Super Robot Wars/Z3.R/Story Summary

Credit to Chen Gong

Source: https://pastebin.com/5NFHwEUP

Notes

• Dimensional Energy - Henceforth D-Energy, alternatively known as "Origin Law", "primordial power" or "the Great Power" depending on who's talking. The power of Hakai and Saisei that allows the control of all phenomena and causality, derived from the manipulation of the spiritual quanta comprising all things in response to the will of all things. In other words, plot magic.
• ZONE - Giant apertures made of DEC (dimensional energy crystal) designed to siphon the D-Energy from planets. A forbidden technology that Insalaum used during their invasion of Earth, since Earth is the special snowflake planet with oodles of the stuff. When ZONEs overload, they're able to reduce the planet they're on to a lifeless husk hence why people freak out about Leylines.
• Kravia - Given the celestial naming theme that Sidereal's got going on, I'm guessing her name derives from an alternate name for the star δ Scorpii called Iclarkrav. Whatever the case, it's not Claudia.
• Girtar, Sardias - The blue haired guy with the really ugly face, and the silly old ginger haired guy voiced by Okiayu. Probably named for the stars ξ Scorpii (Girtab) and θ Scorpii (Sargas). The unit they're members of, Antares, is an alternate name for α Scorpii.

Stage 1

While our heroes were off making merry in Time's Prison, another tale was unfolding on the Green Earth.

Advent and his right-hand man Blue arrive via a dimensional transference, with Blue expressing surprise that Advent's Asclepus was capable of penetrating the barrier of Time's Prison. Advent notes the emerald green ocean and comments that if the Earth currently trapped in Time's Prison is the Blue (蒼) Earth, then this would be the Green (翠) Earth. Advent tells Blue that here, they are beyond the prying eyes of Geminis and the Chrono conservatives, and therefore he doesn't need to camouflage his unit which reverts to its original colour. Blue comments to himself that the Chrono reformationists were basically finished with the death of Elgan Laudic, but Advent showed up out of the blue with the mass produced Asclepus. He starts to wonder what the deal is with Advent, when the latter states that he's sure that Blue is unnerved, but he would like Blue to trust him. Blue starts to wonder why they've come here, when suddenly a bunch of Demon-type units appear. Blue wonders how Geminis made it here, but Advent corrects him that they're aligned with Sidereal. Blue starts to ask but Advent merely replies that Geminis is a single force under the banner of Sidereal, and that they're going to have to fight.

The enemy force numbers six Demons and two Angeloi. The former have 3700 HP, while the latter have 5600 HP. The allied force consists of Advent's Asclepus and Blue's mass-produced knockoff. The SR point is to clear the map within 3 turns, making sure that Advent scores at least five of the eight kills. After the battle, Blue starts to ask Advent what exactly Sidereal is, but Advent deflects with a useless answer. "They are the enemy of us, the Chrono reformationists". In other words, they distort the proper evolution of Man.

Blue is surprised to hear that Sidereal already controls the Green Earth. But rather than having a centralized command structure like a world government, they instead established a system of control by defeating everybody who could fight back. Blue asks if they're aliens, Advent explains that they're an organisation formed from many different races and could be thought of as a sort of Interstellar Alliance. Blue wonders what interest they have in a backwater planet like Earth, and what Geminis plans to do. Advent merely tells him that it's time for them to go. Blue asks what they intend to do, and Advent states that they're going on a hunting trip to crush Sidereal. Left to their own devices, they pose a threat to the Blue Earth. Blue is flabbergasted that they're going to try and take Sidereal on with just the two of them, but Advent reassures him by saying that others who share their fate have come to the Green Earth as well. The warriors called Sphere Reactors, in fact...

Stage 2

In the bombed out ruins of some unknown city, members of a Resistance movement talk amongst themselves. The situation looks bleak. The enemy has penetrated the last defensive line, and the defenders in the city have little left to throw at the enemy. The older member sighs, commenting that this wasn't a fight he expected them to win. A rag-tag band of fighters, with no real organizational structure and dragged from different worlds up against some kind of transdimensional military force. He comments that if they were ZEUTH, they might be able to rally for a second wind. The younger member's unfamiliar with the term, with the older member describing them as a band of warriors who fight the good fight. Heroes who lay low the would-be tyrants who seek to rule the world from the shadows. The younger member comments that they sound like ZEXIS from his own world. The older member looks wistfully at the sky and comments that no matter what world, there's always heroes to be found.

That said, there's nothing for it. If they're going to protect the people against the enemy, they're likely going to have to lay down their lives to do it. But a voice chides them, telling them not to throw their lives away. Setsuko appears, having returned from the broken defensive line. The older man shrugs, stating that what comes next is the real gamble, with the lives on the table. Setsuko tells him that she'll be the one to take that role. The older man starts to protest but Setsuko explains that the enemy will prioritize her, giving the others opportunity to move. Before he can say anything else, the enemy arrives and Setsuko gets ready to scramble.

The Sidereal Demons transfer in, with the younger Resistance member commenting that they're fewer in number than he was expected. The older man pulls a face, saying that they're just the vanguard - the main force will be soon to follow, along with "Him". The youngest member comments that no matter who she's up against, Setsuko's sure to win... right? The old veteran shakes his head. Her skills are top notch for sure, but she's stuck piloting an underpowered Eycros. He apologizes, but Setsuko cheerfully replies that she has no intention of dying and will see him up ahead.

A line in the sand is painted around the city, where defeat will result if an enemy unit crosses it. The enemy numbers six Demons. Setsuko pilots a customized Eycros painted in her colours, as a symbol of hope for the Resistance. Notably, the cut-in for the Eycros' Plasma Launcher Full Burst actually shows off Setsuko's legs. The SR point is to clear the map in four turns.

True to her expectations, the Demons prioritize her and are picked off easily. The Resistance takes heart at this, but the older man reminds them that "He" has still yet to show himself. And no sooner than he says this, enemy reinforcements appear. The aforementioned "Him" appears in the form of Girtar, a man who appears to have fallen out of the ugly tree and hit every branch face-first on the way down. With an almost bored manner, he asks Setsuko if they can just skip to the part where she surrenders. When Setsuko tells him to sod off, he reveals that he's taken hostages to see if she doesn't change her tune. He comments that this kind of old-fashioned negotiation tactic ill-suits him, but it seems to work wonders on humans. The Resistance yell expletives at him, but he promises that he'll return the hostage unharmed and even allow the Resistance to go free if Setsuko surrenders. Setsuko moves closer to him, but doesn't respond. Girtar wonders aloud if she's stalling for time, and threatens the hostage.

But before he can do anything, he's sniped from afar and his portrait somehow becomes even uglier. Advent and Blue appear, with Advent yelling that Setsuko's chance has come. Setsuko severs the arm of Girtar's unit and secures the hostage, bringing the child to a safe place. Setsuko is rather taken aback at the arrival of Advent, who addresses her as the Sorrowful Maiden and assures her that he's here to help. Before she can reply, he continues that he knows what she wants to ask, but now's not the time. Girtar furiously yells that he won't forget this disgrace and buggers off, but not before ordering his subordinates to kill everyone. Setsuko yells for the Resistance members to get a move on with evacuating the civilians while she and Advent hold down the fort.

Girtar's special forces Angeloi are slightly beefier than the ordinary version, with 6100 HP. The pilots are also, notably, complete sociopaths who almost foam at the mouth when you hit them. They scream about how much they hate the world and how they'll pay you back threefold for the pain you inflict on them. Setsuko comments on how she gets an unsettling feeling from them when attacking.

Once the basket cases are burning wrecks falling from the sky, Blue comments that the civies have been safely evacuated. Advent notes that they should get out of Dodge before the main enemy force arrives. Setsuko stops him and starts to ask a question, but Advent once again appears to predict what she's going to say. She's wondering why he took the shot even though the enemy had a hostage. Advent replies that he had absolute confidence that the boy would come to no harm, and that's exactly what transpired. Setsuko doesn't reply, merely giving Advent a calculating look. Blue reminds them they need to scarper.

Elsewhere, Advent introduces himself and Blue. Setsuko thanks him for his help, and Advent replies that he's pleased to finally meet the Sorrowful Maiden. Before she can ask how he knows that name, he again tells her that he's another person bewitched by the Spheres. She asks if he's a Sphere Reactor, but he instead asks in turn where the unit carrying the Sphere is. She replies that she got separated from it during the spacetime quake that brought her here. Advent tells her not to worry. If she joins them on their journey, she's sure to encounter her beloved machine along the way. A journey to defeat Sidereal and secure mankind's future. He invites her along, but she says nothing...

Stage 3

Advent's fabulous road trip to smash Sidereal continues, with Blue as his only roadie. Advent tells his subordinate not to worry, since she'll come around to joining them in due time. Blue wonders if that's the case since she simultaneously expressed distaste in Advent's methods, and is also the core member of the local resistance. Advent merely replies that she's smart enough to realize that their little game of cops and robbers will never secure any real victories. Moreover, she's fated to walk the same road as himself. And no sooner does he say this, but Setsuko appears. Advent states that he's off to prepare them for departure, and has the two of them stick around. Blue asks if she's alright leaving the Resistance on their own, and she replies that now that Sidereal's captured the city, they won't pursue very far. Their overall strategy is focused around securing and protecting the Leylines, which appear to be arteries of dimensional energy that Sidereal is keen on guarding. As their strategy revolves around the Leylines their movements are fairly predictable, but they outgun everybody. Blue explains a bit about Chrono - namely that the organization is structured in such a way that members don't know each other's identities. Even he, as Advent's subordinate, knows basically nothing about his boss. This gives Setsuko pause briefly, but she says that she'll believe in Advent's words. She thinks to herself that Advent seems oddly familiar for some reason, as though she's heard of him before...

