Earlier that day, back at the Chinese restaurant.

"Phew, that was a good lunch break." Ryuzaki patted his bloated belly in satisfaction.

"I can still eat more!" Kurakuya shovelled char siu into his mouth.

"Is your stomach a black hole or something?!" Inu exclaimed, exhausted from eating all his dumplings.

"Anyways, we should probably go back to the festival committee to see how everyone's doing." Payic said.

"You guys can do that, I need to go visit a certain someone to make this easier for us." Ryuzaki said.

"Sure thing. Maverick, Inu, shall we?"

Just as C4 was about to leave, Riku bursted through the front doors and grabbed onto Inu in tears.

"Inuuuuuuu! I'm so sorry! Forgive meeeeeeeeee!"

"Oh no, they're having a lover's reunion." Ryuzaki cringed, hiding behind Maverick to avoid becoming a third wheel.

"H-huh? Riku, how the hell did you know I was here?"

"That's not important! I need your help! This is baaaaaaaaaaad! Like, reaaaaaaaaaaaally bad!!"

"Oh, maybe she doesn't regret breaking up with him after all." Ryuzaki said, peeking over Maverick's shoulder.

"O-okay, calm down, tell me what happened!"

Inu sat Riku down where Kurakuya once was. Ryuzaki left to take care of his business, but Payic and Maverick stayed behind to hear her out.

"I-I got this..."

Riku handed Inu an envelope while shaking. Inu opened it and read the letter inside. He looked at Riku, then at the letter, then at Riku, then at the letter with a puckered face.

"This lost me at illegal underground fighter."

Payic and Maverick looked at the letter and stared at Riku with puckered faces too.

"Eh... o-okay, huddle round... it's confession time."

Inu, Maverick, and Payic all surrounded Riku to make sure no one could eavesdrop on their conversation.

"The reason I'm so good at Vanguard is because I used to participate in underground cardfighting. Originally, I did it for the money, since the winners of the fight would take the earnings of the opponent, but I started improving rapidly due to how savage the battleground was. Eventually, I became so strong that I dethroned the King and became the new Queen. At that point, no one was coming close to beating me, so I left the underground scene in order to become a mainstream fighter and battle stronger opponents."

"You... you were Queen of the underground fighters?"

"Yes... I know, it's so shameful!"

"Are you kidding me?! No way, that's really kickass! I can't believe you were so cool!"

Payic smacked Inu around the head.

"Can you stop being a simp for one minute?! Now's not the time to be sucking up to her!"

"O-ow... sorry."

"This is pretty bad. If she doesn't pay this, then they'll expose her secret to everyone at the festival..." Payic analysed the situation.

"I was hoping to ask Ryuzaki if he could pay the money, but he's long gone now..." Riku said depressingly.

"Even if you asked him, he'd definitely refuse. He cut my pay this month because he's blowing a fat wad of cash on this festival!"

"If you can't pay, we can't date."

"That's besides the point! Right now, we gotta solve this predicament. Any ideas, Payic, Maverick?"

"I'm trying to think... I guess I would try to find out who made the letter, but that's really difficult to do on such short notice..." Payic said.

"We have to focus on organising the festival too. This isn't a situation we can devote our full attention to." Maverick started.

"That's true. Do you know why you got this blackmail?" Inu asked.

"I have no idea. I got home and this was sitting in my mailbox. When I read it... oof." Riku felt shivers as she recalled the events.

"At the very least, we can narrow it down to someone in the underground circle. No one on the surface should know about your past." Payic said.

"Did you piss off anyone in the underground recently?" Maverick asked.

"No, I don't think so..." Riku was oblivious to the fact she had swept every fighter, including the King, that morning.

"This has got me stumped. Maybe it's best if you stick with us so we can keep an eye on you." Inu said.

"Actually, hang on. I might know someone who knows more about this stuff than we do." Maverick took out his phone and called a number.

The person on the other end was Maverick's girlfriend, Kizari Yui. She was in the underground, investigating a tip she had received from one of it's members.

"Hello muffin! How are you honey boo?"

Inu, Payic, and Riku all gagged at the way the super manly Maverick talked to his girlfriend.

"I'm not doing so great, fluffy pancake... it's a bad time to call me, I've got my hands full at the moment."

Kizari sneered uncomfortably as she looked at all the passed out fighters on the floor surrounding her.

