Touya rolled aside, panting, as the final wave of hidden blades from the spatial rift came crashing down toward where Noah had just stood. Each blade struck with enough force to tear through steel, timed with surgical precision.
Kneeling, chest heaving, Touya stared into the thick dust and smoke cloaking Noah's position. His arms trembled. The clash had pushed him beyond his limits.
At the commentary booth, silence gave way to chaos.
"J-JU-JUST WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED???!!!!!" Minami shrieked, practically slamming her hand on the table in shock.
"...It was like… a world-breaking scene from some high-budget movie during the final boss fight…" Chitose muttered, her voice trembling as she wiped sweat from her brow.
"...Just what kind of siblings are they...?" Kaori gasped. "I can't feel my waist anymore… it just gave up on me…"
Nahida held her chest, wide-eyed. "That clash… it felt like watching the battle from the Archon War… but it's happening right here."
The stream chat exploded:
[I blinked and missed half the action, WHAT EVEN WAS THAT MOVE?!]
[Touya just went full Final Fantasy protagonist mode]
[Somebody check on Noah. Did he actually take a hit?!]
Back on the battlefield below…
Touya tried to push himself up, only to feel a hand on his shoulder.
"Woah, woah! Easy there, Touya, breathe. You don't have to stand just yet," Koutaro said, kneeling beside him with a supportive smile.
"…Kou-nii," Touya whispered, his breath shaky and thin.
Koutaro gave him a firm nod. "You and Mahiru… seriously, that was one hell of a fight. I'm pretty sure Noah would be proud of what you both pulled off."
A tired smile tugged at Touya's lips. "Thanks… I think I'm gonna sleep for a week after this…"
From nearby, Mahiru's voice called out weakly, "Touya… you okay?"
He turned to see her leaning against Ayato, her legs wobbling as she steps forward.
"Yeah… I'll live. Just… let me collapse in peace later," he chuckled softly, giving her a trembling thumbs-up.
Ayato sighed but managed a faint grin. "You two really went all in…"
Then, as the dust and smoke began to clear, all eyes shifted forward.
Noah was kneeling in the middle of the cratered field, surrounded by countless shattered blades. Some were broken, others stabbed into the ground.
"!!!" Koutaro clenched his fist, eyes wide as realization set in.
"Haaa…" Touya let out a shaky sigh, collapsing onto one knee with a tired grin.
"No way…" Mahiru dropped to the ground, barely able to sit upright. Her voice was a whisper, but her eyes sparkled with disbelief.
Ayato's expression hardened. "After all that effort…."
As the smoke finally cleared, there was Noah silent and ….. undeniably marked. His Jedi robes were dust-covered. And on his left cheek, an unmistakable scratch with virtual blood falling out.
"A graze…" Ayato muttered, stunned. "We… actually broke the legend of Noah Alden."
It wasn't just a scratch.
For them, it was proof.
Noah opened his eyes slowly and exhaled, a deep breath that heard and reached those who had fought with everything they had.
---
At Sumeru, Teyvat…
Kiana, Elysia, Lumine, and Miss A all shot to their feet, stunned into silence. Beside them, Buer had her hands over her mouth in disbelief. The once-bustling hall of scholars was completely frozen. Papers dropped on the floor, terminals slipped from trembling hands.
"They actually… did it," Kiana murmured. "They landed a hit… on the Captain."
"…A very memorable moment," Elysia whispered, her voice filled with awe. "Not just for them but for our Noah too."
Lumine slowly nodded, eyes still locked on the screen. "The day when even Noah Alden finally took a hit…"
Alice blinked a few times, mouth slightly agape. "This might not mean much in the grand cosmic scheme… but to actually hurt him! Someone who's basically a walking cheat code, Force-enhanced instincts, Alden heritage, predictive reflexes, a direct blessing from Trailblaze… and they hit him…"
She slowly sank into her seat. "I… need to sit down for a while."
—
Back in Asterisk, Earth.
"VA… it seems I got hit, huh," Noah muttered, breaking the silence that had settled over the room. His voice woke the others from their shock as he addressed his ever-blunt partner.