At another Resistance camp, a man yells in frustration at their predicament. He's champing at the bit to show his stuff to Sidereal, even if it means riding to his death in a piece of junk robot. An elderly man tells him to chill the hell out, they've got a skilled helper coming. And he's a mechanic, no less. But before this mysterious helper arrives, Sidereal begins the attack.

The male Resistance member seems a bit overeager, yelling about how he'll be the final spark of man's defiance. Girtar introduces himself and immediately opens fire on the Resistance. The hot-blooded man yells for his compatriots to hold the fort for the mechanic to come. Girtar's forces close in around the Resistance, ready to tie the noose. But when all hope seems lost, Land appears on the scene in a piece of junk. He introduces himself as Land Travis, otherwise known as The Heat. The female Resistance member immediately dismisses him as being too fired up. Girtar guffaws at the notion that a single unit might constitute reinforcements. His laugh is cut short when Land charges down the enemy vanguard and smashes them into bits. Land introduces himself to Girtar as being a repairman, but Girtar angrily points out that all he's done so far is break stuff. The old Resistance member thinks to himself ("Nice!"). Girtar continues that The Heat is an ill-fitting nickname, and that The Crusher would work better. This proves to be the berserk button that causes Land Crasher to start playing. The old man asks Land if they can leave things to him, and Land replies that's fine. He's going to get a bit... discourteous with their guest. The old man recites a sutra for poor Girtar, who said that which he should not have.

Girtar laughs as the Resistance pulls out, interpreting it as them abandoning Land. He tells "The Crusher" that he'll teach him the difference in their powers thoroughly. Land's spirit flares up even more, and he yells that Mer isn't here today so he can play as roughly as he likes. Land's unit is a customized Lanbolt called the Lanbolt Leon. The enemy forces consist primarily of a new enemy type called the Barrelant, four Eycros, and Girtar in an appropriately ugly robot called the Shaulas. The SR point is to destroy the Shaulas, who retreats when his HP drops below 5000.

After you destroy a few of the enemy units, Girtar insults Land once again by calling him The Crusher. Land gets even more angry, and Girtar tells him to look at reality - he's completely outgunned. But is he? At that moment, Advent's ska band arrive to save the day. Setsuko is shocked to see Girtar here, with Advent quipping that his meritorious deeds of protecting the Leylines earned him a promotion. Girtar brags that he's been made the commander of the entire continent's clean-up forces. Setsuko expresses disgust that a person like him was made a commander. Land is shocked to hear Setsuko's voice, and she in turn asks him where Ganleon and Mer are. Land delivers a Heat Smile and declares that they're lost, and Setsuko groans. This prompts Blue to ask if she's alright, and she simply mumbles that Land's incessant fervor just made him a bit dizzy. Advent comments that he'd expect nothing less from the Wounded Lion. Land rolls up his sleeves, stating that need to hurry up and put Girtar's lights out so he can get back to work. Girtar doesn't even know how to reply to this, instead just spluttering. Land yells for Setsuko to lend him a hand in turning Girtar into scrap.

When Girtar engages Land, he starts to deliver a villainous monologue but Land just talks over him. When Girtar angrily tries to make himself heard, Land just yells for him to shut up. When he engages Setsuko, he tries to get a rise out of her with taunts, and when she shuts him down, changes gears and attempts to intimidate her. When he's blown to bits, he attempts to save face by claiming he was only here to exchange pleasantries. He runs off, leaving Land roaring that he hasn't punched Girtar enough to be satisfied.

After the battle, Advent explains a bit about himself, but claims he's limited in what he can divulge. Land shrugs, saying that everybody's got their own secrets. Advent asks Land to join their jou- "Sure thing". He agrees before Advent even finishes asking, stating that he's keen to start breaking some Sidereal skulls. Blue asks if he's sure, it's kind of a big decision, especially since he knows nothing about them. Land seems fine with it, pointing out that if Setsuko trusts them enough to go with them, they're good enough for him. Besides, he might find Ganleon and/or Mer. Blue thinks to himself that Land's surprisingly more clear-headed than he would have expected. Advent chides him again, reminding him once more not to judge a book by its cover. Land doesn't miss a beat though, and shakes the hands of his new traveling partners. Advent rises to the occasion by producing cold beer out of nowhere so they can drink to the occasion. In an instant, the beer is gone though, and the sound of swallowing is clearly heard. Off to the side, Setsuko notices that Land is acting a bit strangely around Advent and wonders if he's getting weird vibes too. She wonders if he's a Reactor too, and if so, if he's here for their Spheres...

Stage 4

Team Advent finish up their lunch, made up by Blue, who is apparently a professional chef on the side. Land asks Advent about where they came from and what they're here to do. And furthermore, how did they manage to get here in the first. Advent isn't quite sure how to reply, with Setsuko stating that they'd just like a little bit of information now that they're comrades. Advent explains a bit about how the Blue Earth and Green Earths were originally one. The Genesis Spacetime Quake not only combined UCW and ADW, but then split the fused world back in two separate but different parts. Therefore, Advent's goal in all this is to defeat Sidereal who is both responsible for the Genesis Quake, but also trapping the the Blue Earth in Time's Prison. Setsuko and Land demand to know how Advent got here, considering how the Blue Earth is isolated in space and time.

Advent explains that his Asclepus has an (albeit limited) dimensional jump capability. He's made multiple solo incursions into the Green Earth to check things out so as to figure out how to save the Blue Earth. Land asks him again if he's a Sphere Reactor, with Advent deflecting once again by saying that answer will have to wait. He wants them to meet up with the third Reactor first.

Elsewhere, the Resistance is being bullied by Sidereal as usual. They get a call from a mysterious figure offering to help them out, but the Resistance fighter tells him to sod off, saying they don't need help from a miserly bastard like him. The mystery figure retorts by saying that he's not running a charity but he'll help them out for 10% off his usual rate. The Resistance fighter stops in the middle of battle to haggle with the stranger, with the mystery man becoming increasingly desperate and offering 20, no 30% off! The Resistance member is attacked by a Demon, and the mystery man shoots it down from afar. The man is, of course, revealed to be Crow who assures the Resistance that he did that kill pro bono. The Resistance man angrily says that if he thinks his talents are worth the price he's charging, he should be able to take the enemy out alone and leave. Crow sighs that, as per usual, his luck's come up snake eyes. However if he clears the field himself, he'll probably be able to negotiate a lucrative contract.

The initial enemy force is an unimpressive display of four Demons, while Crow has a tuned Axio Nightbird with decent stats. After you kill three of the enemy units, reinforcements arrive in the form of... the Firebugs. They see Crow's unit and mistake him for an ally, an error he's quick to correct by shooting at them. They claim that he can at least hear them out after all the horror's they've been through, having lost their princess and getting sucked into random spacetime quakes. To survive, they had to become mercenaries. Crow doesn't need to hear the rest, they're working for Sidereal. They attempt to convince him to join up with them, rationalizing that while he's skilled, he's just one man. And Sidereal has an excellent benefits package. Crow hesitates for a moment, but declares firmly that he won't go back to them. They reply that desertion is a capital offence in the Firebugs, and that they're going to lynch him now. Crow bristles at this, stating that the only one who gets to decide what the weight of the scales is him.

The Firebugs number six, their Axio Burglars who have 5500 HP and appear to be held together by duct tape and forlorn hopes. On the third turn, Team Advent arrive to assist. At first they think the Firebugs had a falling out, but Crow sets the record straight. He asks them to help out, and Advent replies that since Firebug's thrown their lot in with Sidereal, they'd be glad to. Crow immediately takes to Advent being quick on the uptake. Firebug yells that this is unfair since they can't gang up and lynch him anymore, and Crow responds that he's gained a new power. Setsuko asks if it's debt, and Land nods sagely, stating that's definitely where Crow gets his power from. Crow angrily snaps that it's not debt, but friends. Advent comments that he and "her" had been looking for Crow, the man whose will never wavers regardless of time or place. The SR point is to clear the map in five turns with at least one allied unit scoring more than five kills.

When the Firebug's hearts have been broken once more, Crow does a victory dance, having surely secured a contract with the Resistance. Land gives Crow a look of disgust, and Crow replies with "right back at ya". They both laugh. Advent brings Crow crashing back to reality, telling him that he was working for free the whole time. But before Crow can slip into despair, Advent offers him a seat on the crazy bus.

Crow receives the usual moonlight debriefing session. Much like Land, Crow doesn't need much explanation to be on board, citing his intuition. But Setsuko questions his intuition, given the number of times that Traia managed to lure him into a trap and saddle him with more debt. Crow comments that Traia's existence transcends pedestrian concepts such as intuition. Land tells Setsuko to lay off, saying that everybody has somebody who puts them in their place. Setsuko nods sagely, since he always shuts up whenever Mer gets upset. Crow asks Advent how he's familiar with Traia, with the latter replying that he's been consulting with her on a means to break Time's Prison. Advent explains that she also told him about the 1,000,000 G debt she stuck him with for the CDS. Setsuko is surprised that he hasn't paid that back yet, with Crow sheepishly pointing out that a million G is a lot of money. The ZEUTH team buggered off back to UCW via the Abyss that Im's shenanigans left behind, while he was stuck as a DM Buster with no DMs to bust. They ask why he wasn't in the Li-Brasta when the Quake hit and he quietly replies that it's because piloting it makes his debt increase. Land and Setsuko are surprised by this, evidently unaware of the sinister true nature of the CDS. So he's been working hard over here, so that when he returns to the Blue Earth, he'll be able to pay Traia off in full. Advent promises to help Crow achieve financial solvency once Sidereal's been defeated. Crow is pensive about this, having been tricked before (by Im), but Advent claims that he never tells lies. And now that the gang's all gathered, Land asks again: is Advent a Sphere Reactor?

