Masoukishin II Chapter List | Next Chapter: Time and Space

Hringhorni – Briefing Room

Yang Long: And you’re certain of this?

Becky: Oh, there’s no doubt. Here, take a look at the data if you need convincing.

Simone: Mysterious underground cavities…and they didn’t exist yesterday?

Wendy: No, it’s not that they didn’t exist, but that they couldn’t be found. They were cloaked by a unique type of barrier.

Raikou: …We’ve done surveys of this area in the past, but there are no record of these caverns’ existance.

Masaki: Is this what that creep Elan was talking about?

Mio: Underground caverns…I have a really bad feeling about this. Hey, how about we just forget about this whole thing?

Masaki: Huh? Why are you talking like that all of a…

Masaki: Oh…

Mio: …I’m scared, okay?

Masaki: …Tian. I see. Sorry.

Gaen: Absurd. Such sentimentality will only hinder us.

Masaki: You heartless–!

Gaen: No, let me finish.

Gaen: Looking at the situation, it’s highly likely that these caverns conceal a temple of Volkruss or Rasphitot.

Gaen: Thus investigating them is directly related to the reason the Antiras Squad was created: to confront crises that threaten the entirety of La Gias.

Masaki: Tch…you’re…

Gaen: If I’m wrong, let me hear why.

Masaki: …..

Wagner: Gaen does have a point.

Wagner: However, considering her current mental state, I think that Mio is not suited for this mission.

Wagner: Therefore, all members excluding Mio will take part in investigating the underground area.

Gaen: …Understood. I’ve no objections.

Mio: Ah, um…I…

Wagner: There no need for you to force yourself.

Mio: A-Alright…

Tytti: Even if almost all of us are taking part, there’s still the possibility that this is a trap. I think we need to do some more surveying before we enter.

Wendy: Xenia and I will handle that. Give us a few minutes.

Hringhorni – Briefing Room (Some time later)

Wendy: Well, the results of our investigation are…um, how do I explain this…

Masaki: What did you find? It must really be something if you’re at a loss for words.

Wendy: No, that’s just it. We were unable to probe beyond the barrier.

Masaki: Both you AND Xenia got stonewalled?

Xenia: It’s an extremely powerful barrier. No matter how much we weakened it, we couldn’t search it from the outside.

Wendy: I tried using an unmanned probe, but it actually bounced off the barrier.

Xenia: It appears to only allow passage to creatures or objects that possess prana.

Wendy: Just to be sure, I tried applying psuedo-prana to the drones, but that didn’t work either.

Masaki: …So the only way to find out what’s in there is to go and see for ourselves.

Wendy: Unfortunately…

Becky: The caves are big enough for a Masouki to maneuver in, right?

Wendy: Yes, though obviously the Hringhorni couldn’t fit.

Becky: Then wouldn’t it be best if we all went in piloting our Masouki?

Yang Long: You’re right…it’s too dangerous to go in without them.

Tytti: Yes…we don’t want to give Katekis and Wulf another opportunity to strike at us.

Wagner: I suppose that’s settled then. Mio will remain on standby while all the other heralds will investigate this cavern.

Mio: Everyone…I’m sorry.

Masaki: Don’t be. Your prana’s unstable right now. You might not even be able to go through the barrier.

Mio: Yeah…that’s true. I don’t feel as bad now.

Wendy: Oh, Masaki. I’d like to join you aboard Cybuster.

Masaki: Huh? Oh yeah, that’d make things more convenient for the investigation. Will it take long to get things ready?

Wendy: No. I just have to set up the sub-pilot seat in the back and connect the extra terminal.

Masaki: Alright, no problem then.

Wagner: As you will.

Underground Cavern

Becky: …Sure looks a lot like the other caves we searched yesterday.

Tytti: Yes…but the atmosphere isn’t the same.

Masaki: Uh…really?

Tytti: Oh, can’t you feel it, Masaki?

Yang Long: I think your senses have been dulled.

Masaki: Sh-Shut up. I’m having trouble concentrating with Wendy in here with me.

Wendy: Eh? Oh…I’m sorry.

