This is just for my entertainment and your entertainment too. Nothing written here is something I should or shouldn't add to a future story.
I was planning on writing about Nikke's April Fool's Day event, but after seeing how much I would have to write, I gave up and changed my mind to writing this instead.
I wasn't in the mood to write two chapters about a day that's long gone and that probably nobody cares much about.
Happy belated April Fool's Day!
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Amphoreus
The final battle against Iron Tomb.
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Stelle, Cyrene, March 7th, and Dan Heng managed to destroy Khaslana's body, which is serving as a receptacle for Iron Tomb's release. However painful the battle, the action was necessary to confront the true evil that is the cause of so much suffering.
With Khaslana's body destroyed, Iron Tomb awakens, and its adversaries contemplate the size of the headless giant's body.
"Bear witness. Mornarch of Myriad Machines. My ridiculous creation. The instant of your calculations... It bears the name 'Destruction'!"
Zander said, unable to contain his excitement. Xander is hidden in a safe place, able to see everything that is happening in the battle against Iron Tomb.
Immediately following, numerous IPC spaceships, giant mechs, and Xianzhou Alliance spaceships, the Herta space station, and the planet Screwllum arrived the instant the Iron Tomb awoke.
"Who said you can speak, 'senior'? Watch closely. See how your chaos ends in the hands of your juniors!"
The instant Herta spoke those words, all the allied spaceships began firing simultaneously at the Iron Tomb, which received the attack without any resistance.
While the battle against the Iron Tomb's body was raging outside, Stelle and company were dealing with the battle against the Iron Tomb's "mind" inside Amphoreus.
"Don't get too agitated. Take a deep breath and concentrate. The real battle begins now."
Cyrene's words calmed Stelle's nervous heart as she was about to face one of the most powerful adversaries she had ever encountered.
"There's no trace of life in that ominous shell."
"We're not going to lose to a hollow husk, right?"
Dan Heng and March 7th prepare to face Iron Tomb with determination.
"In the name of Trailblazing... We reject that false answer!"
With these words from Stelle, the battle against Iron Tomb truly begins. However, a faction that initially planned to stay out of this conflict decides to participate and lend a helping hand.
"Are you sure you want to participate and intervene in her battle against Iron Tomb? It's the first time you're going against Elio's clear orders, ORT."
The Stellaron Hunters are not participating in this part of Stelle's journey because, by order of Elio, their presence is unnecessary and could cause unnecessary risks.
These instructions apply with great emphasis to the sixth member of the group, the alien spider ORT, who is incapable of fully understanding humanity.
Due to ORT's immense power and the sheer destruction it is capable of causing, the Stellaron Hunters treat it as a highly destructive secret weapon sent on extermination missions.
In the honest opinion of the Stellaron Hunters, it was a tremendous miracle that their leader, Elio, managed to strike a deal with such a being. Elio himself considered himself very fortunate that ORT's priority is understanding and comprehending humanity.
Therefore, most of the time ORT silently explores various worlds and galaxies, learning many things about humanity, but its quest for knowledge wasn't yielding many good results.
ORT only managed to copy humanity's actions but failed to understand their motives and reasons. This is one of the main reasons why ORT asked Elio for permission to accompany Stelle on the Astral Express.
However, when the Astral Express arrived in Amphoreus, Élio immediately ordered ORT's withdrawal, as ORT's presence in Amphoreus would cause immediate chaos.
Therefore, ORT simply watched everything that occurred in Amphoreus, and during the battle against Iron Tomb, ORT demonstrated for the first time a selfish desire to help Stelle.
"I've come to a conclusion after spending a considerable amount of time as an 'Observer' witnessing Stelle's journey so far, and I've learned a great deal about my priority mission. Because of this, the logical course of action is to return the favor."
ORT's words are always logical and pragmatic, giving the impression that ORT is a robot trying to imitate a human, but ORT's answer was not satisfactory to Blade, who heard everything.
"Why was it only now that you decided to act on your own? Why didn't you help that girl in the previous battles when she was almost losing?"
