n

n

n

n_________

nPlay Mega Man Zero Mythos: Cannon Ball

n“Hah!” Omega smashed through the last of the shadow figures and then ran towards the door. “Tsuki! Advance!”

n“After you, Meggie!” Tsuki ran after her friend, heart racing in her chest.

nWas it really a dream?

nEverything felt too lifelike to be just that. But Tsuki could see it. A helpful command list in the corner of her vision, listing a set of moves for Ex Nihilo Omega along with command inputs. And then there was the floating health bar over Meggie’s head…

nShe didn’t know what was going on. But what Tsuki did know was that she didn’t have to worry.

nAfter all, her best friend was here and had superpowers!

nThe door opened. But it didn’t open to the expected lounge area where Tsuki’s father should be sleeping. Instead, it directly opened to the hallway outside.

n“E-Eh?” Tsuki blinked, confused. “T-That’s strange…?”

nOmega raised her guard and said, “Don’t think too hard on it. Dreams are weird. Now-“

nA body flew through the air, landing on the ground in front of the two girls.

nTsuki screamed in shock.

nOmega immediately shifted into a combat stance, raising her guard. “Tsuki!”

n“R-Right!” Tsuki took a deep breath and moved behind Omega, raising her controller. But… “E-Eh? It’s not a fight?”

nThe gaming HUD vanished, almost like a cutscene. No, it *was* a cutscene.

nA tall foreigner with a shaved head and harsh eyes walked forward, adjusting a pair of black gloves on his hands. Fierce, intimidating. And dressed in a suit like Tsuki’s father liked to wear. Except, unlike him, the foreigner seemed to radiate danger instead of charisma. And then his harsh eyes flicked towards Tsuki.

nShe squeaked and ducked behind Omega.

nOmega narrowed her eyes and slowly edged forward, ready to act at a moment’s notice.

nThe foreigner nodded. “Miss Tsuki Jin… VIP confirmed.” After that, he looked at Omega and said, “Miss Omega’s presence is also confirmed.” After that, his cold expression faded, replaced with a warm, faint smile. “It appears that fortune favors my side.”

nOmega blinked and then said, “Who are you? No, who sent you?”

n“Toby Reaper.” The man put one arm at his waist and bowed. “I apologize for the fright, young ladies. But rest assured, I am here as your ally.” He straightened and said, “As for who sent me…” He looked to Omega and said, “My employer is your father. I was sent to protect Mister Kai Jin and Miss Tsuki Jin, but also to survey for signs of you and your mother.”

nOmega’s eyes widened. “T-That…”

nTsuki smiled and then hugged Omega. “See, Meggie! I told you Mister John wouldn’t have abandoned you two like that!”

nOmega shrugged Tsuki off and frowned. “S-So what! Even if he didn’t, why isn’t he here then?” She looked to Toby and said, “Explain!”

n“That is-” Toby started to talk and then paused, tilting his head. “…Hm. My employer is on his way. However, there appears to be some interference.”

n“Interference?” Omega narrowed her eyes. “Something that even my father can’t handle…?”

nToby shook his head. “More like an unexpected variable. Nothing he cannot handle. But until he arrives-“

nTsuki’s eyes widened and she shouted. “Mister Toby! Behind you!”

nToby turned around, instinctively kicking out with his foot. The moment he did, an invisible figure leapt back. Light distorted, revealing a ninja with a suit that kept shifting colors.

nAt the same time, flames flickered at the edge of the hallway and another figure emerged. A ninja with a skull for a face before fire erupted around it, turning it back into flesh, but with dead white eyes.

nThe wheel of fate is turning!

nPlay Crossing Fate, BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle

n“T-Those two…?” Tsuki flinched, recalling the terrifying fighting characters from the brutal fighting game. The two who gave her nightmares when she was younger.

nBut before she could panic, light shone from the pair of silver wings on her necklace, calming her down.

n“Hm?” Toby glanced back and then nodded. “I see. So that is the countermeasure my employer prepared… Very well.” He stepped forward and adjusted his tie with his left hand. At the same time, a silver gun appeared in his right hand. “I must confess that this is a first fighting a target that will not die so easily. I trust you to lead.”

nThe moment he did that, a life bar appeared over his head, along with a command list next to him.

nOmega stepped forward as well. “We’re counting on you, Tsuki!”

nLike with Toby, a life bar appeared again, followed by her command list.

nTsuki took a deep breath and then nodded. “Yes! Leave it to me, Meggie! Mister Toby!”

nRebel 1

nAction!

n—–AI|IA—–

nPlay Force Addiction – Yakuza 0

nKai’s eyes snapped open.

nA dark building, but not the one he had fallen asleep in. Even so, it was familiar.

nHe clutched his head and stood up. “This place is… ‘That’ place, isn’t it?” Kai muttered and then looked around.

nA dilapidated building hidden in the depths of Kamurocho. The place where it had been rumored that the Seiryuu kept the youngest captives to work in their soaplands, as well as the VIPs reserved exclusively for their officers… and supposedly their patriarch as well.

nAt the moment, Kai was in the garage leading deeper inside. The dark area lit by a single fluorescent lightbulb with wooden crates all around.

nBut before he could gather his bearings and further, footsteps echoed and a horde of men rushed out from the shadows, blocking Kai’s way forward. And from their uniforms and the azure dragon emblazoned on their shirts, it was clear who they were. Seiryuu.

nSeeing that, he clicked his tongue. “I don’t know what’s going on, but this is pretty bad…”

nHis senses and instincts were screaming at him that this was real.

nIt didn’t make any sense, more fitting to be a nightmare than anything. But at the same time, Kai had the sense that it was a bad idea to think he’d just wake up if he got hurt or died here.

nBut that was fine. He just had to fight and kill them first. Except there was a problem.

nHe didn’t have a weapon.

n“Tch.”

nThe Seiryuu started running forward. And as they did, weapons materialized in their hands. Some held hatchets, like in the past. Others chain whips. Others still, katanas, knives…

nKai stepped back, wondering if he should make a break for it. But before he could think too long on it, he felt something cold on his neck. Glancing down, he realized that it was the necklace John gave him. The four dark wings.

n“What the…?”

nKai frowned and grabbed them. When he did, the necklace shattered, dissolving into inky shadows.

nOut of surprise, Kai dropped his hands. But the moment he did, he felt a weight fill them. A pair of knives, shadowy blades that looked like jagged feathers.

nThe Seiryuu members approached, closing the gap to one that could be crossed in a single pounce.

nSeeing that, Kai shook his head. “Might as well test them out… Not like I have a choice!”

nSaying that, he kicked forward and swung his knives.

nBlood splattered through the air as one man was ripped apart. An arm fell to the floor as another was literally disarmed.

nKai kept running forward and gave his knives a brief nod. “Don’t know what the hell is going on, but I gotta remember to thank John later.”

nA soft *click.* The sound of a gun being loaded.

nKai’s eyes widened and he moved, trying to avoid it.