[Very astute observation, Captain,] Void Archives responded dryly. [It has been precisely two years, six months, 26 days, 15 hours, and 36 seconds since your last direct hit.]
"…Seriously? That accurate?" Noah raised an eyebrow, blinking. "You've been counting?"
[Of course. It is my solemn responsibility to maintain an accurate record of your daily activities, Captain,] Void Archives replied, its mechanical voice laced with pride and a hint of smugness.
That's almost creepy. Noah let out a low breath and gave a small laugh. "Was it… the same day my Master left?"
[Correct,] Void Archives confirmed. [That was the last time anyone reached you. I would even argue you've grown mildly conceited since.]
"Haaaa… what you said somewhat makes sense," Noah exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his hair. "So what do you think I should do next?"
[Simply, show them how much stronger you are,] Void Archives replied in its usual dry tone. [Stop holding back.]
The room went completely silent. Those watching on the broadcast held their breath.
[You always use only the appropriate amount of force, depending on the situation. Logic: 'Why use a plasma sword to cut butter,' as you often say.] Void Archives continued, its tone increasingly blunt. [In every battle, you calculate the bare minimum strength required to subdue your opponents. You never fight at full capacity. That includes this match.]
Grimaces spread across the room.
"…Does that mean," Touya muttered, "he's only matching us…?"
Even the audience flinched. All this struggle, the desperate last stand, and it still wasn't enough to force Noah beyond the threshold.
"So…" Noah said, his voice dropping a note lower. "you want me to go all out?"
[Correct. Show the universe your current full strength. Right now, at this moment, let them witness it.] Void Archives answered plainly. [Suggestion: activate the Seventh Divine Key and release yourself imposed limiters, Captain. They have shown that they have the strength to hit you, so they deserve to fight you at your real strength.]
Noah took a deep breath, eyes scanning the battlefield, then turned toward Masha, who was kneeling beside the unconscious Amane.
"Masha… could you heal these four?" he asked gently, gesturing toward the exhausted Mahiru, Touya, Koutaro, and Ayato.
"Eh?! O-okay!" Masha blinked, startled but quickly nodded. She raised her hands, pinkish star light spreading around her as prana gathered. A warm wave of healing magic surged through the area healing wounds, restoring stamina, and even rejuvenating them on a spiritual level.
Little by little, the four felt strength returning. Mahiru blinked up at the sky. Touya cracked his neck. Ayato stood upright. Koutaro flexed his arm with a look of surprise.
"…I feel like I just took a dip in a hot spring," Koutaro mumbled.
Even Amane woke with a groggy groan, opening one eye. "Mmm… why does everything hurt less…?"
"It's done," Masha said softly, lowering her hands. Her shoulders sagged a little from the effort.
"Thank you, Maa-chan," Noah said, sending her a soft smile.
"Uhmm....but Noah-kun..please don't be too hard on them ok?" Masha answered.
Nodding to her, he turned toward the others who had been eliminated earlier.
"To all of you," he called out, "if you still have the will to fight, to then stand and support them. Please join once more. This time, I won't be holding back."
There wasn't a moment of hesitation.
The girls around Koutaro immediately stepped forward, armed and taking formation beside him.
"You girls…" Koutaro's voice caught for a second, surprised but moved.
"Hmph! Don't think we'll let you charge alone!" Theia declared with a confident grin.
"Satomi-kun, like we always said, we're with you, in every battle, every step," Harumi added warmly.
The rest nodded in silent solidarity, their eyes burning with resolve. Their unspoken message was clear: We're here. Always.
Prana burst around Yuuya's body like a wildfire as he stepped forward. The light engulfed him completely—and when it faded, the short, chubby frame was gone. Standing in his place was a tall, confident figure with eyes burning with determination.
"SUPER YUUYA HAS ARRIVED!!" Minami screamed from the commentary booth, practically leaping from her chair. She looked around wildly for her best friend. "Kaori?! Kaori, where are you—"
Nahida and Chitose wordlessly pointed down.