"Same here, but this is pretty urgent. Do you know anyone who's involved in the underground Vanguard scene? I know you've dabbled in it before."

"Funny you say that honey boo, I'm in the underground right now. Saaya sent me a distress signal, and when I arrived, the whole place was trashed. Everyone's collapsed on the floor, either dizzy or unconscious."

"Huh? That's insane. How does that even happen? They just play Vanguard, don't they?"

"They use shock gloves. Whoever came in here and whooped their asses must've set the electricity at an absurdly high voltage."

"Damn... they're hardcore. Shock gloves..."

Inu and Payic had concerned faces when they heard Maverick say that.

"Anyways, what's the situation on your end?"

"Someone's blackmailed the former Queen of the underground. Do you know her by any chance?"

"Y-you don't mean... The Crimson Cutter?"

Kizari stopped walking as a cold gust of wind shivered down her back. Maverick raised his eyebrows.

"Crimson Cutter? I thought that was just a myth. She really existed?"

Inu and Payic's faces turned to shock when Maverick uttered "Crimson Cutter".

"Yes. She's the former Queen of the Underworld."

Riku started to sweat buckets when a shaking Maverick pointed a finger at her. Inu and Payic put two and two together, realising Riku was the mystical Crimson Cutter that was talked about in Vanguard legends.

The legend of the Crimson Cutter wasn't a heroic one. She was characterised as a villain, an indomitable fighter who was driven by her insatiable bloodlust and thirst for battle. Her mark of war was leaving her opponents drowning in a sea of blood, hence her brutal name. Apparently, she one day disappeared out of boredom due to no one ever being strong enough to match her overwhelming strength.

"She's... sitting right in front of me."

Kizari nearly dropped her phone when she heard that.

"Y-you're in cahoots with the Crimson Cutter?! I'm coming there right now—"

"She's a World Class fighter. Riku Akusa."

"Huh?! Riku, as in the "Tempestuous Sweeper", that Riku?!"

"Yes... that Riku."

"Then... could that mean...?"

"Hang on, let me ask." Maverick moved the phone away from his ear. "Riku, did you go into the underground recently by any chance?"

"Um... yes..." Riku looked down in shame.

"...and what did you do while you were there?"

"I fought everyone to earn money..."

"Did you win all your fights?"

"Y-yes..."

Maverick put his phone back to his ear.

"She's the one who knocked out everyone there to the floor."

"You're kidding me...!"

"In any case, it's likely she's being blackmailed by one of those guys in revenge. Any ideas on who it could be?"

"Huh, there's a lot of petty people who come here. The list of possible suspects are endless. Did Riku get a physical letter or an email?"

"A physical letter. Why?"

"In that case... it's probably not someone in here then."

"Eh? How come?"

"Everyone here's been passed out since this morning. There's no way any of them could've woken up already and sent the blackmail to her physically."

"I guess that's true. In that case, are you saying they got help from the outside?"

"Yeah. It seems most likely that, just like how Saaya did, they sent a message before blacking out, instructing someone to blackmail Riku in revenge."

"This is totally out of the scope of what we can do. Any referrals?"

"Tell Riku to contact the Mitsuki Special Ops Squad. They're experts when it comes to the underworld of our society."

"Mitsuki? Like... Lucine Mitsuki?"

"You know one of their members?"

"Uh... she's just a mutual friend of a friend. Or something like that. Can I get a number?"

"I'll message you it. I'm going to keep exploring, but you should also be alert and stay cautious. I have a funny feeling this mystery isn't as cut and dry at seems to be."

"Yeah, will do. Thanks muffin, I'll talk to you later. Love ya."

Maverick ended the call and checked his messages. He showed the number Kizari sent him to Riku.

"Phone these guys. Apparently they're experts."

"I'm scared..." Riku squeaked.

"You're the Crimson Cutter and you're scared? What the hell?" Inu grabbed her phone and dialled the number on her behalf.

"I don't like talking to strangers!"

"But you're okay with beating them with shock gloves?!"

After Inu explained the situation to Yuuki, a black car with tinted windows pulled up in front of the shop. Rentaro shoved Riku inside and brought her to HQ for protection. The rest of C4 prayed for the best and returned to organising the festival.

Back in the present, the rain from earlier had started to clear up. Rentaro dropped Lucine off at the shrine Yza was last seen by Himeko's surveillance cameras. The shrine was taken care of by Diake Takanori, a priest that was Rukia's older brother.