nBut he was too slow. A human couldn’t dodge a bullet.

nAt least, that should have been the case.

nBut-

n*schink*

nHis body moved far faster than an ordinary human should be able to and his right dagger cut through the bullet, sending the shards to the side and killing two men behind Kai.

n“Huh.” Kai blinked and then hefted his knives. “Really don’t know what’s going on here now… But-“

n*DADDY!*

nA young girl’s scream. A familiar one.

nTsuki’s.

nKai narrowed his eyes. “…I have to wake up. And if this is a dream…”

nHe remembered. At the end of it all, he couldn’t find her. If this was a dream, no, a nightmare, then the resolution of it should be there. So…

n“Out of my way.”

nKai kicked off the ground, his knives flashing in the dim light.

nBlood sprayed and bodies collapsed on the floor. At the same time, Kai’s hurried footsteps echoed in the darkened halls.

nHe remembered it. The path he took, the turns he made.

nSeiryuu continued to pop up to block his way forward, but the daggers made from John’s gift quickly split them apart.

nAnd then he arrived.

nA door at the end of a long hallway, guarded by a dozen elite Seiryuu officers.

nAt the time, Kai barely made it through with his life. But this time…

n“Get out of my face.”

nHe kicked the ground.

nBlades cut through the air, aimed at his neck. Bullets fired, aimed at his heart.

nBut it was pointless.

nKai moved with superhuman abilities, easily blocking all of the attacks and killing the Seiryuu officers.

nHe kicked down the door and ran inside.

nIn reality, at that time, it had been empty. The only thing left behind was Sakura’s ribbon, the one he gave her for 13th birthday.

nBut this time…

n“I should have known you’d be here.”

nA towering figure with a supremely honed body. Ominous crimson eyes and shadows wreathing his form.

nShin Seiryuu. Or rather, a demon that took his form.

nKai narrowed his eyes and kicked off the ground. “You won’t stop me this time!”

nHe was confident. Kai was sure that he could take Shin out. No matter how strong that person was, the knives he held made him beyond even that person.

nHe was confident.

nHe shouldn’t have been.

nKai’s opponent blurred, moving even faster than him and then threw a punch.

nIt was a simple attack. One without any feints or fancy footwork.

nA plain jab to Kai’s chest.

nBut he couldn’t avoid it.

nKai’s eyes widened and he quickly brought his arms back to block. Even then, he barely managed in time.

nA heavy impact and a loud *crack*. Kai was sent flying back through the air and crashed against the wall.

n“Kuh!”

nHe coughed, spitting out blood. And he could feel it as well. His arms weren’t working anymore, shattered by that fist. “Dammit…!”

nKai grit his teeth and forced himself up.

nHe couldn’t lose.

nHis instincts were telling him that the only way out was to beat that guy in front of him. That he wouldn’t be able to go save Tsuki unless that man was dead.

nBut…

n“How the hell do I do that…?”

nWas it because that man cast such a deep shadow on his life?

nEven in this dream world, and even with his superhuman abilities, Kai fell short.

nShin stepped forward, the shadows growing behind him. At the same time, his eyes turned red and his muscles blackened, turning him into a true demon.

n“Am I… really going to fail again?” He was powerless again. Tsuki needed him, but he was trapped here in this dream. This nightmare.

nNo. He couldn’t accept that.

nHe had to fight. He had to fight and win.

nHe needed to get out of here. He needed to..!

n“Protect your daughter. Is that not right, Jin Kai?”

nA calm but cold voice. One that sounded like it looked down on the world itself.

nPlay Street Fighter X Tekken – Akuma Boss Theme

nKai froze. “That voice…?”

nHe recognized it.

nHe hated it.

nBut at that moment…

nMore shadows appeared. But instead of behind Shin, they gathered in front of Kai. And when they faded…

n“Hmph.” A man with a supremely honed body and a long mane of wild black hair. One with a gaping hole in his chest where his heart should be.

n“Shin Seiryuu…?!”

nThe real Shin glanced back and smirked before looking forward and narrowing his eyes. “Hmph. Daring to use my form to torment others further… Did you not hear my declaration?”

nThe demon in Shin’s form froze, immediately raising its hands in a guard stance.

nA mad cackle echoed before a shadowy figure emerged at Shin’s left side. “Well, if they’re sending out a demon, who else would they pick?”

nKai glanced over, surprised. “Maji-san?”

nShadows gathered again, and then a man in a white suit and red blazer stepped forward. He rolled his neck and then stepped forward, raising his fists. “Trying to keep a man away from his daughter like this… No wonder the Boss is upset.”

nKai’s eyes widened. “Kiri-san as well?”

n“Heh.” Another man, one with a shaved head and a thick green coat stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. “Never thought I’d be fighting alongside the Demon Tyrant *against* the Demon Tyrant.”

nShin smirked. “Should dead men walking say such things?”

nMaji cackled. “True, true.”

nThe dark Shin let out an inhuman roar and then darkness swirled behind him, coalescing in three more copies. Four of them in total, the number of death.

n“Tch. Knew it wouldn’t be that easy.” Maji flicked his wrist, causing a knife to appear.

nShin laughed. “That is more appropriate.” He matched the stance of the copies and said, “Now… We shall see if the ‘Heavens’ truly match up to that man. Or if that man can surpass the Heavens themselves.” He stepped forward and shouted. “Come!”

nMaji glanced back at Kai and said, “We’ll handle things on this side! Wake up and save your daughter, Kid! Don’t be like me and show up too late, alright?”

n“What do you-?”

nBefore Kai could say anything else, Shin roared and charged, punching his copy.

nThe moment that happened, the surroundings shattered.

nKai’s eyes snapped open and he realized he was back in the hotel room.

nHe blinked for a bit, getting his bearings. And then he jumped off of the sofa and ran towards Tsuki’s room. “Tsuki! Where are you? What happened?!”

nHe ran inside.

nBut it was empty. Neither her nor Meggie were present.

nNot only that, there seemed to have been a struggle. The walls were damaged, the beds were ripped apart, and the window outside was shattered.

n“Dammit…!”

nHe ran out. As he did, he noticed that the door to the hallway was open.

nYue’s door was still shut.

nKai wondered if he should check on her for a split second, but quickly decided against it. He ran to the kitchen area and wrenched the drawers open to grab a knife before running out the room to the hallway.

nAnd then a body flew through the air, landing right in front of him.

nKai froze, taking in the person.

nA man in a ninja suit that kept shifting colors. Gunshot wounds all over his body, along with green blood staining his torso.

n“Oh! Daddy! Hi!” A bright and cheery female voice called out from off to the right.

nTurning his head, Kai saw Tsuki standing there with a controller and waving. And in front of her, there was Meggie, along with a foreign man with a shaved head.

nKai blinked and then muttered, “What the **?”

n“Daddy!” Tsuki pouted and said, “Language!”