Minami followed their gesture and froze. There, right beside the newly transformed Yuuya, stood Kaori—her hair fluttering in the swirling prana, her eyes calm and resolved.
"KAORI YOU TRAITOR!! You ditched me for sparkles again!!" Minami wailed.
Kaori didn't even look back. "Yuuya's going all out. I'm not letting him face this alone."
"So… this is the final match, huh?" Hayate murmured, brushing imaginary dust off his pristine butler uniform. He walked forward with poise.
"Hmph. Doesn't matter to me," Athena said, arms crossed, stepping beside him. "Noah got hit. That's already a win in my book."
They took their place beside Kaori and Yuuya, silent understanding shared between them. The final round was about to begin and they were all ready to leave their mark.
"Amane-kun, are you okay?" Mahiru asked gently as Amane stumbled beside her, rubbing his temples.
"Ahh, I think so?" Amane blinked a few times. "I don't really remember what happened after Senpai punched through my barrier like paper…"
"You were out for a while," Mahiru chuckled, relieved.
Julis approached Ayato with a slight grin. "Ready to stand again, Ayato?"
Saya chimed in from beside them. "Ayato, you can now officially brag, you lasted until the end against Alden-Senpai."
"Ahaha… maybe," Ayato gave a weak laugh. "Though knowing he was still holding back kinda kills the bragging rights."
Just then, Noah turned his gaze toward a familiar figure nearby. "…Grandpa…" he murmured.
Standing beside Touya, Caelus Alden met his grandson's eyes with a solemn expression. "You've all grown strong. Truly…" he said with a deep sigh, voice thick with pride.
His mind wandered; he remembered how Mahiru had called upon Jue's Sunlights, how Touya invoked the power of the sun and forged countless weapons in the heat of battle. In that moment, he swore he could see a faint image of Hotaru standing behind them, proud and ever watchful.
"Grandpa…" Mahiru and Touya whispered in unison, their voices filled with emotion.
"Then my eldest grandchild… will you show this old man your own sun?" Caelus asked, his voice both proud and challenging. He slowly untucked the katana at his waist. The weapon that had shared half his life, once gifted by the Samuel family, and wielded through the fires of the civil war.
Noah didn't answer at first. His gaze locked with Caelus, and then, without a word, he lifted his hand.
A golden cube burst into existence, floating just above his palm.
"VA," Noah said softly, yet the words carried across the field. "Mimic the Seventh Divine Key—Judgement of Shamash."
[Order received,] Void Archives replied. [Initiating mimicry of the Seventh Divine Key, the Key of Destruction. Warning: Brace for heat signatures exceeding previous thresholds.]
Gasps broke out. Even the most hardened fighters tensed.
Caelus gave a faint grin as he raised his katana. "Let's see if the sun you've chosen to carry… can set the seas ablaze."
The golden cube transformed and expanded, taking the shape of a massive greatsword. The instant Noah wrapped his fingers around its hilt, the air ignited. Waves of blazing heat exploded outward, so intense the ground beneath his feet sizzled and cracked.
Far beyond the flames of Mahiru's Jue's sunflare. More overwhelming than the full brunt of Touya's Sun forge. This was different: it was unfiltered, raw, primal.
The crowd instinctively backed away, raising barriers, fanning sweat from their brows. Even Caelus took a half-step back, eyes narrowing.
Touya gritted his teeth. "This heat… it's crushing…"
Mahiru shielded her eyes. "I can barely breathe in it!"
Noah's expression didn't waver. His voice spread clearly.
"Zeroth Power: Might of An Utu."
With one sweeping slash, a blade of searing force surged forward like a tidal wave of molten fire. The shockwave hit Touya and the others like a hammer of flame, knocking them to their knees.
Everyone who is now facing the true might of Noah is sweating not just from the heat but also from the pressure.
"Such power!"
"..... is this even legal?!"
"HE'S NOT EVEN SWEATING!! AND WHY DOES HE MAKE IT LOOK SO COOL!!"
"...So this is the true full power of this Generation's Strongest Alden..."
"Forget the final boss. This is secret boss level!"
