Folks, I'll be completely honest with you: I'm exhausted. I don't have much time for anything, and one of the things I had planned to do was finish reading the story of Lostbelt 5.
Don't get me wrong—back in the day, specifically when Lostbelt 7 appeared on the Japanese server, I had read through all the Singularities and Lostbelts, but that was years ago. More recently, while I was writing the arc set in London, I listened to a summary, but I didn't quite retain the important details. That's why I decided to re-read it—or rather, I intended to, once I got closer to that point in the original story.
Unfortunately, I've been swamped with assignments, practical work, and thesis-related tasks. I end up coming home so tired that I have no energy for anything; I've even considered putting my writing on hold until the academic semester ends. But, knowing how close I am to finishing this, I'm sticking with it.
So, if I take some creative liberties with certain elements, you'll understand why. I plan to catch up on the reading either tomorrow—when I'll have some time—or the day after; there isn't much left to go. Afterward, I'll review what I've written against what was supposed to happen and make corrections if I've included anything impossible or nonsensical.
Please bear with me this time. With that said, let the chapter begin.
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(Note: I forgot to mention that I read up to the point where Chaldea arrives to rescue Europa—right at the moment of their arrival. I haven't read any further than that, which is why I wrote the message above. That's all!)
I walked through the facilities around Olympus. After killing Orion and disposing of Gaheris, I returned to the site of the main battle, but the base where they had been was gone.
"Oh, right—it was mobile," I said to myself, realizing I'd overlooked that detail. "I can't sense those two brats anymore."
"They're most likely dead," Kiss-Shot remarked.
"That's only to be expected; after all, they were up against my daughter," I said, puffing out my chest with pride.
I heard my wife's complaints echoing in my mind, but—as any true husband would—I ignored them and turned my attention toward the base—or, more specifically, toward Limbo, that strange fellow with the multiple faces. Douman had taken Europa away to settle scores for her betrayal.
"Are you going to do something about it?" she asked, though her tone sounded more like a demand.
"I've already got something in mind," I replied, heading toward the location.
...
While on my way to the king's chamber, I overheard a conversation; Kadoc and Peperoncino were there.
"She didn't say a word; it's our fault she's on trial now," the white-haired man said, sounding frustrated.
"Most likely, she did it so that neither of us would end up dead," the pink-haired man reasoned, responding to his fellow Crypter.
"So that's what it was," I said, appearing before them—which made them tense up—and shook my head. "But knowing her, that's just typical."
"You're still alive," Kadoc remarked—likely recalling when I visited his Lostbelt.
"I *am* death itself; how could I possibly die? It makes no sense," I replied.
"That doesn't make any sense! You're a Heroic Spirit—you're supposed to be dead in the first place!" the white-haired man countered.
"Your nonsense and delusions aren't important right now. If you'll excuse me, I have something to do—namely, saying some nonsense of my own," I noted, before heading into the chamber.
Once inside, I saw Europa standing trial before Zeus, with none other than Kirschtaria by his side.
"For your crimes, you shall be executed at noon," he declared.
"God of Thunder," I interrupted before he could continue, "I would like to request the honor of executing Europa myself."
"You..." Wodine whispered, looking at me.
At first, Zeus said nothing; he simply looked at me, then at Europa, and finally back at me.
"Why would you ask for such a thing?" he inquired. "In the past, when I was alive, my task was always to send rebellious souls to Hades; I was consistently viewed as an executioner. Given that I am a spirit bound to death, I believe this role is tailor-made for me. Furthermore, as a final act of mercy toward Europa, it ensures that her life ends at the hand of a friend—which is surely more comforting than having it end by one's own hand."
Silence descended upon the scene; Europa stared at me, saying nothing. It was unclear whether her silence stemmed from surprise at my proposal or simply because she had nothing to say in response.
Zeus remained in deep thought for a good while before turning his gaze toward Kirschtaria.
"What do you say?"
"In my honest opinion, Dante has done a great deal for Olympus, yet he has almost never asked for anything in return, nor has he ever taken on a formal role within its ranks. This would be his first time doing so; furthermore, his current class—Assassin—makes him perfectly suited for the task. I am in favor of it." Wodine voiced his support, and I offered him a smile.