nKai glanced at the man on the floor again. But as he did, the man began vanishing, dissolving into shadows.

nKai shook his head and started walking towards Tsuki and the other two. “I don’t know what’s going on… but Tsuki. Are you safe? And you too, Meggie. Are you injured?”

n“Nope!” Tsuki shook her head. “Mister Toby and Meggie kept me safe! And did you know?! Meggie has super powers!”

nKai frowned. “Super powers, huh? Care to-“

nRumbling thunder. At the same time, the sound of a sudden downpour and flashing lightning.

nPlay Light and Darkness – Fate Stay Night

nKai glanced out the window. “A storm…?”

nThunder rumbled again, and then Toby vanished in a burst of shadows.

nKai’s eyes widened. “What is going on here?!”

nOmega glanced out the window and gasped. “Tribulation lightning as well?” Despair filled her eyes and she looked back to their room. “Do the heavens really want to get rid of Mommy that much?”

nKai walked forward, shaking his head. “Alright. Meggie. You clearly have an idea of what’s going on. What’s happening- No, who are you and your mother?” He paused to think and then said, “And is this related to John?”

nOmega shifted her gaze towards him and shook her head. “I can’t explain. That’s-“

nA sudden roar of thunder.

nOmega’s eyes widened and she suddenly vanished.

nAnd then a blinding flash of lighting, as well as the sound of shattering steel and concrete.

nKai instinctively pulled Tsuki close, covering her with his body.

nDebris flew through the air, striking him. But it wasn’t much. Instead, the heat was the worst part.

nLike standing in front of a melting furnace… No, it wasn’t just like standing in front of a melting furnace.

nWhen the light faded, Kai saw it.

nFlames in the surroundings, what wasn’t flammable either melted or turned a searing white from intense heat.

nAnd at the center of it was Yue’s room.

nJohn’s wife was still asleep on her bed. And from the scorch marks all around her, it seemed that she was the target of the lightning strike.

nBut she wasn’t harmed.

nAnd the reason for that…

n“I won’t… let you take… Mommy…!”

nMeggie was standing there, her body and clothes burned black with crimson blood running down her side.

nTsuki screamed and ran forward. “Meggie!”

n“Tsuki no!” Kai grabbed his daughter and pulled her back.

n“Let me go! LET ME GO!” Tsuki squirmed, struggling to break free. But Kai held her firm.

nHe looked at the flashing clouds above and then shook his head. “No! It’s too dangerous!”

nTsuki sniffed and then shook her head. “NO! I don’t want to lose anyone else!”

nKai froze.

nThose words… Wasn’t it just like him?

nBefore he realized it, Tsuki had broken free and was running forward with her controller. “Meggie! Stop! Please, stop!”

nThe clouds rumbled, as if sending out a warning.

nOmega glanced over at Tsuki and then smiled before flicking her wrist.

nTsuki was sent flying back through the air towards Kai.

nOmega shook her head. “Sorry, Tsuki. But this is where the dream ends.”

n“No. NO!” Tsuki shook her head. “MEGGIE!”

nKai grit his teeth and held Tsuki back.

nHe didn’t get it. He didn’t understand what was going on.

nBut he knew one thing for a fact.

nFor whatever reason, lightning was going to strike. And it was going to strike down on Yue. But Omega was determined to block it for her mother.

nThat…

nOmega shakily moved closer to her mother’s sleeping form and held her hand.

nThunder rumbled again. At the same time, flashes of light filled the sky. Multi-colored lightning.

nOmega looked up and glared. “I don’t care if we’re not supposed to interfere in tribulations! You’re *not* taking Mommy away from me!”

nShe let go of Yue’s hand and then raised her head high. Slowly, stiffly, she shifted her body into a Taiji stance, glaring at the clouds.

nLightning flashed.

nTsuki screamed.

nKai covered his daughter’s eyes.

nBut. In the moment before the lightning struck down…

n“Executing protection protocol: Everlasting Distant Utopia”

n…A calm but melodious female voice called out.

n—–AI|IA—–

nPlay Everlasting Guilty Crown – Egoist

nAn eruption of multicolored light and a deafening explosion of force. Lightning trying to breakthrough and strike down Omega and Yue, but stalled by an inviolable barrier.

nOmega froze, slowly lowering her hands. Her eyes widened and she began to sway. “Big sister Betty…?”

nA beautiful woman with flowing crimson hair stood in front of her. Glancing back at Omega, she smiled and said, “You are strong, little sister. Good job.”

nOmega’s eyes watered. “T-That’s…”

nFootsteps echoed and then another person appeared in front of Omega. An all too handsome man with blonde hair and jade green eyes.

nHe looked at Omega and smiled. “That’s right. You did a great job, Meg. And… I’m sorry it took so long.”

nThat time, Omega didn’t try to stop her tears. She sniffed and then limped over to John.

nHe stood there, watching her with a sad smile.

nOmega stood before him, sniffling, and then threw a punch at his face. “Stupid Dad…!”

nA soft smack.

nDespite everything, it seemed like Omega couldn’t bear to seriously hurt her father.

nJohn let out a long sigh and then pulled her in for a hug. “I know, I know.” He patted her back and said, “You can yell at me later, alright? For now, let Daddy take care of everything.”

n“…Promise?”

n“I swear on my soul.”

n“…Fine.” Omega muttered. “Then… I’m… going to take a nap.” With that, the strength left the young girl’s body and she fell unconscious.

nJohn carefully lifted up his youngest daughter’s form and handed her to Beta. “Keep an eye on her.”

nBeta took her sister and nodded. “Understood, Father. But…” She glanced up at the sky, looking concerned.

nThunder rumbled and multicolored lightning crackled before lashing out again. But this time, instead of striking anything in particular, it struck empty space, shattering it.

nAnd then, from that gap, men and women emerged, people in strange robes.

n“Did we arrive?”

n“The laws in this world… are different?”

n“Kuh! This world rejects divinity…?!”

n“O-Oi! John!” Kai, quiet while in shock with the turn of events, noticed the new arrivals and then looked to John. “Mind explaining, Friend!?”

nJohn glanced back at the guy and narrowed his eyes. “We’ll talk later, Friend.”

nKai flinched.

nSpace rippled and then a pair of men appeared by Kai’s side. One, a young man with flowing white hair and a white spear. The other, a young man with black hair and an azure blade.

nBai and Qing.

nThe White Tiger looked up at the invading cultivators and chuckled. “Cocky bastards, aren’t they?”

nThe Blue Dragon swung his sword and nodded. “Indeed.”

nJohn glanced at the cultivators and said, “Bai. Qing. Handle them. Beta, continue to guard. And you…” He glared at the swirling clouds and said, “Cocky bastard. Your Master orders you to shut the hell up and wash your neck.”

nThe clouds froze and then instantly dispersed.

nEven so, the cultivators weren’t deterred.

nHearing John’s words, they looked down at him and pointed.

n“There he is! The Idiot Savant!”

n“Kill him! If we do then-!”