After a protracted pause, Advent replies "If by Reactor, you mean someone who can draw power from the Spheres named for the Twelve Zodiac constellations, then no I am not." Crow points out that this was an oddly specific way to reply, and Advent apologizes. There are things he doesn't understand about the Asclepus in the same way that there are parts they don't understand about their Spheres. His Asclepus can apparently detect the presence of Sphere Reactors, which is why he sought them out. And their next objective is Sidereal's Sphere Research Facility...

Stage 5

The scene opens at Sidereal's Sphere Research Facility which has a 2D map with a trippy rotating satellite dish. An alarm sounds, and a squadron is sent to dispose of the intruders. A couple of Sidereal members engage in idle chat about those dang Resistances always making mischief. A pair of nutjobs from the Special Forces show up and tell the grunts that there is no cause for alarm. If the worse comes to pass, they'll just use "that". The grunts shudder at the prospect of "that". Team Advent arrives, with the Resistance helping them out by launching diversions in perimeter areas. Advent relates to us the nicknames that each of the protagonists earned from the Resistances: Setsuko = The Ace of Area 35 Land = The Wandering Repairman Crow = That One Really Skilled Guy Who Never Shuts Up About Money

Girtar's sociopath squadron shows up as a welcoming committee, and Advent advises caution. There's no telling what kind of wacky experiments Sidereal has ready to throw at the team. Land advocates leveling the base to the ground, causing Setsuko and Crow to simultaneously (and silently) comment on why people call him The Crusher. Meanwhile in a building on the far side of the base, a shadowy figure looks at Advent's unit and shouts that she's found her inspiration.

The enemy defences consist of six Barrelants and four SpecOps psychos in their blue Angelois. The nutters are slightly beefier than their last appearance with 7100 HP. The SR point is to clear the field in four turns. When Advent engages the lunatics in combat, he comments that their higher reason has been stripped bare, leaving nothing but unfettered hatred. He also seems to know the cause, but doesn't elaborate. Conversely, Setsuko comments that she can sense hatred from them, but has no idea why he can.

Once the crazies are dead, the Sidereal grunts from earlier panic. They decide to activate "that" now that the SpecOps force was routed. Something looking like a ship takes off and retreats off the edge of the map. Before anybody can figure what just happened, enemy reinforcements appear. They appear to be garden variety Angeloi until they start indiscriminately attacking both Team Advent and the surrounding base. Crow wonders what the hell they're playing at, but Advent grimly states that they're not likely to understand. He relays cockpit data to the other units, revealing the pilots of the units to be green... things called Insects. Crow wonders if they're aliens but Advent replies that it's more likely that they're more likely modified humans. By splicing in the aggression and hive structure of interstellar insects, they created humanoid weapons. And that ship that fled earlier was the human personnel of the base evacuating, since the Insects are incomplete. Land groans that he's a bit old for bug-catching.

The Insects aren't really any more of a threat than the crazy SpecOps members and are soon squashed. The protagonists come to a realization that Sidereal are even more dangerous than they had thought with these new revelations. Team Advent scope out the inside of the base, wary of any other surprises that might have been left behind. They round a corner and run into a woman with violet hair, who yells for them not to shoot. When Crow states that it's up to her whether they shoot or not, she looks like she's about to cry. She identifies herself as Kravia Argo (no, クラヴィア is not Claudia), and seems to know Crow and Land. Land briefly wonders if they're celebrities without even knowing it.

Out in the hallway, Blue stayed behind with Setsuko, who seems a bit nervous. A figure stumbles out of a shadow, and when asked to identify himself, mumbles that he has no idea...

Stage 6

Team Advent continue to investigate the laboratory, with Kravia continually apologizing like a Japanese schoolgirl and the amnesiac man saying nothing. Crow wonders if Advent'll actually be able to get information out of Kravia, since she works for Sidereal. Kravia sighs wistfully at this, stating that the Swaying Scales' way of always speaking his mind is wonderful. Crow asks if she didn't catch the shuttle in time, and she says that it's more that she was left behind. But she's not depressed about that whatsoever. In fact, she cheerfully says that she'll be happy to continue her research under Team Advent's watchful eye.

When Crow tries to explain that she works for the enemy, she says he shouldn't worry too much about that. She was... forcibly recruited from her home planet about a year ago. But that's no big deal, since she's so happy to meet the three marked Reactors that she could faint. Setsuko thinks she might be able to help them understand their Spheres more, but Crow passes. He's had enough dealings with mad scientists as is. Kravia starts to cry, and Crow relents. She's so happy, she offers to kiss his boots. Land whispers that she might not be all there in the head, and Crow nods in assent. Advent invites her along to join Team Advent, with Crow being ill-at-ease about the idea.

The topic turns to what to do with the handsome amnesiac. He doesn't know his name or anything else, and Crow asks Kravia if she knows anything about him. She doesn't, since that was a different section from hers. She immediately breaks down again and begs him not to abandon her. Before they can figure out what to do with ???, Blue rings up and delivers some odd news. Sidereal appears to be infighting among themselves nearby.

A man named Sardias, piloting a Shaulas similar to the one that Girtar pilots, is fending off attacks from a group of the insane SpecOps pilots. From their dialogue, it seems clear that Sardias betrayed Sidereal and is now going to be killed. Sardias flags down Team Advent and requests assistance. He introduces himself as Sardias Aksu, and Land immediately decides to shorten it to Saru (monkey). In the absence of Advent, who is deciding on what to do with the amnesiac kid, the rest of the team decide to help out.

Bizarrely, the Shaulas that Sardias is piloting is about the same stats as Girtar's version from stage 3. The enemy force consists of a mixture of Demons, Firebug, Crazies, and a Sidereal battleship called a Gratia. Sardias puts up a decent fight and is also amusingly irreverent and possibly insane. He makes mention of his age (42) at every possible opportunity. The SR point is to shoot down at least ten enemy units within three turns.

After three turns or ten kills, enemy reinforcements arrive. There's quite a few of them, but the Son of Sun arrives with his awesome theme song and dragging the amnesiac kid in tow. He doesn't remember his name, but he does remember how to operate a highly specific piece of machinery. The enemy reinforcements basically consist of evil versions of Team Advent: mass-production Eycros, Lanbolts and Axios. Being mass produced versions rather than one-off tunes, they are exceedingly weak. The Eycros in particular appear to be made out of tissue paper and explode in a cloud of shrapnel if you glare at them. Amnesiac kid is pretty good, with the Genius kill on tap, along with your Team's first (and probably only) Bless.

After the battle, Setsuko tries to thank ??? for his help but he rather tsundere-ishly replies that he wasn't fighting for your sake. Setsuko thanks him anyway, and says they need to pick out a new name for him. She looks at the sky and picks out the name Orion, in view at the time. Orion doesn't appear particularly interested one way or the other, but Sardias claps enthusiastically saying that he's glad to welcome Orion to the team. Land wonders when Sardias became part of the team. Meanwhile Sardias looks enviously at Orion and comments that he wishes he was 20 years younger. Advent gives the order for everybody to go back to base. Crow grins at the motley crew they're assembling. First a bunch of Sphere Reactors, then a Sidereal researcher, a mysterious amnesiac kid, and a deserter.

Back at the base, Sardias ruins everything by revealing that despite piloting a commander unit, he's just a grunt (aged 42). He suddenly becomes worried about his prospects of joining Team Advent when it transpires he's of no real value. But Advent is a kind and understanding soul and offers to him membership if he's the will to fight his old employers. Sardias indignantly comments that they came all the way out to his planet in the sticks, and don't even have the decency to pay him a fair wage. Crow sympathizes with this, and Land senses a bond of poverty between the two. Land welcomes him to the team, with Sardias making the request that he doesn't mind getting called "old timer" (since he can't deny that part) but he would like Land to stop calling him Saru (monkey). Crow, in turn, senses a bond of irreverence between the two of them. Advent interrupts the proceedings by explaining that he thinks he has an idea about where they should go next...

Stage 7

A bunch of Resistance folk approach a Sidereal base built at a convergence of Leylines, which appears to be an oversight base for the area. They're here to scout around, but a fewer of the younger members want to launch a surprise attack. The older member tries to tell them off when something happens. There's a flash of light and the leader's unit explodes suddenly. Before the others can make their escape, that cruel light appears again and destroys them as well. Girtar cackles with glee at the spectacle, and wonders if Setsuko will come, so that he can teach her the terrifying might of Sidereal.

Back at the research facility, the bad news is delivered. When the attack is described as being an invisible, instantaneous attack, Kravia theorizes that it might be a dimensional transference cannon. Crow angrily berates her for not warning them of that possibility and she starts crying again, claiming that she didn't know it was past the planning stages. Sardias cheerfully states that the weapon is unbeatable and that they should throw in the towel. But they can't, since apparently there's data regarding the whereabouts of the Sphere units at this particular base. Furthermore, as it's an oversight base, destroying it will essentially liberate that area as well. The situation seems a bit dire, but Advent's got a plan.

He asks if Kravia's on board to help out, and reveals that he intends for them to make use of one of the transport ships here at the research facility. It'll become their home base, and Advent's going to take care of the crew. Land happily sets to work on the ship while Setsuko takes Orion aside and asks what he's fighting for. He replies that he's fighting to appease the only emotion he feels inside: a writhing hatred of Sidereal. Setsuko's face falls at this. When he asks why she's reacting like that, she only replies that it's sad.

