Operation Finale: Divine Lightning

Operation FInale: Divine Lightning (DE: Unternehmen Finale: Heiliger Blitz) is the twelfth chapter of Descendants of Calamity. It is the second of three parts of the novel's finale, serving as its climax. After the defeat of two prominent figures of both sides, the Federalist Soldiers begin their rapid advance into the fortress of Munich in their endeavors to triumph over the Confederacy. The armored columns begin to rumble over the bombed city as the Schutzstaffel rush into their defensive positions in a final stand against the roaring force of their enemy.
== Story ==
=== Chapter 12:1 - The Prussian Spear ===
==== Chapter 12:1:1 - Push into Munich ====
A platoon of infantrymen march and cross the river of Munich, crossing the previously contested bridge. It is the morning after the battle of Nikolas and Gomer. The remains of the geokinetic dragon remain, as debris and craters are visible in the battlefield. The town the Prussian Spear and the German SS previously fought over was wrecked by the battle. Though, it was planned. The bridge sustained damage which risks a wreckage. Other bridges were destroyed by SS engineers. Luckily, DoC engineers have already began constructing new makeshift bridges from wood and other reused materials nearby.
The mention platoon consists of regular grunts and infantrymen. Most are seasoned middle-aged men who have visible shellshock and trauma sustained from the events unfolding in their lives. They have lost their brothers, their families, theirselves and their innocence. Two corporals, which were then reconnaissance riflemen have been reassigned into motorized infantry. They were the young men who lived to tell their tale after being lost for a week. Despite their legend, they were still broken. They continue to break under the rough conditions of war. 
Previously, they were fresh recruits and were private first classes. Essentially, rookies who had just gotten out of training and were to taste a sample of war. After losing their brothers and theirselves, their endeavors were recognized by the army. Quickly, they were awarded a promotion for their resilience, and was honored by Lieutenant Germany himself, whom they have talked to personally. Thus, they were reassigned to a mechanized infantry platoon, and are now gunners for a halftrack.
Corporal Edmund is the youngest of the two, with Corporal Peter is only older by 5 months. With their eyes as soulless as their previous actions, they seek to avenge the life of their sergeant and their brothers. Exiting the ravaged town, their platoon is tasked to reinforce previously dropped airborne soldiers who are being pinned by national socialists.
==== Chapter 12:1:2 - A futile firefight ====
As they rush, the gunfire grows louder. Driving into the battlefield, their halftrack enters the strife. Edmund quickly grabs his machine gun, firing bursts into his enemies, into the men who had killed his brothers. He guns them down, forcing them to retreat, as his comrades and Peter unboard from the halftrack, to reinforce the airborne soldiers. Soon, a nazi armored tank emerges from the foliage, firing an explosive shell that ricochets off of the halftrack. Edmund quickly grabs his rifle, as the driver grabs a rocket launcher, yanking themselves off of the halftrack fleeing immediately into cover to conceal themselves.
Edmund: "Fuck, man! Get down! Stay down and don't move until the tank turns away!"
Peter grabs his submachine gun, shooting any enemy he sees dead, the bursts of his gun mowing down his adversaries. Edmund holds off any enemy reinforcement nearby, as the tank blows up the halftrack. Meanwhile, the drive, aiming his launcher, attempts to shoot the front window of the tank. Unknowingly, he is gunned down before he could even pull the trigger. Edmund looks, seeing his comrade dead, as he throws a stick grenade onto the tank, followed by two more. As it explodes, the vision of the driver and the gunners of the tank was blocked, rushing his way onto the launcher, grabbing it and moving to the flank. 
The airborne soldiers are trapped in a foxhole. However, Peter and his comrades have made it to them, helping them defend from the besieging nazis. Edmund, due to his quick thinking, makes his way to the flank, skillfully lining up the shot to the Panzer's rear and shooting it up, blowing up its engine. The crewmen of the tank have been shocked by the explosions rear. Edmund rushes, evading bullets as he makes his way to the top of the tank, with another grenade in hand. Making it to the hatch, cooking his grenade before dropping it into the tank, he jumps off running back to the ruined halftrack. The tank explodes, as the other soldiers watch in amazement. A squad of nazis begin to retreat, upon seeing the tank's demise. However, the battle remains stiff and on high stakes as most besieging soldiers remain. 
Peter: "EDMUND!!! GET US REINFORCEMENTS!!!" 
Peter hopes that Edmund will call reinforcements through the radio they had left in the halftrack. As he boards the abandoned vehicle, he rummages through the leftover equipment. However, a barrage of gunfire erupts, multiple hitting the halftrack. He does not hesitate, immediately contacting nearby forces, begging for reinforcements. The besiegers begin to encircle the halftrack. Peter and his comrades fight fiercely, beginning to break out from the besiegement, rushing to aid Edmund, Peter yelling out his name and urging his brothers to save a fellow comrade. Nazis begin to approach the halftrack, as Peter and his fellows gun them down.