nA wave of destructive energy lashed out, instantly erasing those cultivators. At the same time, a young woman with black hair appeared in the skies. Her crimson eyes glared at the spatial rift and she raised her hand, her white dress and rainbow ribbon shimmering in the wind. “You are not allowed here.”

nTsuki’s voice called out then, confused. “Miss Beta? And… Miss Alpha? You have super powers too?”

nJohn ignored her. Instead, he walked over to his wife. To Yue.

nShe was still asleep. But it wasn’t a normal slumber.

nHer expression was peaceful. But too peaceful, as if enjoying a dream she never wished to wake from.

nSeeing that, John sighed. “I thought so. Those bastards really want to make you my Orihime, don’t they?” He reached out and placed his hand over her dantian to prepare to enter her mental landscape and pull her back. But as he did he realized something.

n“?!?!” His eyes widened and complicated emotions crossed his face before settling on a faint smile. He sighed and said, “No wonder that bastard’s trying so hard to break our bond and get rid of you. Heh. Bet the old man will be overjoyed. But for now…” John leaned over and brushed Yue’s hair, whispering in her ear. “It’s time to wake up, my princess.”

n—–AI|IA—–

nPlay Yume Miru Kusuri – To the World of Dreams

nYue hugged an infant to her chest, smiling as the baby quietly cooed.

nA happy and dreamlike day. A moment that she never wanted to let go.

nAt that time, a door opened from nearby and a male voice called out. “And how is our little daughter today?”

nYue looked up.

nJohn walked into the room, a warm smile on his face. Like always, he was wearing a dress shirt and jeans.

nYue glanced back down and smiled. “She’s doing well. And she’s as adorable as always.”

nJohn laughed. “That’s good. It’d be bad if she got anything from my ugly mug, right?”

nYue shook her head and said, “That’s not true.” She looked back at John and said, “You’re perfect just the way you are.”

nHe laughed and leaned against the doorway. “I’m far from perfect… but I do have the perfect family.” He smiled. “Alphy, Betty, Meggie… and then you.”

n“And our child.”

nJohn nodded. “Yes. And our cute little baby daughter.”

nA warm and fuzzy feeling in her chest. Calm and peace.

nIt was nice.

nYue was happy that John came to look for her. She felt a bit guilty not heading to find him right away after arriving at his home world, but it worked out in the end.

nNow she was the only woman in his life. Her and no one else.

nAnd all the other girls that came his way… He even got rid of them.

nQuietly, of course. After all, it wouldn’t do to expose themselves on a mortal planet.

nBut what better way for him to show his loyalty? His love?

n“…Damn. I didn’t realize that it got this bad.”

nAnother voice called out from behind. Familiar.

nYue blinked and turned to look towards it.

nJohn turned to look as well. The man roused his powers, causing his blonde hair to shift. “Who are you? How did you get here?”

n“Tch. Get the hell out of here, you fake.” The intruder flicked his wrist and then John vanished.

nAnd so did Yue’s baby.

nHer eyes widened and she panicked, turning to look at the intruder with fury in her eyes. “What did you do to them!?”

nA figure that she couldn’t make out. No, someone that she refused to acknowledge.

n“…You can’t see me anymore, can you? That’s… pretty sad.”

nA familiar voice. One that tugged at her heart. “That…” Yue shook her head. “No! You… I don’t want you! I don’t need you!”

n“Did you know?” The figure walked forward, causing the surroundings to shift. A dark stage with a strange musical instrument in the middle. “Once upon a time, in a tiny shop, I found a jade talisman. It was old and worn-out, but the symbols on it were still clear. I didn’t know how to read it at the time, but the shopkeeper told me what it said. What it meant.”

nYue felt a headache and then swept her hand out, causing lightning to crackle and lash at the intruder.

nBut it fizzled out. Before the lightning struck, it dissipated, as if it refused to hurt him.

n“What…?” Yue frowned and looked down at her hands, confused.

nThe figure shook his head and continued talking. “A lonely young girl who had everything, but wished for one thing. Someone to see her as she was. One who would accept her even when she couldn’t be perfect.”

n“T-That’s…” Yue’s heart throbbed.

nRight. She had… once upon a time, she had written a wish like that. But she never showed anyone. She never told anyone about it. Not even her husband. So…

n“You…! How do you know about that?!”

n“…I should have told you. Maybe then, it wouldn’t have led up to this. Maybe then, you wouldn’t have worried so much. But for now…”

nThe figure sat down at the instrument and started playing.

nFaint, lingering notes.

nOnes that seemed to tug at Yue’s heartstrings.

nShe staggered backwards, clutching at her chest. “T-This is…?” She steadied herself and then shook her head. “No! I won’t be fooled! I won’t be tricked again!”

nRealizing that a normal attack wouldn’t work, she reached out with a karmic spell. Something to strike directly at the person’s karmic bonds and rip them apart.

nA karmic blade cut through the air, cleaving through the figure… No, the man.

nBecause of it, the veil surrounding his form vanished. But when it reached the karmic ties, the blade vanished. Shattered.

nBecause…

n“E-Eh?”

nA red string of fate, completely wrapped around the man to the point where it looked like chains. And the other end of it…

n“…It’s me?”

nThe man started to play. Light notes lingered in the air and then he started to sing.

nPlay Eyes on Me FFVIII Piano Collection

nAnd now I sing this song…

nOn this stage, on my own

nAnd now I say these words

nPraying that they’ll be heard

nA flash of a memory. A goofy smile and a solemn promise.

nYour smile in my memory

nWas always my dearest fantasy

nI’d always cheer up being with you

nOn that tiny little star

nHis laughter as she messed up practicing her sword arts and then his grip on her hands to correct her.

nThis whole night here for you

nPlaying songs, just once more

nMy last night here with you?

nPlease be no, please be true.

nI’ve always liked it your way

nHow you shyly placed your eyes on me

nAn image from his point of view. Quietly watching as she read through scrolls and cultivated.

nBut did you ever know?

nThat I had mine on you

nJohn. Her husband, her real husband.

nYue stepped back, her eyes wide in shock.

nDarling, I love you so

nAs if no tomorrow

nPraying you’re never hurt

nPraying you’re never down

nI’ll be the one for you

nKissing you softly once more

nSo hold me close me now

nAnd then know that you aren’t a dreamer…

n

nWith those words, he stood up and walked towards her.

nLet me be the one for you

nWho kisses you softly once more

nOh hold me close me now

nAnd then know that you aren’t a dreamer…

nSinging those words, he finished with a soft smile and grabbed her hand. “Sorry you had to go through all of this, Yue.”

nPlay Clannad OST – The Place Where Wishes Come True

n“…John?” Yue blinked, still confused. “…My husband? Is it… really you?”

nHe laughed. “It’s me alright. Now come on. Let’s get you out of here. The girls are waiting to see their mom, you know?”

nJohn moved and tried to go, but then Yue stepped back.

