It had been a long time since Tsukasa had travelled to a world he hadn't intended to. Though his initial journey had been plagued by his being thrown about with reckless abandon, years of experience had left him rather skilled at directing his dimensional walls. At this point, their usage had become second nature. After all, half of Tsukasa's gambits wouldn't have worked if he didn't command the most precision in manipulating them.

So, when he emerged in what was distinctly not war-torn France, Tsukasa's small scoff of annoyance couldn't be held back. The gold and platinum palaces stood proudly upon an insurmountable mountain were far from anything the French had ever designed, nor had there ever been talks of jewels growing off French trees. Plucking a shimmering fruit with only minor hesitation (for Tsukasa had no clue what it was), the man didn't even need to take a bite to feel the rejuvenating energies contained within. It was all undeniably gaudy and, Tsukasa was disgusted to admit, something that he would've probably drooled over during his time as Shocker's leader. The power permeating the very land was almost palpable, as well as seemingly without security – something that had Tsukasa reaching for his ridebooker in a manner of seconds. It was fortunate too, for Tsukasa barely had a moment to think before he swung at the presence that blinked into existence behind him.

"Thanks for the nice welcome." If Zi-O's dry remark hadn't been enough to identify him, then the fact that Tsukasa's sword hadn't even been blocked was more than adequate. There was a stark difference between foolish bravery and unrivalled confidence; even the bravest of men would've tried their best to avoid getting struck. It was only a Demon Overlord that would allow the attack without flinching, an irritating smirk no doubt beaming behind the helmet the ridebooker had bounced off harmlessly. "Any sign of the – hey, where are we? I thought we were aiming for France?"

"We were. Looks like something decided to interfere." Tsukasa drawled in response, suspicious eyes scanning the forest around them. Though the silence could be taken as a good sign, the dense trees made them sitting targets for anyone familiar with the landscape. Tsukasa' powers might've integrated him into the histories of different worlds and times, but the same couldn't be said for Zi-O. Even then, Tsukasa's powers had limits – with how sparsely populated the area was, it was just as possible for the inhabitants to remain aware of his foreign status. "Seems Asian to me, but I never really cared for learning the details. Any ideas?"

"Well… I guess it seems like Chinese architecture to me. I remember seeing a couple of similar-looking palaces in a history book or something." Zi-O mused, his attention locked upon the buildings in the distance. As terrible as his grades may have been, Zi-O's history knowledge had yet to fail him. "Actually, this all feels kind of familiar. I've heard about it somewhere, but… I just can't put my finger on it."

"Either way, it isn't where we want to be." Grumbled Tsukasa, throwing his hand out. When nothing appeared in response though, the frown already present on his face became even deeper. "…And of course something is keeping us here. A trap wouldn't be a trap if we couldn't escape when we wanted. It doesn't seem like anything too major, but it's still going to take time to break through. What about you?"

"I think you've got bigger problems to deal with than a little barrier." The jaunty tones set both Tsukasa and Zi-O into combat stances, met with a hearty chuckle in response. "So, these are the guys I get summoned to deal with? And in a place like this? HA! Looks like luck's finally on my side!"

He could hardly be referred to as a human, more a monster with a human visage. Towering over both Kamen riders, a single arm could very easily have contained more muscles than Zi-O's entire body. Though he clutched a mighty mace within a bulging fist, it might as well have been a toothpick from the ease in which the man carried it. On a purely physical level, no human could ever dream of reaching the same level of strength. The training the man would've had to go through to attain such a monstrous body was no doubt unrivalled. That alone would be more than enough to make him one of Tsukasa's most fearsome foes.

So how was it possible for him to also exude such an almighty spiritual presence? It was as if the gods themselves had poured part of their being into him. Even Kouta, who had absorbed near transcendental levels of energy into himself, might've fallen flat in comparison to him. Paired with the almighty strength the man also had, it was enough to make Tsukasa automatically take a step back. If it had been just one of the extremes, then he might've been able to form a plan. Against someone so ridiculously powerful? The slightest mistake would have Tsukasa pounded to a pulp with a single flick of the man's finger. No wonder he showed no hesitation in front of a Demon Overlord's strength.