Masaki: N-No! I didn’t mean it like that, Wendy!

Masaki: This bites…I’m still saying all the wrong thigs.

Wendy: Huh? What did you say?

Masaki: N-Never mind! Focus on the investigation!

Wendy: Understood.

Tytti: We’re at the edges of the barrier. We’ll enter the enclosed area though that opening.

Gaen: No, wait.

Yang Long: What’s wrong, Gaen?

Gaen: Don’t touch the barrier yet. There’s something…familiar about it.

Simone: By ‘familiar’, do you mean…the Volkruss Cult?

Gaen: Yes, I’m certain. This barrier is a trap that activates upon contact.

Xenia: Can you disarm it?

Gaen: Yes, I know the incantation to do so. This should only take a second.

Gaen: …Done.

Masaki: Okay, let’s keep going.

Tytti: Wait! There’s something else…

Masaki: ? Did you pick something up? I’m not getting any readings on my end.

Yang Long: No, I felt it too. Something that wasn’t detected by our sensors. From down that branching tunnel.

Tytti: I think we should investigate, Yang Long.

Yang Long: I agree.

Gaen: I’ll go as well. It may be another trap.

Masaki: Alright, I’ll take everyone else through the barrier. Be careful.

Underground Cavern – Deeper in

Masaki: What’s that up ahead? Is it…a gate?

Wendy: Masaki! Look!! Those ruins are…

Zelvoid Wreckage

Masaki: Whoa!? Zelvoid…? Was Elan here!?

Wendy: No, no…by all accounts these are very old. They’ve been here at least a century, much less a decade

Demeksa: I’ll check their psychometric reading.

Xenia: I’ll run some measures on their carbon isotope levels.

Masaki: What are these things doing here?

Wendy: I don’t know…but it would appear that the Zelvoid has existed for quite a long time…

Demeksa: I can confirm that. I’m picking up lingering regrets from losing in a battle…these feelings occurred somewhere from 700 to 800 years ago.

Xenia: This wreck over here is one thousand years old, going by carbon isotope dating. Give or take fifty years.

Masaki: One thousand years ago…?

Wendy: Then were my suspicions right…did my sister see this and…?

Masaki: Don’t worry about that right now! What we should be concerned about is what’s up ahead.

Lune: Yeah, obviously Elan knew about this. And he probably also wants us to see whatever is beyond that gate.

Xenia: The mystery remains unsolved, but we need to press on.

Masaki: Right. Can the gate be opened?

Demeksa: Yes, there are no wards on it. Just push the doors.

Masaki: …Okay, we’re going in.

---

Chapter 21: Elan’s Goal

---

Temple of Rasphitot

*All Antiras Squad members except Tytti, Yang Long, Gaen and Raikou sortie*

Masaki: This must be…a temple dedicated to Rasphitot.

Wendy: Yes…it’s somewhat different than a Volkruss temple.

Xenia: There’s ancient script written everywhere…so ancient that I can’t decipher it.

Masaki: Jeez…Volkruss or Rasphitot, all these so-called gods are just plain evil.

???: Wouldn’t life be so much simpler if everyone thought the way you did.

Masaki: !? I know that voice…

*Zelvoid appears*

Elan: If you believe that categorizing everything as purely good or evil, Masaki, then that just shows your naivete.

Masaki: Elan!! Explain yourself!

Elan: As I thought. You don’t even know what you’re trying to fight, do you.

Elan: Rasphitot is said to be a god of harmony. Simply put, a god of peace.

Masaki: Peace!? After what happened to Tian!?

Elan: It’s not Rasphitot’s fault if that man lost his life trying to prevent Rasphitot’s resurrection.

Elan: Have you ever considered that?

Masaki: You…

Becky: Are really full of it, buster!

Masaki: !? Becky…

Becky: What Tian did, he did because he felt it was his duty as a Masouki herald!

Elan: Ah…Becky, was it?

Elan: Just for the record, I’m not mocking Tian, nor am I defending Rasphitot.

Becky: …Then just what are you trying to say?

Elan: I’m merely trying to instruct you about a subject that you clearly lack understanding on.

Elan: You were ready to fight Rasphitot despite not knowing what he was, were you not?