n“Yue?”

nShe shook her head, staring at the ties surrounding him. “John… No. Why?”

n“Hm?” He looked back. “what are you talking about?”

n“…Why do you want me?” She stared at the crimson threads tying around him. “That… Aren’t I just a burden? Isn’t my love… our tie together. Isn’t it just a chain on your neck?”

nRight. John was someone who was destined to draw women towards him. That was the ‘truth’ that she had divined in her studies of Karma. No matter what or where, when or how, that man would end up drawing women towards him like how planets revolved around a star.

nLimiting him like this… She bit her lips and lowered her gaze.

nJohn sighed and then placed his hand on her shoulders. “Yue.”

nShe flinched and looked up.

n“Listen to me. I love you.”

n“…No.” Yue shook her head, tears in her eyes. “That’s a lie. You’re only saying that because of the red string of fate. The karma tying us together-!”

n“Is a chain I put on myself.”

n“E-Eh?”

nJohn let out a sad smile and said, “Did you really think that I would choose someone else? Were you that scared?”

n“…” Yue couldn’t respond.

nJohn sighed. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed. But at the same time, I can’t blame you.” He chuckled and said, “After all, Betty said I still need to work on fixing my ‘honeyed-tongue’ when it comes to women. And I really can’t stop from helping the people in front of me when I can. But Yue.” His face turned serious. “The only woman that I’ve ever fallen in love with… the only one I will fall in love with… is you.”

nYue shook her head and closed her eyes. “No. That’s… What is there to love?”

nShe was selfish. Her husband’s heart was so vast, and yet hers had been… still was, so narrow.

nCountless men had courted her in the past. Her father tried to separate them on a daily basis. And there were even still Eternal Emperors who sent gifts her way even after they announced themselves as Dao Partners.

nBut he just always laughed. He was never worried. No, if he was worried, he simply brushed it aside and believed in her.

nBut she…

nTears welled up in her eyes.

nA soft sigh, and then a gentle brush against her eyes, wiping away the tears.

nYue’s eyes opened.

nJohn smiled and brushed a strand of her hair behind Yue’s ear. “What is there not to love about my cute wife? Your sweet smile. Your gentle gaze. The way you scold me when I mess up while laughing with your eyes. The careful practice you put in so that your innate talent isn’t wasted. Refusing to believe that you can rely on your position and looking to be recognized for your efforts…” He leaned forward and placed his head against Yue’s. “If you aren’t worthy of love, then no one in the world is.”

n“B-But…” She reached out and tugged at the crimson rope binding John. “Like this… Aren’t you mad? You could be with anyone else… There are countless unparalleled beauties in the Three Realms and beyond who would be with you in a moment if you decided so. Ones who would never doubt you like I do… or ones that would accept others as well. That-“

n“Well. I’ll make this clear then.”

n“E-Eh?”

n“Yue. My moon. My love. My wife.” He placed his fingers under Yue’s chin and lifted it up, staring into her eyes. “If there isn’t you in my life, it’s not one worth living. No matter how much time I have, how much strength I gather, how much fortune I accumulate, none of it compares to even a single minute at your side. So… Stop looking down on yourself, alright? You don’t need to be perfect to be loved.”

nThat’s stupid. Why would you have to be perfect to earn someone’s love? You don’t earn love! It’s given because someone loves you for you!

nA memory of the past. The first time they met when she talked about about why she was working so hard to cultivate and learn.

nRight. At that time… he had said the same thing, hadn’t he?

n“…Yeah.” Yue sniffed and then smiled. “I know.”

n“Good.”

nYue looked at John and said, “Husband?”

n“Always.”

nYue laughed and shook her head. “You silly man…”

n“Your silly man.”

nYue smiled, but tears were still in her eyes. Brushing them away, she looked at her husband.

nHe was the same as always. No. That was a lie. He had changed a bit since the last time she saw him.

nThe carefree air around him was gone. He was still a bit playful, but as if he had realized what was important, the air was sharper.

n“…So what?” He smiled and said, “Are we going to stand here together staring into each other’s eyes until the end of time? I mean, I’d love to do that, but people are waiting for us out there, you know?”

nYue laughed. “Yes… I suppose so. Then…” She shyly shifted in place and said, “Before we go… Would you kiss me? J-Just… so I know that this isn’t-“

nBefore she finished, Yue felt herself pulled forward. Not long after, warm and slightly chapped lips brushed against her own.

nHer eyes widened, but then she closed her eyes, relishing in the kiss.

nIt was chaste. Different from the others they had shared in the past.

nBut maybe… because of that, it felt better. And then…

n“Take it easy, alright, Yue? It’s not just you that you have to care for now.”

nJohn’s words filled her ears and the surroundings started to fade.

nBut then she realized his words.

n“O-One moment! What do you mean by that?”

nJohn laughed.

n“H-Husband? Husband?! HUSBAND! You get back here and explain yourself!”

nThe only response she got was laughter trailing into the distance.

n—–AI|IA—–

nJohn leaned back, looking at his wife’s sleeping form.

nUnlike before, she seemed to be at ease. No, that wasn’t right. She actually looked a bit pissed off… but he couldn’t blame her, considering what he did.

nAt the same time, he felt it.

nSomething looking at him. Not the stupid Heaven’s Mandate that had been acting up, but something else.

nA power similar to his own, one that went beyond ‘laws’ and ‘authority’ and ‘concepts’. Something that could shape and affect reality- No, existence itself.

nAnd there was a simple message.

nJust this once. Settle your affairs.

nAn average voice that could have belonged to anyone at all. But at the same time, a voice that defied description. One that seemed hazy… and also one that didn’t leave behind a single trace when it left.

nAnd then John felt it. A ‘marker’ placed on Earth that reinforced its existence so it wouldn’t shatter if he left and also to stand out in the midst of the endless expanse that was the universe.

nI don’t know who or what you are… but thanks.

nJohn leaned back and looked around.

nBetty was tending to Meg. The latter had fallen asleep, resting peacefully on her sister’s lap.

nKai had joined up with the yakuza trio and Shin, fighting off against stray cultivators that had somehow managed to cross the void, sent by the Three Realms itself.

nBut it seemed like they weren’t welcome.

nWhile John, Betty, Alphy, Meg, and the two Divine Beasts all seemed able to use their powers, the cultivators that crossed over…

n“Dammit! What is this suppressive power?!”

n“The air here is toxic to cultivators and divinities! So why are those divine beasts fine!?”

nBai cut a guy in half and said, “Because we’ve been welcomed, unlike you cocky bastards! Stay out of someone’s home when you aren’t welcome!”

nQing pierced a man’s heart and nodded. “Indeed… Daring to invade a foreign dimension that can only be accessed by tracing a transcendent’s steps… Truly imbecilic.”

nTsuki narrowed her eyes, swiftly executing a combo of button inputs on her controller. In response, Maji and the other yakuza members took out a horde of enemies, tagging in and out at rapid speed.

