Chapter 317: Party Preparation

"Five years in a span of a day. Kayaba's crazy enough to make this stuff."

Shiro exited from the Underworld. He already laid out another future for Alice. Instead of disappearing within its power, she would be able to survive. That's precisely why he left [Fragrant Olive Sword] in her hands. It might look like a chunk of data, but that's how it was converted with his power. It'll return to its real form once Alice leaves this world.

"Leaving Heaven's Feel is good enough..."

Within those five years, Shiro got to think many things.

He didn't have to do all these efforts for the others. He could've just left this burden to others while trying to escape. However, that was easily shot down. If running away worked, why did he disappear in that future? It meant that everything's screwed. He has to do things himself. He is the only one who remembers that future.

"It's like that time... What an irony."

Shiro recalled his past. What he have been doing right now is very similar to that. He kept his knowledge of the future a secret as he orchestrated his downfall—all to save worlds from his destructive nature.

All these times, he had been the center of trouble.

"I hope it'll help my sorry self later."

*****

Two weeks had passed since then.

Upon returning from Altair's world, Shiro experienced many things. He met his missing wives one by one, all the whilst handling the aftermath of the recent confessions.

Shiro: "I'll be imposing on you for now."

Romani: "No problem. It's our turn to help you out."

Shiro: "How about the Temple of Time?"

Romani: "It'll be starting in a couple of hours. Some members are already here."

To that, many chat group members responded.

Hajin: "I think I shouldn't be here ;-;"

Lelouch: "Why didn't you pass then?"

Hajin: "Yeah... But, do you know how interesting this is? It'd be a big help during the future fight with Baal! Plus, I'd be left out!"

Baal is the first of the 72 Demon Gods recorded in Lemegeton. It was the inspiration behind this final boss. If he faced Goetia, a being even more terrifying than that, he would have more confidence in that fight.

Shiro: "No worries."

Shiro: "I will revive everyone on the off chance they die."

Kouzuki: "What a reassuring statement."

Seol: "I knew I could trust Shiro-nim!"

Seol: "Let's fight freely, Shinji!"

Shinji: "You're not pulling any reservations later, huh..."

Seol: "Why would I?! Just like Hajin-ssi said, it'll be useful for the final fight here."

Unbeknownst to Goetia, he is now being treated as a punching bag...

Romani: "I'm surprised you wanted to join, Ghost-san."

Surprisingly, the most inactive chat group member decided to reveal themselves. "Ghost" is the only member who chose not to reveal their real name.

Ghost: "You needed an insurance, right? I could lend a hand."

Romani: "Thanks, really..."

Currently, this is another event where every single chat group member joined forces to resolve something. A festive mood could be felt with all the occurring conversations.

Touka: "We might get a new member after this."

Shino: "It should be. Lelouch-san was the latest member."

Madoka: "Romani-san... I think I lost my way."

Romani: "Where are you?"

Madoka: "I'm in... Let's see... A dorm room? There are others here!"

Madoka: "Chloe... was it? She's one of the people in this room."

Romani: "I see. I know where you are."

Shino: "Hang on. I'll go to Madoka, Romani-san."

Romani: "Thanks!"

"Everyone's in a really festive mood... This is a rarity."

The last time they came together was when the Aincrad mission occurred. That was the first group missions that required all of the chat group members.

Seeing how everyone is willing to help, Shiro appreciated the chat group's criteria once more.

"I hope Cardinal's enjoying her first Chaldea tour."

Cardinal went ahead of him while he waited for the parallel world Terra's dilemma to be resolved. His other wives chose not to join as "it is a friend reunion", or so they say. They have full trust on his powers. To be honest, it is hard to lose against Goetia given their preparations. While the newer chat group members are "one-trick wonders" due to their inability to freely use their UR-rated reward, they could turn the tides of the battle.

"I'll see to her first."

*****

"You—?"

"..."

Moments ago, there are intruders who stormed the building Rosmontis was in. She and Amiya is currently in Lungmen. They brought along the "Sacrament Core" which serves as the sanctuary's core. It helps fend Seaborns by 'purifying' them into ashes. Of course, it'll mostly defend and not attack for some reasons.

They were about to meet with Lungmen's current leader—who was called by Ch'en—when robed men stormed the bulding. They blatantly disregarded the Lungmen Police Department in an attempt to 'kidnap' the current ruler of Sarkaz. Knowing her strength, Theresis prepared ountermeasures.

Unfortunately, they chose the wrong timing.

"Hup..!"

A whirling tornado was sent on the hallway. The walls broke and sent the robed men flying. There is also a woman in black suit who adeptly apprehended the criminals. Lastly, a child manipulated her nanomachines to protect the two girls.

"Why are you surprised? Mister Shiro told me that you met Miss Kal'tsit already."

"Ah."

It clicked. Knowing there was another Kal'tsit along with the keywords "another world", Rosmontis should've expected that she existed in another world, too. Then again, their disparity was quite big. It is clear that the other Rosmontis has greater control than her. Perhaps she's already nearing the "black hole" that Shiro talked about.

"Rosmontis..."

"You must be Miss Amiya." She greeted the bunny girl with respect.

"How... How did you not have that?" Rosmontis asked to her counterpart.

"That? Ah, I see." She replied. "My brother, right?"

"..!"

Disregarding her shocked expression, the other Rosmontis continued explaining:

"Mister Shiro solved that problem. I don't have a clue how, but he solved my problem. My brother is now living separately."

"What—?"

Shock overwhelmed her before a bitter taste of envy appeared.

The smaller Rosmontis came closer to her.

"You don't need to worry. Mister sent me here exactly because of that."

"You mean..."

"I can help you."

*****

"The trio helped with everything. With them here, Theresis wouldn't succeed." Kal'tsit said.

The group consisted of a materialized soul, a Bottom-up AI, and a monstrous girl whose control over her powers are honed. This addition effectively thwarted Theresis' plan.

"I sent Rosmontis to help her other self. She's the most compatible one to teach her, too."

"You thought everything out."

"That's an occupational habit." Shiro replied. "Anyways, we should go. We can't miss out on the party, no?"

Fighting Goetia would be the second milestone of the chat group. With their collective, they will put an end to the prologue of another disaster—lostbelts—while ensuring Romani wouldn't die.

"You seem excited." Kal'tsit asked.

"Quite."

Even though he might be able to brute force through Goetia's immortality, their cooperation plan has a higher chance of success. Shiro is the type to take the more stable route.

"We can't be late."

An aurora curtain enveloped the two of them.