In the world of Vanguard, he was best known as the Vanguard Cowboy, another myth passed on between fighters through word of mouth, like the Crimson Cutter. He was sweeping the damp leaves away from the pathway before noticing Lucine was rushing up to him.

"Diake! Is Yza here?!"

"Yza? Oh, unfortunately no, he left awhile ago to go to Star Gate. My sweet baby sister Rukia is here though. She's miko for the day! At least until nightfalls and she runs off to the festival..."

"Damn it... thanks for the tip!" Lucine rushed back inside the car, telling Rentaro to go to Star Gate instead.

Little did they know that Star Gate was holding it's own event, timed to be after the United Sanctuary's event, but before the festival begun. Ryuzaki had struck a deal with the Branch Manager of Star Gate, Kurakuya, to create an event that would act a hype builder and lead up to the festival.

The main attraction was the "Pyramid Ring", which featured many prominent guests. Challengers of the ring would fight different famous gatekeepers that protected each stage of the pyramid. Those that could make their way to the top had the right to fight the Star Gate Branch Manager, Kurakuya.

Only players who beat all the gatekeepers on that floor could advance to the next stage. If a player lost, they had to retire from the event. It was a hectic and challenging event that let the public fight famous cardfighters.

On the base floor were eight fighters, with two of particular note as they were the partners of two Clan Leaders participating in the event: Rachel Mikushicha and Aqua Lambros. One couldn't underestimate their strength though, as both ladies had multiple tops in other tournaments.

"Prepare to see what the world truly holds for you... Legion, Seek Mate!! Mesmerising Witch, Fianna, and Witch of Reality, Femme!"

"Liberating the Generation Zone! Descending through the storm to overcome the current of adversity, even a tiny drop of rain can ripple out into an apocalyptic tidal wave! Split open your target, Marine General of Heavenly Silk, Lambros, Generation Stride!"

Two other notable fighters, the siblings Yumi Kyoko and Ai Kyoko, were also on this floor. Both were once Seigatsu Academy's student council presidents at one point in their lives. After leaving school, Yumi earned a well respected staff role in Star Gate as the head of planning. Ai was there because Yumi managed to convince her younger brother to help them out.

"Both of my Magical Charge, Vita's skill! At the beginning of your main phase, I can soulblast one and return her to hand to call a grade 1 or less card from my hand to rear-guard! Then PR♥︎ISM-Smile, Coro's skill activates, bouncing her back to my hand too! By returning these three units, Dream Team, Madre gets +15k since she's Legioned with Dios! Good luck trying to get over this wall!"

"Sonne Blaukluger's Ultimate Break! I discard three cards, return him to the G zone, and superior ride from my hand, the divine messenger of the cosmos, Merkur Blaukluger! Break ride! Neumond Blaukluger's skill, I counterblast and stand four of my Blau rear-guards! Revenge of the Blue Moon!"

The remaining four were filled out by three of Yumi's former student council members, the former secretary, Asakawa Nishio, the lazy reporter, Kirikou Seishun, and the sisterly treasurer, Hinami Kurokaze. The final fighter was the new student council president at Seigatsu Academy starting from next year, Sakura Kimura.

"Exorcise the binds that incarcerate you, spread out your incarnadine wings, and break the three seals on your Raving Ogre of Cherry Blossoms! Incinerate the curse of sovereignty to ashes with the Raving Rebellion Ogre's divine lightning! From Sealed Demon to Demon Conquering, I cross ride my avatar, Demon Conquering Dragon, Dungaree "Unlimited"!"

"You have nerve to come at me so brazenly. Fantasy Petal Storm, Shirayuki's skill. I counterblast and discard a copy of her from my hand, to make your vanguard lose -20k Power! Ninjutsu, Blizzard of Narnia!"

"The rampaging typhoon that sweeps the battlefield clean roars with the spirit of a dragon! Within the eye of the storm lies a knight that braves the harshest of winds in order to obtain true power! Reach out and capture the abyss, my avatar! I ride, Whirlwind of Darkness, Vortimer "Diablo"!"

"Wonderful Voice, Lauris' stride skill! I counterblast and soulblast to draw a card and bounce two rear-guards to hand! I call a new board and all my units become in Harmony! Celebrate Voice, Lauris' skill, I counterblast and G Blast to return three of my rear-guards to hand and give her a new skill!"