However, they were also being approached by nazis. Hopeless, Peter yells, daring them to come at him as he fires his submachine gun, mowing down those who approach him. His fellows defend their current position, attempting to repel anymore attacks. They have already suffered 6 casualties, and aim to prevent the loss of more men. Edmund in the halftrack was then jumped by a man with a combat knife, swinging. Edmund's cheek was slashed, however he quickly skirmishes, hitting the nazi's stomach, kicking him down. However, he trips on the nazi's foot, who quickly steps up, about to stab the vulnerable Edmund. Though, they fight, as Edmund blocks and grabs the arms of his opponent, battling aimlessly for the kill. 
Peter begins to lose ammo, as the remaining nazis close in, unleashing their bayonets in a charge. The others retreat, with only one airborne soldier and rifleman stay, who kill 3 nazis before they were shot dead as well. Peter was jumped by a nazi, as he clumsily flung himself to the side, to dodge the bayonet charge. He regains footing, as he punches the man downward, pinning him, beating him momentarily, before he was kicked before being stabbed in his side then yanked backward, causing him to fall. The nazi stands up, as Peter struggles to even sit up, with a rifle pointed at him, he knows he's about to die. But at the right moment, the nazi was shot in the head by Edmund.
Edmund hops off of the halftrack, as bullets whiz over them.
Edmund: "Talk to me."
Peter: "Get me the hell out of here..."
Without hesitation, he drags his brother into cover. Evading bullets. trying his best to not get shot, as the besiegers pause their attack. THey make it to cover, as the remaining men tend to the man, preparing a war of attrition, wasting their bullets on defense. A squad begins to approach them, as the machine gun runs out of bullets. They are doomed , with no more ammo nor any communication. Preparing for the worst, two men run off, with some dying in the process. Realizing the futility, they remain in their cover, a small trench with barely anything to hide in. Lightning and thunder rumbles abruptly. Motorized infantry reinforcements arrive, fending off the advancing enemies, as they are shot down and mown like grass. 
Airborne soldier: "YES!!! REINFORCEMENTS!"
PS soldier: "God damn..."
PS soldier 2: "What took them so long? Fuck, most of us are fungi now."
Lieutenant: "Survey each other... We're done here."
Peter sighs in relief, as Edmund watches in disbelief, noticing that the 10 men they were supposed to save had reduced to only 4, with most dying because of their ignorance. His platoon sustained ultimate damage, with their sergeant being one of the casualties. The lieutenant wasn't a leader either, but rather a coward. Medical teams begin evacuating the injured, as well as infantrymen securing the perimeter, with the medical trucks being loaded with patients, including Peter. Edmund escorts his brother, taking time to talk to him outside of the truck.
SoC Medic: "Don't take too long, alright? We'll let you boys chat."
Edmund: "What the fuck was that? They sent us here to die? Those parachute dingleberries killed themselves at that point."
Peter: "As long as we've got it done... We're good..."
Edmund: "What? Are you crazy? You almost died..."
Peter: "It's war... Not much we can do... The young suffer for the elders..."
SoC Surgeon: "That's enough, his blood's beginning to flow much more. He's running out of air."
The medics drive off in their truck, as Edmund is escorted to a jeep by a sergeant for psychological and physical examination back at base. The battle ended, a useless mission that only took lives rather than save them. Even if the war is meeting its end, the atrocities continue until one of the elders give up. But due to the greed of society, that will never happen. People and leaders always want victory. To have glory under their name, and they would do everything to achieve that status.
=== Chapter 12:2 - The Infiltration ===
==== Chapter 12:2:1 - The Capture ====
The Saboteurs have entered the network of the national socialists. Spies and civilian informants have began collaborating with mutineers of the nazi ranks. Currently, 15 there are 15 Saboteurs acting as SS officers, particularly guards of the fortress. For almost a month, the network of spies and saboteurs have increased in Munich. The military police and civilian police departments have been compromised. Most documents have already been stolen. Poor morale caused by the defeats and inefficiencies of the reich remained prevalent, with most performing poorly. This resulted in the efficiency of psychological operations and espionage warfare, making way for efficient tactics en route to victory.
Felix Heisenberg, escorted by 2 SS soldiers, rides a truck containing 3 NCO's, a major, a captain and a colonel. They have been compromised and exposed as spies and are in for interrogation by nazi generals like Felix Steiner and Paul Hausser with the inclusion of a kinetic and intelligence force general, Gerald Putsch. Most of the SS high command have relocated into the fortress. Despite the recent attacks, particularly on the bridge, the remaining upper echelons of the nazi war machine remain static in the fortress, ordering all their men to defend it at all costs. Though, one simple mistake can lead to the eruption of the entire building. 