------
[SYSTEM WARNING]
PROCESSOR CORE TEMP CRITICAL – 98°C AND RISING
HEATSINK OVERLOAD DETECTED – COOLING SYSTEM WORKING AT MAXIMUM OUTPUT
CIRCUIT VOLTAGE SURGE – 130% THRESHOLD EXCEEDED
MOTHERBOARD STABILITY: DEGRADED
VRM MODULES OVERHEATING – DAMAGE IMMINENT
[ERROR: SYSTEM INTEGRITY COMPROMISED]
SIMULATION STABILITY: COLLAPSING
NEURAL THREADS DESYNC – FRAME SKIP DETECTED
LOGIC CORE OVERCLOCKED – FAILSAFE IGNITION IMMINENT
[INITIATING EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN]
ERROR: SHUTDOWN FAILED
ERROR: SHUTDOWN FAILED
ERROR: SHUTDOWN FAILED
CONSEQUENCE: UNDEFINED
OUTCOME: BEYOND CONTROL
----
In a blink, Caelus vanished, reappearing right in front of Noah, his stance in a perfect Iai form. Trails of flame and blazing afterimages circled around Noah, each movement leaving streaks like falling meteors.
"Meteor Arts: Asura," Caelus murmured. The moment his katana left the sheath, the fiery clones of his motion moved in synchronized strikes toward Noah in a swift, relentless, almost impossible to follow.
But Noah didn't flinch. He simply stepped forward and swung Shamash once. The golden greatsword met Caelus's blade with a deafening clash. In an instant, the afterimages dissolved, consumed by the overwhelming heat radiating from Shamash. Caelus skidded back, barely keeping his footing.
Then came barrage beams from cannons, spell shots, railguns fired from the sidelines, all aimed at Noah. But none of them reached. The moment they approached, they turned to ash in midair, incinerated before making contact.
Noah exhaled and gripped Shamash with both hands. With a downward slash, a sweeping arc of blinding solar flare erupted from the blade, carving through the battlefield like a tidal wave of burning light.
Theia, Clan, Ruth, Harumi, Yurika, Maki, Athena, and Amane immediately moved, erecting a multi-layered barrier reinforced with different elemental spells and amplifiers. Yet the moment Noah's flare collided with it, the shield shattered like fragile glass.
The AI systems of Clan, Theia, and Ruth simultaneously gave warnings.
[Warning—distortion field failure. Barrier generators offline.]
"Impossible!" Clan gasped.
"Our distortion field was compromised in one hit!" Ruth shouted.
"Even the anti-elemental barriers are gone?!" Harumi staggered back.
"No way… that was a joint defense!" Maki added, sweat on her brow.
The flare continued to surge forward, unhindered.
Noah stood as golden flames circling him. His irises, once purple-ish gray, now blazed like miniature suns, evidence of the inherited Sun being used, similar to how Mahiru and Touya eyes change when they use their own Suns.
Ayato charged forward, Ser-Veresta moved in arc. But Noah didn't move, didn't even brace. He simply raised Shamash and met the strike head-on.
The two blades collided with a violent eruption of heat and pressure. Sparks flew, a vortex of flames swirling outward from the impact. Ayato grit his teeth, but within seconds, he staggered back, breath ragged.
"Too hot… can't hold it…!" he gasped, burns forming along his arms despite his defenses.
"AYATO!!" Julis and Saya rushed to his side, the smell of scorched fabric and flesh in the air.
"I'm fine, just… feel like a steak on a grill," Ayato managed through a pained grimace.
Without missing a beat, Yuuya, Hayate, and Koutaro stepped into the fray.
"I'll cool things down a bit," Hayate muttered, adjusting his gloves.
"Doubt it'll help, but I'm not letting him walk through us," Yuuya said with a sharp inhale.
Koutaro took point, magic brimming around Signaltin's edge. "Let's go, together. Don't falter!"
Noah's stance no longer passive, no longer on the defensive. Every swing of Shamash unleashed burning arcs of solar flame, so intense the ground melted. Koutaro, Yuuya, and Hayate could barely keep up, their coordinated movements failing under the overwhelming heat and pressure. Every slash from Noah forced them back, the heat burning through barriers. Signaltin's magic moves around Koutaro protectively, struggling to shield him from the sheer intensity of the solar onslaught.