On the first stage were four fighters: the two special guests from the United Sanctuary, Ayaza and Aya, as well as the Great Nature Clan Leader, Neko Blaze, and Pale Moon Clan Leader, Narumi Hideyoshi, better known as Nhis.

"From the eternal creation of the world, my new wind that pierces through the closed world resurrects endlessly! I ride my avatar, tier zero turn up, Knight of Godly Speed, Galahad! Since I have six cards in soul, I counterblast four to give Galahad +6k and +2 critical! Galahad attacks! (17000 > 24000/3★) Shining Bell of Zeroboros!"

"Floral Witch Master, MiMi's skill! When she's placed, I discard a card from my hand, and force you to discard two cards in return! If you don't, I deal you a damage with trigger effects nullified! Wish Magic: Equivalent Exchange!"

"Liberating the Generation Zone! Students, surpass the legendary teacher in a flood to become the best! Generation, Stride! Sage-saint Professor, Bigbelly! Roar proudly, Crossing Lecture!"

"Stand and draw! Demon King of the other world, hear our plea, and open the curtains to the next act! Stride the Generation, Curtain Call Announcer, Mephisto! You won't escape the Portal to Pheles!"

On the second stage were two fighters: the Link Joker Clan Leader, Kyle Black, and the Zoo Branch Manager and Neo Nectar Clan Leader, Maxios Blade. These two were the most fierce and revered fighters in the pyramid, guarding the allusive Branch Manager at the top of the tower.

"Don't hold your breath because you've made it this far. Staring now, it's the end of the line. Be swept up in a vortex of despair as the chains that lock the dragon shatter like hope! Show no mercy - I ride my avatar, Star-vader, Chaos Breaker Crisis!"

"It doesn't matter what title you have or what people know you use best. Keep switching decks, keep trying new clans, and most importantly, keep playing with what you want! I love degeneracy, and she loves me! The most broken card in G is in my two hands! I ride my new avatar, Delight Genius, Ange! Don't hate the player, hate the game."

On the third stage, at the top of the pyramid, was Star Gate Branch Manager and Dimension Police Clan Leader, Kurakuya Kage.

"Hiding in the shadows is a hero just for fun! Gallop throughout the universe for knowledge to complete your mission! Transcend the boundaries of space and time in your quest for absolute justice! Avatar ride my legendary heart, Bravest Viktor, Grandgallop!"

For those who were knocked out or not participating, they could instead enjoy a wrestling show reminiscent of the Nova Grapplers between the bizarre alien Juggsman and one of Rem's failed clones, Ram.

Ryuzaki had returned to the gladiator world he was thrown into in one of the C4 OVAs and kidnapped Juggsman to be part of this event. Then, he paid a visit to Earth's moon so he could ask a favour from his biological father, Ryuzu Mikazuchi.

A week before the festival...

Ryuzaki landed on the moon with an unconscious Juggsman in the boot of his spacecraft. Using his plot armour so he wouldn't die the moment he exited the vehicle, Ryuzaki bounced over to the hatch of his dad's secret base hidden underground.

(Play song in the media here)

Before he could enter the base, something glimmering in the distance caught Ryuzaki's eyes. Rearing his head, he could see another male strut towards him like a JoJo's character.

Once they met eye to eye, the brown haired man struck a menacing ゴゴゴゴゴ pose and pulled down his futuristic goggles. Ryuzaki pulled a :wut: face.

"HEY GUYS, I EXIST!"

Ryuzaki flicked his finger, sending a shockwave so strong, it made the brown haired man's goggles fly off into space.

"Who the hell are you?"

The brown haired man gleamed with sparkling eyes when he saw who was before him.

"I know you! You're famous all over the multiverse! I can't believe it! I'm meeting the legendary Ryuzaki Mikazuchi in the flesh!"

"Oh please, you're making me blush! Who knew I was so loved all over the multi- wait, did you say multiverse?"

"Yes?"

The brown haired man tilted his head innocently. Ryuzaki looked at the Rod of Plot Development in his left hand.

"I'm never using you again." Ryuzaki hurled the Rod of Plot Development into space before turning back to the brown haired man. "State your name, role in the plot, age, race, gender, sexuality, personality, likes, dislikes, and how you landed on the moon, Buzz."

"Actually, Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon, not Buzz-"

"Does it look like I care?"

"I-I can still get an autograph, right...?"

"Maybe, if you answer the questions I asked you. Damn kids these days, so disrespectful to their elders."