Masaki: Do you know what he is?

Elan: Better than you do, at any rate. I…no, my entire family are sworn enemies of Rasphitot.

Xenia: Sworn enemies…have you done battle with Rasphitot, by any chance?

Elan: Of course. However, I’ve only fought avatars of him. Sealing them back up is nothing to me now.

Elan: But a seal on the level of what the Sword God Randoll could do, even I am unable…

???: That’s quite enough, Elan.

Elan: Oh…it’s you.

*A Jiwen appears*

Katekis: Hmph, you don’t seem surprised at my presence.

Elan: Naturally. So, have you finished your preparations?

Katekis: I see no reason to tell you.

Elan: I see. In that case, my presence is no longer required.

Elan: Masaki, let me give you one last piece of advice. When all’s said and done, believe in the path that you’ve decided to walk. Remember that.

*Zelvoid departs*

Masaki: Ah!? Hey, wait!

Masaki: …What the heck is that guy’s problem…

Katekis: Hahaha, quite the wise move to run away. Now then, you’ll have to deal with me!

*A magic circle appears beneath the Jiwen, Enemy reinforcements are summoned, Battle starts*

{Gennady VS Katekis}

Gennady: You monster…I’ll defeat you with my own two hands!

{Becky VS Katekis}

Becky: I have a debt to repay with you…but even if I didn’t, I’d be more than willing to take you out!

Katekis: Hahaha, you sure aren’t afraid to run your mouth! Let’s see you back up that claim!

The person who says the following dialogue depends on who was the first to land a hit on Katekis

*If Gennady*

Gennady: Mngh!? Not even a scratch!?

*If Becky*

Becky: Wh-Wha-What the heck!? That can’t be right!

*If Guido*

Guido: It just bounced off…are attacks ineffective?

*If Simone*

Simone: What is this!? This thing can’t be THAT strong!

*If Xenia*

Xenia: No way! Not even so much as a scratch…

*If Tsurein*

Tsurein: Is this a joke!? I didn’t even make a dent!?

*If Demeksa*

Demeksa: *gasp*…No damage. Is it…because of that magic circle?

*If Masaki*

Masaki: What!? Nothing happened!?

*If Mefil*

Mefil: Huh? I thought I connected with that…

*If Lune*

Lune: Wh…What’s with this guy!? My attacks aren’t working at all!

*Regardless of who it was*

Katekis: Mwahahaha! Fools! I am invincible! You cannot win!

Masaki: Blast! We can’t even touch him!?

Wendy: That magic circle…if we can just move him away from it.

Masaki: I’ll go for it! I have to do something!

*Cybuster moves near the Jiwen*

Masaki: Hey, you coward! Come out here and fight!

Katekis: Ha, the taunts of a fool! Rasphitot’s power is flowing though me as we speak!

Katekis: You’re nothing but ants to me now! Prepare yourself!

*Masaki attacks, but nothing comes of it*

Masaki: Tch…don’t think you’ve won!

*Another Jiwen appears*

Wulf: …Indeed. This is quite pitiful.

Katekis: What? Hey, Wulf! Did you take care of the ones that you lured away!?

Wulf: Shouldn’t you be concerned about yourself, instead of them?

Katekis: Hey, wait a minute. What’s that supposed to mean?

Wulf: Your magic capacity is certainly large…but its about to exceed its limit.

Katekis: Wh…what…

*Katekis’ Jiwen begins to emit a strange glow*

Katekis: Ghk!? Guaaaa!?

Katekis: S-So hot…it hurts…my body is…burning!?

Wulf: I knew that his would occur if you continued to channel the power of Rasphitot.

Katekis: Gh…a-and…you didn’t…warn me…graaaa!!

Wulf: Precisely. Your life was needed as a sacrifice to revive Rasphitot.

Katekis: *cough**gasp* You tricked…m…me…ME!?

Wulf: You should rejoice. Your soul is compatible with Rasphitot. This will guarantee the success of the resurrection.

Katekis: Y…you can’t…do…this to…me…I-I am…the Silver…Sorcerer…Katekis…

Wulf: Enough with the charade, Katekis. No…Null Twohawk.

