?

"---" Ah. Here she is, on her own. Facing the King of Mages himself..! Yet, she did not despair. "Darkness or not, Humanities light will prevail."

"Not a soldier left behind, creature," Francis sneered as he moved to cover, reloading again. He'd fired so many times the barrel from the one-chamber pistol had begun to turn red-hot. "Master Veronica will not fight alone."

"It would be fitting to bow before a King. However, I suppose your manners have gone with the wind- replaced by bravado." With that a barrier of pure energy formed around them. "This is now our Gauntlet."

"But not an unjust King."

"Well that's not good..."

"Ah-" He was right. She didn't bow. ..She really did turn into someone disrespectful, didn't she? Nevertheless. "..This is fine..! I'm not alone!"

"Bold words for someone soon to perish."

"I'm.. not that easy to kill! Sorry!"

The hunter's pupils contracted as he watched the goings on in the bubble. The rest of the world disappeared for him, a new target locked. His master... No, Aunt Vee was in trouble. Gripping his bow, he shifted his legs to be further apart and prepared to spring into action.

".....EVERYONE." He finally called out, clenching his fists. "I have a plan, but I'll need as much magical energy as possible. Please, trust me on this... If anyone has command seals to spare... I need to gather as much of my goddess' power as possible. I beg of you... She does so much to save everyone else, ignoring herself, so just once..." "Help me save her!" @deleted-role

". . ."

8:55 AM

". . . This... Really is..."

8:55 AM

The doctor paused for a short moment, his eyes fixating upon Hippolytus for a few long moments before gazing forward and into the distance to see Veronique struggling.

"My master is not on the field, she is preoccupied with the other pillars," he turned to the command staff, "Do your duty!"

"GO!" He points his hand towards Hippolytus to help empower him for his plan. Ine of the two command seals disappear from his hand as he used it.

The doctor paused for a short moment, his eyes fixating upon Hippolytus for a few long moments before gazing forward and into the distance to see Veronique struggling.

@Romani Akiman (@Andle | Cam, Ib, Rach) - jump "Doctor Romani," the soldier noticed the Doctor moving, "What is it you intend?"

"Allow me to be your arrow, that I may pierce this creature..." He nodded at Nagato, and then at the Soldier he had grown to respect so.

". . . To do something I should have done a while ago. I'm sorry everyone. I should have been less selfish."

"Romani, don't be hasty!"

". . ." The doctor pauses for just a moment.

8:58 AM

"Very well... If you believe you can handle it. I will leave it to you but... I cannot stand the idea of any of you dying for this."

She didn't say anything, she just raised her hand towards Hippolytus. One of the command seals she had disappearing showing she used one for Hippolytus's plan.

Vee... I'm coming. Let me be your arrow! Fuel me, and I will strike him down! ....This would kill him. He knew it. But he would not let her die, not on his life. And not anyone else, either. He was expendable as a servant, he always had been. But this... This was something that perhaps only he could do. A single shot.

"Hippolytus. Don't be hasty."

9:01 AM

"Please... Don't throw your life... Not just yet. I will do something I should have done a long time ago-"

"....Throw yours instead? What are you thinking, doctor?"

". . . Righting my own wrong."

He looked at Romani, "Is it the only way?" "Is it what will give us victory?"

"I can be summoned again, you cannot. What do you mean your own wrong?"

". . . Don't worry Hippolytus. I've accepted this fate the moment I decided to come here. There is no time to explain however..."

Francis nodded, "Do what you need to do, Doctor."

"Well..." He gritted his teeth, throwing his head back and forth between the duel and the doctor. "Be quick about it then!"

"Victory at any cost. No matter the casualties, no matter the atrocities that must be committed, no matter what we will lose of ourselves, we must have victory." he said, "Because victory is the only way to end this."

"I'm sorry everyone. I've been selfish, thinking I can still cling to my humanity after all this time- putting you all at risk for my own selfish dream like this. I know what has to be done, thank you Hippolytus... You reminded me what is right."

As for Veronica. Everything had stopped. As much as she did to recover.. As much as she did her best to hurt him. She couldn't do it. Of course she couldn't. How could she? Alone. Stupid. Had she learned nothing? Her end is near, and she herself, can do nothing about it. She's no Hero if she can't even save herself.

"Goetia. Leave them alone, your grudge is with me and me alone."

". . . ?" Just as he rose his hand to strike down Veronique... The eyes of the Grand Caster met with Romani's trough a distance. For just a moment.... He seemed confused only for sudden shock to appear on his gaze...

9:06 AM

"You...! This... How!?"

"Your fight..."

"Is with me. You have failed at the task I have given you a long time ago."

9:08 AM

In the place Romani stood, was now a tall figure not much unlike that of their foe- yet. Unlike the frown and crazed eyes of the Grand Caster- he seemed at peace... Though not without guilt looming over him.

"Impossible, this cannot be happening, you are supposed to be in the void, no longer part of this world!"

"Is that so, Ami? Well... I suppose you wouldn't be aware of how things have gone exactly. Yet, in a way you would be correct... I wasn't here- or rather. I have chosen to give up the mantle of the Grand Caster and become a human... I thought leaving the task of watching over humanity to you would be enough- yet I was clearly mistaken. Blinded by my own selfish dream."

"--!" That... He was... .....He'd only seen the doctor a few times around Chaldea, always busybodying with his head down and tending to the wounds of staff and other masters. He had viewed him as a respectable man, he'd always had admiration for those in the medical field... ....But to think that he was...

To say he was confused was an understatement. He looked at what use to be Romani then at Solomon/Goetia.

So this is how it ends Francis closed his eyes for a moment, reflecting on everything that came before. The lives they lost, the losses they sustained, the suffering they endured... all to come so far. To come all the way here from the brink of annihilation. "This is why you will always lose, Goetia. Because where there are men like you, there will always be men like him," Francis gestured to the now true Solomon. "And there will always be countless after. Were one shall fall ten more shall take their place! And one hundred each of them! So strike us down then! We are the harbingers to your doom!"

"A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one." Peter mutters as he sees the true King Solomon appear. Having taken the disguise of Doctor Romani.

Watched on from inside the spells, spending her time as she attempted to break free from the spells.

"Why you...! You shouldn't have the right...! YOU SHOULDN'T BE HERE! I WONT LET YOU RUIN OUR PLANS YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING SELFISH BEING!"

9:14 AM

With that, the Faker unleashed a flurry of attacks aimed at True Solomon.

"... Ha." "Ahahahahaha! I can't believe it, to think you fooled even me! Damn, maybe I do have a long way to go as a Grand Caster, eh?"

"So the doctor was Solomon? Then who the hell are we fighting?"

The man does not dodge, he does not move. Instead- he takes the hits head on. "Do... You truly hate me that much, Goetia?" "Hah... I suppose I have been a failure, Haven't I?"

Ciel would watch the entire thing go down. It seemed a higher power was now intervening. She would give a smile, hopefully with his help they could win now.

"Mm..." Watching, a mixed look briefly shows on Sheba's face as she seems to be on the verge of saying something, but she simply turns back instead.* "So that is your choice. Inevitable, certainly, but..." Sighing, the Queen can only nod, turning to Lucius. "Goetia. The chief demon of Solomon, a remnant that was left alone too long. This long mirage is about to end, however..."

". . . I'm sorry Sheba. I know I am probably a disappointment to you- standing here like this. Aren't I?" He smiled, looking down with a sense of guilt looming over him.

"You..... Grrrrrr--!"

Her life had been spared. Yet, a part of her died with that Scarf. She was angry, not just with herself this time. How is she still incapable of doing anything...? No matter. They have help now, that's what matters...!

"Woah, to think the doctor had this ace up his sleeve..." *He said finally putting together what exactly just happened * "Didn't know he could be... Kinda cool."

"Sheba... You know better than this right? The ugliness of humanity- the need for correction. To see this fool- the most incompetent king of all...! To think he would defend them...!"

". . . That hurts to hear, still... It's not undeserved, though perhaps your hate for me comes from all the wrong reasons."