As the truck moves into the fortress, the exposed spies remain silent. It moves into the garage, where other trucks, only containing soldiers and guardsmen are parked as well. As the gear shifts to neutral, the POWs and the 2 SS soldiers, with an addition of 3 guardsmen as escort lead them into a chamber of holding cells. There are cells for each, with three others occupied by other POWs of high value. It is solitary confinement. It is dark, it is isolated and each cell is enclosed by an iron door with different keys. It is guarded by 5 SS guardsmen to ensure proper security. As Felix is locked up, so were his comrades. Their cells contain a bucket, and a mattress. A barred small window serves as their only ventilation, with the view being nothing but a glimpse of light. 
==== Chapter 12:2:2 - The Interrogation ====
Gerald Putsch is currently in his office, awaiting for a guardsman to inform him of the arrival of the prisoners. Not 5 minutes later, an SS lieutenant knocks on his office door, subtly opening it and greeting his superior.
Lieutenant: "Sir, they have arrived in their holding cells. They have been confined for 30 minutes with no phone call. Who do you wish to be brought upon you?"
Gerald: "Save Felix Heisenberg for last. Bring me the second highest man in position."
The Lieutenant nods, saluting and exiting the office. 10 minutes later, the lieutenant and another escort return with the colonel. They have managed to receive his name. His name is Ludwig, and has been an intelligence and logistics agent since the Great War. He is seated in front of Gerald, as the lieutenant and escort exit the office, guarding the outside. Gerald, eager to extract any information of the offensive attempts to interrogate Ludwig. 
Gerald: "Let's make this easy, Ludwig. We have traced your contacts. We will not bear any names. However, you have a daughter and a son, a wife and a brother-in-law serving the Prussian Spear. It is no surprise that you know a thing or two about the operation. Tell us, and we'll let you go unpunished."
Ludwig: "You think that it is easy to threaten me? Let me assure you, I am a colonel. I am only a rank behind you. I am older than you, Gerald. I know a thing or two about you. Maybe we can talk about yourself rather than our plans?"
Gerald: "If you want to boast about your achievements as a messenger in the great war, a forensic investigation specialist in the martial law and an espionage chief in your saboteur guild... I have to let you know that you've been already caught."
Ludwig: "That doesn't mean that you've done any more than me. I have worked both with brains and brawn. You have only used your money. Your lineage dates back to the age of Bismarck. You have a family fortune worth millions. You have bought your honor, not earned it, Gerald."
Gerald: "We could have made this easier, Ludwig."
Gerald presses a button, electrocuting Ludwig. It is powered by Remendado's staff of divine lightning. The electricity that Gerald is receiving is enough to kill him after 3 seconds of reception. Just in time, he stops the electric charge. Before asking again.
Gerald: "You have another chance, Ludwig. I know you gamble, but this is on highest stakes."
Ludwig: "Hekk... You think we were taught to give up just like that...? What is a spy to you, Gerald?"
Gerald: "I'm not here to talk to you like this. I am warning you again. One more mistake and we'll lock you up with your family."
Ludwig: "And you think that we can be threatened like that easily? I thought you were the commander of intelligence and kinetic forces... Yet, you don't even know that pseudonyms can be used? That we can alter information to prevent threats like this? Hell, I don't even know if you people can detect a bluff... That's how terrible you are, with all you know is locking up jews and those against you."
Gerald: "Which one of us were caught, hm? That says a lot about you saboteurs. If you, a colonel, and an espionage chief were caught simultaneously, there is a problem in your strategy."
Before Ludwig was able to speak, Gerald again electrocutes him, which makes his heart palpitate, and almost kills the man. Staying resilient, Ludwig's hair began to stand up from the electricity. Gerald remains persistent and persuasive, continuing to attempt to interview the colonel.
Gerald: "One last chance..."
Ludwig: "I won't back down that easily... Even if I die, you won't anything in me."
Gerald: "Ludwig, what does a man do for his family?"
Ludwig was puzzled by this question.
Gerald: "A man adapts to the responsibility of provision. That he is to work and journey to make a stable life for his family. To create opportunities, sustaining the health of their family. A man will be hurt, a man will be scarred, a man will cry, but he shouldn't die. Because a family awaits him. A family who expects of him, a family who cannot live with him. So you are choosing to leave your wife and your 2 children just for the sake of this war?"
Ludwig: "I have a responsibility. It is to end this war at all costs. As soon as you bastards surrender, I will provide. I will work my ass off. What is it that you don't understand? That you think that I am selfish? That I only care for my family and not the country? You're kidding."