"Because the probability of certain death hadn't reached levels that required my intervention, and besides, Stelle herself didn't request my help, so I saw no reason to help."
ORT answers Blade's question naturally, showing no sign of human empathy, something the members of the Stellaron Hunters are very accustomed to.
"So you only helped Stelle against Phantylia because she asked you to?"
Silver Wolf asks this question while playing games and sitting on ORT's lap, treating him like a personal gaming chair. ORT, on the other hand, feels no discomfort or any emotion at having Silver Wolf's young body lying on him.
"Yes, but I also used that moment when I devoured Panteliya to demonstrate to the General of Luofu that he is incapable of blackmailing me and that any action by him or any General of the Alliance is useless against me, even if they asked Lan for help against me."
In Luofu, ORT devoured Panteliya, transforming her into green crystals. His action served as a demonstration of power against the Xianzhou Alliance, but Silver Wolf said that ORT only wanted to show off and traumatize Stelle a little.
"You say you want to help to repay the favor, but I have a feeling that's not the only reason you want to help, ORT. After all, you had several opportunities to help Stelle, but only now that she's about to face the Iron Tomb do you want to act."
Kafka says this with a smile on his face, showing no fear in questioning yet another being who could eliminate her in the blink of an eye.
"You guessed correctly, Kafka. My reason for acting isn't simply transactional. After witnessing everything that happened in Amphoreus, I discovered that the best way to understand humanity is when they are suffering and near death. And those two things were abundant in Amphoreus. Because of this, I learned a lot and I didn't find the conclusion of this journey satisfactory. I concluded that I would have a much more satisfactory result if Stelle had a happy ending. Besides, if I let this opportunity pass, there's a high chance I'll be dissatisfied."
ORT's response surprised Silver Wolf, Blade, Kafka, and even Firefly, who was inside a recovery pod, upon hearing ORT's true reason.
"Wait a minute... ORT, are you saying you felt pity? Or something close to that? Wow, I wasn't expecting that."
Silver Wolf's response caused a light laugh from Kafka, who finished drinking her wine.
"Alright. Who are we to stop you? You're going to help Stelle, and I'll inform Élio of what's about to happen."
Kafka gave ORT the confirmation, which started moving, causing Silver Wolf to lose her favorite chair.
"Wait a minute! If you intend to help Stelle against Iron Tomb, you need to arrive with a good presence. Nothing is more important than a good presentation! Especially considering you're a level 999 player going into a level 69 Raid. You have to arrive demonstrating how strong you are."
Silver Wolf said this, being much more animated than usual. It seems ORT's plan sparked a crazy idea in her head. Unfortunately for Firefly, she's somewhat unable to stop Silver Wolf, since any time Silver Wolf has an idea involving ORT, the chances of chaos are very high.
"What do you suggest?"
Seeing that ORT is willing to listen to her, Silver Wolf hands ORT a small speaker, small enough for ORT to carry in his hands.
"Any veteran player entering a Raid has to show that he's not just some low-level player. Besides, you're about to steal the thunder from that old lady, Herta, so you have to arrive on the battlefield with this music playing."
Kafka shakes her head like a mother already anticipating the mess her playful daughter is about to make.
"How are you sure that little speaker will be heard by everyone?"
Blade, the second, somewhat responsible adult, asks a logical question. After all, there is no sound in empty space.
"Don't worry. I made some adjustments to the speaker. The moment ORT uses a small amount of his energy, the sound will be powerful enough for everyone to hear. Now it's up to you, ORT, and remember: Presentation is the most important thing!"
ORT listens to Silver Wolf's words and considers the idea in what he is about to do. With everything ready, ORT decides to leave the Stellaron Hunters' spaceship and fly directly to Amphoreus.
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Returning to the battle between Stelle and Iron Tomb
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"My atonement is complete: The headless giant will create the funeral of wisdom."
Lycurgus's excited voice echoes throughout Amphoreus, but Stelle doesn't have time to argue with the irritating observer.