"Very well, then. Dante, son of Chaos—in recognition of your contributions and your lineage—I appoint you as the executioner for the sentencing of Europa at high noon," the God of Thunder declared.
"I am grateful," I replied, keeping my tone measured; I didn't want to ruin everything by saying something idiotic or acting like a fool.
...
Upon arriving at Europa's cell—or what was more like a cell—it resembled the quarters of an imprisoned politician, complete with a comfortable bed, a television, and various forms of entertainment.
"You came," the blonde said, looking at me with a hint of weariness.
"I had to. I figured that once you're executed, we wouldn't have time to talk," I replied, stopping beside the cell and pulling out some papers to begin writing.
"I suppose so," she remarked, trying to summon enough strength to keep her tone from sounding too despondent. Even though she had acted out of a conviction that she was the "mother" to everyone on the Greek continent, the fact that she was branded a traitor and faced execution had clearly dampened her usually cheerful demeanor. "Still, I'm glad that you're the one who will be carrying out the execution."
"Yes, I'm glad, too," I replied in a flat, monotonous tone.
"Tell me—when the King of Olympus mentioned something about your lineage, what was he referring to?" she asked.
"Just some nonsense about how I was born; it's not important," I answered, handing her the paper containing the message.
"Is this it?" she asked, but I signaled for her to be quiet, and she immediately understood.
Without wasting a moment, I gestured toward my ears and then pointed at the walls. She took the hint, remaining silent as she began to read the message.
As she read, her eyes widened in surprise, and she fixed her gaze firmly upon me.
"Our time together may have been brief, but it was worth it—it's a shame it has to end. You probably want some time to yourself to reflect, so I'll be going." With that, I gave her a parting gesture.
"So be it. See you at noon," I heard her say, her voice sounding a bit more animated.
I ignored her as I left the area, my objective now secured; all that remained was to wait.
...
With only a few hours left until the execution, I stayed not too far away, gazing up at the sky.
"Do you think this is a good idea?" Kiss-shot asked me.
"It's the only one I've got—and besides, it works. If things go exactly as you expect, why change anything?" I replied.
"I feel like you've got the wording wrong; that's not how the phrase goes," she complained inside my mind.
I was about to say something back, but an alarm went off.
Instinctively, I activated my Observation Haki and realized what was happening.
"Looks like they've arrived," I said, feeling somewhat pleased—especially regarding one of them.
"Dante," another voice echoed in my head.
"What's up, Boss?" I asked.
"Chaldea and the other Heroic Spirits have arrived. I need you to stop them," he ordered.
"Hmm, alright. But to be honest, I've got a little unfinished business with someone in that group, so they'll likely end up on their own at some point," I informed him.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Exactly what it sounds like. Oh—looks like they just beheaded that guy who calls himself Limbo. We'll talk later." I cut the connection and, with a single leap, arrived at the scene.
Upon landing, I saw figures like Caliga—who had been hiding in Olympus—along with Libra, Musashi, Ritsuka, Mash, and Holmes, all confronting Douman.
"Looks like you're all keeping yourselves busy—especially with that con artist," I said, drawing everyone's attention.
"You," Gudako pointed at me, sounding rather annoyed. "Why are you here? Every time you show up, you bring nothing but bad luck."
In response to her complaints, I could only let out a slow, quiet laugh. The first thing I noticed was my daughter's gaze; she looked somewhat tired and annoyed with me—though, to be honest, I had expected a much harsher reaction, given that I had killed Orion.
Before I could react, a sense of danger surged through my entire being. Instinctively, I summoned my scythe and blocked an attack from Musashi—a blow that sent me reeling several steps backward.
"Is it just me, or are you weaker now than you were before?" she asked with a smile.
"That must be your imagination; my power is limitless," I replied, with a touch of eloquence.
The swordswoman, never breaking her gaze, addressed the entire group.
"Leave this one to me; I have a score to settle with him," she told the others, running her hand over the scar on her neck—a souvenir from our last battle.
"Musashi," Ritsuka said, clenching his fists, "fine. Just make sure you return to us as soon as you've defeated him."
"Understood!" she exclaimed with a grin, drawing her katanas—I noticed she still had both of them.