Katekis: …How do you…know that name…

Wulf: You thought I didn’t know? You fraud. It’s laughable that someone like you even considered himself a sorcerer.

Katekis: Y…you…UAAAAAAGH!!

*The Jiwen and Katekis/Null are annihilated*

Wulf: Hmph. Success.

Masaki: What just…

*A black sphere forms within the circle, and within the sphere is…*

The pillar god of Balance, Rasphitot

???: …Ephemeral ones. Can you hear me…?

Masaki: What the heck!? Am I hearing a voice in my head!?

Wendy: Could this be…the voice of Rasphitot?

Rasphitot: Indeed. I am Rasphitot. The god of Balance.

Xenia: No way…it’s revived!?

Rasphitot: No…this is a mere avatar of my power, as my strength has yet to fully return.

Masaki: Only an avatar…and it’s still giving off this much power?

Rasphitot: I abhor all conflict. Lay down your weapons.

Masaki: Take a hike, pal!

Rasphitot: Do you not understand my intentions? Fighting begets more fighting…you know that as well as I do.

Masaki: …!?

Rasphitot: I am the god of Balance. When my power covers La Gias, conflict shall vanish from the world.

Masaki: That’s… we won’t let you do that!

Rasphitot: What an odd thing to say. Is that not your goal as well?

Masaki: But…th-that’s…

Flashback: The attack on Elscine’s church

Margaret: You have no right to call people terrorist when you’re the ones who always use force against anyone who stands in your way!

Flashback: First encounter with Mudeka

Mudeka: That’s because of you! You created this hatred by forcing resolutions through power alone!!

Flashback: After stopping the attack on Elscine’s church

Elscine: Still, I would ask you all to think about something.

Masaki: Think about what, exactly?

Elscine: A way to settle conflict without battle.

Masaki: …That’s easier said than done.

Elscine: Is it really? I may have no right to speak on this, but…

Elscine: You all have power. Shouldn’t you lay that power aside, instead of wielding it?

Present day: Temple of Rasphitot

Masaki: B-But…I…we…

Rasphitot: Do you not desire peace? Do you wish to forever be the focus of other’s hatred?

Masaki: …N-No…but…

*Gaddess, Granveil and Solgady arrive*

Tytti: Masaki, don’t let it fool you!

Yang Long: You feel it too, right Masaki!? That evil prana!

Kuro: Yang Long, Tytti!

Tytti: Masaki! Don’t let it’s words get to you!

Masaki: B…But…we…just create more hatred every time we fight…

Masaki: Margaret, Mudeka…even Elscine said so…I don’t…know what’s right anymore…

Yang Long: Don’t think! Just feel!

Tytti: Yang Long, we don’t have time for this!

Yang Long: …It appears so. We can’t let him come back to life like this!

Tytti: Yes…we’ll do everything in our power to stop it!

*A red light appears above Granveil*

Yang Long: What…this is…

*A blue light appears above Gaddess*

Tytti: I can hear…Gadd’s voice…

Yang Long: Yes…and I Granva’s. That means…

Water and Fire, Possession!

Wendy: That’s…Possession!

Masaki: Th…they’ve done it?

Tytti: Yes, we’ve been given power for this moment…let’s go, Yang Long!

Yang Long: At once!!

*The lights that were above Gaddes and Granveil now emit from within their bodies. Both Masoukishin charge Rasphitot in order to supress him*

Masaki: Wait! Both of you! Remember what happened when Tian…

Wendy: Don’t stop them!

Masaki: What!? Wendy, why…?

Wendy: You don’t know? Masaki…can’t you hear the voices of the spirits…?

Masaki: The spirits’…voices? N-No…I don’t hear anything…

Wendy: It can’t be…then Masaki…no, Cybuster is…

Masaki: !? What!? I can’t move!? Is something malfunctioning!?

Wendy: Oh no…it’s as I though…

Masaki: Wendy, what’s happening!?

Wendy: It…it’s…

Masaki: Why isn’t it working!? Come on! Move! MOVE, darn you!