n“Whoo! You sure know your stuff, girlie!” He flipped his knife and said, “I think you’re even better at directing us than Boss!”

nKai kicked a man running towards Tsuki in the face and then slit the guy’s throat. After that, he frowned and said, “Tsuki! Princess! Won’t you please just close your eyes and let us handle this?”

n“No! These bastards tried to kill Meggie! I’m killing them!”

n“…”

nBeta finally noticed John and said, “Father.” She glanced at Yue, frowning. “Is Mistress…?”

n“You can just call her Mom, you know? But don’t worry. Yue is fine. And since she is…” John cracked his neck and then stood up, looking at the sky.

nAlpha floated there, destructive crimson lightning crackling around her. As cultivators flew through the spatial rift, she swept out her hand, sending the crimson lightning to wipe them out the moment they emerged.

nFortunately, it seemed that mysterious presence was taking care of the mortal side. Reality had shifted slightly out of phase, preventing innocents from being harmed.

nSo John didn’t have anything to worry about.

n“Father?”

nJohn looked at her and smiled. “Keep an eye on your mom and sisters, Betty.”

n“And what exactly do you plan to do?”

n“Me?” John looked up at the rift in the sky. Specifically, at the ‘being’ that seemed to be looking at him from the Three Realms.

n“…Oh, nothing much. Just out to kill something that thinks it’s an invincible source of omnipotence. Take some names, kick some ass… The usual.”

nBetty blinked. “Wait. What exactly are you-?”

n“Love you Betty. Be back in a few.”

n“F-Father! One mo-“

nJohn stepped forward back into the void between worlds, dimensions, and existence.

nAs he did, he felt something- No, someone look at him. A gaze that seemed to distort karma just by looking at him, an anomaly that shouldn’t exist even as a transcendent.

nBut it quickly vanished, as if amused. No, it seemed to be approving of him…?

nBut John didn’t have time to dwell on that.

nBefore he realized it, he was there. The Three Realms, a vast starry expanse in a space ‘below’ Earth.

nStaring at the glowing cosmos, John paused when he saw what was unfolding. And then his eyes narrowed. “These bastards- No, these idiots really got too arrogant, didn’t they?” He clicked his tongue and then opened his Heavenly Realm and grabbed a certain book. A compendium of the beings that lay in wait within his Heavenly Realm for his word.

n—–AI|IA—–

nOutside the Celestial Jade Palace, in the depths of night.

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor spat on the ground, sending flecks of silver blood to land. Wiping his mouth, he looked to his opponent.

nA human sized monkey with golden fur leaned on a crimson staff. The Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Looking at the Celestial Jade Emperor, he laughed and said, “Give it up, old man. You’ve already lost the Mandate of Heaven and that guy left the place behind. Just give us the jade talisman so that we can break his connection and release the Realm Source.”

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor slowly raised his body and looked around.

nIt was a complete betrayal. Demons, buddhas, righteous cultivators, gods, immortals… even his Celestial Jade Army had turned against him.

nThere were only three people standing by his side, and they weren’t in much better shape.

n“You foul monkey!” Wang Zhaojun, a dazzling beauty that carried a seven string instrument. Plucking the strings, power swelled up around them four, strengthening them. At the same time, discordant melodies suppressed the enemies. “After Senior brother’s goodwill, you still seek to go against him?!”

nBeside her, a fox-eared beauty raised her body, nine white tails flowing behind her like flames. Su Daji, the ruler of the Demon Realm. “Betraying my older brother’s trust like this…! No, all of you!” She glared at the demons rallying behind the army. “Have you forgotten all that he has done for us?!”

nA divine beauty with a crimson silk gown and golden threads let out a sigh before saying, “Give it up, you two. The Heavens have forsaken us and it wants to sever its connection to the Timeless Savant.” She narrowed her eyes and made an incantation, splitting into six women. “All that’s left to do is fight.” She glanced back at the Jade Emperor and said, “Do you need time, Great Emperor?”

n“No. Thank you Xuannu.” He shook his head and then let out a sigh. As he did, he recalled the jade talisman that Sun Wukong was talking about.

nA wish that his daughter wrote down and he never realized. The desires that she kept buried deep within after he divined the future and changed it so that she wouldn’t suffer heartache… only for her to suffer more due to his actions.

n“Someone who loved her for who she is and not what she could be…” The Celestial Jade Emperor let out a weary sigh. “So this is why she chose him.”

nHe realized it now. The depth of love between the two.

nWasn’t it clear?

nThere were three heaven-defying beauties standing in front of the Jade Emperor. Ones outstanding enough to influence the entire Three Realms.

nThat man had been inspiring enough to pull them to his side so that they would risk their lives to fight.

nBut they weren’t fighting to protect John. They weren’t fighting to protect the Jade Emperor. Instead…

nA divine transmission. Jiutian Xuannü. The goddess in front of him.

n*We won’t allow them to pass, Emperor. Even if we have to lay down our lives, we’ll stop them here. So run. Leave this place behind and protect that girl’s wish.*

nAnother transmission. Zhaojun.

n*Yes! You have to live! Senior Sister Yue won’t be happy if you die!*

nAnd yet another. Daji.

n*Jade Emperor! Retreat! Older brother wouldn’t want you to die here for this! Older sister wouldn’t either!*

nPleas for him to retreat. To live on so that Yue would be happy.

nInstead of being jealous, they were supporting her. The affection they had for that man was steep. And even so, they chose to let him go… They respected his decision to choose Yue over them.

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor shook his head. “It is fine.” He roused his fighting spirit, causing a benevolent aura to spread out, as well as a domineering aura that seemed to embody the heavens.

nBut it was suppressed. Despite being the Celestial Jade Emperor, now that Heaven’s Mandate had forsaken him, his powers had weakened.

nSun Wukong laughed and then spun his staff around. “Well, I always wanted to fight you for real, old man.” A malevolent gleam flashed in his eyes. “Let’s see how strong you really are!”

n“Jade Emperor!” Xuannu’s clones charged forward. “Run!”

nZhaojun strummed her instrument, playing fast enough for her fingers to bleed. No, she purposefully made them bleed to enhance the melodies and then she started to sing. An enchanting song that stopped a few of the encroaching army.

nBut it wasn’t enough.

nThe entire Three Realms had rallied against them.

n“Arrogant fools…!” Daji roared and then swept her hands out, causing a sun to descend on the field, turning the weaker enemies into ash.

nBut it still wasn’t enough.

nRight.

nBecause this was no longer a tribulation. This was not a war. This was not a battle.

nThis was Heaven’s Mandate.

nAnd it had decreed: On that day, on that time, all traces of John Smith would be erased from the Three Realms.