"Sheba... You know better than this right? The ugliness of humanity- the need for correction. To see this fool- the most incompetent king of all...! To think he would defend them...!"

@Solomon, The King of Magecraft (@Andle | Cam, Ib, Rach) - jump "How pathethic," Francis frowned, "I really thought a King of your repute would have greater verbal skills."

"How pathethic," Francis frowned, "I really thought a King of your repute would have greater verbal skills."

@Francis Pegahmagabow | Ghost of the Trenches (@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside) - jump "Ahahaha..! That's probably my fault... I was never the greatest king truth be told."

"JUST DIE ALREADY!"

"I should say the same to you, false king."

"...No. I knew, as I'm sure you expected, but I was glad to see you had that wish and life you wanted. Now it is time for it all to conclude as it should. Even so, I would want more..." An unreadable expression shows for a moment before she forces a wry smile, turning to the Beast. "Hah... That is a fair question. The cold, aimless king with no will of his own...is gone. He chose life and humanity precisely because he realized he was a fool, that he was missing something he wanted. And that is what you are missing as well, Goetia! Maybe you will understand before the end comes... Now go on, King Solomon! Carry out that final duty without regrets, finish... Finish it now while I can hold myself back!"

". . . I'm sorry Sheba, you deserved better. Yet... I cannot help but to feel happy hearing you say that. You were always special, I don't think anyone ever gave me as much trouble as you though...!" The man chuckled for just a moment, only to be silenced by a sudden punch from Goetia.

"This changes nothing. He has failed as a King. He has failed as a guardian. He has failed in every single duty he had EVER had! How can you support him like this!?" Goetia's eyes fixated on Sheba for just a moment. Within the eyes of the beast, one could see a hint of something more... Was it anger? Or perhaps... Pain.

". . . I'm sorry, Goetia. I am as much a failure as you are, if not more. I did not lay good groundwork for you to follow, yet the conclusion you've arrived at is an impossibility. It shouldn't ever come to pass."

"I won't deny that. But that was your charm as well, O Great King~ Even now, there is nobody like you... Seeing you accept and embrace yourself as you wanted to be, troublesomeness and failures as well, I cannot help but be happy myself. But enough talking. Goetia!" Shaking her head with a look of both disapproval and pity, she turned her attention back to the false King, her gaze on him as the darkness around her faded. "I support him because he understood that! Accepting that he failed, he sought to gain the life and understanding he did not have. It appears you are the one who cannot understand or accept that, Goetia. Not his vision, his ideas, or his choices now... Remaining blind to the purpose and promise of humanity is your failure."

". . . There truly is nothing of worth left here. You are the one that has gone blind, Sheba."

9:30 AM

"Blind to the truth. Simply because you fail to comprehend it in it's whole. Has it truly gone this far, for the great queen to cling to a foolish fallacy that is humanity in it's current state? I thought better of you... I truly did."

". . . Tsk--!"

Francis began to gather the needed mana for his Noble Phantasm, a field of guns and artillery pieces starting to form behind him...

Turning his Gaze towards the Ghost of the Trenches... The man merely mutters a single Phrase. "Nega-Summon."

"SOLDIER!" Lytus looked over his shoulder, gritting his teeth and turning back to Goetia. His blood was boiling at this point. His friends, his family... He wouldn't have it for much longer.

Francis began to scream, having suddenly erupted into a pillar of immolating blue fire. His flesh started to bubble and boil and eventually burst. His right eyeball exploded as the mana within it was overloaded in a gout of blood. His nose had slagged and then settled. His right arm's flame had reduced his flesh into blackened bone. The burns appeared within all his insides, third degree burns, which seared every organ in charcoal. He fell to his knees in the pain. Eventually he stopped screaming because his lips had melted and fused. For a moment he stood there, kneeling as he was slowly disappearing from this world. Then he began to stand up even as he could fell his right leg begin to crumble. The field of guns continued to form again until a million cannons were arrayed before the Demon Pillars. With some pain he tore open his lips as he stared his enemies down. No matter the cost, there must be victory today. "Demon or God, you're all equal under the cannon."

A barrage of shells. Millions... tens of millions... hundreds of millions... every bullet and shell ever fired in hate by humanity fired in the instance of six seconds. No way to dodge, every direction. A deluge of shells seemed to shatter the very sky. They fell in the rain of gore. They fell like rain. The world seemed to go deaf and white before it all faded away Despite the agonizing pain as he burned alive, Francis couldn't help but grin. "Not too bad for humanity, huh?" he gasped, "That's the thing about us... we're rats... we're fucking rats who'll die in the billions... but with every one of us we'll leave our bite mark before we go."

11:04 AM

https://youtu.be/P-opLyrrJ8Y?t=24

2WAD

World War 1 Artillery Barrage: 10 Minutes of Shellshock

@Andle | Cam, Ib, Rach @[Serpon]Teno/Penth/Nico/Azu

"Your little bite marks mean nothing compared to the void. No matter how many is taken, all will eventually become part of the void! It cannot be stopped."

"Just die already, you agonized wraith of the past." Extending his hand out, Goetia simply shook his head and extended a hand out towards Francis. Solomon attempted to counterspell the man yet with a single swing of his hand Goetia dismissed his attempts to do so.

"That's the thing about bites... they tend to get infected easily." he said as he felt his right torso disappear in red mist.

The Saber servant hacked away at the pillar

"Blind to the truth. Simply because you fail to comprehend it in it's whole. Has it truly gone this far, for the great queen to cling to a foolish fallacy that is humanity in it's current state? I thought better of you... I truly did."

@Solomon, The King of Magecraft (@Andle | Cam, Ib, Rach) - jump "Correct. As I exist now, I am just an illusion, a transient mirage. Even in life, mortal and fleeting, comprehending whatever whole you mention was likely impossible for me, I won't deny that... But you may believe I cling to foolishness as you like. If you truly think you are the only not blind... As one who held the same sight as Solomon and you, I have one last riddle to pose. "

There is something which can't be bought or exchanged by goods or money, that no knowledge or foresight can replace. No trick or artifice can reproduce it, no thief may steal it. Not even one who can look and know even the future will see it... Yet all those here have found it. What is this treasure?

She gestures towards the soldier as he stands yet, Nega-Summon's effects suppressed. "Look and consider! What drive do these people have, that they still hold no matter what happens? Why do they fight still? The reason they struggle on, no matter the blow... Goetia, creation of my dear King, you do not comprehend why you cannot succeed. The answer to this riddle is what you lack!"

". . . Foolishness. Absolute and utter foolishness. There is nothing about your words that makes sense, that has any logical conclusion. It is but a lie- fabricated by these that cannot let go nor accept the truth. Listen to yourself, Sheba... To think you out of everyone would ever come to understand- come to such a foolish conclusion. Truly..." The man's ire turned to the Queen for just a moment. His gaze fixating upon the queen before scoffing.... "This is perhaps the greatest disappointment yet."

". . ." The man wore a dejected smile, a pained one. Hearing these two argue... It stung more than words could describe.

"...Yes, yes it is. That was my last attempt to reach you... Your logic is unshakeable, of course. I will not trouble either of you any more." Sighing, she turns away for the last time. "Solomon. That's right, isn't it? The time is here to once again let go..."

". . . The conclusion has been reached by us. The one conclusion that can save what little there is worth saving."

12:19 PM

"We had centuries to watch humanity, see if it could sway it's own path..."

". . . Yet they never learned. Yes- I saw that much."

12:20 PM

"Yet, that's their beauty isn't it? The slow growing pains and process of seeing how they deal with the world. With themselves... I'll admit. I do believe that humanity is inherently flawed and vile and yet... That comes with an innate goodness. Without these evils these wonderful moments of kindness wouldn't shine as brightly."

"--!" Ah... Of course.

2:34 PM

He should have expected as much. He'd overstepped his bounds. He'd never been a hero like his father, or a proper warrior like his mother. Or even a leader like his aunt.