"And you are?" Zi-O cautiously replied, met by a hearty chuckle in return. With how at ease he was, the two Kamen riders could've been children.

"Name's Orion, not that it's going to matter in a few minutes." Came the all too calm introduction, the man's mace thrown over his shoulder. Tsukasa almost wished he didn't recognise the name. If someone like the Babbage guy helping out Chaldeas could be considered a Heroic spirit for his feats however, it was a given that someone like the strongest Greek hunter could be called upon. "After all, you're the guys who're thinking about destroying the world, right? Can't say I'm all too fond of people like that."

"What if we claimed that there's a reason? That in the destruction of this world, those who were ruined by its creation could be revived?" to his credit, Zi-O was remarkably skilled at restraining his emotions, nought but a pleasant countenance on display. Compared to the boy who wore his heart upon his sleeve, the difference was astounding. Then again, perhaps that was what happened when you watched those you cared for die in your arms, cursed with the knowledge that your entire life was a carefully manipulated scheme. "We aren't so callous as to desire the destruction of this world for personal profit. Unlike whoever's responsible for the state of the modern world, no humans would be harmed. They will simply live on as they were in their original worlds."

"Pretty words. Wish I could talk like that. Probably would've gotten into way less trouble." Orion commented in return. "The thing is, it's pretty hard to evidence stuff like that. What? Am I meant to watch the world get messed up beyond repair and just pray that you put the pieces back together? Sorry, but even a blockhead like me won't be so easily convinced. Besides, the World's summoned me for one purpose only. So long as you still plan to threaten this world, it's up to people like me to stop you. Ain't no way around it."

"I figured as much. That explanation feels oddly familiar." Zi-O mused, a hand absently pushing Tsukasa behind him. The annoyed comment that would've come out at his junior's actions were quickly bit back. There was a time and place for everything – usually when his life couldn't be lost with a minor gesture. "Looks like we have no alternative. Shall we break through with everything we have?"

"…Jeez, you could be a little bit more subtle." Sighed Tsukasa, the Decadriver soon wrapping itself around his waist. It must've taken a couple of seconds at most, yet it was more than ample time for a club of all things to be notched in a bow and fired with incredible strength. Had the shot collided, there wouldn't have been anything left of Tsukasa to recover. It was only through miraculous instincts that Zi-O had been able to open a portal to transport the shot. When the ground trembled as the club smashed into the Earth, it didn't take a genius to imagine the colossal power in the arm that fired it. "Alright then, I'm not going to pretend I can help out with this. Henshin."

KAMEN RIDE: DECADE!

ATTACK RIDE: INVISIBLE!

"Tch, presence concealment? Annoying stuff." Orion groaned, another club materialising in his hands. "Still, I wouldn't be able to call myself a hunter if I couldn't track down my prey. Oi, try and make this an interesting fight! I don't want the World thinking it can summon me for anything and everything!"

GHOST NO TOKI!

OMEGA DRIVE!

Zi-O couldn't afford to waste time with words, not anymore. Orion let out a small scoff as his 'arrow' flew through the space the Kamen rider had occupied milliseconds ago, Zi-O floating unharmed just above with an ethereal glow. That glow soon found itself gathering into a mystical eye, supernatural fury forming several strange-looking spirits to charge directly towards Orion. Flying about with annoying levels of agility, even Orion's experience as an archer struggled to shoot them down all at once. With their pitiful strength though, shooting them down was unnecessary. When their attacks couldn't even pierce Orion's tempered skin, they were nothing more than minor annoyances.

"Oi, you think I can't cut down spirits or something?" Orion commented with a boisterous laugh, a twin-bladed Parka ghost disintegrating as it was pierced by the bow itself as Orion stabbed it into the earth. the rest soon found themselves succumbing to a similar fate, one particularly unfortunate soul crushed underfoot. Sougou found himself giving a hum of acknowledgement automatically; they may not have been fully immune to physical damage, but the parka ghosts could take no small amount of punishment.

BUILD NO TOKI!

VORTEX FINISH!