$@&#&@&$
Echoes or some kind of robotic dialect specific to Iron Tomb can be heard; unfortunately, no one can understand what Iron Tomb is saying.
"Is it querying for Nous? Tch. Don't worry about what's happening out here! Interfere as much as you can!"
Herta's voice is heard coming from the communicator, showing that the army outside Amphoreus is dealing with Iron Tomb's body.
"$&#& Force@$# Cosmic Army$_#$_ Prepare yourselves&$## Resist me_@@"
Surprisingly, Iron Tomb manages to somehow say certain words more clearly, and none of them are friendly.
"Hey guys.... Wouldn't it be great if ORT were here to help us?"
March 7th's voice makes Stelle and Dan Heng remember the other member of their group who didn't participate in Amphoreus's journey; he only made certain appearances at times as a ghost, slightly irritating Lycurgus, who couldn't do anything against ORT.
"We can't expect help from someone who follows his own interests, March, although I admit that a hand from him would be good."
Even Dan Heng, the group member who doesn't particularly like ORT, admits that the Alien Spider's presence would be a tremendous help.
"Hehehe... It's truly a shame that the alien abomination isn't present to contemplate its own end."
Lycurgus ends up participating briefly in the conversation, unable to hide in his tone of voice how much he dislikes ORT.
However, the entire battle is interrupted at the same instant when everyone outside or inside Amphoreus begins to hear the sounds of guitar strumming in space.
(A/N: The music is Andrew W.K.'s "Ready to Die")
To the shock of everyone present, a large golden flying saucer with some green lights begins to slowly fly towards Amphoreus.
For the more astute people like Herta, Screwllum, Himeko, and Welt, they immediately realize that it is ORT's real body that is flying and echoing rock music for everyone to hear.
Most impressively, ORT, in human form, is on top of his real body, using it as a means of transport, and it's possible to see that he has a loud speaker in his hands.
🎶This is your time to pay🎶
🎶This is your judgment day🎶
🎶We made a sacrifice🎶
🎶And now we get to take your life🎶
🎶We shoot without a gun🎶
🎶We'll take on anyone🎶
🎶It's really nothing new🎶
🎶It's just a thing we like to do🎶
After reaching a safe distance and causing everyone to stop attacking Iron Tomb, ORT leaps high from his true body and flies directly into Amphoreus.
Immediately, to the surprise of Stelle, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Cyrene, ORT appears, landing on the ground in front of them with a loud thud.
"It seems my arrival was a success. I suppose Silver Wolf's presentation was very effective."
ORT's comment brings everyone back to reality after a moment of pure bizarreness.
"ORT, how are you here? And why are you here?"
"Hmm? Is this the ORT you have as a companion, but are afraid of at the same time?"
ORT hears Stelle's question and Cyrene's doubt, but ORT is unable to answer due to Iron Tomb's interruption.
_$&@#$&
"Hmm? Your insults are weak and irrelevant, Iron Tomb."
ORT somehow manages to understand what Iron Tomb is saying, making the situation even more bizarre.
"What? What's happening now?! Why did this Spider decide to show up right now?"
Herta's indignant voice is heard on the communicator, but ORT doesn't respond to her as a hologram of Kafka appears next to the group immediately afterward.
"Hi, friends of the Astral Express. I see you're in a very critical situation."
"Okay. What's happening now? Why is ORT here and Kafka saying hi to us as if Iron Tomb isn't among us right now?!"
March 7th is completely overwhelmed with many unexpected things happening in sequence, completely destroying the tension of facing Iron Tomb, who is hesitating whether to attack ORT or not.
"Hehehe... I'll be brief since time is not on our side. ORT, I received a new order from Elio for you. Do you wish to hear it?"
"Affirmative."
Seeing ORT's confirmation, Kafka crosses his arms and repeats Elio's words.
"Elio learned of your action and he only told me to inform you of a single order. ORT. Go for a walk."