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor realized that. So he made a decision.

nIf they obtained the jade talisman and destroyed it, his daughter’s wish would be shattered. Time would revert due to John’s connection to the Three Realms being severed, as well as the ‘source’ of his powers. But it would also turn his daughter back.

nThe ‘perfect’ maiden who lived life so coldly. The one who the heavens already refused to allow to transcend, determined to destroy such a talent before her first major tribulation. Who was destined to perish and was only saved when the Celestial Jade Emperor divined the future and Yue’s mother gave her life to avert that fate.

n“…No. Even if I fall here today…”

nHe sent the jade talisman away. Using his remaining authority, he transported it back to his daughter’s side.

nThe monkey king noticed and then scowled. “Where did you send it, old man?!”

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor reached out and drew forth a glittering jade sword. “You will never know, Keeper of the Heavenly Horses.”

n“That name…!” Blue light flickered around the monkey king and he roared, charging forward.

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor prepared to fight, but then…

n“Hm?”

nMusic. A vibrant and lively tune paired with a female voice singing. But it was artificial. Not played by an instrument, but as if replicated in some way. Reproduced.

nPlay Take Over – Persona 5 Royal

nAnd at the same time, the sky ripped apart.

nDaji looked up, the fox-eared beauty staring with wide eyes. Her hair, a flowing white from her powers, shifted and then she let out a bright smile. “Older brother!”

nXuannu’s clones looked up and chuckled. “This fool, always arriving at the last minute…”

nZhaojun stopped playing and then laughed. “Senior Brother! It’s about time!”

nJohn looked down from the skies, a gaping black hole swirling behind him, as if threatening to devour everything in existence.

nA golden aura and piercing jade eyes. Looking at the endless tide of cultivators surrounding the beauties and the Celestial Jade Emperor, his eyes narrowed and he let out a cold smirk, pointing a tiny blue key at the crowd. “It’s showtime.”

nThe key shattered, turning into an array of floating cards and azure lights. The cards gathered and then formed a golden door behind John before opening, revealing countless figures.

nOne, a towering being of light with six feathered wings. Around him, a legion of other winged figures floated, each radiating divine light.

nAnother, standing at the head of a horde of demonic and skeletal creatures. A seemingly normal young man but with crimson eyes and strange markings on his bare torso.

nBut that wasn’t all.

nIndescribable beings beyond human comprehension. One, a creature that seemed as if a hybrid between a dragon, squid, and human. Another, a sort mist that refused to be named. And accompanying it, a true darkness that lacked a name.

nA terrifying army. One led by a single man radiating golden light, as if the dawn itself, with harsh jade eyes.

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor looked upon the gathered forces and then laughed. “I see… I see! So this, too, is fate… Truly, man proposes and heaven disposes… No. In this instance, could it be that Heaven proposes and man disposes?”

nAn ordinary young man from a foreign realm that ran without stopping. One who snatched away the heart of the Celestial Jade Princess. One who bound the Realm Source and broke beyond the limits of existence.

n“John Smith… I suppose you are worthy of being named my son-in-law after all.”

n—–AI|IA—–

n“What are you waiting for!?” The monkey king pointed at John with his staff and said, “So what if he became a transcendent? He wasn’t strong enough to destroy and fully bind the Realm Source!” He leapt up into the air, charging towards John. At the same time, golden light flashed, turning into an army of monkey kings. “We can win!”

nSpace shattered as the monkey king kicked off, closing the gap to John. He smirked and swung his staff at John’s head.

nA loud crack.

nBut it wasn’t John’s head.

nInstead, the monkey king’s staff had shattered.

n“H-Huh? That’s imp-“

nJohn reached out and grabbed the monkey king… No, Sun Wukong’s neck. “The Great Sage and Heaven’s Equal, was it? For someone with that person’s name, you really aren’t that smart.”

n“You…!”

n“Come, Son Goku.”

nPlay Dragon Ball Super – The Final Death Match

nThe monkey king’s eyes widened and then he laughed. “Are you delusional? I would never- Hm?”

nA man with rippling muscles and spiky hair with glowing white light. A stern expression and calm aura.

nJohn tossed the monkey king aside and then looked up at the sky. “Deal with this guy. I’m taking care of that.”

nThe monkey king spun around in the air and then scowled. “Treating me this lightly?! I’ll- Kuh!”

nA blur. Son Goku appeared in front of the monkey king in an instant and then smashed his fist into the monkey king’s stomach. After that, a barrage of blows rained down at the monkey king, sending him flying back through the air.

nJohn looked down at the crowd.

nA stand-still.

nAfter the monkey king was taken out, the other forces had come to a halt.

nJohn swept out his hand and said, “Helel. Demi-fiend. Leave no survivors.”

nThe six-winged angel hummed. “Interesting. To utilize power that goes against even Heaven… Very well. The Morning Star Helel supports you.” After that, he moved forward, leading the angels.

nThe Demi-Fiend nodded and then stepped forward, leading the demons behind him. “Death’s vastness shall hold no peace for them.”

nJohn glanced at the Realm Source.

nIt was silent.

n“…You don’t want to reveal yourself yet, huh? Fine. I need to let off some steam anyway.”

nHe shifted his gaze towards the crowd of cultivators and then walked forward, descending from the heavens. As he did, he muttered, “This music is too light-hearted.” Saying that, he snapped his fingers, causing the song to change.

nPlay Battle Hymn of the Soul

nA serious guitar solo, accompanied by slow percussion. As if the slow approach of an ominous being, it slowly began to accelerate.

nJohn nodded. “That’s more like it. Now…” He held out his right hand, showing a hovering blue card with a blank face. “The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed. The moment you devoured the fruit of immortality, you sealed your fate. Entrusting your future to the cards, you clung to a dim hope. But beyond the beaten path lies the absolute end.” The card spun, revealing a skull in front of a golden door and beneath a black sun. When it revealed its face, John closed his hand, crushing the card. “It matters not who you are. Death awaits.”

nOozing darkness, dripping from John’s hands. At the same time, a glimmer of a crimson eye within a pure white moon looking down on the world.

nJohn opened his hand and then said three words. “Die for me.”

nA declaration. Immediately, the darkness spread, blanketing the cultivators. But before it connected, a buddha emerged to intercept it. Muttering incantations and shifting beads in his left hand. “May all be absolved from suffering, may all be free from sorrow.”

nWith those words, John’s attack was stopped.

nHe narrowed his eyes and said, “Eternal Emperor Abstinence. So you stand in my way as well?”

nThe buddha smiled with half-lidded eyes. “It is regrettable. But the Heavens have decreed such.”

n“Hmph. In that case, looks like I have to do things the old fashioned way. Fine by me.” John snapped his fingers, causing golden portals to ripple behind him.

nAt that, Eternal Emperor Abstinence opened his eyes. “Those weapons…? Universe Grade Armaments? No… beyond even that?” His eyes were wide in shock and he looked at John. “W-When did you acquire such treasures?!”

n“Always had them. Now…” He reached behind him and pulled out a drill shaped sword. “…You might have become enlightened in the ways of Heaven and Earth… But can you withstand the primordial star they were birthed from?”