Team Advent arrives on the scene with their new ship, captained by one of Advent's underlings Red. The ship's designation is evidently chosen to be "Grinarth" (グリンアース号) which is a variation of "Green Earth" (グリーンアース). This particular reference is picked up by Setsuko and Crow, the latter of whom comments that it's not a bad name. The christening ceremony is cut short though, by the arrival of the defence forces. Girtar greets them as "Setsuko and company" which annoys Crow, who feels like he's getting poor billing. Girtar apologizes for this, but assures them that in a few moments, they'll all be sharing in equal portions of terror. Sardias comments that Girtar's cruelty, cowardice and arrogance are such that he's famous across the entire continent. Girtar demonstrates the Transference Cannon, which he explains as dimensionally shifting a payload of energy directly inside the target. Thus, evasion is impossible. However Advent's got a plan, which hinges upon Crow and Kravia, who is riding shotgun in Crow's Axio. Advent offers a bonus to Crow, whose eyes light up at this. Kravia's reaction is a bit more subdued, which makes Crow laugh. He's so used to being surrounded by women with strong personalities that it's a little odd to be paired up with somebody so meek. Kravia laughs dryly at being the punchline of a joke. He begins to charge directly into the thick of the enemy, with Kravia screaming in terror in the passenger seat.

The enemy force consists of five pairs of Bulletants and three pairs of Angeloi. The objective is to get Crow to an indicated point on the base within four turns, and the SR point is to clear the map before you fulfill that objective. This is the first map where you're allowed to pair units up. Each turn before you get Crow to the designated point, the Transference Cannon will hit two random teams, knocking a fair amount of HP off them. Notable is that the tiles comprising the Leylines give +10% EN Regen. Crow lands and tries to send Kravia to do her thing, but she panics. So Crow throws her over his shoulder (presumably) and they run into the Terminal Base.

Inside the base, Crow holds off the enemy while Kravia flounders with trying to breach the protection on the systems. They need to get into the system in order to install the trojan that Advent just happened to have lying around. Kravia whines that if Advent is so impressive, why isn't he here doing the hacking, and Crow yells that it's because he's got a robot. Kravia breaks down in tears again, croaking that she's always failing to meet people's expectations of her. Crow changes tack, adopting a soothing tone and telling her to just do her best, they believe in her. This is interrupted when the Sidereal grunts open fire on him.

Outside, Team Advent are still being hammered by the Transference Cannon. And now that the heroes are sufficiently exhausted, the coward Girtar sorties so he can finish off a wounded prey. He yells that he's going to make Team Advent rue the day they were born... and Crow shoots him in the face. Land asks where Kravia is, but Crow just points toward the base. The Cannon activates again, but this time it releases some kind of surge of restorative energies that heals the team. The cannon runs on that plot magic we call Dimensional Energy, and she's repurposed the gun to restore the energy reserves of the team. Girtar loses his bloody mind at this and screams at them, globs of spittle flying from his mouth. He attempts to attack Crow, but Kravia sorties in an Eycros and blocks the attack. If not for the fact that I suspect she'll inevitably betray us, Kravia is kind of cute. Advent taunts Girtar by pointing out that even if she hadn't taken the hit for Crow, it likely wouldn't have even scuffed the paint job on Crow's unit. Kravia definitely appears to be a bit smitten with Crow, and Land disgustedly comments "another one, seriously?". Orion, who doesn't understand concepts that aren't hatred, stares blankly. Girtar continues screaming but the others ignore him. Once everybody's finished talking amongst themselves, Crow declares that they're going to send Girtar home in several small boxes.

The enemy reinforcements are a bit of a joke, consisting of Girtar's Shaulas (24000 HP), and four SpecOps sociopaths with their Demon buddies. When Girtar attacks Advent, the latter just laughs in his face. Girtar doesn't have what it takes to fight them. In fact, this isn't even a fight - Girtar's inevitable defeat is simply the machinations of Fate. This proves true and the Shaulas is destroyed when Advent unravels the spiral of causality.

Admitting his defeat with the grace of a natural leader, Girtar yells that he'll be back to settle the score in due time. Land just gives him a pitying look and tells him that if he's going to run away to just do it and get it over with. The remaining Sidereal pull out without a fight, with Advent musing about the fact that they didn't blow the base on the way out. Kravia bashfully thanks Crow for helping her to change, and he cheerfully thanks her for helping him secure the bonus from Advent. Advent agrees to help Crow reach financial solvency, and Crow pumps his fist in victory. Kravia is none too pleased by this and merely replies with a sterile "I am glad I was of use". Crow comments that this is why he doesn't like women, and Setsuko and Land both bury their faces in their hands.

Meanwhile in the base, Kravia continues to grumble about Crow and his stupid debt, while Crow asks Setsuko sheepishly about what he might have said to anger her. Setsuko coldly replies that she has no idea, but that this will be a good time for him to reflect on his actions. Sardias quips that Crow must be some kind of enemy to women, and Orion comments that love and hate are two sides of the same coin, and that in time the two will come to hate each other. Land thinks this is a little extreme, and Crow comments that even though he was born under a star that says women will ruin his life, he doesn't *hate* them. Kravia pulls up some information concerning the Leylines. They appear to be a decentralized form of the ZONEs, drawing Dimensional Energy from the planet and conducting it elsewhere. This understandably gives the heroes pause, since a ZONE going into a runaway is what turned Insalaum's Earth into a blasted wasteland. In other words, if they don't tread carefully with the Leylines, the Green Earth could become the gritty sequel to Insaulam...

Stage 8

In the base, Crow tries to mend the damage by striking up a conversation with Kravia, asking her why she's interested in the Spheres. She replies that they're fascinating. Dimensional Energy regulates all phenomena in the universe, and Spheres are a mechanism that draws forth that power. Ergo, in theory, Spheres can be used to bend reality to one's will. That's precisely why Sidereal has occupied the Green Earth, which sits at a perfect nexus point for gathering D-Energy from the surrounding stars. Having a nigh-inexhaustable source of energy is nice, but merely a stepping stone toward their ultimate goal of reproducing the Sphere's capacity for altering reality. Sardias wonders aloud what having that kind of power could do for the war raging in the galactic core right now. Everybody boggles at this, and he gets to lord this information over the backwater Earthlings. Land apologizes for being the cosmic equivalent of a redneck, and Sardias says it's fine if he eats too much, reeks of sweat and has stinky feet, he won't hold it against him. Crow interjects that those are attributes of Land specifically, not humans at large. Setsuko quietly points out that she deodorizes her boots, and Orion states that Setsuko always smells nice.

Sardias turns the subject back to galactic conflicts, and just briefly explains that the humans of multiple star systems have been having it out over territory in the galactic core for centuries. And Sidereal's main force is active in that area, so two and two together makes four. Land comments that in that respect, being out in the sticks actually serves Earth pretty well. Kravia starts to comment on this, but Crowe interjects by loudly stating that she had previously indicated she's from another planet herself. Setsuko puts her face in her hands again.

He asks her what she thinks of Earth, and she rather cryptically states that the people here have what a lot of their interstellar counterparts have lost. She initially terms it their "human-likeness" but thinks about it and says their "power of life". Sardias clarifies that for example, most of the worlds that Sidereal besieges just roll over and accept the yolk of oppression. But by contrast, even though the Green Earth is literally made up of people yanked from their own homes, they immediately formed resistance movements against Sidereal. And that's why, she theorizes, Spheres seem to find their way to Earth. Which is another reason for Sidereal to come here. Whereas interstellar wars are often fought over places where D-Energy is plentiful, Spheres offer a means to more or less generate the stuff whenever and wherever you like.

Crow wonders how Sidereal know so much about them, but then remembers what happened back in Saisei. Even though he and Land had never met before, they both just somehow knew that the other was a Reactor. The same goes for when they fought Im and Uther. Im knew what Crow was even before his Sphere awakened, and likewise Crow knew what Uther was before his did. Ergo, the most likely explanation for Sidereal knowing who they are is that they possess Reactors of their own. Furthermore, it would make sense if they have Sphere Research Facilities, for them to have at least one Sphere to actually look at. Kravia's not sure, but states that Crow's logic is sound. Before the conversation can go much further, enemy units trigger the perimeter alarm and everybody runs for their robots. Yet the radar is only picking up a single unit. And right on schedule, all three protagonists sense the unmistakable aura of an approaching Reactor...

And who appears but our old friend Shikuu, piloting the massive Shiseiten. The Resistance groups garrisoned at the base immediately move forward to attack it, as Team Advent take to the field. Land screams for the resistance to pull back, but it's too late. Shikuu unleashes his Gaien and incinerates all of them in an instant. The protagonists yell for the remaining resistance to get their arses inside the base, and they hesitantly comply. Shikuu comments that as fellow Sphere Reactors, they've accurately sized him up. He introduces himself as Shikuu, Sphere Reactor of the Muted Crab. The protagonists know instinctively that he's a whole order of magnitude more powerful then they are. Advent remains perfectly chipper though, and conversationally asks Shikuu if he'd join their crusade to destroy Sidereal. Shikuu comments that it was a stupid question. Advent asks if he's that loyal to their beliefs, but Shikuu merely replies that he's doing his job. Shikuu brings in some of his minions to play with you, and everybody turns to Advent for advice. He states that they'll have to stall for time while the resistance abandons the base. Crow states that Kravia's about to learn how terrible the Spheres are, whether she likes it or not. Advent declares that they'll hold the line for five minutes. Shikuu replies that they're going to burn out their life in that five minute span.