Upon hearing Elio's orders, for the first time since ORT arrived in this universe, he lets out a slight, subtle smile, as if Elio's approval was something the Alien Spider liked much more than he expected.
Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th are shocked to realize that ORT has the ability to smile naturally, and Stelle, on the other hand, begins to have a bad feeling.
"Understood, Kafka. Tell Elio that I send my gratitude."
With these words, Kafka's hologram disappears, and ORT begins to glow with a green color. His next words send chills down the spines of Stelle, March 7th, Cyrene, and Dan Heng.
"Release restraint level... Zero."
The instant those words left ORT's mouth, he activated Crystal Valley, which, unlike what happened in Luofu, this time expanded the reach of this power to the entire galaxy.
In a matter of seconds, the entire galaxy changed color, and even Amphoreus was affected by ORT's monstrous power.
To everyone's shock, the entire galaxy was painted over by ORT's home territory, unknown to everyone.
Normally, the Crystal Valley ability can only affect one planet, but because ORT managed to create his own Path after devouring an entire planet, just as he managed to hack the Throne of Heroes, ORT achieved the same feat, only this time affecting the Imaginary Tree.
Because of this, all of ORT's abilities were amplified to absurd levels, and for this reason, ORT's main ability can affect an entire galaxy.
Immediately after activating Crystal Valley, ORT's body transformed, becoming the Heroic Spirit form he became in the Seventh Lostbelt.
At this moment, ORT is not a Heroic Spirit, but rather an Emanator of his own Path.
The moment the transformation ended, ORT's very presence began to affect Stelle, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Cyrene due to the radiation and heat that ORT was emanating.
#$@$@#
Iron Tomb immediately tried to affect ORT with his virus, but all of Iron Tomb's attacks were received, though showing no damage.
Ignoring Iron Tomb, ORT looked at Dan Heng, Cyrene, Stelle, and March 7th and said something none of them expected.
"Forgive me for what I am about to do."
With these words, ORT extended one of his arms towards his companions and immediately afterwards transformed Stelle, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Cyrene into green crystals.
ORT gave them no time to argue or react, as all of this happened in seconds, catching the four off guard. With his four allies devoured, ORT acquired all their abilities and attributes in a matter of seconds.
"Stelle... Stelle! Answer! What's happening?"
"Stelle isn't present at the moment, Madam Herta. She and her friends are inside me right now, but don't worry, this will end soon."
At Herta's space station, Himeko and Welt are in shock upon hearing that ORT devoured the members of the Astral Express.
Back to the battle between ORT and Iron Tomb, who is unable to inflict any damage on the Alien Spider.
"Analyzing causality... Analyzing unknown virus... Calculating conclusion."
Unlike Iron Tomb, who is having no success, ORT is using the knowledge he acquired after devouring Cyrene and is analyzing Iron Tomb's origins and his "hatred" of Nous.
Basically, ORT is using Iron Tomb attacks as study material and starting to emulate Iron Tomb's attributes.
"Strong spikes have appeared on the Path chart. Logic: ORT and Iron Tomb are interacting simultaneously."
"Wait a minute. Is ORT trying to mimic Iron Tomb? Is that why he's not fighting back?"
Screwllum and Herta can't see what's happening inside Amphoreus, but they can detect the actions of the two robotic beings.
ORT finally decides to counterattack Iron Tomb by firing a wave of solar beam in its direction, which directly hits it, paralyzing it for a moment.
"As expected. It's useless to attack you using conventional attacks."
ORT's words cause Lycurgus to laugh loudly as if he understood the reason for ORT's attack.
"You understood, didn't you, Abomination? This isn't a war, but a debate. The argument about the 'prime maver' is only about to begin."
ORT hears Lycurgus's words, but doesn't lose focus on the main battle. Iron Tomb returns to action as if ORT's powerful attack hadn't caused any damage.
_@@ Gods $#$@ Kings $@@ Never knew #$@$ Revelation _##$ Final Revelation_###$$ The Erudition's grand annahilation&$#
At that moment, Iron Tomb's power increases to shocking levels, and ORT manages to predict that his enemy is about to attack his 'argument of Destruction' in ORT's direction.