2:34 PM

He missed his chance to be of proper use, and now... ...It really is pathetic, isn't it, Lady Artemis?

"I have had enough of your insolence."

2:35 PM

"Incineration Ritual: Beleth. Begin."

As he was burning up, he simply put his gaze upon "Solomon"... And spat upon the ground.

". . ."

2:37 PM

"I'm sorry everyone... I have stood idle for too long."

"Oh? Do you actually intend to do something? What a surprise, to think the mighty king Solomon himself would come to do anything! Hah."

". . . You know Goetia, your words truly wound me. Even now... Ah- I suppose nothing I do will change your mind, will it?"

Vee... I'm sorry... I could never live up... To...

Lytus..! Hang in there! Though, it's not like she was doing any better herself.

". . . Goetia. While it is true that humanity may be flawed and their existence look grave to an observer looking in... It does not mean that their stories- their lives are little more than death and separation. I should have paved a better foundation for you, Goetia. Instead of leaving you to be a proper guardian, it is my selfishness and inability to look beyond the clairvoyance gifted upon me to truly consider your feelings. To consider your actions now. As a beast born of my corpse, one that wielded my legacy to commit all these attrocities... It comes down to me to judge you."

". . . Ka... Kahaahahahaahahaha! This is so unexpected! To think you'd actually do this... Then again- it definitely is just like you. Now that you have seen your way, that all this has progressed so far- Mankinds greatest fool and the most worthless of all kings decides to act. Thinking he can resist inevitable built upon his own foundation- an act he himself should have conducted a long time ago!"

". . . You are correct. This entire place- this temple... This very palace and ground we stand upon. It is all built on my legacy. All of it belongs to me... Usurped by your will and used to harm that which I've sworn to protect."

"Pathetic. To think you still have the gall to speak such bold words after all this. Perish by your own Noble Phantasm- Fool. Ars Armadel Salomonis!"

". . . You are correct Goetia. I will perish by my own Noble Phantasm. By my own doing."

The rays of the all powerful noble Phantasm descend upon the real Solomon, boaring multitude of holes and burn scars into his flesh as he merely stumbles back. Blood quickly ran down his chin as he let out a harsh cough.

"Gh.... Owch... That-- Hurt a lot.... More than I expected...."

2:48 PM

The man struggled to stand up, yet the same weak smile remained on his lips.

Hippolytus dropped to a knee for a moment, yet... He tried to get to his feet. If he was going out... He wasn't going to simply lay down helpless this time!

"This... This is the end of Solomon. You are correct... On that front- Goetia."

He still drew his bow. His aunt's bow. And pulled back an arrow, gritting his teeth and still staring at his target.

"Just die then."

Ciel heard what was happening. She was busy at the moment, dodging attacks and open firing but it wasn't enough. Perhaps Solomon, the real Solomon could do something.

Lucius braced for impact, they no longer hand access to Avalon. The most be could do now was attempt to dodge or block some of the attack

"Before... I go... There is but.... One thing I have left to teach you- Goetia... The name of my Last Noble Phantasm. The one you didn't possess the knowledge of... The Final Act of Solomon."

". . . What...?"

If nothing else... He would die defiant. He would die a hunter of Artemis.

Asteria was singing a powerful song, tapping into her fairy nature as she did so. Watching patiently as she did what she could to assist everyone in doing their own things.

". . . You couldn't ever know it's name, it stands as an antithesis to what you are."

Sibuxiang tried to evade, as best as it could. The fire that rained from above, it fiercely attempted to protect its rider, its friend, with all its strength. And Taigong held on as best as he could. He had faced the Beast of Collapse. Would he fall on the face of this one? The answer to that question, it seemed, was in the hands of the King of Magecraft.

"I'm sorry... Sheba. This is... The last time we see eachother. It was a wonder to be able to spend this time with you." @Fox/Wilt/[pending]/Wu/Lae

2:56 PM

"The time of birth has come. He is the one who masters all. The time of crowning has come... He is the one who begins all. And..." With that golden energy begun to seep out from beneath his feet, a brilliant and warm light. A brilliant and wonderful light begun to gather.

"This was the way it was meant to end, we both knew that. Goodbye, Solomon..."

"The time of parting has come. He is the one who lets go of the world..."

"No... You wouldn't dare--! You wouldn't even consider to do this- you selfish uncaring King!"

2:58 PM

"SOLOMON!" *With that Goetia quickly rose his hand into the air in the attempt to interrupt the Noble Phantasm. Yet- before anything else could happen...

"Ars Nova."

"Ami! Stolas! Return to the consensus!"

3:00 PM

With that, the two pillars would quickly be unsummoned to return to the being known as Goetia.

"Solomon--!?" He gazed upon the spectacle before him, his eyes shining as he recognised what he saw... The power of what must have been a benevolent deity... One that greatly outclassed his own... Being released from its disciple. And in that moment, he understood the kind of sacrifice that was being made here. "......May your blessing not be in vain. There are many that owe you their life and will never know it... Doctor." (edited)

The ten rings of the King of Magecraft slowly but surely flew into the air. Their brilliant light filling the air and reinvigorating all these struck by their last attack...

3:02 PM

A wonderful... Warm... And all too pleasant glow.

3:02 PM

Yet... Within the sight was a note of melancholy and sadness. An admittance of one's own folly and... The hope to correct it in their last moments.

"And may your sacrifice be recorded upon the stars."

"Sacrifice...? Ah... I wouldn't call it that. If anything... I'm selfish to my last moment, Hunter of the Moon."

3:05 PM

"I wouldn't wish to see a world... Where humanity couldn't be..."

3:06 PM

"So inspiring and beautiful."

"---" Ah.. Was this.. the only way...? This is.. disheartening. But.. They've come this far. It's too late to protest. This is the only sacrifice Veronica will allow. "..We.. won't disappoint you!"

"It's okay to be selfish from time to time. We will not forget you." said Ciel as she gave a nod to him.

With that, the man's body slowly but surely begun to vanish into nothingness.

"....I vow to you, Doctor."

"Just going to go ahead and disappear like that. Shame on you." Regardless she nods her head in respect to the king of magecraft.

"Fou-- Fou!!"

"I will ensure such a world never comes to pass!"

"You damn bastard, how am I supposed to one-up you now?" He said, yet obviously smilling. He would honor this last moment. "Very well, Grand Caster. Allow me to honour your name, we will take it from here!"

“…” “Tsk, we can’t let the doctor down. We have to win this and ensure that world exists.”

Deep Breath. She turns around, raising her Spear. "We will win!"

"Just going to go ahead and disappear like that. Shame on you." Regardless she nods her head in respect to the king of magecraft.

@Jeanne (@Crafter/Flower/Illya/Dad/Oni) - jump "Hah..." In his last moments... Before vanishing. His body took on an all too familiar shape of a Doctor they all were aware of.... "I guess you're right. I was never... Too good at this whole thing, was I?"

3:08 PM

"After all... It was my own selfish wish that caused it all." With that, he vanished never to be seen again.

". . . No... NO! NOO! YOU FOOLISH USELESS GOOD FOR NOTHING KING!"

".......Silence."

"Such a long time planning... Gathering... No--!"

"SILENCE, YOU WRETCH!"

". . . There is still time. Enough games. I shall extinguish your life and bring on the world that needs to be created while there is still time...."

"You'll do no such thing."

"I will not stand for such disrespect... You... Will be the one extinguished!"

"It's over, you have lost. Your time of judgement has come!" said Ciel as she focused her attention on Goetia.

".....Roman..."

"I will not let you foil my plans for any longer. Chaldeans. The time has come... To show you my true form and abandon this wretched shell of a King."

”Dr Romani… Solomon… Hey guys… We’ve seen horrible and saddening things… But let’s stand tall… Together… We’ve got to rewrite this wretched story we’ve been shoved into… To something we can all love… To something everyone we’ve lost can love too!! Let’s finish this!!” Asteria calls out to everyone, a grin on her face as they prepare for one final songs.

“Let’s finish the doctors work, and ruing any plans Grand Caster had.”