Gerald: "And you'll serve an incompetent agency? Bullshit. You've already been caught. Your commander has been caught. Your division is disorganized, and all is left for you is to surrender or die. Your agency is lost. Felix will be executed after his interrogation. Do you wish to join him? In dishonor and peril? For your family to instead receive a flag of your country instead of yourself?"
Felix: "Think again, Gerald."
Suddenly, Felix Heisenberg himself appears behind Gerald. Swiftly but silently, piercing his heart with an ice pick, killing him without noise. Ludwig nods, as they speak to each other about their plan. It turns out, some SS guards are spies in disguise. This arrest was all a plan to create an inside conflict to create a quick besiegement of the fortress.
Ludwig: "Damn. He's dead, mate. How about the guards?" 
Felix: "Our agents have released me from my cell. Only 2 of the guardsmen in the chamber aren't friendly."
Ludwig: "Excellent, Felix. It's all going as planned."
Felix: "I've notified the spies to sabotage equipment and communications. Erwin is in that truck, he snuck in. He should be getting out by now."
Ludwig: "Alright, all is left is to lure the generals here and keep them hostage, yes?"
Felix: "They should be arriving momentarily."
==== Chapter 12:2:3 - A fiery pest ====
In the truck, Erwin sneaks out, wearing his cape and regular uniform. It is nightfall, and it is curfew. The garage is closed with noone around, meaning Erwin is able to retain his stealth. After finding a ventilation entrance, he opens the cover, crawling inside with his sickles holstered. The space is tight, but Erwin remains defiant despite the claustrophobic space. The shafts were tight, the smell was like a sewer. It was unbearable. After 15 minutes crawling silently, he makes his way into a kitchen. It is a large industrial kitchen, lit extensively by bright white lights with large workspaces and stoves. The smoke smells like fried chicken and fragrance of bread and pastry were strong. There was only one chef around. He noisily opens the vent cover, falling down on his feet, surprising the chef, who grabs a knife. However, Erwin hastily flanked and yanked the knife away from the chef. He pins him to the wall with a sickle by his throat. 
Erwin: "Tell me quickly. do the ventilation shafts lead to the office of Putsch or the doomspire?"
Chef: "I don't... I don't know... But Putsch's office is... It's on the fourth floor..."
Erwin: "Do you know a way up there without getting caught?"
Chef: "If you climb back up... and keep going straight, you'll be met with turns either to the left or right... The right leads... The right leads to the garbage chute drop-off... The left leads to the bridge and front entrance... It was broken... by... by a recent fight... But it still ends on the bridge..."
Erwin: "Alright, I've heard enough. Can I trust you not to tell anyone?"
Chef: "Y-yes..."
Erwin: "How can I trust you?"
Chef: "Well..."
Erwin: "If you answer this question honestly, I'll trust you, okay? Don't tell your nazi employers what's happening, okay?"
The chef nods, as Erwin lowers his sickles, kneeling to make the chef feel safe.
Erwin: "I'll go to the garbage chute route. Tell me, if I need to climb up the chutes, how far do I need to leap off of the ground?"
Chef: "Well... it is only a few feet off... maybe 5 feet off the ground..."
Erwin: "I see, so if I fell, I would be alright, yes?"
Chef: "Very much... so... I will help you test, alright? I have a garbage chute near here..."
The chef grabs a bucket, which will make a loud noise as it goes down the chute. He throws it down. It drops down for almost 30 seconds before its noises were inaudible. They presume that it has fallen down. 3 seconds later, a loud CLANG was heard, which was presumably the bucket.
Erwin: "That's one long fall, is it?"
Chef: "Yeah... so if you... if you ever got lost... you can come back here..."
Without saying a single thing, Erwin pushes the chef down the chute as he yells momentarily before he stopped. Erwin dusts his hands and examines the area. He leaps up back into the ventilation system, covering up the hatch as he crawls. After crawling for 5 more minutes, he turns left, en route to the bridge. Erwin turns on his radio, which can only be heard by him. When there was no background noise, he concludes that he is isolated. He whispers to the radio.
Erwin: "Saboteur command, I am in the ventilation systems. I've memorized the blueprint, but not the ventilation routes. I am reportedly en route to the bridge. Do you have any clue where I'll end upon an exit? Over."
He continues to crawl, awaiting a response as the radiomen order him to await an update. After 4 more minutes, the radiomen respond.
Radio: "Erwin, describe your location right now."
Erwin: "You're just in time. I am in a three way turn. I have been crawling for ten minutes. My last turn was five minutes ago. I think this is almost 300 meters from the last turn."