Unfortunately for Lycurgus, ORT didn't study his creation for nothing.
"Path completed. Solution created. Accessing imaginary energy. Initiating Noble Phantasm deployment. Including Anti-Creation virus for the Iron Tomb individual. Accessing Demiurge Memory data. Integrating the concepts of 'love' and 'Trailblazing' into the Noble Phantasm. Integration successful."
At that same moment, ORT's readings were strong enough that the machines on Herta's space station broke down, unable to locate a limit to the amount of imaginary energy ORT was drawing.
ORT's green aura begins to take on certain pinkish hues because he is using the powers of Cyrene and Stelle. Furthermore, ORT modified the Noble Phantasm's attributes so that his attack is directed against the existence of Iron Tomb at a conceptual level.
In short, ORT adapted to the existence of Iron Tomb.
"You lost this argument, Lycurgus, and your much-desired 'Fourth Instant' will not be the crowning achievement of Iron Tomb."
ORT begins to perfectly mimic Iron Tomb's attack, creating a massive sword of the same appearance as Iron Tomb's.
The moment the two weapons of high destruction were created, all those watching became victims of collateral damage, but this was not on ORT's list of priorities.
At that moment, there was a collision of 'arguments' and 'concepts'; Iron Tomb's attack and ORT's response caused an immense collision that was felt throughout the entire universe.
However, as ORT had said, Iron Tomb lost this 'argument' between them. Due to the preparations and modifications that ORT made to his Noble Phantasm, he managed to emerge victorious in this battle.
Before Iron Tomb's body could dissipate, ORT transformed and devoured Iron Tomb's body, doing the same thing he did against Panteliya.
With the defeat of Iron Tomb, ORT deactivates Crystal Valley and reforms the bodies of Stelle, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Cyrene who were inside it.
"Huh? What happened? One minute ORT transformed and then everything went black for me! Hmm? Where's Iron Tomb?"
March 7th is the first to react after being crystallized, while Dan Heng looks at ORT with anger in his eyes.
"Why did you do that?!"
Dan Heng said, wanting to confront ORT, who is held back by Stelle.
"You would have died due to the effects of Crystal Valley and my presence. Therefore, the safest solution was for me to keep you inside me to avoid possible unexpected problems. Now, Stelle and Demiurge, the rest is your responsibility; my mission is complete."
ORT said this, reverting to his human form and no longer being in Emanator form, leaving Stelle and Cyrene to deal with the consequences of the battle.
With everything concluded, Stelle and Cyrene repair the damage caused by the battle between ORT and Iron Tomb, restoring the memories of those affected by the Iron Tomb virus.
With everything resolved, Amphoreus' journey is completed with Cyrene joining the Astral Express. Normally, this choice would risk Iron Tomb returning, but since ORT had devoured Iron Tomb's body, technically ORT is Iron Tomb at that moment.
Therefore, any chance of Iron Tomb's return was nullified by ORT's presence.
"So... How was your walk, ORT?"
Kafka asks this question, seeing ORT returning in their spaceship.
"It was... interesting and very... informative."
ORT replies, trying to find the right words to describe what he experienced.
"Aren't you going to join the party that Stelle and company are throwing for the new members?"
Silver Wolf asks this question, finding it strange that ORT isn't with the members of the Astral Express.
"I didn't participate in their journey to Amphoreus. Therefore, it wouldn't be fair for me to be present. Although I have to admit that the results I witnessed were very satisfactory."
"Hmph. Looks like someone's happy to have participated in a happy ending."
Silver Wolf smiles, noticing a slight smile on ORT's face. It seems that what happened in Amphoreus yielded good results in ORT's research on humanity, even if the Alien Spider itself can't perceive it.
And with this, the factions present—the IPC, the Society of Geniuses, and the Xianzhou Alliance—learned once again how terrifying ORT is as an opponent.
The End.....