No one's POV

The battle had started as Sora rushed towards the 2 creatures as Sora and PoH clashes with one another, with each strikes of their blades sending shock and sound waves throughout the battlefield.

Their blows had so much force between them that it shook the entire labyrinth and the whole city as earthquakes could be felt above the surface. PoH brought his Mate Chopper down, but Sora cross guard with both swords, and he leaned back towards the ground , breaking the balance of him and PoH and Sora kicked PoH in the chin and sent him flying.

PoH: Tch!

Sora then noticed Revis coming from behind him and Revis brought her cursed sword down as well with eyes pure of bloodshot, but Sora continue to remain calm as he cross guarded the attack and started trading blows. Revis then thrust her sword around as all they could see was the shockwaves as the two of them were moving at supersonic speed.

Revis: You bastard!!

Sora: What's wrong? Tired already? I'm barely warming up!!

Dix: You monsters!!

Sora then noticed PoH rushing in and now it was two against one, leaving Sora on the defense as both PoH and Revis unleashed a barrage of strikes and slashes and the two of them lock blade, but

Sora leaned back to the right, where PoH is to break the balance between him and Revis and he kicked her away, and Sora grabbed PoH's hand and did a horizontal kick and kicked his face and sent him flying as well.

PoH: What a heavy strike as always...

Revis: Violas!!

Suddenly, multiple plant eating monsters started appearing through one of those Orichalcum doors, but Sora with the swing of his sword, kills them all in an instant. And suddenly multiple Evilus's member started rushing towards Sora trying to self destruct, but Sora easily send them flying before they could explode and Revis started to get furious. Even when their enemy is only one person, they are on the losing battle.

Revis: I don't like this. What is that power?!

Sora: Don't you dare compare me as the same as the Loki Familia, that you defeated.

PoH: AHAHAHAHA!!!! You really are the one that makes my blood boil. Don't get so mad Revis. This man standing here is a one man army.

Sora: Do you guys still want to continue? Just to waste your worthless life? Well your life is already worthless anyway...

Both Revis and PoH glare at Sora and the two of them rushed towards him. They rushes in to attacked, but Sora's movement started getting more aggressive as both PoH and Revis could no longer land an attack.

With unyielding amount of speed, both PoH and Revis started blitzing around Sora, in green and red streaks of energy, attacking her from all side, not giving him a chance to defend herself. And both PoH and Revis thrust their swords from both side.

Sora: Not enough...

Sora then speed blitzed and move even faster than they were and he rushed towards PoH and did a few punch and kicked him away. Without stopping, he once again rushed towards Revis and did multiple punch on her stomach and kicked her on the chin and sent her flying as well.

Dix: What is this?!

Dix started to get furious when he saw Sora easily defeated two creatures with ease.

Dix: What is that power?!

Revis: Tch! The likes of Aria and the rest of her friends can't be compared to this at all...

PoH: What do you expect from a monster? He hasn't even used his lightning yet!

Revis: Lightning? I see... So you are Mio...

Sora:...

Sora felt like his heart had started beating rapidly. But he quickly calm himself down and looked at them without the slightest hint of concern.

Sora: Who is this person, you called Mio? That's a girl name. As you can see, I'm a boy. Are you really that blind?

Revis: No... If you are Mio. Than everything makes sense. That power is the power of the Spirit Origin. The very first spirit that ever existed in this world 1000 years ago.

Sora:...

Revis: I see. Changed of plan, we'll be taking you in instead.

Sora: Hmph! If you can that is...

Dix: You cocky bastard! You're more like those monsters rather than a Hero!!

Sora: Did you know, there's only a paper-thin difference between a Hero and a monsters?

Dix, PoH, Revis: ?!?!

PoH: Then if you are a Hero. Then you definitely saves this talking monsters!!

PoH, Revis, and Dix all rushed towards the talking monsters, such as Lido and Gros, and Fia, but Sora activate his lightning for the very first time since he started fighting them and speed blitzed, as if they were moving like turtles, and he kicked Dix, and PoH away.

And he rushed towards Revis and slashed his sword right through her chest and cut her in half.

Sora: You guys are nothing compare to Asuna. She is far more stronger than the three of you combine.

Revis tried to stand up but couldn't and she saw her lower part missing, but Sora missed her Magic Stone.