Orion would happily admit that he had seen some strange occurrences in his lifetime. When one spent so much time in the company of a goddess, unnatural and inexplicable situations became mundane. Regardless, when a pair of graphs formed upon either side of him, the hunter nearly paused out of confusion. Before he could, however, his body had already subconsciously lashed out, Orion leaping backwards with ungodly grace just in time for the two graphs to smash together. Landing with a grunt, there was less than a second for Orion to punch forth, lest he allow the Kamen rider sliding down the graph to strike with a kick bearing the power of a tank. Torn apart by the resulting expression, Orion couldn't keep the smile of amusement off his face.

EX-AID NO TOKI!

CRITICAL FINISH!

"You're one of the weirder folks I've faced, that's for sure." The hunter cheerfully said, smashing apart the chocolate boxes that fell like meteors from above. Born in a time where video games wouldn't be invented for millennia, Orion could never have known of the power-up medals contained within, each punch releasing yet another medal that flew skyward into Zi-O's body.

MUSCLE-KA!

MUSCLE-KA!

MUSCLE-KA!

KIVA NO TOKI!

WAKE UP!

The combined might of Zi-O's full weight and the Energy Items fused into an almighty kick, the rider shooting down from the heavens with a blood-coloured glow. Despite the impressive display, the thought of moving didn't even come to Orion's mind. Much the opposite, grin threatening to break the hunter's face as he threw his bow to the side. For any other Archer, the act would've seemed sacrilegious. For one bearing the bulk that Orion did, however, the loss of his weapon was barely a downgrade. It was why Orion happily let out a roar as he threw his arm upward, meeting Zi-O's kick in an explosion that threatened to shatter the forest. If it weren't for its supernatural properties, there probably wouldn't have been anything left standing. As it was, the dust settled to reveal Orion in the centre of a massive bat-like symbol carved into the ground.

"Okay, that one might've stung a little." The hunter finally muttered, shaking his wrist out with a low hum. "Nothing I can't handle twenty times over though. You exhausted yourself yet?"

"…Very talkative." Zi-O glanced to his hand, watching as it tightened into a fist. He might not have been using his full power, but that didn't mean he was holding back.

Most folk faced with a barrage like that would already have breathed their last, some not even having the strength to survive a single strike. That Orion was able to stand so confidently as if he had accidentally struck his hand against a table was a confirmation of the rider's worst fears. The World truly was utilising all it could to prevent its destruction and reconstruction, meaning that it was more than willing to draw upon some of the strongest heroes of all history. While Zi-O didn't doubt his capabilities, the possibilities based on this fight were frightening. What next? Someone like Achilles? How do you win a battle where both combatants had invincibility in addition to their fighting prowess? If Gudako and Chaldeas were to falter, then he and Tsukasa could potentially be locked in an endless conflict.

"Well, guess it's my turn to go on the offensive!" the opportunity to plan would come later. Escaping his current encounter was more than troublesome enough.

The Hundred Years' War was truly deserving of being titled a pivotal point in human history. Born over a petty land dispute between two houses, the blood-soaked century to follow would shatter any hope of France and England joining into an invincible power. Forged through countless battles, warfare evolved into a completely different beast from before, chivalry finding both its peak and decline in the face of such rapid military evolution. Not only did the countries find themselves transformed in the wake of the Hundred Years' War, all signs of unity destroyed as early modern political culture was thrown on its head, but the foundations for endless more conflicts were built upon the corpses of innocent men. Indeed, even in 1431 – before the war had truly ended – the scars it had left on the path of human progression were all too plain to see.

That such an intrinsic period of history could be so easily visited was still baffling to Gudako. Well, maybe 'easy' was the best term. After all, Dr Roman's attempts to explain the procedure had left her head spinning. The levels that the staff of Chaldeas had to go through to prevent their rejection from the world were outstanding. Gudako almost felt embarrassed that all she could do was step into the rayshift coffin when directed.

A quick slap to the side of her face, however, banished those thoughts. Though the green fields and blazing sun may have seemed welcoming at first, the danger of her surroundings meant Gudako couldn't afford to relax her guard. That beautiful scenery was soaked in the spilt lifeforce of hundreds, and that was before one considered the Holy Grail running roughshod over the entire period. The moment that Gudako grew careless may very well have been the moment she lost her life.