True to his appearance in Jigoku's epilogue, Shikuu possesses the Muted Crab's Sphere Act, which cancels all SP regen within ten tiles of him once he hits 140 morale. The unit itself has 124000 HP and has the new skill Pressure which causes damage correction based on the Skill stat. In other words, if the enemy's Skill stat is higher they deal more and take less damage from you. His minions consist of a couple of Gratia-class battleships and red Angeloi CAN(CER)s piloted by his Gishoku/Guǐ Xiù team. The SR point is to reduce his HP below 99999 before the turn limit. In other words, deal over 24000 damage to him in five turns.

When you inflict the necessary damage to Shikuu, he responds by raising a single eyebrow in mild surprise. Orion gets annoyed, saying he can't stand Shikuu's attitude. Shikuu shrugs and says it's his nature. The Muted Crab activates and energy begins swirling from the Shiseiten. Advent gives the order to retreat, with Land commenting that he never thought the day would come that he's saying this but: "We'll be back for you, you crabby bastard". Shikuu seems completely unperturbed and just watches them leave.

The mood is subdued at the night's camp, with Advent commenting that Shikuu was well beyond any of their expectations. And he's just a single member of Sidereal. Who knows how many more monsters like him are running around? Kravia is depressed, having always been entranced by the possibility the Spheres hold, without giving much thought to the idea of their misuse. She looks like she's about to cry again, having failed to turn up any information on where they might find their old units. Everybody pats her on the back and tells her that it'll be fine. They'll find a way to defeat that ol' zombie crab one way or another. Orion comments that this whole thing is stupid - if they need their Sphere-equipped units back, then they should just get them. Easier said than done says Land, but Orion baldly states that he broke the encryption on the data while bored earlier and dug up the location of one of them. Codename: Hamaliel. Advent recognizes it as the baptismal name of Virgo's patron angel. So let's go get ourselves the Virgola!

Stage 9

Sardias lavishes praise upon Orion, who thinks this whole thing is stupid. Now that we've lost the Terminal Base says Advent, we're going to steal back the Virgola and keep the base it's stored in for ourselves. Before the enemy realizes what's going on, the team is going to take them out. Setsuko seems a bit uneasy, and Orion asks if she's worried about the Sphere's curse. Sardias asks what that's about, and Orion explains that Spheres draw out D-Energy in response to human emotions, but also inflict a negative reaction upon them. But she's more concerned about the escalation of the conflict, with them seeking out greater power. She ostensibly fights so that others don't have to share in her sadness, which Orion thinks is a stupid reason to fight. This, bizarrely, cheers her up somewhat. She'll be glad to be reunited with the Virgola, since more than being a powerful tool, it also has sentimental value to her.

Land comments to Crow that it makes a guy wanna cry, doesn't it? She doesn't say it, but she misses her teammates Denzel and Toby. Land says they've been MIA since before they got blown to ADW, and Crow replies that if they're still alive, she'll see them again. Same goes for Land and Mer. And Crow and his harem, quips Land. Land and Crow decide that they're going to make sure no harm comes to Setsuko, since they don't want her to ever have to cry again. Team Advent arrives at the base, and judging by the rather lax security, it would seem Sidereal hasn't cottoned on yet. The enemy force is, considering the value of what they're protecting, small and almost token. Land and Crow get an ill premonition and warn Setsuko to be careful.

The enemy force consists of the usual smattering of Axios, Eycros, Barrelants and Demons. The SR point is essentially another freebie, to clear the map in 3 turns.

After the team wipes the floor with the defence force, Sardias comments that Land and Crow's bad vibes were misplaced. Setsuko goes to where the Virgola is being kept, only for an obnoxious laugh to ring in the stillness of the night. Girtar yells that they fell for his trap, and that this facility shall be their graves. The team is hit with some kind of new weapon that immobilizes their units. Orion shirks responsibility, stating that he left no trace of his cracking. But rather, Girtar deliberately leaked the information to lure us into a trap. The real defence force, consisting of sociopaths and Insects surrounds the team. Girtar shuts off the electric attack (called Malfunction Shock amusingly enough) and laughs about how it'll have caused sufficient physiological damage to inhibit their piloting abilities. Before Girtar's attack dogs can attack, Land and Crow surround Setsuko, declaring that at the very least, they'll protect her.

The new enemy force consists of the aforementioned Sociopaths (blue Angeloi) and Insects (white Angeloi). The physiological damage from the Malfunction Shock manifests as everybody's SP being zeroed out and the three Reactors have their morale bottomed out at 50. Advent is curiously unaffected by this phenomenon though... However the direness of the situation is undercut slightly when Advent, fueled by Tag Tension, liberates half the enemy force from their suffering.

Once enough madmen and space bugs have shuffled off, Resistance reinforcements show up to assist. Setsuko yells for them to run away, but it's too late. Girtar activates a trap he prepared in advance and blows half of them away. Setsuko pleads with him to stop, and Girtar laughs cruelly. He knows very well that her weakness is not her own suffering, but the suffering of others. If she wants him to spare the others, she need only surrender and join his force. Setsuko hesitates and Girtar punishes her by attacking another of the Resistance members. They yell for her not to give up and to fight to the bitter end, and not to worry about them. This annoys Girtar who shoots them again. Setsuko cries out in anguish and some kind of reaction takes place.

She finds herself seemingly inside of the child's mind, her consciousness synchronized with his. The child's voice echoes in her mind, crying out for its mother, for salvation from death. Setsuko yells that she's going to put an end to the sorrow. She breaks off from the group and charges over to the hangars. Almost as if called, the Virgola breaks through the roof of the hangar and flies unaided to her side. Girtar is gobsmacked that the unit is moving on its own, while Land and Crow eyeball the modifications that Sidereal did to the unit. Girtar demands to know what they think the addition of a single unit will change about their predicament, but Setsuko shouts that she isn't alone. The Virgola's Sphere activates and fills them with strength. Advent calls it the strength to end sorrow. And then silently comments that by nearing the Third Stage, she's drawing near to the Truth (that enables Shinka). Setsuko asks the Resistance to pull back and leave it to them. She then turns her sights upon Girtar and fires a warning shot that causes him to drop a load in his trousers. She warningly states that the next shot won't miss.

Everybody's SP and morale is restored to full, and Setsuko's morale hits 200. Her dialogue upon assuming the new unit becomes rather bizarre and kind of creepy, and her voice sounds almost like a completely different voice actress. The Sorrowful Maiden's reaction seemingly begins depriving her of her senses. Her speech becomes disjointed, and she reacts to be hit by saying she senses someone's voice reaching out to her.

This in no way impedes Setsuko's ability to wreck Girtar, which she does. He delivers the usual parting shot and flees for his life. Setsuko thanks the Virgola for responding to her feelings and loses consciousness. Advent says to let her sleep like that for a while, she's earned it. And with that, Team Advent's managed to score back one of the Spheres.

In the hangar, Kravia reports that Setsuko is still out like a light. Orion and Sardias are keeping an eye on her. Crow worries about two men alone with a sleeping girl, but Kravia tries to dispel his doubts by saying that Orion's sweet on her and Sardias is a gentleman. This doesn't take, and Crow asks her to go stay with her as well. Land takes Crow aside and they digest the day's proceedings and what the future might hold. But whatever might happen, they've got to keep moving forward. "But isn't that what The Heat prefers to do anyway?" "You've got that right, The Unbreakable." The topic turns to the modified Virgola. According to Kravia, the Gunnery Carver was changed out to facilitate better control of the Sphere. The rest is up to Setsuko, basically. Land comments that he and Crow don't need to be her Denzel and Toby anymore, now that she's made up her mind. They'll still beat to death anybody who makes her cry though, that part hasn't changed...

Stage 10

We rejoin the action in Team Advent's newly captured Sidereal Base, where we hope Shikuu doesn't show up and beat us up again. Looks like the plan is for the Resistance to set up shop here, while Team Advent goes to reconnoiter the next Sidereal base. Setsuko sadly gives her Eycros over to one of the Resistance kids, and Orion comments on how sentimental she is. He expresses the vague hope that those feelings don't get her killed someday. Setsuko tells him off and he skulks off, with Sardias commenting that it was mighty impressive that she cowed him into obedience with just a glare. Sardias wistfully comments that he wants Setsuko to get mad at him too, which causes her to turn a bit pink. Kravia asks if he's into strong women, and he replies that he is. And weak women. And normal women. And really, any woman who'd stand to hang around with him. This causes the child to call all of Setsuko's friends weirdos. "There's that one really melodramatic old guy (Land) and that guy who never shuts up about money"

Outside, the boys drink under the moon. Crow, having newly acquired financial aid from Advent, is in good spirits. Land isn't drinking though, which causes Crow and Sardias to wonder if he's sick or something. The autumn night is long and they're bored, so Land fills them in. He briefly talks about his master Cielo, and Cielo's daughter Mer. When Sardias inquires as to who Mer is, Crow replies "his fiance". Sardias immediately tries to conjure the mental image of what Land's wife-to-be would look like. "A voluptuous babe with plenty of meat in all the right places, amirite?" Land says nothing, merely pulling a face in distress. At any rate, he and Mer have been looking for Cielo, who got dragged into a quake right before their eyes. So Land's been feeling a bit depressed, since he had been hoping that Orion's information would have been for Ganleon rather than Virgola. So until he gets her back, he's going to abstain from drinking. Crow lapses into silence, recalling an event from days past (during Hakai). He was saved on the battlefield by a man who he can't remember clearly. He only remembers an abnormally fervent smile and demeanor, which left a big impression on him. He wonders if this was Land. Advent comes over and assures Land that his wish will surely come true, as they're traveling under fortuitous stars tonight. That said, he's still not gonna drink. He's stubborn like that.

Elsewhere, a bunch of townspeople pray to the Lion God for salvation. The priestess of the Lion God tells the gathered believers to chant the god's name, and it will grant them its power. And so the people chant: "Gan Gan Leon, Ganleon...!"