Revis: Tch! That lightning, so you really are Mio.

Sora: Who knows... I'll get to you later. You won't be able to regenerate that quick anyway.

Sora then looked at PoH and Dix and glared at them and Dix started backing away in fear.

Dix: Wh-What are you...?

Sora: I'm just a regular human.

Dix: H-Human? You, a human? Hahahahahaha...

Sora's answer made Dix break down with laughters.

Sora: Now then, where the is Vouivre?

Dix: Th-That's what your aiming?! To save a monster?! That can talk, that's all. Doesn't change the fact that they're monsters. These monsters born from the dungeon that drove Daedalus mad...

Sora: Like I care about your blood. All you are is just an urge to kill and search for entertainment without any consent to what other feels. It was all for something stupid.

Dix: Something stupid?

Dix then glared at Sora completely and utterly furious and Sora also saw that PoH is standing back up.

Dix: Take that back!

PoH: This time I will send you to hell!

Both Dix and PoH rushed towards Sora and started trading blows again. But for some reason, PoH's movement started to get faster and harder and that confused Sora a bit.

Sora(mind): His moves are now heavier and more faster... I see.

Sora then noticed shards of yellowed colored magic stones and PoH must've eat them while pretending to be conscious.

PoH: What do you think. We become stronger just by eating, what about you? You work hard endlessly for no reason.

Sora: So all you did was resort to drugs. That's not what true strengths is.

Dix: So what if they talk? It doesn't change the fact they're monsters. Killing them brutally, gruesomely... What's wrong with that? That's how you've made it this far, right?

Sora: Hmm... even if that's true. These Xenos... they can laugh... they can smile! They can shed tears like us!

Dix: You must've gone made, too.

Sora: Not as mad as you at least!

PoH: Oi, Dix! Bring that vouivre girl out!

Dix: You got it boss!

Dix then broke the clash and went further inside the room. Sora went to follow him, but PoH stopped him and the two of them were currently locking blade. With PoH managed to land some good hit onto Sora's neck and arms as blood started dripping down.

PoH: It has been awhile, since the two of us fought.

Sora: And here I thought you died... But only to be revived as a creature as well.

PoH: GYAHAHAHAHA!!!! What's wrong with that?! My life is all about ruining yours. And after I'm done here, I'll slit the Berserker's throat, ripped of the arm of the Princess. And I'll keep coming back no matter how many times it takes...

Sora: Then I'll be there to stop you as many times as it takes.

Both Sora and PoH broke the clash and PoH rushes in and started rushing over with reddish-black aura as he started running at blinding speed and spilt into 3 separates bodies, but Sora's kanshou remained pointed downwards, while Bakuya in his left hand was wrapped in lightning and as the three PoH's approached, Sora blocked the first one, then killed him. The same with the second one, with one block and killed him, and the third one, which was the real one took his chance when he saw an opening, but Sora wrapped Kanshou in lightning and thrust his sword forwards and clashed with PoH's Mate Chopper.

PoH: Come on... Let me taste your blood and life, SORAAAAAA!!!!

Suddenly a crack appeared in PoH's mate chopper and then bursted into pieces that scattered in different directions as Sora's thrust continue.

Sora: Your done...

With every once of strength he had, Sora sent PoH flying back into the wall of Knossos, leaving a large hole in his chest, then falling to the ground and being buried with rubble. After he was done, Sora ran deeper into the chamber, where Dix had disappeared into the darkness. Blood still spilling from his cheeks, neck, and arms after his fight with Revis and PoH, due to their cursed swords. What greeted his eyes when he got there, was his daughter there shackle in prison chains that hung from the ceiling.

Wiene: Papa! Papaaaaaa!!

Sora: Wiene!

Sora's eyes went wide, completely and utterly shocked. Wiene's hand was chained together, as though she was about to be sacrificed to an ancient God. Her legs were fettered, too, and her bruised and battered torso resembled Sora. It was their long awaited reunion. They had finally meet again. But this was wrong, completely wrong. Not in a place like this. And he glared at Dix who was standing next to her.

Dix: Lightning Flash, I've got a question for you.

Dix said while grabbing the crystal on Wiene's forehead.

Dix: If I rip this off this thing, what do you think will happen?