nEternal Emperor Abstinence paled and quickly started chanting again.

nJohn narrowed his eyes. “Die and be silent.”

nA scouring torrent that carried both destruction and creation swept out.

nThe buddha put up a barrier to try and stop it… But it was pointless.

nExistence tore, for a moment showing a scene of a primordial flux with nothing but heat and energy. And then it vanished, along with a swathe of the cultivators and Eternal Emperor Abstinence.

nEven so, that show of force wasn’t enough for the cultivators.

n“Such an attack must have drained him!” A random swordsman.

n“You will fall!” A man with a righteous aura.

nJohn sighed. “It seems you all won’t understand unless you see it, huh?” He held up his right hand, causing the black hole to swirl above him.

nCountless attacks flew towards John. Flames, lightning, sword slashes, temporal and spatial distortions…

n“…Now, I shall give the Three Realms despair.”

nAn overwhelming gravitational force. No, it wasn’t gravity. It was a force much greater than that. A fundamental rule of existence that gathered everything to a single point, the singularity that existed at the beginning and would return at the end. Everything and nothing, all at once.

nJohn lowered his hand, causing the singularity to descend. At once, the attacks shattered beneath it, drawn in and adding to the force of John’s attack.

nBut before it could wipe out the cultivators-

n*Impudent.*

n-A harsh mechanical voice sounded and the surroundings changed.

nJohn finished lowering his hand and then turned to look at the speaker. “So you finally show your face, huh?”

nA formless core of light.

nThey were suspended in a void. Just John and the light.

nPlay Our Beginning – Persona 5

nHe narrowed his eyes and said, “You really should have just shut up and stayed silent.”

n*Fool. The heavens yield to no man. What gave you the strength to transcend? What granted you the cultivation you possess now?*

n“My will. And my path.” John stepped forward, approaching the light. “Definitely not you.” At the same time, his power swelled out, the black hole emerging behind him to devour the light.

n*You dare to defy the heavens completely? No, to attempt to subjugate it?*

n“An existence like yourself that seeks only control. One that denies the will of beings to go beyond the mortal coil… One that kills all who dare to challenge your might and led to this mindless slaughter.” John narrowed his eyes. “And one who dared to declare the death of my kind and hard-working wife.” He raised his left hand, a gun slowly forming. “There’s no need for you.”

n*Fool. This is why your ‘Earth’ remains so weak! With no guiding hand, mortals will continue to remain ignorant and feeble!*

nA wave of domineering might. The weight of the Heavens themselves.

nIt was blocked- No, seized. Drawn in by John’s black hole.

nThe formless core of light fluctuated, as if shuddering in shock. *Impossible!*

n“If the Heavens refuse to play by their own rules… Then mortals have no need of them.”

n*Preposterous! You dare go against existence itself?!*

nJohn narrowed his eyes. “Begone.”

nA gunshot. And then the sound of shattering glass.

nThe core of light cracked, slowly fading away. At the same time, a voice echoed out. No longer high and mighty, but like an old man’s.

n“What power… To surpass my own, a being born from the will of existence itself… So this is a true transcendent…”

nJohn didn’t respond. Instead, he kept his eyes narrowed, focused. Just in case there was a second form, like most boss fights.

nFortunately…

n“Damn that nameless one… It seems he wasn’t spouting nonsense…”

nLike that, the Heaven’s Mandate, the will of the Three Realms itself… it perished.

nBut because of that, the Three Realms would as well. Without a being sustaining its laws and authority, it would quickly collapse.

nAt least, that’s what would ordinarily happen. But…

n“Trying a kamikaze at the end, huh?” John smirked. “Unfortunately for you… that won’t work on me.”

nAccumulation. The path that John walked that allowed him to acquire all in existence. To obtain everything regardless of qualification. A path that accepted any and everything that John desired.

nAnd now…

n“You’re mine.”

n—–AI|IA—–

nBack in the Three Realms proper.

nA furious and bloody battle waged on. But just as it reached the peak…

n“Hm?”

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor noticed it first. “The Heavens…?”

nSun Wukong noticed it next. “Dammit! So that guy really was just holding bac- Guhaw?!”

nSon Goku appeared in front of the monkey king and smashed him back into the ground.

nAnd then a voice spread out. One with the weight of the Heavens themselves.

n*The path to transcend is sealed. Those who dare to attempt supplanting my control will be destroyed. If you seek more than immortality, venture out to the void and look for your own fortune. These realms… are mine. And as for those who rebelled against me…*

nScreams of shock. Cultivators- No, not just them. Even Eternal Emperors and primordial demons were stripped of their powers, swiftly ground away into dust as time resumed its natural course and their souls were sent into the stream of reincarnation.

n*Think harder in your next life.*

nPeople gritting their teeth in reluctant acquiescence.

nOthers kneeling to the ground and accepting their fate.

nWatching it all, the Celestial Jade Emperor shook his head.

nAnd as he did, he heard a message.

n*I’ll give the mandate back to you for a bit to settle things here, Pops. When things calm down though, come visit, okay? I think you’re in for a pleasant surprise.*

nLike that, John’s presence vanished and the spatial rift sealed.

nThe Celestial Jade Emperor laughed. “Pops, was it? As disrespectful as ever. Then again, for one to turn their nose at the Heavens themselves, I suppose that is to be expected.”

nAfter that, he narrowed his eyes, feeling the familiar Will of the Heavens within his grasp.

nAnd then he looked to the monkey king. “Sun Wukong. You mentioned wanting to fight me personally, correct?”

nSon Goku stepped back, bowing his head to the Celestial Jade Emperor.

nThe Emperor bowed his head back to Son Goku and then looked to the monkey king, walking forward. “Very well. Let us fight.”

n—–AI|IA—–

nJohn watched everything unfolding in the Three Realms and then nodded, seeing that it was taken care of.

nWell, not completely. He still needed to thank those three for standing beside his father-in-law and supporting John’s decision to go with Yue instead of them.

nBut that was a later issue.

nFor now…

nJohn turned back to peer through the void. There, a faint blue star shimmered, lit up for his return by that plane of existence’s overseer.

nHe looked at the being and then nodded.

nThe nameless being nodded back and then ushered John forward.

nAs he returned back to Earth, John muttered, “Thanks. Won’t happen again.”

nThe voice muttered back. “Just take care of your family. No matter what, they should come first.”

nJohn smiled.

nThe presence vanished.

nAnd then John reappeared in the room at the top of the hotel in Walt World. And from the clock on the wall, it seemed to be 6 AM. Time pulled forward by a few hours.

nEverything was back to normal. The damage from Yue’s tribulation and the interference by the Realm Source had been fixed.

nBut that didn’t mean that it was erased.

nKai stared at John, frowning. “So… Friend. Care to explain?”

nJohn started to nod, but then he frowned back and narrowed his eyes. “Yes. Friend… Would you also care to explain why you were with my wife and daughter this entire time and didn’t give me a phone call?”

nKai coughed.

n