After what seems like ages following the Leyline, Land's feeling a bit too sober having had no alcohol in a whole three days. Everybody pokes fun at him, and Advent tells the Wounded Lion to keep on enduring agony. Secretly, Land and Setsuko worry he might explode at any moment. But before the worst can happen, Sidereal forces appear, making a beeline for a town near the Leyline. Advent tells the team to hold off and let them past, but Crow refuses point-blank. Advent asks if he's defying orders, but Crow reminds him that he's not Advent's subordinate. Advent comments that an unwillingness to change their opinion is the bad side of the Swaying Scales, but Crow coldly replies that his name is Crow, not "Swaying Scales". However their debate is purely academic, as Land goes berserk and dives headlong into the enemy with the others following suit. Advent is forced to go along, stating his desire to minimize causalities. Land goes completely bonkers and screams a lot here.

The enemy force is basically the same as always. Demons, Angeloi, Barrelants, etc. SR point is to clear the map without letting a single enemy reach the city. As with virtually all of the SR points thus far, it's a freebie.

After Land's tantrum leaves the Sidereal force in pieces, enemy reinforcements appear. They're of a new type (finally!) that Sardias identifies as the next generation unmanned units. The presence of new tech suggests that Team Advent is getting closer to Sidereal's headquarters, rationalizes Crow. Land freaks out some more... just in time for Ganleon to appear from the town. It stumbles around like it's drunk, a consequence of Mer being a terrible driver. She's happy to see everybody, and apologizes since she tried to get Ganleon over to them to help out but he's bad at piloting. The new enemy units immediately go for the Ganleon, but Land takes the hits in his Lanbolt. Land yells for her to run and Mer and Ganleon both begin crying. Mer refuses to run, shouting that he promised her that he wouldn't leave her when her dad disappeared. Besides, if Land climbs on board Ganleon, the two of them will be invincible! He hops into Ganleon, who immediately activates Magna Mode.

Land notes that Ganleon is in perfect condition, and Mer reveals that she got the townspeople to give tribute to the Lion God every day. The new enemy units, that look like the Susano'o from Muv-Luv and the Glain Neidr from Linebarrels are called Tiamats. They only have 7200 HP so a Pain Shouter crit should be enough to kill them outright. That said, Ganleon Magna eats through EN like crazy, so E-Save will probably be a useful investment for Land.

After the battle, everybody is worried about the strain it'll cause on Land for Ganleon to be in Magna Mode at all times. To say nothing of the maintenance nightmare of a unit that's perpetually on fire. Crow says that it's a good look for a man so suited to destruction, and Mer angrily demands to know what Land was up to in her absence. He claims ignorance. Mer has Land fly Ganleon over to the town to spill the beans on the "Lion God". Setsuko and Crow are horrified to hear from the Lion God's cultists that their wishes were granted. One guy wished for his athlete's foot to be cured - and it was! Another woman wished for her son's rebellious phase to pass, and it did. Everybody turns in horror to Mer, who explains that when Ganleon fell from the sky from a quake, everybody started flocking to it for some reason. So she played up the Lion God angle, since it gave people hope in these decidedly troubled times. Land passes off the granted wishes as coincidences, but Advent doesn't think so. "Heaven helps those who help themselves" he claims. The people are shouldering burdens of their own - is it wrong to think that perhaps the Wounded Lion reacted to aid them?

A large group of culti- er, "townsfolk" come running over, demanding to know if the Lion God took care of the enemy. They close in around the team, and Advent defuses the situation by shouting that their prayers reached His divine ears. Henceforth, they shall suffer no incursions from the heathen Sidereal. The townspeople begin cheering and dancing. Mer officially introduces herself as Mer Beater, Land's fiance. This shocks Kravia, and Mer follows up by saying that the two of them give off a "Beauty and the Beast" vibe, but not to worry about it. Sardias puts one hand on Land's shoulder, gives him a knowing look and simply says "Every man has his own tastes, I understand." Mer hugs Land, yelling that the power of love triumphed, but Land yells that he just wanted to drink beer again. Advent introduces himself to Mer, who cowers slightly. Once he leaves, she confides that Advent for some reason reminds her of Asakim, which leaves everybody rather disturbed...

Stage 11

Meanwhile at Central Base, Girtar is attempting to explain himself to Shikuu. Girtar babbles incessantly, trying to explain himself, but Shikuu cuts across him by telling him to get to the point. Girtar splutters a bit more and Shikuu just puts him in charge of Central Base's defence. Girtar reacts as though hit in the face with a heavy object, and Shikuu tells him to get lost. After he's gone, Shikuu's subordinate Shikoku asks if he's going to intervene himself. He replies that now that the enemy has two Reactors, they need to be dealt with.

Elsewhere, Crow takes Advent aside for a heart to heart. He asks Advent point-blank about who he is. Advent replies as he did before, he's the commander of the Chrono reformationists. Crow counters that they don't know enough about Chrono. When they say they watch over man's evolution, what do they really mean? Crow buys that Advent doesn't know everything about the Asclepus, but what about the man himself? They know virtually nothing about him. Advent replies that Crow's intuition told him to trust Advent, and Crow answers that their intuition is why they've followed him until now. But things have been going way too good for them to be pure coincidence. Setsuko and Land have been looking for Virgola and Ganleon the entire time they've been here, yet suddenly they find them back to back?

Advent says that if it's not a "coincidence" then it must have been predetermined. If Crow likes, he can call it Fate. Crow doesn't believe in such a thing but Advent simply replies that it's not a matter of belief or not, Fate exists. He cites the fact that Crow is piloting that particular Axio as proof. But Fate isn't something that Advent alone can see, he believes the others will be able to in time. But before he can explain, Kravia announces that Sidereal has dispatched a force after them. And it's being led by none other than Shikuu. Advent leaves, telling Crow to saddle up once he's made up his mind. Everybody sorties in preparation for the battle. Setsuko and Land ask Crow if he's alright, and he asks if they really aren't concerned about Advent at all. Land replies that they are, but Crow seems to be the most perturbed. Crow sighs that, as always, he draws the short straw. They're going to be going up against Shikuu when he's the only one who doesn't have his Sphere back. But that's fine, he says, it's not like he's always had the Sphere to rely upon so he'll figure something out.

Shikuu appears with a small force of his Gishoku minions. Setsuko asks what Sidereal intends to do with the Green Earth. Shikuu replies by asking what they'd do if he told them. Setsuko and Land both reply that they'll defeat Sidereal to protect the planet. Shikuu asks if acquiring two Spheres has made them feel a bit overconfident, and Land replies that he's always that way. Mer is horrified that Land's Heat Smile had no effect on him. Advent explains that the Muted Crab draws power from the emptiness that comes from discarding all emotion. The only thing approaching emotion coming off him is a raw, suffocating killing intent. Crow yells that they're going to wipe that mindless look off his face, and Shikuu merely replies that they're welcome to try.

The enemy force is much the same as ever. Five pairs of Demons operated by Idoms, three pairs of Gishoku Angeloi CANs and Shiseiten itself. It's much the same as it was a few stages ago, with a new attack called Kikoushou. SR Point is to clear the enemy force and reduce the Shiseiten below 99999 HP in four turns. When you attack Shikuu with Advent, the former comments that he alone is an unknown quantity. Advent replies that he is "the final one, someone incompatible with you."

When you deal 24000 damage, Land comments that the colour of Shikuu's face might have changed a bit. Yet the Shiseiten regenerates back to full, with Shikuu commenting that this should hardly be surprising.

Shikuu doesn't counterattack though, merely telling Setsuko and Land to come with him. Sidereal is collecting Spheres, and could use their power. Crow comments that it's like he's not even here, and Shikuu replies that only by having both Sphere and Reactor do either achieve any sort of meaning. Land passes on the offer, stating he has no intention of joining Sidereal in conquering the universe. Shikuu claims that is not their goal. Setsuko mentions that Asakim taught them that Reactors can steal each other's awakened Spheres, so why doesn't Shikuu just finish them off? Shikuu cryptically replies that "it is not their wish to do so" and when Crow asks who he's referring to, Shikuu says only that they will know in time. Crow snaps and attacks Shikuu, yelling that he'll make Shikuu rue the day that he ignored Crow. Everybody thinks Crow has lost his marbles, but Advent explains that Crow is attempting to get a rise out of Shikuu. The most efficient way to defeat Sphere Reactors is to remove the source of their power, after all. However, such a feeble taunt won't work. Shikuu declares that Crow is a dangerous man. The other Reactors aside, if the Swaying Scales will not declare its allegiance to them, then he has no recourse but to eliminate Crow. Crow tells him to hurry up and get it over with, and Shikuu comments that it is a pity.

Shikuu attacks Crow with the Shigokumon, commenting that the Swaying Scales alone must be defeated. The Axio is crippled and Crow scrambles to bail out before it explodes. But before he can, a message from Traia appears. If he's receiving this message, he stuffed it and got the Axio shot down. But that's fine, he's branded with the Stigma, so the time would inevitably come when he'd be dragged to another world. And in the case of that eventuality, Traia developed an experimental technology. "It" is currently being stored in subspace, waiting for the signal for which parallel world it needs to be transferred to. And at the moment of the Axio's destruction, the coordinates will be verified and it'll be on its way. And oh, by the way the Axio is about to explode so he should probably get out. Crow yells at her for being so long-winded, and dives out the unit. Before it explodes, he hears one final message that makes his blood run cold. "By the way, I'll calculate the delivery fees later". The Axio explodes, but Crow gets clear in time. Setsuko and Land shout for Crow to get clear, since the Shiseiten is moving to attack him. Crow replies that there's no need for that.