A Vouivre's tear. The reddish stone was said to be worth more than a man's wildest dreams. It was a mystic jewel well worthy of the nickname "Prosperity Stone". However, the vouivre would turn incredibly violent and vicious the moment it lost the jewel.

Sora: Don't you dare!!

Wiene: N-No... Stop, please... Who I am will disappear...

Dix: Haha! So you know, do you?

Sora who was still 500 meters away from the girl rushes with blinding speed, trying to stop Dix from ripping the jewel. His was in rage. Shouting Wiene's name, Sora reached for her. Her tears amber gaze lifted, as if she were reaching out for him.

Dix: Bye then, monster.

Dix ripped of the jewel with a forceful flick of the wrist. For Sora, time skidded to a halt. Colors turned to black and white. The world stopped turning. A trail of light followed the garnet jewel after its violent removal, tracing an arc from the girl's head.

Wiene: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!?!

Sora froze in place. The chains rattled and screamed as her body started changing. A large lump appeared in the girl's light-blue-skinned back before a massive wings burst free, following its twin into existence.

But that wasn't all. The girls arm and legs quivered, swelling with each pulse. It wasn't stopping. Her transformation was not stopping.

Sora: Wiene!!

Sora was suddenly blown away by the intense aura that Wiene was producing and Dix started laughing hardly.

Dix: So this is what happens!

Sora: Wiene...

Sora looked up from his spot, still frozen in place, at Wiene's monstrous face looking down at him. Wiene charged at him. Two arms and claws took a hold of Sora and pierced through his shoulder and Sora cried out in pain. As Wiene flung Sora back to where the Xenos are.

Gran: Wh-What is that?

Fels: It can be... Is that Wiene?

Sora: Wiene...

Sora was still struggling to stand. His left shoulder had been dislocated after Wiene plunged her claw at him. And he was exhausted from his fight with PoH and Revis who were still passed out near the dungeon wall.

Dix: They can laugh? They can cry? Looking at this, can you still say the same thing you did earlier, Lightning Flash?

Sora: Damn you...

Dix: Now you understand? They're just monster! The enemy of humanity! Monster! You've nearly been killed by them, right? By vouivre and lizardman! Open your eyes! Hurry up and come over to this side!

Sora:...

Gran: Really likes you, Dix.

Fels: Sora Yatagami...!

Sora weakly stood up, as he walked towards Wiene. He could hear Wiene calling out his name. She was searching for him. Sora walk forwards continue. He called her named with an unsteady voice.

Sora: Wiene...

The Vouivre swung its massive tail at Sora as he approached. As if she was crying out in fear of evil people, in nightmare where all her friends were killed. The tail slammed into Sora.

Dix: Hey! Hey! You're gonna die if you don't do something! Kill monsters! Kill them!

Sora: Wiene... Wiene... Wiene...!

Sora stood back up as he approached his rampaging daughter again. The monsters swiped at the battered and bloodied human before it. Long, sharp dragon claws flashed. Its left arm came down in a diagonal slash, colliding with Sora's right shoulder.

Sora: uGh...

The dragon's claw struck his right shoulder, however, stopped. Even though they dug into his shoulder muscle, they didn't penetrate any farther.

Sora: It's alright.

Sora looked up. At the dragon monster looking at him from directly above.

Sora: Papa... is alright. So everything is alright, Wiene.

Sora smile. Bearing the pain, his eyes tearing up, he smile with all of his heart. Like he did when they met. Just like he did on that day. The dragon monster roared.

Sora: Wiene... I'm right here. Papa is right here, with you.

Wiene: Pa...pa...

Ignoring the flesh wave of blood from his neck, shoulders, arms. Sora reached up with his right hand and embraced the hand digging into his shoulder. He wrapped his fingers around her claw, staining his blood.

Sora: Wiene... Papa is here. Standing in front of you.

Wiene: Pa...pa...

Sora: My precious daughter...

He pulled her rigid, strange body close. He embraced the cold body and pressed the inhuman face against his chest. Tears started streaming down the monster girl face as she cried in his shirt of armor. Dix stood stunned, watching the scene unfold. PoH, and Revis who just woke up with their body barely regenerated was stunned as well. Even Fels was lost for words. Even the Xenos that happened to catch a glimpse of him froze, trembling for a brief moment.