"Senpai! I'm glad to see you made the transition safely." Fortunately, the presence behind her was the furthest thing from an enemy. Approaching with almost a bounce to her step, Mashu allowed a sigh of relief to pass at the sight of her senior. "According to Dr Roman, there were no signs of any physical anomalies. Even so, after our initial experience with rayshifting, it's reassuring to know everything went well."

Her words were punctuated by several shark barks, a look of surprise appearing on Mashu's face as a weight settled upon her head. Honestly, Gudako wasn't quite sure which was cuter at that time – Fou's cheerful entrance, or Mashu's dawning recognition. Either way, a grin firmly settled upon Gudako's face as she watched Fou leap into the air, a light panic taking over Mashu as she tried to catch the animal. Though Fou did manage to land in the girl's waiting arms, it came at a cost. Abandoned by its wielder, the great crash of Mashu's shield smashing on the ground sent both girls jumping slightly.

"Oh? Did you decide to jump into one of the coffins Fou?" Mashu questioned, bringing Fou's face close to her own. "You must've jumped into one of our coffins, didn't you? You should take better care of yourself. Still, I suppose if you've come safely, then you should return without any issues when we go back."

"That accounts for… three of us, I guess. Where's the other two?" the two weren't exactly people who screamed 'inconspicuous'. While Gudako wasn't sure how she and Mash looked while they were being rayshifted into a different period, both Kamen riders had made it evident how ostentatious their forms of travel could be. "Didn't Sougou say he would get Tsukasa and then come to the same co-ordinates as us? They should've had an easier time coming here than we did."

"I'm not quite sure… unlike rayshifting which requires careful monitoring and constant maintenance, we have no way of tracking the ways they travel. If Sougou has left Chaldeas, then we have to believe that they will come here." Mashu reasoned. After all, it wasn't as if they could do much else. They had plans, plans that required the restoration of humanity. Actively avoiding the efforts of Chaldeas would only serve to make their agendas more difficult. "For now, it's probably best that we proceed. Once they arrive in this era, then they should be able to track us down. At the very least, the Director should be able to steer them towards our location."

"Hello? Hello, hello? Is this thing working?" Dr Roman's voice cut their conversation short, a short cheer ringing through Mashu and Gudako's ears. Compared to the panicked anxiety of the man during their escapade in Fuyuki, the difference couldn't be any starker. Then again, having two powerful entities on your side and a magically inept Master now trained to defend herself was bound to lift even the lowest of moods. The doctor had every right to view the future more optimistically. Great, we have visuals! I've seen better, but I'm not about to complain about something I jury-rigged myself. How are things on your end?"

"Mashu Kyrielight, reporting. Doctor, it appears both I and Senpai had successfully rayshifted without issue. Fou has also apparently snuck into one of the coffins." The demi-Servant dutifully replied, eyes scanning the landscape. "There's no sign of Tsukasa or Sougou however, not in the local area. Could you scan the surrounding land for their presence?"

"Um, technically. We can try using any residual traces of their power within Chaldeas, but it's going to need some time. Sougou should have your direct coordinates though, he disappeared right after you." Dr Roman mused, the muted sound of a pen absently hitting a desk coming through. "Well, they were loose cannons in the first place. It's probably best if we don't grow too dependent on their strength. Proceed with the mission as well as you ca-!"

"Oi, Romani! I thought I told you to complete the system check, not take over my position!" met with a shrill yell directly in their ears, the girls found themselves wincing both in pain and sympathy. After all, if it was that bad on their end, Dr Roman would be lucky if he could still hear properly. When it was followed by the sound of ruffled feathers and the doctor's muffled apologies, that sympathy grew by the second. "I'm the Director, not you. We barely have enough people as it is – now's not the time to be stealing the jobs of others. Get back to making sure we're working at maximum efficiency!"

"Right, right… Hah, I'm an actual Doctor of Medicine, you know? Not a technician…" though Dr Roman tried his best to hide his exasperation, there was only so much the man could do. With all the pressures piled upon Olga's back, it was a miracle that she managed to retain the level of rationality she held. Causing pointless conflict would prove detrimental to everyone. "Ritsuka, Mashu. If the Director gets a little harsh with you, try not to take it to heart. I honestly didn't expect her to wake up so soon – she's still stressed and terrified, and the stares from the others aren't helping. I've got to go, but I'll be keeping an eye on your physical statuses; don't do anything too reckless out there."