The walls of the dimensions are ripped in two and what comes through the tear but Crow's loyal steed, the Li-Brasta. He jumps on board and thanks Shikuu for being a gentleman and not attacking, but the latter replies that now that the two are one, he will invite Crow as well. Crow refuses before he can even finish the sentence, which causes Shikuu to let out a small chuckle. Crow calls him on it, but Shikuu responds by saying that he has no choice but to terminate the Swaying Scales. Crow says that he has no particular attachments to the Sphere, but has no intention of giving it up either. Shikuu offers to liberate him from the fate of the Spheres, and Crow quips that is a rather poetic way to say "I'll kill you".

When you reduce him below 99999 HP again, he suddenly decides to leave. Crow says that he dislikes women, but creepy Grim Reaper types like Shikuu are even worse. Kravia is delighted that all three Spheres have been recovered, but the protagonists don't seem as pleased. Advent says that after all that, Shikuu has still yet to bear his fangs in earnest. Crow reassures Kravia and she replies that she trusts him completely. Mer picks up on the atmosphere, while Setsuko comments that the situation is worsening and Land wonders if he's a "scale" in a different sense (referring to the part of a fishing pole, I think?). At the traditional moonlight debriefing/drinking session, Crow chalks victory up to Traia. Mer wonders if the power of love was at play here, which causes Crow to spit out his beer. Mer playfully states that if that's the case, Esther and Marguerite will be upset. Sardias comments on how Crow's surprisingly popular with the ladies, and Kravia gives Crow a scathing look. From the sounds of it, Crow's playing with the feelings of a number of women. He's dangling four women along at once! Four, yells Crow, there should only be three! She demands an explanation and Crow shouts that he doesn't like women and wants nothing to do with them. Kravia accepts this explanation.

Blue comments to Advent that he's shocked that Traia's transference technology is so far along. Advent states that they'll need her to help break Time's Prison. Crow comes over and Advent asks if he's a bit more accepting of Fate now. Crow denies it, saying it was all down to Traia's hard work. Advent merely states that Fate is malleable, and can be changed by the will of people. Crow comments that he and Advent seem to have two definitions for Fate, but Advent says that in the end, they'll be walking the same road. But in any case, the goal posts are getting closer. If Team Advent can destroy Central Base, they'll at least disrupt Sidereal's control over the northern half of the continent. Advent advises they turn in for the night. Crow thinks to himself that he can't wait to see Traia, Esther and Marguerite again. And when he does, he hopes he'll be able to settle all his debts for good...

Stage 12

It's the eve of the battle for Central Base, and Sardias waxes poetic whilest staring at the moon. Mer yells at him for ruining the mood while she was trying to make out with her darling. Land tells Sardias not to mind her and keep drinking. Sardias gets a bit sentimental, wondering what he'll do once they win and the battle's over. He's more a lover than a fighter, so Land tells him he should find a way to life outside of being a soldier. Sardias wonders if he can. Mer raises a toast to their victory (カンパイ/kanpai) but Sardias makes a joke saying it's bad luck to be saying that before a big battle (完敗, also kanpai but means "total defeat"). Mer tries to shoo him away, but he says he doesn't want to spoil the mood between Crow and Kravia.

Crow is mighty uncomfortable, with Kravia sitting really close to him. He wonders if they should go over where Land is, but she just moves in closer. She tells him not to worry, she's not going to try to jump him. It wouldn't be fair to the other girls if she did, after all. In any case, she confides some information in him. She analyzed Asclepus and it does not carry a Sphere, yet has the means to detect Reactors according to Advent. Her conclusion is that it was designed to collect Spheres, even though the user itself isn't a Reactor. In other words, something rather similar to Asakim and the Shurouga. She asks if Crow thinks of Advent as an enemy and he denies it. But, he says, that's enough talking shop. Kravia suggests that they go over to the others. Before she leaves, he wishes her good luck tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Orion is being mysterious and boring. Setsuko urges him to return to camp because it's getting cold, but he tells her to mind her own business. After all, after the big battle tomorrow, he's leaving. When she asks why, he says that it's her. She's such an insufferable busybody and he can't stand to look at her anymore. She sadly apologizes for bothering him and leaves. As she departs, he mumbles to himself that it's better this way.

At Central Base, Girtar is desperate to live up to what he mistakenly assumes is Shikuu's expectations. The Firebugs mixed into the defence force note that they don't actually care whether Sidereal wins or loses, only that they don't besmirch the name of Firebug.

Team Advent arrives, with the Grinarth staying behind to coordinate with the local Resistance groups. They managed to draw out part of the Central Base's defence force, but the forces remaining behind are rather sizable. However, there's no sign of Shikuu so this'll be a cinch. Setsuko seems bothered by something, and Crow tells her to sit this one out if she's feeling unwell. But she's more worried about Orion than anything else. Advent spells out their objectives: crush the defence force and occupy the base. Girtar yells that they don't stand a chance against such a massive force, but Land and Crow merely sigh that Sidereal's human resources department is kind of pitiable.

The enemy force is really nothing you haven't seen before to excess. All the usual players are here: Demons, Angeloi, Lanbolts, Eycros, Barrelants, Firebugs, and Tiamats. Girtar's got a shiny new Shaulas Leader unit, which is a palette swap with a bit more HP (32000). Both it, and he, remain ugly and useless. SR point is to clear the field in 5 turns. The only caveat is that because your battleship isn't present, losing any units is a game over. At this point I unlocked Advent's Ace Bonus, which gives an additional +10 SP regen to both members of his pair.

When Girtar is beaten, he flees, freaking out about the possibility of losing his robot. Setsuko wonders why he's singled her out among the three Reactors to target. Everybody cheers about how we've taken a huge step toward beating Sidereal. Sardias states the time (11 October, 1600 hours) for some reason. Land assumes he's taking it down to commemorate the occasion. Sardias asks them to perfectly capture the moment of their parting, because it's just about time. Suddenly, Kravia starts screaming. Crow tries to grab her to calm her down and she screams for him to let go and attacks him. She takes off into the base. Sardias begins to leave and the rest of the team follow him, demanding an explanation. He introduces himself as Sardias Aksu, the XO of Sidereal's Antares. Crow asks if he was a spy and Sardias replies that he's their enemy, in any case. Blue identifies Antares as being part of the Scorpius constellation, and Sardias claps for him. And now, introducing the unit bearing the Resentful Scorpion: An Ares.

Kravia sorties in the An Ares. Land screams in fury at Sardias, who wonders if they have the luxury of worrying about a small fry like him. Kravia screams in fury and attacks Crow, demanding that he become hers. She unleashes a map weapon that immobilizes all of their units, similar to the trap Girtar sprung on them earlier. But that was just a pale imitation of the real scorpion's venom. Sardias apologizes for the cowardly tactics, but it was his mission after all. That being said, it's the end of the road for Team Advent. Or is it, asks Advent? Red appears piloting the Grinarth and without a moment's hesitation, kamikazes the An Ares. A pair of mass-produced Asclepus units appear as allies, piloted by Black and White. Team Advent uses this opportunity to get out of town. Sardias administers a sedative to the still berserking Kravia, and tells her that he'll handle the clean-up...

Stage 13

The situation is dire at camp. All of the members of the team exposed to the venom (minus Advent and Orion) are in a bad way. Especially the Sphere Reactors, whose symptoms are impeding their vital functions. White theorizes that the attack utilizes nanomachines to directly attack the pilots. She's working on a countermeasure to try and cure them, but Advent comments that the betrayal will weigh heavily on them all the same. Advent turns to Orion, who thinks the others are reaping what they sowed, and asks why he wasn't affected by the venom. Orion, in turn, asks Advent the same question. Advent retracts his question, and instead asks Orion what he thinks of the betrayal. He finds it odd. They were in a position to kill the rest of the team at any time, and actively helped in causing the loss of multiple strategic objectives. Before they can think too much on it though, the enemy arrives.

The enemy has the team completely surrounded, and the three Reactors are still convalescing from the effects of the venom. Moreover, rather than being led by an idiot like Girtar, Sardias is the enemy commander. He asks Crow if he'd like to go see Kravia, and Crow tells him to sod off. But his voice is weak, and Sardias wonders if that's the effects of the venom or the shock of being betrayed. He exchanges the usual banter with you, which Land notices is a lot more obnoxious coming from an enemy. But he cuts it short, because he knows you're stalling for time.

As a consequence of the venom, all three Reactors start with only 70 morale and no SP. The enemy surrounds you on all sides with a force consisting primarily of the usual Angeloi/Demon combos, and Sardias is at the south in his Shaulas Leader. The SR point is for any one unit to score seven kills. This will be easy as Advent is in fighting fit condition and is arguably your best unit anyway.

When you score the kills, Sardias congratulates Advent and thinks to himself that their lack of info on him is worrying. Beating Sardias before the turn limit (six turns) earns you a useless Super Repair Kit. He immediately admits defeat, owing to your superior prowess. However, he says, this wasn't that kind of fight. And right on cue, Girtar arrives with a small army of Shaulas and Tiamats to reinforce him. Sardias sardonically thanks Girtar for his hard work, especially how Girtar earnestly tried to kill him while he was a sleeper agent. Team Advent goes to beat a hasty retreat before the enemy's encirclement finishes, but Girtar tries to intercept Setsuko. Advent support defends her. Girtar screams in anger at him, yelling that ever since Advent showed up, his life has gone to hell. Advent shouts that he will not permit Girtar to have his own way, and his unit transforms briefly into a strangely angelic machine that obliterates Girtar's unit in a single attack. Advent generates still more power and generates a spacetime quake that sucks in the rest of the team.