Radio: "Alright, Erwin, we'll describe your situation. Ahead of you, it is en route to the offices of the generals and high command. It has maximum security. To your left, is en route to a platoon's sleeping quarters. You should not enter that unless you want to quicken your way into the doomspire. Most of the men are asleep, but are on high alert due to their training. To your right, there will be a ladder. If you climb up, you will end up on the surface of the bridge where the temperatures are high, and it is essentially hell. However, if you climb down, you will end up in a prison chamber. On the bridge, firefighters have appeared, however are common. You may use the flames to your advantage. We only see one choice here, Hollenfeuer."
Erwin: "Very well. Over."
Erwin takes the right path, crawling meticulously as he begins to pant, feeling the hot temperatures of the vent, while also beginning to grow tired. After 19 more minutes of arduous crawling, he makes it to the ladder. It is a large vertical ventilation shaft. It is located inside one of the towers of the fortress near the bridge entrance. He looks down, seeing a larger ventilation system of the gigantic building. There are also engineers on platforms actively working. Crawling out of the vent, he steps on a metal bridge platform leading to the ladder. He carefully steps, with each step making a noisy sound. He however maintains his stealth, climbing up the ladder.
As he climbs, the walls gradually look more cracked, damaged and even ruined. The shockwaves of the Lunar Oculus and the Wassers' fight remain, marking its temporary memorial as ruins. After 5 minutes, the ladder ends abruptly as it was broken by the fight. Erwin leapt upward and sticked his sickle onto a cracked wall, climbing like a mountaineer. He makes it onto the surface under a large crack. After carrying himself upward, he stands on the surface of the ruined bridge, covered by flames and blood.
He walks, on the long and arduous bridge. The fire touching his skin and the blood staining the soles of his boots. Guts of the lunar oculus are scattered, with the floor also being slightly wet. Particularly the gaps between the bricks having small residues of waters. Erwin cautiously treads over some of the gaps and large cracks over the bridge as he jumps over larger ruins and cracks. As he walks closer to the entrance, he sees a squad of firefighters extinguishing the fire. The area is full of smog, the background is obstructed with only the window lights being visible. However, he conceals himself with fire, walking right past them, blending in with the flames nearby, as if he was invisible. 
He has walked for about 6 minutes now, and he sees the wreck of the Flying German. Unable to believe what he has seen, he panics quickly and began to survey the area around him. He turns on his radio again, to notify the command post of his situation.
Erwin: "Command, Wassersaule's aircraft has crashed here on the bridge. It's burnt, but maybe it has been extinguished by the firefighters earlier. There are blood and guts everywhere. What was his operation? Over."
Radio: "Hollenfeuer, rummage through and attempt to locate his whereabouts, as well as Ziegler's. He went on to embark on an ambitious mission to defeat Ziegler days ago. We haven't heard from him since."
Erwin: "Roger roger, I hope he's fine."
Erwin then examines the innards of the wrecked craft. There were 2 corpses in uniform. Upon inspection, they were NCO's and had open fractures. The control panel, wheel and cockpit are all wrecked. The planks of the craft and the metal were all messy and some wirings continue to spark. He exits the craft and continues on with his endeavor to find an entrance to the doomspire. 7 minutes later, the fires gradually become bigger the more he walked. He ignored it. It was completely silent. Only the crackling of the fire was audible. The smell of smoke enters his nose, and that was all he was able to smell. However, the flooring was still damp and somewhat wet. 
Exiting the inferno, he sees a large circular corpse. It had teeth, but it was broken, as if it exploded. It also had its guts scattered all throughout the area. It smells like shit. Pinching his nose, he hops onto the thing, looking inside, seeing the unshackling harpoon of Wassersaule, his trident. Though, he also sees a headless female corpse. Believing the worst, he hops off and continues his voyage reporting to the command post. 
Erwin: "Command, I just found a large... thing... it seemed to be alive, but it's dead, it had blood and guts. I guess it was a creature. A female corpse was inside of it, but so is Saule's trident. I'm worried sick, this is shitty. Maybe that corpse is Ziegler's, I don't know nor care. I just want to see my cousin."
Radio: "Received report, Erwin. We'll see."
Erwin continues to walk on the ominous bridge. However, he spots a clear entrance into the doomspire. The bow of the airship points and leads directly to the window entrance of the doomspire. He notified command immediately.
Erwin: "Command, I don't know what else is ahead of the bridge. Flying German's bow leads directly to a window entrance to the doomspire... I'm not missing this chance. If Saule is alive, he would've gone in there already. I'm going in, over."
Radio: "Loud and clear, Erwin. The saboteurs have successfully taken the generals hostage. You shouldn't worry about yourself being caught. If the nazis were to be alerted, it would be because of them, not you. Get in there and neutralize the first rank sentinel. Over."
Erwin climbs the airship's bow, walking steadily over it. For 3 minutes, he has been shakily walking, feeling the gusts of wind brush over him as his palms begin to sweat. Defiant, he makes it in, opening the window, as it shrieks while sliding, hopping inside with his sickles in hand.