"We stand together! Let's finish this!"

"CHALDEANS! LIKE THE STARS IN THE SKY... LET OUR EFFORTS SHINE ON FOR ETERNITY!" "ONWARD!"

A storm of emotions going off inside him. We won't let him down! He hadn't even been best friends with him and yet the impact he had was strong. "You got it! Let's kick his ass for the Doctor!"

She had no words to say, she wouldn't let this chance slip by them. They would end this and she would make sure of it. Hand tightening on her weapons she prepared for combat again. "Yes, director!"

"Ahahahaha..."

3:18 PM

3:18 PM

"Do not celebrate your victory just yet, Chaldeans. The real battle only begins now. We shall not lose at this critical time."

Ciel would nod at Olga statement before looking at their enemy. It seemed he had gone under some kind of transformation. "You will not win this battle, Chaldea and humanity will come out on top! We will show you the power of humanity!"

"No, my king, that was you at your best. Goetia. I do not expect you will understand, but it is over. The answer to that riddle is... The moments people have, the memories they make, that is their meaning and treasure. To have that, to experience all the joys of a transient yet vibrant life, the perfection of possibility, that was Solomon's final wish, and what all here are fighting for. The will and joy that can only shine from a temporary life fully enjoyed... Without that spark, all you can see is just information. It's selfish of me as well, perhaps... But for the sake of that life he loved, if nothing else, you will be stopped here."

"Lets surprise you! In the face of adversity it's our nature to do everything we can to climb over the wall that blocks us!!" Asteria lets out a small sigh, saying a little poem she's edited and been meaning to try out at least once during a fight... She looks around to everyone else, then straight at Goetia with a soft look on herface. "Starlight... Star bright... All the starts who see us tonight... I wish we may... I wish we might... Bare witness to this wish we wish tonight... No hero began a hero, nor stood alone on their path... For they all had help from everyone beside and behind them... I hope you all can watch us and give us your guidance..." Cracking her fingers really quick and stretching her neck she takes a hold of her guitar and starts dancing and singing a separate song to really get everyone hyped up!! Woooooo

". . . This is what I was trying to save all of you from."

4:06 PM

That was all that she said in the end, quietly closing her eyes as she bit her lower lip.

Lucius was teleported by Nagato's Command seal directly in front of Goetia Making multiple quick and heavy attacks against him "Hahaha, lets do this you Son of Bitch."

".....It's too late now. This showdown was inevitable... And it's ours to fight." Olga spoke, gritting her teeth as she kept the spell up.

Lucius Tiberius ||Embodiment of Rome||

Lucius was teleported by Nagato's Command seal directly in front of Goetia Making multiple quick and heavy attacks against him "Hahaha, lets do this you Son of Bitch."

~~that awkward moment where lucius just called sheba a bitch.~~

Thunder - LS | ED | DO | HT

~~that awkward moment where lucius just called sheba a bitch.~~

~~Solomon is the father, she's just a stepmom~~

With Goetia's change of appearance, Peter was hesitant to attack. Especially since a portion of his damage consists of dark, necrotic energy which Goetia may or may not be able to feed on. It slightly annoyed the Foreigner so for now, he'll remain on the supportive side. Casting healing spells if necessary and wandering around the battlefield to assist those in need.

Lucius. Please tell my sister not throw her life away and die now.

That's what she said. Guh. You can stop bothering me. I'm trying to eat.

I'm trying to make sure she doesn't but she's still so damned reckless and Goetia is focusing on her directly, I'll going to try and push the fucker back so be changes targets

AICH AICH AICH AICH--- THIS FUCKING MAD WOMAN--! FINE IM DOING IT JESUS FUCKING CHRIST

4:23 PM

BY THE POWER OF THIS COMMAND SEAL LUCIUS I ORDER YOU TO SAVE VERONIQUE

4:23 PM

STOOOP IT!!!

Understood Master

"Hey BB can you teleport? Be it yourself and the Director? I wanna stick close to you two as we all move up~!"

"Uhhh, I sure can but are you certain about that?"

"Honestly not really, but can you guys stick close as we all inch up together~? I dunno it's a bit hard to do things from back here you know?" Asteria shrugs a bit. "Just focus protecting the Director~! And we should exchange tips on how to do our hair after this!!"

"Awww, need your Kouhai's help to do your hair~? Really what would you all do without me!"

"I don't need the help, but I would like some since your hair is so pretty~!"

11:25 AM

Trading blows with the Knight of Rome, Goetia watched the man with curiosity, his gaze affixed upon his frame.

"Fool. I will not allow you to put a stop to our plan, not now. You do not understand the gravity of your actions. We shall build a world- a better world for all. One that shall allow humanity to be reformed anew... Ars Almadel Salomonis!"

Seeing the attack incoming, Ciel would raise her hand in the air. When it came to magecraft, she knew she couldn't beat Goetia but perhaps she could do enough to reduce the damage. She would raise her hand in the air and the Idea Bloods in her would start to activate and run. "Behold Goetia, as I summon the Calvaria Star! The Angelic Wheel is deployed!" said Ciel as she would fire it at Ars Almadel Salomonis. "Everyone else who can help, do so!" said Ciel as she tried her best and put as much magical energy as she could into her Ultimate Attack!

"What a waste, do you truly believe such a pathetic lightshow will do anything to stop it? You're merely delaying the inevitable."

"I could say the same to you. Everything is crumbling around you. We have overcome all your singularities and your Demon God Pillars. You have lost, you just don't know it." said Ciel in response to Goetia statement.

"BB! IT'S NOW OR NEVER!"

"Got it Senpai! No need to tell me twice...!"

4:27 PM

"Now, how about a Change of Scenary... Behold, a world in which only my rules apply... Cursed. Cutting. Crater."

"Good kouhai! Ruler, if you were planning on using yours, now would be a good time!" @Crafter/Flower/Illya/Dad/Oni

"Doing the thing." She said as she had to put some effort into this. To compensate for how far everybody was around her but this wasn't the first time she did this. Her flag planted on the ground and the it billowing in it's place. Assisting in the protection of everyone there in the heated battle.

Lucius prepared to continue his assault on Solomon, his attacks seemed weaker then he was expecting but it was enough to at least inflict damage

"Keep bloody pushing!" the charred body of Francis said as he began to advance once more, shaking off the wounds, "Don't make the losses for naught."

"Fools... You think this will save you? Hah. Akahahahaahaha! Just embrace the end like the trash you are."

3:12 PM

"This end... All of this-- You seek to stop the inevitable. I will not be contained this way, not now- not ever."

"This... Is proving to be quite difficult to maintain-- Not sure how long it will last!"

"I tire of this... Heroic Spirits, you stand in this world by the will of your masters. I shall destroy every last anchor left for you to cling onto. do not get in my way... Nega-Summon."

"I... I..." Francis gasped as he fell to his knees for a moment. "Dammit!" So far he had come. How many years had he served Chaldea as a soldier? How many lives had he seen lost to the wayside, their corpses falling at his feet only for him to step over them to keep advancing up a shell-scarred hill that never seemed to have a peak? How many Masters had he seen suffer and sacrifice everything they had to get to this point? Mere humans, mere rats, struggling at the sheer impossibility of it all. It actually made him grin as he saw his fingertips began to disappear in blue motes of light. Just like he had seen Okita's... He actually laughed for a moment but the effort only made him hack blood onto the ground which soon disappeared as well. How long ago had that been? An almost phantom memory amongst a jumble of other memories from other periods, from other bloodsheds. But she was always the brightest light that shown, a memory that never wore down. A little innocent girl in a blue dress which saw the good in the world, who made him see that life was worth living even beyond the war, that there was a reason to fight to preserve humanity. Because if even a fraction of them could be like her... the world would be such a better place. "Coco..." tears fell from his eyes for a moment. "I guess... I guess... I'll be a little late to that icecream I promised you. Please..." "Be better than me." He remembered Erica, the only Master that seemed to really try to understand his issues, his flaws, and to sit with him only once to properly discuss it. One conversation and one contract... that was all he needed to solidify her within him right next to the Good doctor. "Heh, I guess I must retire earlier then expected, Master. My only regret is that I couldn't serve you better as a Servant."