Then, once again, Caelus stepped forward. He met Noah head-on, and their blades clashed in a breathtaking storm of flame and sparks. The floor beneath them melted under the pressure, becoming a glowing pool of magma. Noah's power burned brighter, hotter but Caelus's technique, honed through decades of war, countered with precision and timing. His sword danced between strikes, deflecting blows that could level mountains.
Despite his advantage in raw strength, Noah was slowly pushed back by his grandfather's refined mastery. Gritting his teeth, he pushed more power into Shamash, the blade glowing brighter.
That was when Touya joined the fray.
His own Sun lit up around him as he forge sun-charged blades from every angle. They tore through the air with speed and reach beyond any spell or projectile used earlier, converging on Noah from all sides.
But the very moment the blades got near the heat Noah radiated, they melted and burned like when anything was thrown in the forge..
Touya's eyes widened in disbelief. "They... melted before contact?!"
Caelus gave a short chuckle, he held his blade tightly. ".....Welcome to the heart of a star."
Sunlight beams rained down on Noah, but this time, he didn't defend against it. Instead, with both hands holding the hilt of Shamash, he spun using the momentum to launch his own attack. The Solarflare flew upward colliding with the sunbeams. The beams weren't able to do anything, the momentum of Noah's attack didn't stop.
Jue immediately glides forward, shielding Mahiru with her full form. The flare slammed into her with scorching intensity, and for the first time, the avatar of the sun screamed. Noah's solar flare overwhelmed her defenses.
Amane's protective barrier around Mahiru shattered from shockwave, unable to endure the collateral force. Mahiru dropped on the ground, only to find herself beside Touya who had instinctively pulled her away before the flare fully connected.
"Jue!" Mahiru gasped, eyes wide as she watched her patronus burn.
Noah lifted Shamash overhead. Flames spiraled around him, changing hue. What once golden orange turned yellow to white, and then into dangerous shades of blue. The simulation's heat readings skyrocketed.
Touya's breathing grew shallow. "This...!"
The sword in Noah's hands breath like a living star, demanding to be unleashed.
"Your Highness!! Satomi-sama!! This is bad!!!! The temperature's still rising!!" Ruth shouted, her voice laced with panic.
"His sword's energy output… it's nearly equivalent to a supernova!" Clan cried out, her screens flashing red warnings.
"What?!" Theia's eyes widened in disbelief. Even the others nearby froze, jaws slack. A greatsword capable of supernova-level heat… wielded by Noah Alden.
"That idiot! Does he plan on frying everyone here?!" Koutaro growled, shielding his eyes from the blistering heat.
"Jue—protect everyone!" Mahiru commanded, stepping forward, arms raised as she called Jue.
Caelus sighed, pulling his katana free. "Haa… this kid… even with me standing right here, launching a supernova? That's going too far."
Prana surged into his blade, warping it before transforming into a Flaming lance that blaze like a molten sun.
"All of you, behind me! Now!" Caelus barked.
Without hesitation, the frontline fighters rushed behind him. Planting the lance into the ground, Caelus raised his voice.
"Meteor Arts: Ever-Burning Amber."
A golden amber sun formed before them radiating warmth, shielding everyone from the unrelenting wave of Noah's rising heat.
Noah breathed a silent relief as his grandfather summoned his strongest shield. the legendary Ever-Burning Amber. The radiant sun-like barrier shines with sacred heat, deflecting even the rising solar winds that raged from Shamash. Noah adjusted his grip, both hands tightening around the greatsword.
"Shamash... Unlea—"
But before he could finish the command, before the blazing sword could ignite its full wrath—Noah vanished.
Even Nahida was gone from the commentary booth.
The simulation room turned dark.
Power was cut entirely. The emergency lights blinked to life in the silent stadium.
"Ehh?" someone muttered in confusion.
"EHHHHHHHHHHH?!?!?!?!?!"