"Roger." The two called out in unison.

"Finally! Fujimaru, Mashu – I want a full analysis of your immediate location. Your current temporal coordinates should have you situated within a respite period, but there's still a possibility for you to materialise near a battlefield." Olga rapidly ordered, barely a second after Dr Roman left his seat. Composed as her voice was, the signs of her stress weren't so easily eliminated. Considering that her rest was less 'sleeping' and more 'falling unconscious because her body physically couldn't sustain itself any longer', it was to be expected. "We can't afford a single mistake. If you end up getting killed because you get ambushed by some paranoid Frenchmen, you'll doom the world. I trust that I don't need to say anymore."

We've arrived in an open field, no sight of any soldiers. We should be safe for now." Gudako replied, falling to the ground with a weary sigh. With no sign of civilisation close, there was bound to be a huge amount of walking in the future; best to conserve her energy where possible. At least Mashu had the stamina of a Heroic Spirit to keep her going. "Everything seems normal so far… except…"

"…What? Fujimaru, speak. Has there been an enemy sighting?" yet Olga was met with radio silence. It didn't take long before the director was biting her nails, a passing operating yelping slightly at the sight of burning wings fluttering in anxiety. If it weren't for Gudako's following statement, she might very well have destroyed her mug with how tightly Olga was gripping it. It took several cracks appearing in the porcelain before she realised her state, an embarrassed blush as she placed the mug down. She'd have to find better sobering methods than almost destroying her property. "I want an answer you two!"

"Hey, Director. Think you could get a visual of the sky?" Gudako's prompt had Olga turning towards one of the many desks below her, a sheepish looking man rapidly typing on his terminal. It took less than a second before their map of 15th century France blinked out of existence, replaced with an image of a dazzling skyline. It was a shame, then, that the reason for it being so dazzling wasn't entirely a positive one. "Something tells me that isn't a part of normal history."

Spanning the entire horizon, Chaldeas' virtual cameras failed to encapsulate the scope of the phenomenon. If so massive a ring of light had appeared in proper human history, there was no way people wouldn't have reported it. With how fanatical certain groups could be, there would've been people screaming by the dozens of the impending apocalypse. Even the people of the modern day would be freaking out – a ring of pure light that could hold North America within its diameter could never be rationalised by scientific logic.

"I want anyone on standby analysing that magecraft – there's no way it isn't linked to the incineration of human history!" came the astonished order, several members of the maintenance team yanked out of their stupors. They couldn't be blamed too harshly; with the typical Chaldean worker standing as the weakest in their families, the chance to witness such a ritual was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hell, most of them had been eager to join just at the thought of seeing the organisation's replica of the planet. Complicated for sure, but also a magecraft heavily augmented by technology. It was far from the sheer power and control required for something like the gargantuan ring within the sky. "There's not going to be much you two can do at the moment. Focus on establishing yourself in and surveying the period. Our priority should be locating a leyline so we can start transferring supplies over! After that, we can make contact with the locals, gather information… yes, everything will be fine as long as we follow the procedure. We're in control now, there shouldn't be any surprises…"

"It's as the Director said. We have a lot to do." Mashu remarked, a tiny frown appearing on her lips. "Having such an extreme case of magecraft looming over us is a little unsettling, but it doesn't appear to be a threat as of yet. So long as we can keep our heads down for now, we should be able to travel without issue."

"Well, maybe 'without issue' isn't the right way to put it." Gudako pointed out, her head gesturing towards the brigade decked in blue in the distance. "Looks like they're coming this way. Where should we go? There aren't exactly many places to hide in a field like this."

"…I don't think that's necessary, Senpai. Look at them." Though their hands never left their blades, the men could barely walk in a straight line. Already, Gudako could start to make out the haggard expression each wore, exhausted eyes desperately searching for the next threat. There was no doubt that they were fresh from the battlefield, for the blood upon their chainmail had yet to dry. "Those soldiers are clearly tired. They'll wish to avoid combat as much as we do. Conversing with them now should be safe enough, even without external assistance."