Sora: It's alright...

Sora had acknowledged and accepted his own repulsion and disgust, but then he restrained them with a more powerful emotion. His warm, resounding heartbeat reached the girl who had always wanted to hear it. Sora had buried his lip in her silver-blue hair, eyes glistening with tears, and whispered to her.

Sora: I'm right here... Papa is right here...

A clear liquid welled in her pupil-less amber eyes, too. One drop, two drop, three drop. And more. Both eyes were overflowing. Monsters shouldn't know how to cry, and yet this one knew.

Wiene: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

The Vouivre cried out of fear again, throwing Sora off. Her large body thrashed around like a raging storm, and the girl's spirit and the monster's instinct fought for control amid flowing tears and lamentation.

Sora: Wiene...!

Dix: Well, that's not fun.

Just as Sora was about to rush to her side and comfort her once again, a red spear attacked from behind. Sora easily dodge the incoming attack as he stood up and face Dix and saw that Dix was glaring at him with annoyance, eyes narrowing beneath his goggles.

Dix: What'd you think you're doing? You're a complete disappointment! That sword was made to slit that thing's belly, wasn't it?

Spraying spit with every words, Dix thrust his spear forwards, but Sora easily deflect each and every thrust with one hand.

Dix: What're you doing letting monsters make you crazy? Calling her a daughter! Saving monsters? Where's the value, the honor, the duty in that?

Sora: !!!

That instant, Sora's eyes sparks from within. His eyes locked onto the spear. And with the remain of his strength, he severe the spear in half.

Dix: Wha—

Sora: Anyone is worth saving! Person, monsters it doesn't matter!

The curse spearhead hit the stone floor with considerable backspin and rolled away in cacophony of high pitched metallic clangs that faded into the darkness. Sora's eyes sparking with conviction, Sora shouted back at the surprise Dix.

Sora: These talking monsters, they all have the heart of a human as much as we do!! So as long as they're ask for my help, I don't care what happens to me!! I will continue to save them, even if it means going against the world!!

The reason was sufficient. The Hero readied his divine blade and howled. Those words, and that will, were no one else's but his own. Just like he said, he never go back on his words. The Hero's answer and sentiment echoed throughout the chamber.

Fels: Sora Yatagami, you are...

Fels quietly whispered once the Hero's cry reached him. Something changed among the crazed Xenos at that instant. For some of them, their shoulders shook, for others, their chest expanded and contracted. A certain gargoyle's stone eyes opened wide. Drops fell from a certain lizardman's reptilian eyes.

Revis: The hypocrisy!!

PoH: That mouth of yours always spouting nonsense!!

Dix: You're saying you'd save anyone, man or beast? You'd saved everyone and everything?

Sora: Yes!!

Dix: That's impossible!! You're not a Hero...!! Makes me want to puke!!

Revis with her regenerated lower body, with PoH and his healed wounds, and Dix all rushed towards Sora. Sora was only holding one sword as he fight all three of them at once one more time.

But, even when he was injured, Sora with his super speed and strength, fought them and sent Dix flying with a kick and he slashes Revis's lower half again and caused an explosion. And he kneed PoH in the stomach before delivering a punch on his face with One for All, skill.

Dix: Go to hell!!

Dix aimed at the injured boy, thrusting his spear forwards, and PoH with his Mate Chopper down. But as Dix's spear was about to run through, a red scale tail flashed into view from behind Dix.

Lido: Thanks... Sora-chi.

Lido, holding a longsword high above his head, his red eyes filled with bloodlust, brought his weapon down with incredible strength. Dix noticed at the last moment and managed to avoid a direct hit, but blood splattered from his back. And thanks to Lido's help, Sora was able to block the oncoming attack from PoH.

Dix: You bastard!!

Sora: Lido!!

Sora had been rescued by the lizardman. Lido's eyes was still crimson, proof that he was still under the curs's influence. But...

Lido: To think that the words of a human... could light me up this much... Blast it, I'm so happy!! So happy that I could just blow aside some incomprehensible power!!

The sparking determination in his heart had provide a solid foundation to brush aside the curse and reclaim his mind. Lido clenched his teeth together, nearly cracking them, and grasped the weapons hilt with all his might. A monstrous smile appeared through his tears. A dam had broken, sending rivers down his reptilian cheeks

Lido: Sorry, Sora-chi... and Thank you. You really are, our Light of Hope!!