=== Chapter 12:3 - The Doomspire ===
==== Chapter 12:3:1 - The Sentinel Pillars ====
The room is a large grand room. Pillars surround him. The only gleams are that of the moon's, lighting up barely everything. It is a cold area. It is lonely and dark. Cold and eerie. The floor is pure dark marble, with occasional carpet laid around. There are multiple stairs leading to different areas. However, Erwin continues to explore, searching for the first rank. After 10 minutes of searching the liminal space, he finds the 5 pillars, meant for the sentinels. The highest is Remendado's, sustaining electrical charges that are responsible for providing electricity throughout the fortress. The second is Gomer's, a plain pillar with nothing special other than vines and ivies wrapped around it. The third is Melone's, having a built in fish tank in relation to his love for marine life and waters. The fourth and fifth are plain and simple, with nothing special, as sentinels of those ranks were always the weakest and least competent, therefore not being regarded as special by their superiors.
However, behind the pillars, the floor ends abruptly, leading into a dark void. It was where the dragons have risen up from before. Across it is the balcony or platform of the unterfuhrer and the fuhrer during the meetings. Turning around, Remendado stands on a flight of stairs, behind a grand door which is the entrance to a long hallway to the sleeping quarters of the sentinels.
Remendado: "Erwin Hollenfeuer..."
Erwin turns around, seeing the first rank. The mighty and the feared. Remaining defiant, he stands firm, sickles in hand preparing for a legendary skirmish.
Without hesitating, Erwin rapidly launches slashes of fire toward Remendado. Though, the first rank parries a few slashes and charges up his rod. Surprisingly, Erwin had quickly made his way up the flight of stairs, with him swinging his sickles to the neck of Remendado, which were only a few inches away. Like lightning, he repels the attack and kicks Erwin away, leaving him back down the flight of stairs. 
Remendado: "Not bad, hm? You've almost gotten me there."
Erwin: "Quite surprising... I've never thought that I would be able to match you of all people one day."
Remendado: "No all-star has ever crossed paths with me other than your brother."
Erwin: "I've always thought that you've crossed paths with Lieutenant Germany."
Remendado: "It was Ezekiel who I fought in the sting operation against us... Do you know about it?"
Erwin: "Sting operation?"
Remendado: "It happened way before the war. It was codenamed Operation Salamanca. Your brother, Ezekiel and Lieutenant Germany along with the Descendants of Calamity invaded our little bunker hideout in Frankfurt. They went after the Karpakovs and massacred them after they failed to surrender. I was actively involved with that skirmish. It was my first time encountering him. I was fearful. I felt his hate scream down my soul. But, after fighting him I was incredibly weak after, and my only choice was to retreat."
Erwin: "I see. So he was one of the only people that was able to lay a finger on you?"
Remendado: "Precisely. I respect and fear him. But you're not anything special. From the way I'm seeing things, you're just someone trying to be like him, Erwin."
Erwin was confused by Remendado's statement. However he has made himself vulnerable. Remendado quickly zooms and strikes Erwin's stomach with the butt of his staff before Erwin could even react. He swings his sickle toward the swift warrior, landing no hits but instead begins to miss all of his attacks. Remendado yet again returns fire, charging up his staff and unleashing small strikes of lightning at Erwin, who dodged few but was eventually hit by one. He is flung onto the ground, with smoke and dust surrounding the area. However, emerging from the smoke are lightning-quick bunches of Pyrokinesis: Flying Fire Sickles that hack and slash Remendado consecutively. Remendado catches his breath, as Erwin slowly stands back up.
Erwin: "I said nothing bad about you, Linyun."
Remendado: "Nothing has to be said about me. I am myself. I am feared and seen as a mighty warrior. I have made a name for myself while you haven't. You're just a traitor and a greedy man."
Erwin: "I've changed more than you think. You've just not seen who I really am."
Erwin rushes toward Remendado slash after slash, throwing himself aimlessly and displaying peak human agility. Swiftly, Remendado swings his staff and legs to throw Erwin off, however they only parry each other's attacks. The stakes are equal, however the swings prove useless, other than a stalling mechanism that only hinders both performances. After seeing no possible opening, Erwin throws one of his sickles toward the direction of a pillar. Giving himself a disadvantage, Remendado sweeps him off of his feet and raises his staff attempting to impale Erwin's throat, however the sickle cuts through a portion of a pillar, launching debris into Remendado's eyes, distracting him temporarily before the sickle comes back and slashes, setting him on fire before Erwin skillfully grabs it and sweeps Remendado, throwing him into a pillar in a smash.