Tytti: Rgh…even with both of us in Possession…

Yang Long: It’s all we can do just to halt the ritual…

Rasphitot: You’re stronger than I would have thought…but do you truly believe yourselves capable of hindering me?

Gaddess suppressing Rasphitot’s return

Tytti: We aren’t done yet! Gaddess, full power!!

Granveil suppressing Rasphitot’s return

Yang Long: I’ll give it everything I’ve got!! Heed my call, Granveil!!

Granveil, Gaddess, Full Power!

Rasphitot: Ngh…! Such…strength…

Rasphitot: To think anybody could be that powerful…I miscalculated. I have no choice but to give up on my revival…

Rasphitot: But…so long as fighting persists in this world…my…power is…

*Rasphitot vanishes in a blinding explosion, and the magic circle and black sphere dissapate*

Masaki: Yang Long!! Tytti!!

Yang Long: …..

Tytti: …..

Wendy: They’ve both fainted from using too much prana. We need to get them back to the Hringhorni as soon as possible for treatment…

Wulf: Impossible…how could those two Masoukishin enter Possession…

*Zelvoid returns*

Elan: You really didn’t see this coming? I excepted something like it at the very least.

Wulf: Elan…you…

Elan: Still, I was a little surprised to see Masaki rejected by Cybuster. Oh well, things still turned out all right in the end.

Masaki: Cybuster…rejected me?

Elan: What, you’re still not getting this? You’ve lost the ability to pilot a Masoukishin.

Masaki: What…I…I…

Elan: I’d hate to interrupt your disbelief, but I assume that those two are out of the fight, yes?

Elan: Well, don’t worry. I’ll send them back to the Hringhorni.

Lune: Elan! You stay away from them!

Elan: Now, now. Remember that I’m not your enemy, Wulf is. Okay, I’m warping them out.

*Gaddess and Granveil are warped out of the temple*

Masaki: Elan! What the heck are you…

Elan: Well, this trial should serve to toughen you up even further. I’m looking forward to our next fight.

Masaki: Hey! Wait!

Lune: Elan!!

Elan: I already told you, worry about Wulf, not me. Need I remind you you’ll have to fight him without any help from your Masoukishin?

Lune: Grr…

Elan: Just so we’re clear, I won’t be helping you. I have nothing to gain from fighting Wulf.

Elan: And you, Masaki. Have you really lost sight of what you need to be a Masoukishin herald?

Masaki: I-I don’t…

Elan: I thought so. Well, I guess it was obvious from the fact that you can’t hear the spirits’ voices.

Elan: Take my advice; get some serious training in.

*Cybuster is warped out of the temple*

Elan: My job here’s done. I’ll leave the rest to you.

*Zelvoid leaves*

Wulf: Elan…you’ve gone to far…fine, I’ll deal with them myself.

Lune: Just try us!!

{Gennady VS Wulf}

Gennady: …This isn’t about revenge. I’ll carry on Tian’s will and defeat you!

Wulf: Well, you’re more articulate than I thought.

{Becky VS Wulf}

Becky: Not just Tian, but one of your own allies…

Becky: You’re a demon!

Wulf: A demon, you say? Hmph, moral values are of no worth to me.

*Defeat Wulf*

Wulf: …There were simply too many unforeseen circumstances this time. We’ll meet again.

*Defeat all enemies to clear the stage*

Hringhorni – Briefing Room

Wagner: The god of Balance Rasphitot…I can’t believe it really exists.

Gaen: Hmph…you call something like that a god?

Tsurein: What I don’t understand is why the Volkruss Cult is trying to revive Rasphitot.

Simone: That thing said something about putting an end to all fighting.

Guido: Clearly the Volkruss Cult believes they can benefit from it.

Guido: Remember how Rasphitot’s power affected Katekis…or should I say, Null Twohawk? He was practically invincible.

Demeksa: For some reason…I felt that Rasphitot was emanating the same kind of aura as Volkruss.

Wendy: Perhaps that’s because they’re both ancient pillar gods?

Becky: Oh, Wendy, you’re back. So how’re Yang Long and Tytti doing?

Wendy: …Not good. I’ve replenished their prana, but they still haven’t woken up.