4:01 PM

He looked up and saw the imposing figure of Goetia and gritted his teeth. Even though he could feel himself falling apart now he somehow managed to stand unsteady on his feet, and raise the pistol in one final show of defiance. A single act to fight even on death's door. Because he was a soldier. And he hadn't been given the order to stand down. "For all those I couldn't save, you will pay the price for their vengeance, Goetia!" he yelled as he pulled the trigger and blasted a single shot. "A rat's bite." That was all Warrant Officer Francis Pegahmagabow, Ghost of the Trenches, could muster one last time. And now golden motes drifted along the wind. (edited)

5

5

4:02 PM

@Fl, Wi, Ab, Yu @RJ|Sir L/Lytus/Dude/Wolf/-/- @Andle | Cam, Ib, Rach

". . . How useless. Truly..." The Demon King stared down the fading soldier. "To cry in a moment like this- fear not for the rage and hatred of war you have experienced. The losses once gone and lost shall never be repeated once my plan comes to fruiti--" With that the Demon God looked down at a wound left by the pistol, wiping off the blood running down from his shoulder before letting out a simple huff... "Stubborn till the end."

"Ar--" No. "Francis!" The Amazon's heart sank. Goetia will pay.

Asteria grits her teeth, unable to do anything as they were falling one by one to quickly. Truly an immensely powerful creature that stood before them... How in the world could they hope to defeat it...

Ciel was seeing her allies fall and their was nothing she could do about it. All she could do was avenge them. The Burial Agent would glare at Goeita, she would make sure to avenge them all.

Lucius teeth grinded as he tightened his hold on his sword as he watched his ally die

The hunter took a brief and sharp inhale as he felt it. His summoning in itself being undone. His eyes widened for a moment, panic and vulnerability visible as he glanced at his fingers, his whole body being covered in a blue glow. "Ah..." *.....Once more, he couldn't withstand the wrath of a single god, let alone a whole pantheon in its own right. It was silly to think that he could- . . . No. No, he wouldn't accept that. He was here for a reason. He was perhaps a weaker hero... But that was no excuse. Alongside him was what humanity had to offer. A muse whose song could calm all worries, and heal all wounds. A werewolf deemed a madman, who in this second life had given his all for his masters and the world at large. A man with the blood of a demon, who used such a fire burning within as a source of passion, and good. A priestess, and a huntress of foul creatures, a noble profession indeed. He almost envied her, and certainly admired her. A noble warrior and emperor, whose love for battle seemed to only be outshined by his love for his people. A warrior of the shadows, whose clear sense of duty and quiet acceptance spoke to him. A man he didn't know too well, but whose wise eyes reminded him of the greatest of philosophers and worshippers of the divine. A saintess, whose protection seemed utterly undying, and whose kind smile reminded him of his own goddess. The wife of Solomon, who had already lost enough today. No more. The soldier, whose fight to the bitter end he respected so, who he had fought alongside through each step. From hunting boar, to their trip through hell, to mowing down the beasts of Einnashe. He simply smiled as he watched the Ghost of the Trenches slip away, once more getting the last shot in. And of course, his Master. His aunt. His Vee. The woman who had truly made him feel as though he could have family again. As though he could trust again. As though he could love and be loved again. The heroism of his father, the strength and geni

4:38 PM

us in battle that he was sure his mother had, and the calming effect of his goddess. He gently looked over at her.* "I'm... Sorry, Vee. Looks like our time's been cut a little shorter than I wanted. I wasn't... Strong enough to keep up with you much longer, looks like." "But... That's okay. I know you have it from here. You can truly strike him down." "And... There's something I can still do." He gave a gentle smile at her, which evolved into a bright grin. "I love you. In a familial way, obviously."

Now it was his turn to face Goetia, to face the beast that had brought him low simply with a swipe of the hand. Who he had struggled against for what felt like an eternity.   “You’re right. Humanity truly are stubborn creatures. You’ve seen the best of them here, and I’m sure you’ve truly seen the worst of them elsewhere. But something I question whether or not you have witnessed is true divinity. The full presence and radiance of a goddess. The love that has allowed us all to survive for so long.”   . . . He placed a hand on the locket that hung around his neck. One last time. “Let me show you.”   “I pray to you now, slender goddess of the moon, and the hunt.”  “You are, without question, the greatest of divinities.”  “I have learned much on my journey through the stars with these wonderful individuals.”  “But now… Now it is time for me to return to you.” “ I beseech thee. Fill me with thine light. Allow me to show them your true radiance.”  “Maketh me now an arrow, fired from your bow of white cypress, that I may pierce this monster that would take from your highest pleasure.”  ”Storgí… Selínis.”   True Name Unsealed - Noble Phantasm Full Release - [Moon Goddess’ Mournful Embrace] Hippolytus began to float in the air, gently, seemingly lifted up by an invisible force. He could feel slim arms drape over his shoulders, and those looking hard enough may have even seen the fair, almost literally white skin of Artemis herself as she embraced her chosen disciple in his final moments. …And Hippolytus exploded with divine radiance, becoming difficult to even look at as his very spiritual core, every last spiritron was filled to the bursting point with divine energy. He was mostly a silhouette of moonlight at this point, but it could be seen him raising his fists, winding back… And launching himself forward, leaving a streak behind him, like a shooting star.

4:45 PM

He was referred to as the Fairest Star of Greece. But every star had to go out eventually. At least he could go out shining.

You know Lytus... My sister has little reach this far out. Yet... I suppose I will do you a favour this once.

4:50 PM

I'll pass your words on. Hah... Wish you gave me this much favoritism.

Your assistance is unexpected... But greatly appreciated, Lady Aphrodite. Perhaps I owe you... At least a dance or something, I don't know. If I find my way back.

Go little hunter. Let your passion shine. I'm sure you will make my sister proud.

That is... My aim. Hopefully it'll burn bright enough to make you proud, too. And... Vee.

Me? Proud of you? Hah. Don't push your luck, Little Hunter. I'm still annoyed you know!

Taking the hit head on, the spectral arrow produced by the noble phantasm struck Goetia- causing him to stumble back just a bit as it collided against his hide. The Beast glanced towards the mirrage- the radiance exploding out against him only to suddenly be snatched away and tossed aside- left to burn out in the corner as a huff escaped the beast. "Truly pathetic. To think you'd be able to do this much while in the process of being struck by Nega-Summo--" Yet... The beast paused all too suddenly... "Aamon, Agares, Aim, Allocer, Asmodeus, Astaroth, Baal, Bathin, Berith, Botis, Bune, Focalor, Foras, Forneus, Furfur, Gaap, Gamigin, Glasya-Labolas, Gonove, Halphas, Ipos, Malephar, Malphas, Marbas, Marchosias, Morax, Naberius, Orobas, Phenex, Purson, Raum, Saleos, Stolas, Vassago, Vepar, Zepar...!" It suddenly begun to recite, stumbling back as it's body bubbled a bit, it's very form seeming... Unstable for just a moment. "No... The Colony is falling... This cannot be...! This wasn't meant to be...!"

... "Lytus! ...Lytus..!" Veronica is.. so sick.. of losing her friends of losing her family..! She can't save them. But what she can do..! Is take a deep breath, heat up her Circuits and.. Keep on Attacking!

Taigong is slowly dissipating as well, and Sibuxiang is barely holding it together. They won't last longer. But. That didn't mean he would not perform his functions as well. "By the Jade Emperor... Harm shall not come to the Masters of Humanity!" A Tudan circle formed around Nagato, protecting him from the King of Demon God's horrid Magecraft.

"Can't... Keep... It.... Up--!"

"No... No! NO! HOW... WHY!? WHY DID YOU INSIST ON THIS FOOLISH COURSE OF ACTION. NO LOGIC. CANNOT COMPREHEND--!"