In pursuit, Erwin immediately launches himself at Remendado, who was overwhelmed, parrying the attacks of the infernal star. The slashes increase in temperature, however the first rank uses the heat to recharge his staff to his advantage, and he proceeds with this strategy. 
Electrocuting him with mighty lightning, the lightning strike completely shocks Erwin. After the rumble echoes around the fortress, the guardsmen and the SS guards were immediately alerted. Multiple sleeping elites immediately had gone out of their bed before their commander could even call them out, immediately grabbing onto their uniforms and reporting to their posts to find and protect their seniors, and especially the Unterfuhrer. The sirens alarm all over the fortress as the entire building is put on high alert. 
As Remendado looks at the smoke clearing, the electricity sparks around Erwin, who is still alive, on his knees, attempting to stand up with all his might, shaking with the shock. As the electricity around him attempts to eliminate him, he instead explodes in a burst of fire, with some slashes scattering around the area. Strategically, he conducted the heat within him and created fire. The slashes fly around Remendado, as he realizes what he has become. In flurries, the slashes cut him, however he maintains his agility and launches himself in lightning, deflecting the fires and heading straight at Erwin. Efficiently, he notices Remendado's advance as he leaps out of his trajectory and attempts to bait him into a pillar. However, he is unable to outrun lightning. Remendado is in a blitz. After that leap, Remendado immediately bent his track into Erwin's direction, landing onto him, rapidly kicking him away into a wall. 
As Erwin was outdone, he recovers, breathing rapidly and realizing his limits. Remendado quickly moves before the infernal star, looking down at him with staff in hand. 
Remendado: "You've clearly changed... I was wrong about you."
Erwin: "I don't lie... After all, my life is at stake."
Remendado: "I hold high respect for the courageous..."
Erwin: "I have learned a lot since we last met..."
Remendado: "You used to lose to Rosenberg every training session. Now you're able to hold me off for 4 minutes."
Erwin: "For 4 years, I have been working for this. To see how far I can go. That no matter the circumstance, to see my peak..."
Remendado: "My heart has no room for those with dishonor. Those who rat out their comrades for their own benefit, just like you. Those who do not recognize their responsibility."
Erwin: "Yet, you were the one who would have lost to my brother already... You were to lose your arm... But you cheated like the rat you are. The rat you always were... You're in no place to say that."
Enraged, Remendado charges up his staff and lunges it at Erwin. Surprising even Erwin, once the pyrokinetic warrior moved out of the way, his staff was stuck to the wall as he blundered and electrocuted himself. Erwin throws his sickles at Remendado, slashing him and making him vulnerable. Rapidly, they clash, parrying attacks. Erwin using his fisticuffs to attempt to land a hit against Remendado. Swiftly, he was punched in the gut but Remendado again uses Erwin's fires and charged up his staff to the maximum, imitating lightning yet again to attempt to destroy Erwin. Rushing throughout the entire area while the sickles chase him, he bends 17 times as he imitates lightning, attempting to lunge at Erwin, who charges up his own attack, setting his arm on fire and roaring, cracking the marble and summoning his adrenaline.
IN A MIGHTY PUNCH, SLAMMING HIS OPPONENT INTO THE GROUND, Erwin creates a large inferno around the area, cracking the marble he slammed Remendado onto, concussing him and shocking him. Unable to withstand his own power, Erwin is flung away, catching his sickles and latching onto a pillar, before losing grip and falling down onto the ground in a clumsy mistake. He grabs his arm, stands up slightly as the arena is in an inferno. 
Walking back to his opponent, he readies his sickles, walking through the fire and already seeing his opponent regaining his footing, with this staff in hand, buzzing with electricity and charge. 
Erwin: "That should have killed you if you were still human."
Remendado: "Hah... I'm alive. You haven't won yet. You've wasted that much energy on me, you should have decapitated me."
Erwin: "For all of my life, I have been scared to lose my own. I am scared to take others' lives as well. I only prey on the worst."
Remendado: "Here you are, trying to sound noble and heroic... While you have killed people at your time with us. It is irredeemable. And for you to betray us with an attempt to redeem yourself is shameful and comedic. The chains of your past hold you back. That is something you can't deny nor escape."
Erwin: "I have always believed in redemption. The past is something to forget and not latch onto forever. It is a lesson. I am not Simoun anymore. I am myself again. And I will do whatever it'll take to redeem myself. That is something you should understand. But, you're a coward. I know that you are, because you symbolize the past as if it is still haunting you to this day."
Resuming their bloody clash, Remendado launches swaths of lightning throughout the ground, chasing Erwin who parries and attempts to create openings for his cause. However, it was futile, seeing Remendado gradually grow stronger with every slash of fire he unleashes. The clash continues, but the echoes and rumbles of their legendary fight are felt throughout the fortress. The spies and saboteurs have taken note of the situation, and are now ordered to standby and act natural. Others are currently hiding the hostages and the corpse of Putsch. 