"Are you sure? Looks more like they're going to attack us the moment we step foot in front of them." The orange-haired girl replied, turning her eyes towards her junior. Or at least, where Mashu had once been. To Gudako's exasperation, Mashu was already halfway towards the men, her brightest expression on display for the weary soldiers. To her credit, it served its purpose well. Gudako could make out the brief hesitation before several swords were drawn. "H-hey! Don't leave me here!"

"Excuse me!" yet it was too late. Gudako may have closed the gap, but Mashu had spoken without reservation. "We're travellers trying to-!"

"Attack! It's an attack!"

For all their exhaustion, it took no more than a few seconds before they were leaping into action, a cry escaping Mashu as the pair were circled in an instant. Their stances could've been tighter, their weapons held with more confidence, yet swords were swords regardless of who held them. Against any other normal human, their formation was still solid enough to provide an admirable threat.

"Ah… maybe I should've approached using French…"

"Maybe you should've approached without the clearly non-French armour and a massive shield." Came the withered response, Mashu's blush growing exponentially as Gudako reached for her communicator. "Director, we've been surrounded. From the looks of things, we're not going to be able to escape without getting into a fight."

"What? It's been less than five minutes! How have you already initiated combat?" the screech from Olga may have been expected, but that didn't lessen the pain at all. "Of all the idiotic… L-look, the singularity should be isolated somewhat from the proper timeline. Killing them shouldn't cause a paradox or anything similar. Engage as appropriate."

"H-hey, shouldn't we be a little less violent Director? They're still people after all." Dr Roman's voice questioned, barely audible through the communicator. The virulent reply, meanwhile, could probably have been heard from the other side of the Earth.

"The ability to continue the mission without hindrance is to be prioritised before all else!" Olga cried. "It's not as if we're ending any lives permanently. The resolution of the singularity should bring back anyone who shouldn't have died. If their deaths have no consequence, then we might as well prevent them from alerting their superiors and getting Fujimaru and Mashu burnt at the stake!"

The rationale made complete sense, yet the ugly sensation in Gudako's stomach at the director's words refused to fade. To hear death and killing be spoken about so casually, it was the most frightening aspect of a Magus' mind. If only Olga had been the exception, someone whose thoughts had been warped by the destruction and responsibilities piled upon her shoulders, then Gudako might've felt a little easier about it. Knowing that her beliefs were shared by near every magus, however – that the only deaths that mattered were of those important to you – meant Gudako forced herself to swallow her unease.

"…We'll fight to disable, not to kill. Maybe once we beat them down, we can explain ourselves, kinda." Gudako sighed, the Diendriver slipping easily into her hands. It was a blessing that the gun fired energy-based projectiles; if the Diendriver used real bullets, Gudako would've had to rush in with her fists. It would've been a shame to go through all that training with Tsukasa and immediately enter a fight where it was useless. "Mashu, try not to hit them too hard. It's a shield and all, but they're human. Don't go all Demi-Servant on them."

"I-I'll try my best!"

"Hey, Fujimaru! Are you actively trying to oppose me?" Olga said, irritation dripping from every syllable. Maybe it was just Gudako's mind playing tricks on her, but she would've sworn you could hear the quietest hum of fearful whispers. With the director already cutting a fearsome figure beforehand, she could only imagine how terrifying it was when combined with her new form. "I understand this is a minor encounter, but insubordination of any kind will not be tolerated."

"Director, didn't you say that we could engage 'as appropriate' before? That kind of implies that we get a choice." Gudako pointed out, a moment spent in silence before a disgruntled noise came through the communicator.

"…Very well. Be cautious."

The warning couldn't have come at a better time. Clearly tired of waiting for their opponents to make the first move, one particularly bulky soldier charging forth with reckless abandon. With the strength behind his swing, it was quickly made evident how he had managed to survive the war. The only problem was, that meant rather little when faced with Mashu's shield. To the song of metal clashing, the man found himself thrown backwards, an unreadable expression of shock plastered on his face as he stumbled. All that Mashu needed then was a swift sweeping kick before the soldier was on the ground, a strike to a rather private area meaning he wouldn't be getting up any time soon.