"Oh, feeling quite confident, are we?" I remarked. Instead of attacking, I took a step back and slipped away from the scene.
"Hey, come back!" I heard her call out from behind, but I just kept moving further away.
...
After covering some distance, I finally came to a stop. I glanced at the empty space before turning my gaze toward the swordswoman following me.
"No one should bother us here," I said, to which she simply stared back at me.
"I see you're not actually such a bad person," she remarked with a faint, barely perceptible smile.
I just clicked my tongue in response.
"I'm not even a person," I grumbled, slightly annoyed. She must have assumed we'd moved to a different spot to ensure our clash wouldn't harm anyone nearby.
"Kiss," I said mentally to my wife as I dropped to one knee—a gesture that left Musashi looking on, confused.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Absolutely. After all, this will be my final battle," I replied, receiving no response from her. "By the way, could you lend me your katana?"
In response, she reached into her own chest—a move that startled the swordswoman, who watched in utter disbelief.
As my class shifted from Assassin to Saber, I felt my stats surge significantly.
"How unpleasant," I muttered, spitting out some blood while using magic to heal the wound.
"Are you alright?" the swordswoman asked.
"Yes, don't worry—this won't affect our duel," I explained, extending my hand as a crimson-red katana materialized within my grip.
Musashi immediately assumed a combat stance, and I offered her a smile.
"You know, I've never really been taken seriously as a swordsman." My opponent couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at that. "In my early days, I dedicated myself to the art of sword combat—to ensuring I finished my fights, even if it meant losing an arm in the process. It was the law of the strongest; all that mattered was surviving the encounter," I said.
Reaching downward, I drew a katana from the shadows and gripped it by the hilt.
"Back then, during our last duel, I had employed several of my abilities and powers," I reminded him, now holding both katanas and preparing to coat them in Haki.
Without a second thought, I bent my knees and charged at the swordswoman at full speed, slamming into her.
As if she had already foreseen what was coming, she pivoted her katanas and parried my strike. The force of the impact, however, sent her sliding several meters backward.
"Let me remind the world that I didn't rely solely on skills and powerful attacks to defeat my enemies," I exclaimed, pushing Musashi further back.
"I see—no wonder your stats were so different; you've changed your class," the pink-haired woman realized, flexing her hands while keeping a firm grip on her weapons.
"Indeed. Now, as one swordsman to another, let's see who is truly stronger and settle the outcome of our final duel—right here, right now," I said.
She simply smiled.
"Indeed—that's exactly what I was hoping for," she replied, her expression shifting to one of intense focus as she assumed a stance that, quite frankly, I couldn't decipher.
It was simultaneously defensive and offensive. There were glaring openings, but my intuition warned me they were traps, so I stood my ground, weighing my next move.
The swordswoman, however, had other ideas; she stepped forward, closing the distance until she was mere centimeters away, her katana poised to sever my head.
I ducked to dodge the strike, simultaneously using Murasama to block the other katana that was aimed at my throat.
Without breaking her flow, she twisted her blade, attempting to drive it into my chest. I dropped low and swept her feet, forcing her to the ground as well.
We both spun to our feet, each delivering a strike that sent sparks flying as our weapons collided. Without wasting a moment, the pink-haired girl rushed toward me, both katanas in hand, slashing at where I stood.
I dodged every strike, but just as I was about to counterattack, I was forced to evade her next blow.
Faced with this relentless barrage, I had no choice but to leap backward; yet, Musashi stayed right on me, continuing her assault and compelling me to use *geppo* to put some distance between us.
Once in the air, I spun the Murasama and unleashed several energy-infused slashes—but to my surprise, my opponent mirrored my moves, calling out each of my attacks.
Back on the ground, he stepped forward to deliver a thrust with the Kokorowatari, but Musashi blocked it by crossing his katanas, the force of the blow pushing him back a few paces.
He then leaped into the air, bringing both weapons down in a vertical strike; I raised my own katanas to parry, the impact driving my feet deep into the ground.
With a forceful motion, I parried, sending him reeling backward.
We both stood frozen in our respective stances.
"I think it's time to wrap up the warm-up, don't you?"