After apologizing for everything that had happened and offering words of gratitude, Lido turned to face forwards glaring. He then unleashed a curse driven, bloodthirsty monsters's roar directly at Dix.

Lizardman: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Dix: !!

Seeing this, Sora grew a smile on his face and followed the lizardman into battle as he faced off against PoH. Some of the Ikelos Familia came to help, but was stopped by Fels and the other Xenos. Xenos that should have been under the curse's power were coming after the hunters in a frenzy. Gros and the other Xenos who had found a way to resist the curse's effect, as Lido had, were now descending with murderous purpose on Gran and the others.

Sora continue to fight against PoH, with every ounce of strength he had left. He was tired. Fighting all against three opponents at once. Now it was just a one on one fight. And Sora managed to overwhelmed PoH and sent him flying. And Sora rushed towards Dix who was still fight Lido who had lost his footing and Sora closed the distance in a blink of an eye and used One for All on his right arm and drove his fist forwards.

Sora: HAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Dix: GAAAAAAAAAH!!!!

A plasma blast like lightning exploded into Dix's chest. The devastating blow sent the man careening into black cages in a far corner of the chamber. Dix felt like every bone in his body had been crushed by the sheer intensity of Sora's punch. And the red tint faded from the eyes of Lido and the others.

Lido: Ah...

Gros: What are we...

Fels: Gros! Has the curse been broken?

Fels looked upon the Xenos with relieved as they were released from the curse. Standing above the hunters they had wiped out in their involuntary frenzy, Gros and the other Xenos shook their head, before calming down.

Lido: We did it, Sora-chi!

Sora: Yeah, its over...

Dix: Ow...

Dix weekly stood up. His cloths were ripped, his left hand had been dislocated. He tried asking for help, but both PoH and Revis had been taken down as well. Sora tried to finish them off before by destroying their Magic Stone, but suddenly a magic spell came rushing towards him and Sora dodge it and saw Ein.

Sora: You again! Are you next?

Ein: Even if your injured, I'm no match for you. You defeated our Violas and our new species slugs with ease. So instead I'll be taking these two back...

Sora: Like Hell I will let you ran!!

Ein: Are you sure you should be focusing on me? With that going on?

Sora then looked behind him and saw Lido was furious.

Lido: I won't let him do as he likes anymore!

Lido rushed towards Dix with pure bloodthirsty eyes.

Dix: H-Hey, lay off! If you do that... I'll break this.

Lido stopped the moment Dix brought the Vouivre's tears.

Sora: Give that back!

Dix: So this is important after all! If you want it, I'll give it to you!

Dix threw away straight into the hole in the floor, the tunnel still under construction.

Sora: !!!

Sora and Lido's eyes shot open an instant before they moved. Sora with his super speed caught the jewel as he flung himself into the hole without any hesitation. Lido who was slower managed to grab a hold of Sora's cloths at the last possible second.

Ein: I'll be seeing you soon, Sora Yatagami.

Sora saw that Ein had escaped with PoH and Revis on his arm and Sora gritted his teeth for letting them go. But he need to prioritized Wiene over anything else.

Dix: It's all going so perfectly to plan, I can't help laughing!

Rather than watch the lizardman desperately try to pull Sora up from the edge. Dix pointed his finger at Wiene.

Dix: Lose your way in an unending illusion.

An ominous wave of red light engulfed Wiene as soon as the short trigger spell was complete.

Wiene: AAAAAAAA!!!

Sora: What?!

The vouivre reeled backwards, roaring. Fels, Gros, and the other Xenos had been rushing to Sora's aid and saw everything that happened, eyes wide with shock.

Dix: That ought to do it.

Lastly, Dix opened his Goggle reviling his Daedalus eyes. As it resonated with the door at his side, the entrance opened.

Dix: Go up to the sky.

Sora: ?!!?

The rioting vouivre charged through the door and bounded up the seemingly endless stairwell behind it.

Gros: You! What did you do?!

Dix: My curse can make people see things as long as it doesn't hit too many targets. Sora Yatagami, that vouivre is chasing you right now. Ans that passageway leads to the surface!