6:01 PM

The form of the demon king begun to waver, bit by bit the pillars dissipated, his body slowly but surely beginning to collapse into nothingness... "We... Do... Not... Understand..."

"Just... Just a little longer, BB!"

6:01 PM

"It's working...!"

"I-- I will try sen--"

6:01 PM

With that, the C.C.C. Collapsed.

"NO... I WON'T.... LET YOU CELEBRATE-- THIS VICTORY.... ARS.... ALMADE--"

"It's because we are humans... Eternal fools who seek our own utopias! There doesn't need to be logic for it's our dream!! Dreams are supposed to be unreasonable! But they're also what we seek to fulfil!!" Asteria smiles at the beast class and gives it a wink and peace sign.

Yet, before the beast managed to fire off the last attack... The ground beneath his feet collapsed as the entirety of the Temple begun to collapse on onto itself...

"Fou! Fou!"

". . . I'm sorry Senpai."

Did Fou just get the final Hi-

"--" Is it.. Over..!? No, it can't be over yet, can it..? "It's fine..! We're going to win no matter what!"

"I'm gonna have to go against your wishes here-" With that BB quickly leapt forward and towards her master... In just a moment- The rayshift procedures kicked in as BB and Olga got warped out.

6:05 PM

@RJ|Sir L/Lytus/Dude/Wolf/-/-

"BB DON'T YOU DA-"

Peter was in really bad shape and just as he was about to be killed, the Wolf-Thing intervenes and grants him life as he had accomplished so much already for it. Thankful for its blessing, Peter intends to finish this and see the very end in order to be satisfied.

"Master... until Humanity triumphs, I will remain by your side so that you will be able to see the end of it all. Now I may not be as strong or as heroic, I still care for your safety."

Peter informs his master. But just as he says this, things started happening. He proceeds to move himself in front of Vee to protect her from what may come.

"Shit this is all falling apart, do we know the state of the temple is?" Lucius grabbed florent preparing for the worst case scenario

"This is the Temple that constitutes the body of Solomon's work." "So, since you could say we just 'beat the crap out' of its best creation, I'm afraid that the answer is that..." "It won't last longer, likely."

Seriously what the hell did he do to piss Goetia off that badly?

"Fou... Ou... Ou....!"

"Wait.. if the Temple is collapsing.. A-aren't we going to fall too?"

"Precisely I dare say!"

"Yeahhh so lets do this!!! Lets start flying everyone!!!!"

"We should probably get out of here then if it's collapsing..."

"I can create a platform but I don't think I can do much else."

Well that happened and it was time to leave.

"I can carry a few people if needed. I can fly know."

Now*

". . ." "No."

”I can pick up one person!!” Maybe it’s time for idol to give Vee a ride since Vee keeps giving idol a ride…

A voice, called out from beneath the ground, a single hand rose up- clinging to the edge.

”Awa certainly impressive…”

"Centuries.... No- Millenia. Such a long time..."

"Tsk, if he wasn't causing the incineration of humanity I'd call that refusal to die entertaining" Lucius Raised his sword preparing to strike

"Alll... All of this... For nothing."

"..." "What were you saying, Beast of Pity? That Humanity lost?" "Well, I feel it is fitting to return the feeling. Your plan cannot proceed without the Temple of Time. I believe, this is 'checkmate' for you."

..Of course it's not over. "Goetia.." Right..! Fight till the end. That's the plan. "You've lost."

Peter would let the others handle the talking. For now, he will cast a spell on himself and Vee in case they lose their footing. (Casting Fly).

"He's still able to fight? Heh... I can admire that a bit..."

Slowly, the Beast Clambered back up to the platform. The throne that stood behind him- it split in half as the temple begun to collapse.

6:14 PM

"You are correct. I have lost. All these millenia of planning. Centuries of careful calculation... All of it for nothing."

6:15 PM

"I have lost everything... From my plans- to my strength... Even to the collective known as the Demons of Goetia. I am all that remains. A shell of what I once was...." He muttered, getting back up onto his feet slowly, his gaze transfixed upon the Chaldeans.

Ciel was exhausted from all the attacks she had put in Goetia, firing that many attacks in that short amount of time had left her drained. Yet it seemed that despite everything collapsing, he was still up. Was this how other people felt when they had to fight her when she was immortal? The Burial Agent would look seriously at Goeita new form. "Your not the only person who has lost many things. We lost friends and allies on our way here. I saw good people do terrible things because of you."

"Do you even understand what you have done, Chaldea? In defeating me... What you have truly achieved? The loss you have suffered-- It would have never happened in the world I have envisioned... My entire goal... My plan... Was to avoid any loss like this ever happening again."

The Amazon met his Gaze. She's not backing down. Wary of him, she's readied for battle still. "a World without Loss isn't something we can accept." "You cannot force your ideals unto others by force!"

"That's the issue." "Unfortunstely, I do not possess a Clairvoyance such as yours or Solomon's in this vessel. But I know for certain... That doesn't change that you are unable to let humanity take its own psth. It must be yours, or nobody else." "Let me ask again. Do you truly believe humanity does not have a say on its own future?"

". . . You ask me, Rider... Do I believe? The logical answer to that question, one that I would have given to you earlier is simple... No. It does not. The same logic dictates that you have won- that all the preparation... Everything that I had done up until now is for naught. To force my ideals upon the world... It was a consensus we have all reached. "

”Goetia… If you wipe away loss. Then humans will stagnate. Nothing shall have meaning. Only with the fear of loss can something have meaning… There are things to fear outside of humanity… If those things come upon us who are frozen in time…. then we shall have no hope… It’s our fear of losing our world, our hope to strive for a better one which pushes us forth… You who are infinite… Can you understand we who are finite?”

6:20 PM

". . ." The man paused momentarily, taking a second to consider their words. Waiting for them all to speak.

"I feel like it didn't have to come to this, perhaps things could have been different Goetia. Perhaps we could have just talked it all out but... It didn't go that way. Possibilities are long gone, the path has been set. So you stand before us now so I'll ask, what is your goal now Goetia?"

"I will be honest, their is a part of me that does agree with you. A part of me wants my parents back, to undo all that was done. But if that happened, it wouldn't be naturally and I wouldn't have met all these amazing people. I wouldn't have become the person I am today. There would be nothing special about any humans. At that point, you wouldn't even call them humans as they wouldn't be living human lives or doing what humans do."

Asteria closes her eyes, placing her hands together as she lets her guitar hang from its strap over her body. "Even after all this... I don't hate you... Your goal was to try to wipe away our pain... While the methods were horrid, your goal was a noble one... I can only pity you... I hope that one day you might be reincarnated... Into another life, like Solomon... Like Dr Romani was... So that you can live a life in which you can experience what it means to be human... What it means to have loss and what it means to struggle against fate like a human~!" The fairy idol continues to be cheery, showing off a bit more of her fairy/mage side than usual with her lack of sadness for their losses so far.

"Ciel is right, as much as I want to see my father again the things I seen and achieved would have never happened! Yeah... A lot of it sucked, but it's made me who I am today so I won't just flee to a world where I wouldn't be me and my father wouldn't be himself. We were forged by the pain we went through and besides, I'm sure he's proud of me. And that's enough for me."

". . ." Looking towards Nagato, the man's gaze grew colder. ". . . My dream-- it lays in ruins. The dust, the rubble of his temple stands testament of the fragility of it all. The plan that I have spent concocting for so long... All this time... It was all for naught. The energy I gathered- it's dispersing. Vanishing. The band of light itself is being destroyed. You've achieved your goals, Chaldea. The Incineration of Humanity will be reversed." "Truthfully... The moment King Solomon ceased to exist, all of my work was undone. I simply didn't know it yet. I am no longer the Colony of the Demon God Pillars- I am but a shell. A fragment of what was. A living ghost in a body of a man that doesn't exist anymore. An apparition- an error... A blight upon the world. You ask me what my goal is- however the answer is simple... No matter what I do here and now... I cannot redeem my failure. Nothing I can do will prevent the temple from collapsing onto itself."

"Then... it is over?"