"I'm Hanafi Kagurai, CCEU's Deadpool—"

"You want to try saying that again to the real Deadpool of the CCEU, sucker?"

"—I-I mean cameo appearance, eighteen, human, male, unknown, aloof, moon cheese, the cold vacuum of space, and I accidentally landed here while travelling the multiverse."

"Jesus fuck, Fox, what is this? Why are we introducing a multiverse hopper in the penultimate chapter of Z World?! Is this really worth the reference?! Is it?!"

"Hi Nafi! I finally made my debut on the big screen!"

Ryuzaki smacked Nafi across the face with la chankla.

"You don't get to address the real life people reading his story! Only I'm allowed that privilege! Now go, shoo, return back to your home! Fight a cockroach or something, just leave!"

"B-but this universe is my home... I'm just stuck on the moon with no way-"

"I'm gonna take a page out of Shida's book and asspull my way out of this situation. Biggestripoffinthisgenerationsayswhat!"

"Wha?"

"Eh, close enough."

From the depths of the galaxy, the Rod of Plot Development came flying back into Ryuzaki's hands.

"You wanna go home so badly?! Then I'll make you fuck right back home with this!"

"Wait, let me get your autograaaaaaaaaaph!"

Ryuzaki charged at Nafi, shanking him in the heart with the rod. The rod's teleportation powers zapped Nafi to a different corner of the world. Ryuzaki then tossed the rod back into space.

"AND INSTEAD OF GETTING MY SWEET ASS SIGNATURE, YOU CAN SUCK MY BIG SWEATY BALLS INSTEAD! THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR BREAKING THE 4TH WALL WHILE I'M AROUND, LITTLE BOY! NOT TODAY LITTLE BOY, AYE, AYE! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!"

Ryuzu opened the hatch, staring at his son with visible confusion.

"I heard screaming outside, so I came as quick as I could since I thought Big Shacc and Assknee was trying to invade us again, but it's just you... that's a relief."

"Oh, dad! Just the person I was looking for. Can you do your favourite son, me, a massive favour?"

"Depends on what it is. If it's nudes of Maria, I'll have to put you down right here, right now."

Somewhere in Mexico, Maria Mikazuchi, Ryuzaki's biological mom, sneezed.

"Maybe that salsa I made today was too spicy..."

Back on the moon, Ryuzaki laughed at his dad's empty threat.

"You, put me down? Hah! I'm the great Ryuzaki Jesus Julio Gonzalez Juan Espinoza Myoujin Mikazuchi! You can't kill me, I have a reason to exist in the future and you don't!"

"Fuck, you got me there. I'm so proud you came from my ballsacks."

"I'm the sperm cell that was destined for greatness. Anyways, can I borrow Rem? I need him for this festival thing I'm doing."

"Which one?"

"What do you mean, which one? I want the original."

Rem emerged from behind Ryuzu, flexing his big Russian muscles, shiny magnum dong, and smooth bald head.

"I am here, Comrade Ryuzaki. What do you need me to do?"

"Come with me, your technical expertise is just what I'm after!"

"I have no idea what Comrade Ryuzaki is doing. Father, may I go join him?"

"Well, even if I refused, you'd sneak out to be with him, like that time you went to that return party for Yza. So sure..."

Ryuzaki did a spit take.

"Hold on, you're calling him father?! What the hell dad, you said you were proud that I came from your ballsacks! What Russian chick did you knock up to give birth to the brother I didn't even know I had?!"

"He's not blood related, calm down. I'd never betray Maria for a hot Russian MILF, even if it's unbelievably tempting. Rem is my son the same way Ayato is Backlion's son."

"Ayato's dad is Backlion? Damn, I can't believe he got Akari pregnant that quickly... wait, Ayato is older than both of them, this doesn't make sense!"

"We both made our sons with our own two hands. Literally."

"Oh yeah, me and Yozora killed the original Rem didn't we... this is just a clone."

"Bingo. I was hoping to offload Ram to you instead, but..."

"Ram? Who's that? The worse twin?"

"You could say that. Ram's the failed Rem clone. He's been sitting in a vat of goop for a long time, and I've had no use for him. He lacks... intelligence, to put it nicely."

"He's dumb."

"Yes. To be more specific, he doesn't have a brain."

"Literally, or?"