Sora: Wiene!!!

Dix: If something like that appears, there's no doubt it'll be dealt with, right?

Sora: You bastard!!

Dix then ran to one of the doors and close it.

Sora: Lido, I'm going! Whatever you do, don't chase after your enemies here!

Sora raced up the steps going after Wiene, with his injured bodies and legs.

Fels: Lido, Gros! I leave the rest to you! Wait, Sora Yatagami! I will heal your wounds!

Fels went after Sora and left the Xenos in charged.

Lido: Sora-chi...

Rei: Lido! Gros!

Rei accompanied the second group of Xenos, arrived at the chamber a moment later. They all couldn't hold their surprise upon seeing their freed comrades and the silent, motionless bodies of the hunters. Lido and Gros explain what happened on this side and Rei couldn't hold her surprise.

Lido: I see, so he made it.

Rei: Yes, after rescuing us, he fled elsewhere. There are no casualties among the humans.

Gros: Our side... we let the leader of our enemies escape. He's dangerous! We cannot leave him as he is!

Rei: But... with the way things looks... Some of our friends could no longer move. To chase after someone in their own territory is too reckless.

Some of the Xenos are at their limit. They could no longer move.

Lido: I'm of the same opinion. Right now, we should go help, Sora-chi!

Rei and Gros looked at Lido after his declaration.

Lido: Should we really leave everything to Sora-chi and Fels? Are you fine with just being helped? Going to the surface, it may make things even more complicated. Even so, this time it's our turn to save Sora-chi and Wiene!

Even with the worst possible outcome in sight, it was time for them to put their lives on the Hero and what he held dear. Gros and Rei stayed silent in the face of Lido's determined gaze.

Lido: Plus, we'll get to see the surface we've longed for. Won't we?

Gros: You foo! At a desperate time like this...

Rei: Nevertheless, you are going, yes?

Gros scolded Lido for his attempt at humor, but Rei grinned beside him, aware of Gros's true feeling.

Rei: I had little hope when I spotted Sora in the forest... Then, once I heard he rescued on of our kin... I'm now filled with joy. He really is my Hero and our Light of Hope.

Cheeks flushing pink and smiling, the golden siren Rei stumble her way through the language of the surface dwellers to express what she felt in her heart.

Rei: And I would like to dance with him again.

Other Xenos shared their feelings after hearing what their leaders had to say. Roaring and hollering at the top of their lungs, they voiced their intent to follow. Keeping his mouth shut, Gros spread his wings after a long pause.

Gros: Fels is one thing, but I can't leave this to that boy!

He quickly divided the Xenos into a group that would stay and a group that would go to based in their injuries. Then, a mighty flap of his wings carried Gros into the air and towards the staircase. Lido and Rei exchange smiles before taking off after him.

Lido: Hey, Gros. There really are those among the humans we can trust, right?

Gros: Not yet! I can't go so far as trust yet!

Lido: There's just no pleasing you, is there?

Rei: Gargoyles like Gros are always stubborn as stone.

Gros: Shut up!

Side by side, the three leader guided the Xenos up the stairway. And elsewhere, Fels had finally caught up with Sora.

Fels: Sora Yatagami! Your body is in no condition for this. You're beyond exhausted.

Sora: I'm not just gonna sit still and let my daughter get killed!

Fels: You can keep running, just wait for a moment.

Sora then stopped and looked at Fels who raised his hand and pointed towards Sora and started chanting.

Fels: Rod of Alsbepius, Alsbepius's motherly light. By the power regeneration, all shall healed, Dia Panacea.

A brilliant light suddenly surrounded Sora and his wounds are all starting to heal.

Sora: This is...

Fels: Just like an elixir, it is what might be called all-healing magic.

Sora: I see. Thank you, Fels!

Sora, filled with vitality once again, spoke a few words of gratitude to Fels and picked up speed. Fels was suddenly trailing behind as the Hero hurtled up the stairway in a flash.

Fels: Seriously...! He really is fast!

Sora: Wiene!

The crack of rock breaking sounded in the distance. Light shone through from far above, signaling that the monsters had reached the surface.

(Elsewhere)

At Daedalus Street, the other Hestia Familia was still searching around for another entrance that Sora had told them. At first they were shocked at what Sora told them, but they just comply and started looking around.