Mio: I’m sorry…I wasn’t able to help you…and when you needed it the most, too…

Masaki: …No, Mio. I’m the one who should be saying that.

Lune: Masaki…

Masaki: Am I…no longer worthy…of being a Masoukishin herald?

Wendy: That’s not true!

Wendy: …There’s no way it’s true.

Gaen: Why are you wasting time trying to console him?

Lune: Gaen!!

Gaen: You were rejected by Cybuster. That’s what happened. It’s simply a fact.

Masaki: I know…

Gaen: So think about why it happened. Remember what Elan said.

Masaki: Are you for…we can’t trust that guy!

Gaen: Perhaps, but he’s mastered the use of Possession, whereas you have not.

Masaki: …..

Lune: Anyway, we won’t accomplish anything by sitting still. I say we go see Granny Ibun.

Wendy: Yes…Lady Ibun will surely be able to offer guidance.

Wagner: We’ll be able to get Yang Long and Tytti treated too. Antiras Squad, prepare to depart for Solatis Shrine.

Xenia: Hold up everyone! I just got some info through the intelligence grapevine. The terrorist groups we’ve been fighting are planning to launch two simultaneous attacks!

Guido: Talk about bad timing…

Lune: I take it we’ll have to divide our own forces?

Xenia: Yeah, one attack’s taking place in Langran, and the other’s here in Erial. That’s too far a distance for us to cover as a single unit.

Xenia: I’ve informed both governments about it, but I’m not sure how they’ll respond. I hope they take this seriously…

Wagner: I’m fairly certain that Erial will cooperate, but I”m not so sure about Langran.

Lune: Huh? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

Xenia: Maybe…but Langran’s been so uncooperative with us these days.

Bradroy: Hmm…the attack in Langran’s gonna take place in the stratosphere? We’ll need the Hringhorni for that one.

Lune: The flight path to get there will take us by the Solatis Shrine.

Wagner: Yes, so from that point you, Wendy, Masaki, Yang Long, and Tytti should depart for Solatis.

Lune: Roger that.

Wagner: Xenia, Mio, Demeksa, Gennady and Gaen will stay here to help prepare against the terrorist’s attack in Erial.

Raikou: I’ll escort you to the location they’re targeting.

Wagner: The rest of the squad will head to the stratosphere above Langran aboard the Hringhorni.

Wagner: We’ll drop off the Inspector near the capital on the way. Can you manage yourself from there, Inspector?

Forche: Yes, no need to worry.

Guido: Let’s make sure we’re ready.

*If Gaen had at least 15 kills by the end of the stage*

Hringhorni – Dojo

Gaen: Hmph…hah!

Demeksa: Training on your own? You certainly are enthusiastic.

Gaen: …After what I said to Masaki, I need to make sure I keep up my own strength.

Demeksa: I think that’s very commendable. I can lend a hand if you want.

Gaen: No thanks. This is my concern alone.

Demeksa: Is that the case? Then allow me to ask you one question.

Gaen: …What?

Demeksa: What are you trying to get out of this?

Gaen: Newfound power.

Demeksa: And what exactly does that look like?

Gaen: …..

Demeksa: If you don’t have a clear goal in mind, you may just end up running in place.

Gaen: …I suppose.

Demeksa: You have strengths that are unique to you. Why not focus on honing those?

Gaen: Strengths…?

Demeksa: You’re a former cultist, right? Surely there’s something you learned from that time that you can still use.

Gaen: Hmm…that’s not a bad idea.

Demeksa: So you see what I mean?

Gaen: Yes, I can visualize it. The person I once was…and the person I seek to become.

Gaen: Both are necessary to achieve my goal.

Demeksa: I take it you have a tangible one now?

Gaen: Yes. I’m surprised you were able to make it so easy to understand.

Demeksa: Words are powerful. Though they can cut like a sword if used recklessly.

Gaen: Words, eh?

Demeksa: I’m a bit of a philosopher.

Gaen: I see. In any case, thank you for your help. I’ll return the favor at some point.

Demeksa: No need. If I was able to be of assistance, that’s good enough for me.

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