"Very literal. He's bested suited for mindless combat, which is why I've kept him around, in case Queen Lizzybits tries firing her Requiem Jack Cannon at me again, but she's been quiet for a long time. Did that old hag of a bitch finally die?"

"She's still alive and kicking, mate."

"Bloody hell. I thought about disposing of Ram by putting him down, but... I can't bring myself to do it."

"Huh, I know what he's perfect for." A scummy smile appeared on Ryuzaki's even scummier face.

Back at the Star Gate event...

Juggsman and Ram competed against each other in a slapping competition, Russian rules style. They say a moist penguin from Florida who wears a white shirt exclusively and rips zero criticals in his drive checks was flown in as a special guest by Ryuzaki to commentate the match live while tier listing the Vanguard clans on the liquid ladder.

On a completely unrelated note, Shizuka's penguin plushie is named Charlie. Moving on. Before the event could fully start however, Ryuzaki pulled Ayaza aside so they could discuss a very important matter.

"Come with me to the festival grounds, I need your help with something."

"Right now?! I've got to be in the pyramid fighting the fans!"

"You've been clan leader for a day, you don't have fans."

Ayaza showed his Twitter account which was getting blown up with mentions and Galahad memes.

"I guess you have fans. Look, this'll take less than five minutes, you can come back here after."

"I feel like I'm going to regret this." Ayaza sighed. "Fine, but I hope you realise this is happening on real short notice..."

"I'm well aware, which is why we have to haul ass."

Ryuzaki jumped on Ayaza's back.

"What are you doing?"

"Turn into The Black and fly us over."

"Huh?! In front of all these people, are you insane?!"

"No. Just do it, they'll chalk it up to CGI from the Dimension Police department."

"Ugh... you have money, why can't you just get us an Uber...?!"

"You're faster than a taxi!"

"I can't argue against that logic..."

Ayaza reluctantly turned into his true form, Dragonic Overlord the Black, and flew off into the sky at supersonic speeds while Ryuzaki rode on his broad shoulders.

"What is Ayaza doing, transforming in public?"

"Was that Ryuzaki on his back...?"

The couple questioning the strange occurrence that unfolded before their eyes was Chiharu Nomura and Yozora Shinsei. They held each other's hands as they approached the pyramid to tackle the Vanguard challenge.

"Ah, Hiruyu, look, it's Chiharu-senpai!"

"E-eh? She's here too?!"

Mizuho Nanami and Hiruyu Kagara, two of Seigatsu Academy's current student council members, pointed excitedly at one of their school's alumni, Chiharu.

"And is that... Yozora-senpai?!"

"Come to think of it... he wasn't in during graduation day, was he?"

"He's been gone for a long time... we should ask what happened."

"Is it okay though? It looks like their on a date..."

"They're coming over here, which means they want to do the pyramid like us. We'll pretend that we casually bumped into them!"

"Okay, good idea. Let's move to the back of the line!"

By the time Yozora and Chiharu were in line to buy passes into the pyramid, Mizuho and Hiruyu were standing in front of them, as per their plan. They turned around and pretended to be shocked by the two.

"A-ah, Chiharu-senpai! F-funny seeing you here!"

"Y-Yozora-senpai! I-it's been a long time!"

The two girls tried to act natural, but Chiharu quickly picked up on their stiff and nervous behaviour.

"Mizuho, Hiruyu, heya! I'm surprised to see you two here, I never knew you guys liked Vanguard."

"O-oh, we're visiting because Sakura's a gatekeeper! W-we want to support her." Mizuho explained.

The two shy ones, Yozora and Hiruyu, stood back while averting their eyes awkwardly from the conversation.

"Ohh, that's cool. Well, she did get top 16 in that disaster of a tournament a few summers back."

"Yeah, she's super strong, h-haha... I've never beaten her once, so I don't expect to get far up the pyramid."

"C'mon, have some more ambition! Me and Yozocchi are aiming for Kurakuya, aren't we?"

Chiharu nudged Yozora to involve him in the conversation.

"H-huh... uh, yeah! I-I'm gonna beat Kurakuya!"

"Y-Yozora-senpai, it's been a really long time since I've seen you! Um... if I can ask, w-what happened?"

Mizuho hit Yozora with the question she desperately wanted answers for.

"Oh... uh, I became really sick... and had to be hospitalised for a long time. By the time I was let out... everyone had taken the finals and graduated. So... this means I never finished high school."