Faced with such a one-sided duel, it was natural for the others to be a bit more hesitant in approaching. Thanks to the Diendriver, however, it mattered not. Whether they approached or stayed away, they couldn't escape the range of her gun. Those who didn't immediately break formation found themselves mown down, horrific pain in their legs felling them like trees. Firearms may have existed in the era, but they were no more than bulky cannons reserved for the grandest of targets. For common soldiers like the squad Gudako and Mashu were facing, the fastest projectile they would've ever seen was an arrow. Nothing could've prepared them for the rapid fire of the Diendriver.

It didn't take long before the rest found themselves brought to the ground, whether by the precision of Gudako's shots or the brutality of Mashu's attacks. Ignoring those who froze at the sights of their companions being so easily dispatched, normal humans simply stood no chance against superior technology and magecraft. The ease in which the soldiers fell brought forth a disturbing fusion of reassurance and fear – at least if Mashu's face meant anything. After all, it served as the perfect reminder of the strength they held, as well as the fragility of those they were trying to protect.

"Okay, what now…" Gudako muttered with a gentle slap to the side of her face. Self-reflection was best reserved for when you didn't have a squad of soldiers writhing in agony at your feet. "Mashu, you said you knew French, right? Care to try again? And can we do anything about the shield?"

"Maybe… Senpai, please stand in front of me. I'll try and dissipate it while they're not looking." Was what Mashu said, though whether it was entirely necessary was questionable. Their minds overwhelmed by inhumane strength (in a girl no less), strange weaponry and their own intense pain, those soldiers might as well have been dead to the world for a short period. By the time the hardiest of their group managed to muster the composure to right himself, the massive armament Mashu had wielded was nowhere to be seen. Even the most dedicated of eyes would've struggled to see the final remnants of light the shield had dissolved into. "Hello, we mean no harm. We're simple travellers looking for a place to rest for a while."

Gudako wasn't entirely convinced at first. To her ears, it was as if Mashu hadn't changed her language at all. It was only the strange movements of the pink-haired girl's lips that exposed the truth. then again, it was hardly something the orange-haired girl could complain about. Without it, Gudako would've either had to remain silent or dust off language skills that were barely existent. They were already suspicious enough to be attacked on sight – not being able to speak the language would've made their lives hell.

"Not the enemy? You'd think we… no, that accent…" the first soldier to recover gasped, rising upon wobbly legs. He may have flinched when Mashu offered her hands for stability, but the man was in no state to refuse. "I'd recognise those English bastards speaking French anywhere, and you sound nothing like it. I apologise – it seems that nowadays, our enemies are everywhere. With all the attacks going on, any stranger with a weapon looks like an enemy."

"That's entirely understandable. Our weapons and armour were forged elsewhere, we should've expected to be seen as foreigners." Mashu easily answered, the slight tilt of her body going unnoticed by all but Gudako. Apparently, her Japanese instincts weren't so easily restrained. "I don't understand though, I thought the conflict was getting quieter nowadays? You look like you haven't left the battlefield for ages."

"You're not the first ones I'm afraid. We all thought the end was coming closer." The soldier groaned, the hand gripping his sword tightening to threatening levels. It was fortunate, then, that the anger was not directed towards them. "We underestimated what the enemies of France could achieve. They bathed this country in fire and chaos. Those still alive have been trying their best to fend off the threats, but there's only so much we can do. Our supplies are limited and the enemies, disturbingly strong."

His words would've been dismissed as nonsense in proper human history. With the newly crowned King Henry VI being pulled in every direction by bickering advisors, a focused assault on France had been barely more than a pipe dream. Though they may have taken the life of one of the most influential soldiers in the entire war, the English efforts to retain power in the continent were unrealistic at best. To think that they could ever cause the levels of destruction that the soldier described was laughable.

"But wasn't the King meant to be involved in a peace treaty? Surely they wouldn't oppose it so rapidly?" Mashu questioned. Whatever response she had been expecting, it was definitely not the bitter laughter that escaped the Soldier's lips.

"What on Earth are you talking about? The King signing a treaty?" he barely managed to speak through his despairing guffaws. "The King is dead!"

Ah, I'm tired.