They emerge from the other side on an island, where Mer notices the ocean is blue rather than green. Blue confirms it - they've been warped to the Blue Earth. Yet there is neither hide nor hair of Advent. While Blue tries to figure out where his boss went, something appears on the radar. But it's not Advent. Instead, it's Gadlight Meonsam and his Geminia. He came here when he detected a quake, thinking his paymasters at Sidereal had come visiting, but he found you instead. He introduces himself as the Sphere Reactor of the Quarreling Twins...

Stage 14

Blue identifies Gadlight as the leader of Geminis, the ones supposedly responsible for Time's Prison and inciting infighting among mankind. Gadlight thanks him for the introduction and confirms that everything is, in fact, his fault. Land shouts at him, and he scratches his head. They came from the other Earth, so why do they care what mischief he's been up to here? That being said, he's got a proposal for you. Setsuko and Land refuse out of hand, but Crow tells them to wait. Gadlight's not stupid enough to think they'd actually say yes, so the fact that he asked the question means he's probably got a card he's yet to play. Gadlight basically states that he wants to join forces with you so as to take the fight to Sidereal. With the four of them working together, they can probably make this work. And furthermore, he'll pull out of the Blue Earth. But before he can say anything more, he suddenly stops dead. The others feel it too. Shikuu, who was absent from the attack on Central Base, is here and listening in on the conversation. His fellows from Geminis arrive, but Gadlight angrily yells. His last hope snatched out from under him, he's forced to prepare for battle, knowing that Sidereal is watching his every move. Team Advent talk about how if they beat him, they can save the Blue Earth, but Gadlight just laughs. He's a Third Stage Reactor, meaning the three of them amount to virtually nothing.

The enemy force consists of the Geminia (46000 HP), Annelotte's Diosk-A (15000 HP) and the familiar arrangement of Angeloi GEM and Demons for Gadlight's troops. Gadlight's unit is fairly formidable, but still a far cry from its usual self. He has Genius, Psychokinesis L9, and Twofold Action (rather than Threefold). Nevertheless, his stats are insane for such an early stage and he will more than likely have a 100% chance to hit you without seishin. The SR point is to defeat Gadlight in five turns.

If you defeat Gadlight (or wait until the fifth turn), he angrily yells about how much his people must suffer. He uses his Sphere to regenerate the damage. Given that they know they can't win, he demands they wave the white flag but at that moment, Advent reappears. Gadlight demands to know if Advent thinks he's going to defeat him, but Advent declares that the one who defeat him is none of the number present here today. While Gadlight spits in anger at this remark, Advent tells the others to come with him. They can leave the defence of the Blue Earth to their old friends. Gadlight demands to know if they think they can get away, and Crow just tells him that they're not his opponents. Advent warns Gadlight that the next time they meet, everything Gadlight fights for will come crashing down around him. Advent plot magics them back to the Green Earth, leaving Gadlight to stew in his own juices.

They return to the wastelands in the proximity of Central Base, eager to continue their work of liberating the central continent from Sidereal. Thanks to that fortuitous quake they were sucked into, says Advent, they've escaped the gaze of Sidereal. Crow is surprised - he thought that quake was intentionally caused by Advent, who apologizes. He has no idea what precisely happened, but it wasn't intentional on his part. But whatever the case, now that they know that Shikuu is on the Blue Earth and Sidereal is no longer tracking them, this is their best chance to capture Central Base...

Final Stage

On the eve of the final battle, everybody tries to cheer Crow up. Land thinks he's worried about Kravia, but Crow deflects by saying that trying to rescue a girl that's turned enemy isn't his thing. Land tells him to knock it off with the men or women thing. Crow's not the type to strike down a former friend without hesitation. Crow doesn't know why she turned against them. Sardias is easy to figure out - he's the kind of sham who throws his lot in with the biggest kid he can find. But Kravia didn't seem to be in her right mind when she hulked out on them. Orion explains that it's because the hatred bubbling deep in the recesses of her heart were given release, much like him. It can start from anything: your efforts going unrewarded, your authority being undermined, your worth not being recognized... in essence, he says, what they're seeing is the true her, stripped of all pretense.

Setsuko comes over and Orion taunts her by asking if she's going to resume her usual meddling. She says nothing, but he becomes visibly discomforted by her gaze. She comments that living a life defined by hatred is too sad, and he storms off. Crow comments that he never really ever opens up to any of them. Only to Setsuko does he show any kind of human reaction. But in any case, tomorrow is the final battle, so let's do this.

The coast is mercifully clear when the team arrives, which Advent attributes to them having obliterated the majority of its garrison the last time they were here. Furthermore, Sidereal dispatched a goodly number of forces trying to ascertain their whereabouts. So the goal here is to crush the head before the rest of the enemy returns home for dinner. The enemy force consists entirely of unmanned units, though there's no sign of the An Ares yet.

As this is the final stage, there is no SR point to obtain. The enemy force is exclusively Tiamats, Demons and Barrelants at first. As the three Sphere Reactors all have native SP Regen, they will in all likelihood be full fit to burst with SP by the time the boss comes out. A useful tip for the battle is to keep your units on the Leylines, which give you a 10% EN Regen terrain bonus.

Once you've thinned the ranks of mooks a bit, the An Ares appears in the top middle of the map. She rages theatrically and Advent gives the order for your team to strike her down. Setsuko refuses point blank, and when Orion tries to argue the point, she shuts him down. Fighting out of hatred might help ease that anger, but it does nothing to lessen the burden of sorrow. So she'll become the strength of others, to deliver them from their pain. Land and Crow like the sound of this, and ask Advent for permission to follow her lead. He doesn't care, as long as they don't get themselves killed.

The An Ares is pretty beefy for this stage of the game. 84000 HP, HP Regen (S), EN Regen (L), Jamming, and Mental Countermeasures. Kravia herself is appropriately unimpressive. Her base stats are poor compared to Gadlight's in the previous stage, so even though she has Superpower L4 and Twofold Action, all it really means is that she'll tend to be highly accurate. Also, the process of whatever caused her to go berserk appeared to have also caused highlights to appear in her hair. Note that if Orion hits level 30 here, he'll learn Soul at an impressively low level. The enemy grunts are kind of a joke, so feel free to save up your Tag Tension for unloading MBs on the boss.

Upon attacking Setsuko, Kravia will freak out at her. Yelling that she was chosen by the Sphere, and that Crow and Land fight to protect her. When she attacks Crow, she screams for him to be hers. He declines, saying that he is himself, and nobody's property. When the An Ares is defeated, Kravia goes completely crackers. She begins flying around at random, attacking wildly. Setsuko flies over to the An Ares in an attempt to do... something. Land and Crow decide to bet on whatever it is she's up to and fly ahead to guard her. The Virgola flies over and latches onto the An Ares, with Setsuko crying out that she doesn't want to believe the time they spent together was a lie. The Sorrowful Maiden activates, and Kravia calms down and passes out. Advent explains that they've reached a next Stage with each of their Spheres. But before he can explain further, the An Ares reactivates and begins moving of its own accord. Orion flies over to it and Land tells him to run. "Me? Run away? Shouldn't you be the ones to run away?" He hops about the An Ares, and the power of the Resentful Scorpion gives him blue highlights and a lip piercing. The others seem less surprised by this, perhaps having become bored of the betrayal trope.

Setsuko calls him Orion and he tells her not to call him by that repugnant name, and introduces himself as the true Sphere Reactor of the Resentful Scorpion: Barbiel the Needle. Land recognizes him as the annoying feeling he's been sensing for a while now, and Barbiel congratulates him on growing a bit as a Reactor. Setsuko calls him Orion and flies over to him. He repeats himself not to call him that name and hits Setsuko with a vicious attack, telling her that he wants to be the one to kill her. She survives to his annoyance, and Sardias appears. Barbiel offers to give you the Central Base, saying that this planet's Leylines aren't particularly valuable. Crow yells at him about Kravia, and Barbiel throws her out of the cockpit like a piece of luggage stating that she outlived her usefulness. Sardias accidentally lets slip that it was Barbiel's venom that activated the hatred in Kravia's heart, and Barbiel glares at him. Barbiel comments that it was amusing to see their powers increase and that'll it be fun to fight them again. Setsuko cries out to Orion once more and Barbiel tells her to knock it off. He's Barbiel the Needle, a soldier of Sidereal. And with that, he takes off.

Crow scoops up Kravia, who appears to just be unconscious. Advent comments that there's no need for concern. After all, they succeeded in their objective. With this, the northern half of the continent has been liberated and Sidereal's grasp has been weakened. From here, a new battle will begin to get rid of Sidereal completely...

Advent apologizes, but he needs to part ways with them now. He's going to be heading back to the Blue Earth for some important business. But there is no need for sorrow, since their parting is only temporary. He will see them again soon. Advent asks if Crow is fine with not accompanying him. Crow replies that as appealing as it would be to have his debts settled in one go, he's got stuff to do here first. In other words, hunting down Barbiel. Advent comments that with Blue Earth locked down in the dimensional cage, he'll still be on Green Earth for the time being. Crow bids farewell to Kravia, who appears to have lost her memories as a consequence of the Sorrowful Maiden purging the venom from her body. They wish Advent and Blue good hunting, telling them to save the Blue Earth for them. Advent replies that when next they meet, he'll introduce them to a new Sphere Reactor. The Quarreling Twins... Land and Crow start to point out that they already met him, but Advent and Blue take off into a quake before they can finish.

Land asks if Crow's alright with Advent leaving without making good on his promise to help with Crow's debts. Crow shrugs, saying that relying on others to pay off his debts isn't his style. Mer comments that Crow sounded kind of cool just then. So they all intend to head off, each thinking of how the true battle will start soon... THE END