A wave of guilt washed over Mizuho and Hiruyu's faces when they heard Yozora's half-truth, half-lie.

"I-I'm sorry to hear..."

Hiruyu wanted to turn around because of how awkward the air between the couples were. Chiharu laughed lightly, patting Yozora's back so he'd straighten it. Whenever he felt awkward, Yozora would hunch his back subconsciously.

"You guys make some depressing faces. Yozocchi already has a job, so him not finishing school isn't a big concern."

"Eh? Really? What kind of job?"

"Uh... i-it's in the music industry." Yozora mumbled.

"He's really famous there! You might've even heard his songs in Akihabara before." Chiharu bragged for him.

"R-really? I've never heard Yozora-senpai sing or play any instruments before though..."

"You can see me sing today at the festival."

Yozora confidently stated to Mizuho and Hiruyu that he'd be a performer at the concert.

"O-oh wow... that's so cool!"

"W-we'll definitely check it out."

"Thanks. I hope I'll see you two in the crowd."

By the time their conversation had finished, Mizuho and Hiruyu were at the front of the line and bought passes to enter the pyramid. Chiharu pouted at Yozora.

"Woooooow~ I can't believe you were so shy until that point."

"E-eh...? Did I do something wrong, Chiharu...?"

"Where did that sudden burst of confidence come from? You were definitely flirting with those two kouhai of mine! Don't you have any shame, in front of your girlfriend too!?"

Chiharu's pout grew bigger. Yozora stepped back with worried eyes. He waved his hands wildly in denial.

"N-no! I-I wasn't flirting! I-I don't even like younger girls... I-I was just being nice!"

"Hmph. You need to make it up to me after this."

Chiharu flicked his forehead and grabbed onto his arm tightly.

"U-um... okay, how can I do that?"

She kissed his forehead and smiled at him smugly.

"Pats."

"P-pats?"

"Pats of encouragement! We're about to face a bunch of scary opponents! I need your love to give me strength!"

Yozora laughed nervously and nodded in agreement. He put his hand on Chiharu's head and rubbed it gently.

"Between the two of us... you'll definitely make it to the top. The deck I have now... I still have no idea how to use to it's fullest."

"Yza, Shouri, and Akari taught you the basics, didn't they?"

"They all played the deck differently... I got confused."

"Just try your best. If things go awry, sack yellows to win!"

Yozora and Chiharu entered the pyramid with their passes, agreeing to split up and turn it into a race to see who could fight Kurakuya first.

"The true evil eye has awakened, fear before the might it possesses! I ride my avatar, Blazing Demonic Stealth Dragon, Shiranui "Zanki"! Liberating the Generation Zone! The sacred scripts of the forbidden dark arts have awakened, cower before the evil it possesses! Generation Stride, Evil-eye Vidya Emperor, Shiranui "Rinne"!"

"The red blood that drips from his arm trickles away like his sanity. In the end, he was his own worst enemy. Strength, which he had, was traded in, for insanity. Nothingness is now all that awaits for those that oppose him. I ride my avatar, Dragfall, Luard."

Meanwhile, Mizuho and Hiruyu had made decent progress on the base floor. Mizuho had beaten three gatekeepers, Hiruyu had beaten two gatekeepers.

"Generation Zone, release! The trailblazer of humanity's art, history, and culture guides us unto the stars glittering with wisdom; predicting the uncertain future. The star of life will one day form the shape of knowledge; reaching a conclusion already formed deep within her omniscient heart! Generation Stride, Ultimate Regalia of Almighty, Minerva!"

"Nebula Dragon, Big Crunch Dragon's skill! I counterblast and G Persona Blast to omega lock your right column's row! Railgun Atomiser! Then, I call Venom Dancer's mate, Star-vader, Sword Viper! Boosted by Metonaxe Dragon, Sword Viper attacks!"

From these four, Chiharu was the sole survivor from the onslaught of fights they had all been through. Yozora fell to Ayaza's Galahad, Mizuho was beaten by Kyle's triangle lock, and Hiruyu was no match against Maxios' Ange.

At the top of the pyramid, Kurakuya emerged from the shadows, clapping sincerely at the strength Chiharu had displayed.

"Congratulations on making it to the top by beating everyone else! I was sure Kyle and Maxios were going to stop you, but I guess the only way to beat the meta is to have the meta."

"I don't play Shiranui just because it's good! I like the deck, it's keyword, and most of all, Rinne especially!"