Welf: Is there really another entrance to the dungeon at Daedalus Street?

Rin: I don't know. But from what Sora's face, he is not lying.

Lili: The layout is to complicated, but that's exactly why its the perfect place to have a secret entrance.

Mikoto: But we can hardly search for the enemy's stronghold like this.

Bell: I'm just hoping Sora is okay. And Wiene too...

Suddenly they heard an explosion and citizens started screaming and panicking as they ran away from the source of the explosion. Bell and the others all went there only to see a rampaging Vouivre.

Welf: What...

Mikoto: A monster!

Hestia, Bell and Haruhime all looked completely shocked as they realized who it was.

Haruhime: Mikoto, wait! That's...

Hestia: It can't be...

Bell: Wiene!

The rest all looked surprised as well. And Haruhime saw Hestia and the others and went to attacked them, but Bell grabbed Hestia, Welf grabbed Lili, to avoid it, along with Rin and Mikoto. But Haruhime was paralyzed as she stare at Wiene in fear.

Haruhime: Lady Wiene, why?

Wiene went to attacked her when suddenly.

Sora: Wiene!!

Sora burst onto the scene like a streak of lightning. Emerging from the hole Wiene had left behind, the Hero threw himself onto Wiene's hand and grabbed it.

Hestia: Sora!

Rin: Sora!

Sora: Stand back, Haruhime!

Sora winced as though Haruhime's teary eyes. Mikoto came in to support the girl who couldn't move on her own and dragged her back to the rest of the group.

Sora(mind): Dammit! What should I do?

A great deal of people had already laid eyes on Wiene. Sora's palm broke out in sweat at the sight of many onlooker.

Sora(mind): Well for now, I need to stop her rampaging...

Wiene was regaining her stance, recovering from the sudden attack as Sora stood tall in front of her. That was when it happen. A gleam of light flashed down from the sky.

Sora: !!!

From behind Sora's head. A long spear tipped with a golden blade, piercing Wiene's left hand like a lightning bolt.

Wiene: AAAAAAAAAA!!!!

The spear's incredible momentum sent her careening hand first through a nearby building. Wiene cried out as the spear drove deep into the ground, effectively pinning her to the spot. The sudden change caught Sora off guard, his mind went blank for  an instant. He forgot to breath as his brain processed what just happend.

Sora: Wiene!

???: So that's what's been causing all the noise I take it?

Sora heard a voice from far away. Then cheers erupted. Voices of the citizens cheering of excitement. Hestia and the rest of her Familia's silence further implied what had arrived. Sora heard his heart pounding like crazy. He slowly turned around to see who the people are. The people that he wished were not currently here. The Loki Familia.

Sora:...

Finn: It seems the civilians are unharmed.

Gareth: What's this? Looks like somebody got here before us?

Tione: Wait a sec, isn't that...?

Tiona: It's Mr Flash!

Bete: That Flashing bastard again...

Riveria: A vouivre... Think there's any connection with the earlier sighting of that winged monsters?

Standing atop a cluster building and looking down over Sora and Wiene were Orario's strongest Familia. [Braver] Finn Deimne. [Nine Hell] Riveria Ljos Alf. [Elgram] Gareth Landrock. [Amazon] Toina Hyrute. [Jormungand] Tione Hyrute. [Vanargand] Bete Loga. [Sword Princess] Aiz Wallenstein. And [Berserk Healer] Asuna Yuuki. After their latest expedition to the 59th floor, every single member had reached level 6. There is a rumor that Asuna had already reached the peak of her status, almost reaching level 7.

Tiona: Is that monster connected with what happened on the 18th floor? Those looks like shackles, but is there any armor.

Riveria: I cannot be certain about that... but the Guild may have planned for this possibility when ordering all Familia's to stand by.

Bete: Tsk, a heads up would've been nice.

Sora had froze in place when he saw them. They're here too early. This was Labyrinth city's Daedalus Street. Even when they rushed here, it would take time for them to arrived.

Sora(mind): Why am I not surprise? Finn must've figured it out. That Evilus is involved.

Sora locked his trembling gaze on Finn, who was calmly surveying the battlefield from above.

Tione: Captain, what about that monsters?

Finn: There is no stone on its brow. Dispose of it immediately.