". . . I suppose so. Your fight to save humanity- it is over."

6:32 PM

"You have foiled my plans- nothing can change that. Humanity's destruction by my hand is undone."

6:33 PM

With that the man closes his eyes, squeezing his fist tightly.

..That's relieving to hear at least. So they've truly won. "... Thank you for this experience, Goetia."

"Goetia, you said you saw something else, are you telling us their is another threat?" asked Ciel as she narrowed her eyes on him while giving a serious look.

". . . Thank me? For what?"

6:35 PM

". . . Why do you care, Burial Agent? Now, out of all the times I've spoken you choose to listen?"

"Your talking about what you saw in humanity's future right? Some type of destruction that lies in wait for us right? Yeah I remembered that, I'm not completely dumb."

". . . No matter I suppose. We stand at eternity's end."

"A-as selfish as it is.. Without you, I wouldn't be the Person I am today." "All the things we've lost, it's helped me grow." "Like this, I can be the Hero I've always wanted to be."

". . . Hero. Is that really what you see yourself as, Master of Chaldea?"

Veronica just... Smiles. "Not.. yet."

The idol shoots Vee a thumbs up. “Please do tell us… We shall counter it in one way or another… It may take a long time but it shall be so eventually…”

"I didn't agree with your solution but at this point, you lose nothing by telling us. If you want to still preserve humanity, you will help us."

". . ." Closing his eyes, Goetia shook his head. "It won't ever happen."

"We'll face that destruction head on... And if we fail to stop it. You can laugh at us all you want but, we're not gonna just roll over and just let that future you foresaw come to pass. We'll oppose it like we opposed you and we'll become even stronger."

"Even if I told you- there is nothing that knowledge would achieve nor help you with." He glances towards Asteria. "You fight with words, master of Chaldea. However..."

6:40 PM

". . . I refuse."

”That’s okay then… We’ll just do what we’ve always done when confronted with a problem. Work together to each other’s strengths and weaknesses to overcome it!”

6:42 PM

". . . You are all correct. There is no harm in me telling you what I saw-"

6:43 PM

"No logical fallacy in revealing information that will not hurt me- cause me pain or end up sabotaging anything else I've built."

6:43 PM

". . . Yet, doing so goes against the only thing I have left."

"And what's that?"

"My pride."

"Everything else falls around you, that is all you have left at this point."

"Thanks to your efforts, Ruler."

"Haha so you want to at least keep that till the end, I can't be one to complain having done the same thing myself in the past."

"I have simply done my part to ensure that Chaldea completed it's task. I saw the goal and nothing was to deter me from that."

”Well as this all ends… I’ll sing one last song to close off this era…” Asteria starts singing a soft song which she allows to be carried where it could be heard… Not a happy or sad one particularly… Just one of a peaceful closing…

". . . Indeed. What a good moment to close this final chapter... Chaldea." As Idol's song fills the air- most turn their gaze towards her for just a moment. Yet, a moment was all it took for Asteria's body to drop to the ground limply with a single wave of the Grand Caster's hand. @deleted-role "I won't let you leave here alive, Chaldeans. That is my final act."

2

Seeing Asteria hit the floor- Fou paused for a short moment. The eyes of the beast rested on Goetia with a mixture of Fury and... It bared its teeth at Goetia. Yet... Instead of lashing out as it always did, it turned to the Idol on the floor... No. This wasn't the time for anger... It wouldn't let it end like this.

2

". . . Really? How peculiar. To think that thing would sacrifice all it's power to save your life... No matter, none of you will be leaving here. There are no more words left... Nothing else to say. Such is the truth, such is the futility of my last goal. Let us battle on till the world's end Chaldea. As this temple crumbles all around us... As my life's work turns to dust." "I will make sure we all perish alongside it."

Asteria shakily stands up, letting out a cough as she gets ready for this all to end. "I was even giving you a nice send off... That's it no more nice idol!! Lets do this everyone!! Do your thing Fou, little buddy!!!" She gives a weak smile and thumbs up to their furry friend.

Ciel would look at Goetia. It seemed that at this point combat was pointless. She felt that everyone knew it but so much had happened it was a bit hard to stop. Still, the Burial Agent would attempt to stop combat. "That is enough. This battle is now pointless. Regardless of what happens the end result will not change. Their is no longer a point for us to fight you. I will no longer engage in combat with you." said Ciel as she looked at Goetia and lowered her Seventh Holy Scripture, having it pointed to the ground. She would then turn to face her other allies. "Chaldea, stand down, he is no longer a threat to our mission or our enemy. Trust me on this." said Ciel as she spoke to her allies. She would then turn to face Goetia once again. "Goetia, their is another threat coming. Many would say defeating you was impossible but we did so. Fulfill your true mission and allow Chaldea to defend humanity. Even if you think we cannot do it, we may once again overcome the impossible and do so. We will no longer fight you, so let us go and let us protect humanity, even if its only a one in a million shot."

". . ."

3:54 PM

"It is pointless." The figure simply noted, closing his eyes for just a second before rising his hand up in the air. The rings of Solomon circled around him- gleaming brightly as he stared Ciel down. "I have said my peace on that front, Master of Chaldea."

3:54 PM

3:57 PM

"You have chosen to make a stand against me, all the centuries I have spent. So much time... It's all gone. You are correct- you have defeated me. However, it was not impossible. It was but one of the outcomes I foresaw with my clairvoyance. One possibility... One ending." He noted, yet- his voice became just a little raspy for a moment. "Stand and Fight Chaldea, I will not withhold my assault any longer." With that he extended an arm towards Ciel. The rings begun to glow a little. @[Serpon]Teno/Penth/Nico/Azu

"Why? I refuse! Are you going to feel better by killing a person who refuses to fight you? Is that what you have become now? You are starting to become everything you hated and tried to prevent, if you attack us, then you will truly be what you hate the most!"

". . ." The man doesn't respond. Instead, he fires an attack in Ciel's direction.

4:02 PM

Yet... The beam of light barely grazed the woman's cheek- his wrist flicked to the side just as he sent it out.

Ciel wouldn't move out of the way. It was a bit of a leap of faith of her but she felt this was the best option. She then felt a small beam of light graze her cheek. She would then look at Goetia. "What happens now?"

Asteria shot Goetia a smile as she stopped jamming out to the beat of some songs for a bit. Upon Ciel's discerning that fighting further is not worth it, the idol followed suit since she always preferred the less violence method of things. Even going as far as to tilt her head slightly as she asked a question of Goetia alongside Ciel's question. "Are you really giving up on seeing any other paths? How can you be so sure that you have not blinded yourself to all other options?"

". . ." The man closed his eyes for a long moment, tilting his head to the side for a short moment before speaking up. "I truly despise humanity... You always find a way--" With that the man rose a hand to his chest, a pained look in his face for just a moment as he bit his lip. "To make me sick within."

4:11 PM

With that, he floated down. Shaking his head before answering Idol. "I have seen more than you can potentially imagine, however. What is truly concerning is not what I have seen but rather- what I have been unable to see. As I told you before... I have foreseen the potential possibility of my defeat, however- I have seen so much more than that. In orchestrating my defeat- you have ultimately destroyed your only hope of salvation, Masters of Chaldea."

4:11 PM

With that, the man sat down by the edge of the platform.

@deleted-role

Ciel would stay at her current position and inhale a bit as she listened to what Goetia had to say before responding back. "Perhaps but we will face it as humans who are free to make our own path. That is what it means to be human. We don't always make the right choices, we are flawed but that is what makes us human."

"Oh my, what a hopeless ordeal, isn't it? The one that you describe... But Ciel has a point. It is worth trying, if we could defeat you, and you were certain that you were our only hope, who's to say we cannot do the same?"

". . ."

4:19 PM

"I foresaw your victory- my defeat."

4:19 PM

"Yet... In the countless realities... For where I could see aeons into the future?"

4:20 PM

"The problem was what I couldn't see... That being a future for humanity. Human Eradication Order-- My plan... It almost ran out of time due to delays caused by you. The end of all things nears."