"As a reward for your both your diligence and honesty, you get to fight me, Star Gate Branch Manager! Don't underestimate me because I don't reveal much of myself. I'm capable of a lot." Kurakuya grinned widely, his eyes shimmering with colour.

"Oh, don't worry. I know your weak points already." Chiharu smirked, her eyes lighting with passion.

"Stand up, Vanguard!"

Blazing Demonic Stealth Dragon, Shiranui "Zanki" burst forward, running with flames trailing his quick feet. Entering a spinning blood red vanguard circle, he transformed into Evil-eye Vidya Emperor, Shiranui "Rinne", clashing swords with Bravest Viktor, Grandgallop.

Grandgallop pushed Shiranui "Rinne" back, before flipping away and passing through a still golden vanguard circle that began to spin uncontrollably as emerging on the other side was Bravest Peak, X-gallop. Pulling his bow back, a flurry of red laser arrows punctured Shiranui "Rinne" body, reverting the giant back to his original form.

Pointing his bow at Shiranui once more, X-gallop pulled the quiver back as far as he could, and let go with a loud snap. The arrow, too fast to be visibly seen, shot through in Shiranui's exposed chest like a bullet.

From the gaping hole, blood squirted and spewed out gruesomely. Shiranui body, ridden with wounds and damaged beyond repair, started to disintegrate into red dust, leaving to Chiharu collapsing on the ground as a powerless astral spirit.

Kurakuya stretched out his hand.

"You're good! Let's fight again some time."

Chiharu shook Kurakuya's hand with a frustrated grin.

"Next time, I'll get you! I swear it!"

Outside, Yozora was watching the slap battle between Juggsman and Ram while waiting for Chiharu to finish her attempt at conquering the pyramid. A finger tapped his shoulder, making him turn around to see who it was.

It was Lucine, greeting Yozora with a nervous smile.

"I need to talk to Yza. It's important."

"Oh... um, but I'm on a date with Chiharu right now... I can't switch suddenly. She can come back at any moment."

"I don't see Chiharu anywhere near here right now. Please, I beg you! This'll take at most five minutes! I don't have much time!"

"W-what's going on?" Yozora was worried by Lucine's distressed voice.

"I don't have time to explain! I need to talk to Yza, now!"

"Fine... but the conversation ends when Chiharu returns."

Yozora shifted personalities with Yza.

"Lucine, what's up? Can I touch your boobs? Or maybe steal a quick kiss?"

"You have a girlfriend. Today, did you visit the Iqumashi Publishing offices?"

"I do, but she blueballs me. Yeah, I did. How'd you know?"

"Great! Can you tell me who let you in?"

"I asked you a question first..."

"I'm on a time crunch, I'll explain later!"

"Right now, you seem like a stalker... well, I don't hate the idea. If you wanna stalk me, feel free to!"

"Now's not the time for jokes!"

Yza ignored Lucine and started muttering to himself out loud.

"Hey, this could be a good concept for the heroine in my doujin! An obsessive stalker who's deeply in love with the hero... but the twist is he already has a girlfriend, so she watches him from afar in jealousy, until one day her sexual urges take over her and she-"

"Time. Crunch."

"Ah, yeah... well, Shisue's family actually owns the whole business. She let me in, and they're gonna publish my light novel, the—"

Yza stopped as he noticed Lucine's face had drained of all colour. A terrifying realisation had surfaced her mind.

"Y-you okay? Is the pervert talk grossing you out? Sorry..."

"N-no... thanks, that's more than enough help! Enjoy your date!"

Lucine ran off, her shaking hand covering her quivering mouth.

"H-how did I not notice it before...? Ikumashi and Iqumashi... their names are exactly the same... bar one letter..."

Entering the vehicle, Lucine took out her phone and desperately searched her contacts for one number.

"Did you find anything?"

"I know who did it. I've got a plan to trap then, but I'll need to recruit some help from the outside though."

Rentaro raised a brow, smirked, and cackled loudly.

"That's my little sis! Alright, who's the cowardly blackmailing bastard? I'm gonna drive a hole through their head and mash their brains into a bloody pulp!"

"It's your girlfriend. Shisue."

Before Rentaro slammed the gas pedal to speed off to their next location, he stopped just short of hitting it as Lucine uttered those words. Looking at her over his shoulder, he could only utter a wide-eyed whimper.

"...huh?"