The streets were filled with cheers as though their triumph had rescued the city from chaos befalling them. Sora nearly staggered under the sound. The members of Hestia Familia turned pale as the noise washed over them. Those adventurers stood as a beacons of hope for the citizens, having always admire their strength. But for Sora, they looked like apocalypse.

Sora(mind): Asuna... Aiz...

Sora looked up, meeting their gaze as they looked down on him. Aiz and Asuna were focused solely on him. Their eyes were inquisitive, as if asking, "Why are you there?"

Sora(mind): Dammit! What should I do? Slyphid... Please tell me...

Slyphid(telepathy): I'm as scared as you are now, Sora.

Wiene: AAAAAAAAAA!!!

Wiene screamed in pain. The spear had penetrated deep into the wall. Sora's thought clouded, and his vision pulsed. He stood in no man land, directly between the two sides. Forwards or Backwards? Advance or Retreat? Idol and monsters, allies and scales, hero and villain, apology and repentance, promise and betrayal, genuine and fake, the fork in the road and the choice.

Sora(mind): I... I... I...

The image burned in his heart; the girls smile and tears. Her outstretched hand, her warmth, the promise they made, swearing to protect her. The feeling of deja vu that keeps happening. The feeling that Yui is inside Wiene. All of this thoughts blended together harmoniously, stirring Sora's heart. It was when he heard his father's words as if he was standing beside him

Father: In the world full of Heroes. Those who break the rules are regarded as scums... But, those who abandon their friends are worst than scum...

Sora(mind): Dad...

Slyphid(telepathy): Sora, no matter what happens, I will always be on your side. And you will always be a Hero in the eyes of us Spirits.

It was at that moment, Sora's heart was filled with a spark. His doubts is gone. Just like he promise, he will protect this girl. Knowing full well that he might become public enemy number 1. Just like 7 years ago, when he was ostracized by the whole Orario. But that didn't stop him as he started walking.

Sora(mind): I'm sorry, everyone. I'm sorry, Goddess. I'm sorry, Gramps. I'm sorry, Asuna. I'm sorry, Little Sister... But, I never go back on my words. And I will protect this girl. I will protect my daughter.

The citizens's cheers began to die down. Instead, a swirling vortex of confused anger took their place. Lower ranking adventurers craned their necks to see what was happening and suspicion similarly darkened their expression. An eerie silence had overwhelmed them.

Bete: Huh?

Bete frowned at what he was seeing.

Tione: Hey... What's with that?

Tione: Mr Flash...?

The Amazon twins were stunned.

Gareth: Am I seeing that right?

Riveria: Finn...

Finn: What's the meaning of this?

The Dwarf, High Elf, and Pallum coldly narrowed their eyes. As for Aiz, her golden eyes shook with disbelief. And Asuna was just staring at him, as if asking "Is that the Vouivre that can speak and calls you, Papa?"

Aiz: !!!

Asuna:...

Sora was facing them. His back was to the monster writhing in pain as he grabbed his married twin blade and blocked the people trying to dispose of it. As if he was protecting monster and defending it from the adventurer.

His eyes were filled with determination. His breathing had return to normal. He raised his twin married blade, prepare to stand in their way.

Rin: Don't be stupid...!

Lili, Welf, Mikoto, and Haruhime were lost for words.

Hestia: Sora...

Hestia and Bell's eyes opened as wide as they would go.

Gros: !!!

The same was true for the gargoyle Gros, who was watching from a distance.

Rei: My Goodness...

Lido: What you think you're doing, Sora-chi...?

Lido and the other Xenos had stayed out of sight by approaching through the backstreets, and now they stood overlooking the standoff. Even Fels, who had reunited with them was shocked.

Ikelos: Ahahahaha!

Watching from another rooftop was Hermes and Ikelos.

Ikelos: Would you look at that, Hermes?! This is brilliant!

Ikelos roared with laughter, and his sparkling navy blue hair swished.

Ikelos: That Lightning Flash really is crazy!

Standing next to Ikelos, whose body was hunched. Hermes's lips curved into a distant, almost lonely smile.

Hermes: You truly are a fool...

The citizens, adventurers, monsters, deities all focused on one point. The Hero who had hurled himself into ruin. Sora, who had challenged Loki Familia to save a monster girl.