4:20 PM

"All possibilities, all timelines.... All potential futures. They all converge upon a single point."

4:20 PM

"The darkness that will come in three months time."

4:21 PM

"Absolute and utter nothingness."

4:21 PM

With that the man simply rises a hand up to his face, covering half of it before letting out a harsh cough.

"..." Veronica.. lowered her weapon. Ciel was right, this fight was meaningless, now that it's over..! It's.. not going to be like that, is it? Humanity will have a future, won't it..?

Peter would still be protective of his master but seeing that the other Chaldeans are losing their guard, he will eventually do the same. His claws disappearing.

Lucius placed his sword on his shoulder and silently watched for what would happen next

The temple is crumbling away a little faster as Goetia coughs. His coughing fit becomes more and more clear by the moment.

"--We need to leave." It's clear to her. They need to get back to Chaldea, and fast...!

Taigong has forgo violence for a while, instead supporting the others. He stands there, hands behind his back. Sibuxiang merely observes the Human King, as it is the one that judges and protects the righteous.

Asteria puts her hands behind her back as she hums, keeping her eyes on Goetia as they all kinda just vibed. "An absolute darkness... Well then... We just need to burn brighter, live our fleeting lives and shine in the darkness to carve our path through that darkness... I do wish though that you could join us... In changing the fate you have seen... In carving out a new path for us all..."

" Her flag dismissed and her arms folded as they were told of what may possibly happen within a few months times, her eyes closed and shook her head. She could not focus on that now, she had to keep her attention on the present.

". . . Are you joking, master of Chaldea? You wish for me to join you?"

4:35 PM

The man doesn't seem offended, much rather... He seems to be on the verge of chuckling.

"I'm not joking, I'm wholly serious about it... We may have been enemies earlier and we've taken so much from each other... But that need not be the case anymore, we all together are mightier than alone no? Hehe~ Maybe our working together could be a light from which we need not fear the impending darkness."

4:37 PM

"In that case, you're a well meaning fool."

So that was how it was huh? He stayed silent as he listened to the words that were coming from Goetia. Absolute and utter nothingness huh? Well, Chaldea was built to preserve humanity so they would find a way.

It was the right choice to trust in Ciel, a meaningless battle was avoided. Now they needed to get out of here and yet... They were still here, talking to goetia. Well it gave a bit of insight about what he foresaw, absolute darkness sounded terrible and yet Fie believed Chaldea would find a way to overcome this upcoming darkness.

The idol just smiles and chuckles at this like the musical cloud brained idol she is.

". . . This temple won't last much longer... Maybe five minutes at best. It may be wise to rayshift out, Chaldea."

"We should heed his words." Jeanne said to Ciel, speaking up once more.

"Goodbye, Goetia." Saying Goodbye is the least she could do.

". . . By the way, you might want to pick up the scraps left around. You seemed upset earlier." @Vormal/Asstolfo/Morban/Sword/Cat

"--" There's still scraps..? Her Sister is going to be upset but. "I will. T-thank you." It's better than nothing, right...? She's gotta hurry, though.

"Goetia, take care and thank you for the warning." said Ciel to Goetia. She would then nod her head in agreement with Jeanne. The Burial Agent would than contact Chaldea. "This is Ciel, rayshift me out now I'd you can." said Ciel over the communication lines to Chaldea.

He doesn't respond. Merely looking out into the collapsing void. The ring of energy dispersed above them.

”Goodbye Goetia!! I wish you only the best!” Asteria smiles and waves then she herself calls for a rayshift back too.

Finally, the man stood up and looked towards someone else.

5:06 PM

". . . Sheba." @Fox/Wilt/[pending]/Wu/Lae

This was over so Lucius saw no point to add anything meaningless and prepared to rayshift out

Smiling at Asteria's attempt, Sheba can only shake her head however. "Hm. Imagine that, perhaps you would enter the Throne in his place... But yes." She walks over, a calm smile on her face as she meets Goetia's gaze. "With this tale over, we are both simply remnants of the past. Trust in humanity, Goetia, surely you can understand why Solomon did now? Regardless, the end is near. These people have lives to return to, and perhaps a future to assure, but our time is over. All of you, go. Write the future we could not see! This mirage of the past will fade here... Of course, unless you call on me again~ Now, Goetia." A light swirl of sand begins to kick up around the two as Sheba simply reaches out her hand. "It's time to let go as well. Shall we both leave together?" (edited)

". . ." The man remained still for a long moment, watching the woman carefully and yet... Not without the slightest hint of pain. In the end however, he turned his head away. His hand staying by his side as Sheba offered him a place by her side. "Consider this to be my first selfish choice, Sheba. However, now that I have experienced the joys of human life and futility of it's shortness. I'd much rather watch the world I've built fall till the very last brick. These pillars of sand taken out a hourglass of time- frozen in place by magecraft no longer present in any reality I can see... Truthfully..." With that, a soft smirk appeared on his lips. "The last thing I wish to do is to imitate that old fool."

... Taigong leaves out a small sigh, and then a hearty laughter, at such a resolution "Hahahaha! I must say, I'm quite amazed on what you have done! While we may have been enemies, truly, this has been a fascinating experience. Goetia, I thank you. You have shown me that there is a lot in this second life that I must go through, before I can confidently say I can pick the Grand title." "Truly, I'm a bit miffled that you bested me here in what flashiness refers, so take this for granted, that even if Heroic Spirits may not grown beyond their established legends... I will one day reach your level." "Sibuxiang, are you ready?" Sibuxiang howls, and gets ready for the rayshift.

"Hah, I can't blame you, as I can understand that pride myself... Then, allow me the same selfishness. This last creation of the King we knew, I will watch it crumble as well." Sighing softly, Sheba sat next to him, a bittersweet smile on her face as she looked around, clearly reminiscing. "That old fool wouldn't want you to either. The days he lived out his last wish with the life he never had been able to live before were his happiest, I saw that myself... Not that he blamed you for this end, and nor do I. He was meant to let go of this world in the end."

". . . Take good care, Rider. If you wish to join them on their ruinous quest, I shall not stop you."

Sheba merely waves. "Goodbye, Taigong. Perhaps, one day, we will be summoned together again."

"Your rank and title is deserving, and you have the same respect I have for the other that goes for the Queen as well." Jeanne gives a bow of her head to Goeita and Sheba before finally taking her leave.

". . ." The man remained silent at Sheba's words, seemingly stopping to think before finally speaking himself. "What an odd existence it is... The hallow shell of a monster created to contain the pillars, all but a vessel left in a body of a man that forgo everything- including himself." With that he sighed. "Good luck in your future pursuits Chaldea. I shall remain here, seeing my work crumble until nothing else is left."

5:32 PM

"Perhaps it would be interesting to join you." He mused at idol's words, almost as if considering them for a second before chuckling. "However, unlike Solomon... I am no hero. Just an observer." With that he headed to the edge once again.

With that, the Rayshift process begun to take effect... Their bodies begun to dissipate.

"... Goodbye, Queen of Sheba. I will look forward to that day then."

"An odd existence indeed. I don't think he simply left you behind, however. Not even I can speak for him, yet... I at least would believe he wanted you to have a chance at the kind of life he wanted as well, to live as just an observer, a life free. You could still let them record you, you know... But it is your choice, I'm sure that's what he would say."

The idol without a doubt took Fou into her arms as they started to rayshift. “Ehehe, I’d like to think you’re an antihero~”

". . . Perhaps."

With that, the temple crumbled away as the Rayshift Process Kicked in....

5:43 PM

Final Singularity: Solomon Status: Completed.

5:43 PM

As Chaldeans vanished. Goetia sat in the darkness.

5:43 PM

The last bricks of the temple crumbled into nothingness.

5:44 PM

His body, it slowly but surely begun to burn... The pain of the contradiction corrected.... He floated. Watching the last vestages of the ring melt away into nothing.

". . . Damn you, Solomon."

5:46 PM

"Always leaving your unfinished work..." "... to me."