==== Chapter 12:3:2 - Stealth ====
After capturing their prioritized targets, as well as alerting the entire corps in the fortress, Felix heads out to locate Adolf HItler and kill him himself. Exiting the room of Gerald Putsch, he conceals himself with Quantomekanikinesis, a kinetic art that allows him to turn invisible and conceal himself. However, his shoes produce a loud sound, but it is occasionally overshadowed by the blaring alarms of the fortress along with the alert messages. Venturing out of the long hallway of offices, he enters the grand hall. A large fancy area with all guards rushing everywhere, he traverses through the rushing soldiers attempting to find the entrance to the quarters of the unterfuhrer. 
Noticing a hall, labeled with "Oberkommando der Reich und Schutzstaffel" he quickly figured that this is the way to the offices or quarters of the SS and political high command. Entering, the hallway was lit, though the rumbles of Erwin and Remendado's clash echo throughout, the lights blink profusely in jitters. Running out of energy to maintain his invisibility, after walking far into the hallway where no more guards are present, he appears again, producing smoke that helps temporarily conceal himself. He walks past the offices of Hermann Goering, Hjalmar Schacht, Joseph Goebbels, Heinrich Himmler, Albert Kesselring, Martin Bormann and other political affiliates of Hitler's echelon. 
Eventually, he stumbles upon a grand door with a golden plaque labeled "Unterfuhrer". He decides to enter, the door creaking loudly as smoke comes out, with an aroma smelling like an attic. He conceals himself again, as he closes the grand door with a loud bang, now entering the vicinity of Adolf Hitler. As soon as he enters, a large staircase leading downwards, is before him. Not hesitating, he follows the stairs, descending into the depths of Adolf's lair. After 3 minutes, he makes it to the bottom, peeking, he sees nothing. It is just a hallway. It is well-lit. It is like a bunker. As he walks through the hallways, it is less chaotic than the events above. There are doors leading to kitchens and sleeping quarters, and he has yet to find Adolf Hitler. Most room contain porcelain pots with delicate designs. The rumbles of Remendado are still heard down here, but is felt less. 
==== Chapter 12:3:3 - Eradication ====
Adolf Hitler and his wife, Eva Braun are spending time in their private recreational room. Hopeless, Hitler's desires for a legendary comeback is beginning to fade. But, he believes that given enough fate, the Federalists will be pushed back. Not giving up on his dreams and desires for his reich, he remains resilient and sought refuge under his fortress, in a bunker constructed in case of the worst. He saw himself as a wolf, but he is just a rat. In threat, hiding rather than remaining courageous against opponents. His wife asks of him, in an attempt to initiate a conversation.
Eva: "What are your plans now, dear?"
Hitler: "In everything, we have to have faith. We have to believe that in spite of disaster a miracle will happen."
Eva: "Our people are dying! We have to stop this. We have to negotiate."
Hitler: "Then Germany will fall to the hands of the ignorant yet again. We'll end up in prison and possibly executed. We have to persist."
Eva: "Think about our countrymen... They are slaughtering each other in millions... There will be nothing to save after this..."
Adolf was angered by the statement of her wife. She was taken in by him and was cared for. She never allowed the public to see her and retained her confidentiality. 
Hitler: "After I've taken you in... You go against me? I have married you thinking I would have you by my side at the very least... However, you turn out to be like those who wrong me? It's heartbreaking... However, you are the only company I have left. I have no intention of abandoning you. You have been by my side ever since I have met you. I believe we'll see the light again someday..."
Eva worried, stands up, telling her husband that she will just use the restroom. However, once she was behind him, she pulled out a gun, as her body began to produce smoke. With one pull of the trigger, Hitler turns around just at the right time. The bullet enters his temples, penetrates his brain and kills him off. As the smoke fills up the entire area, Felix begins to notice a trail of smoke, and follows through. He finds the room where the smoke emits from, carefully opening it, aiming his gun at the room. However, before him was Hitler, who was already dead, and he immediately notified the Saboteurs.
Kalamitat disappears into thin air as smoke fills up the room yet again. Felix, realizing the operation, he notifies the Saboteurs and its home command.
Felix: "Saboteurs, this is CODE ORANGE! The grandieoffizier is in the vicinity... For him to go out like this means that the Fuhrer is close by and he actively seeks him! ALL UNITS, REGROUP AND ARREST HIGH PROFILE TARGETS ONCE THE ATTACK ON THE FORTRESS BEGINS!"
Quickly, Felix rushes out of the room and conceals himself, leaving Hitler's corpse to fade and rot in the room.
==== Chapter 12:3:4 - The shadows of the night ====
The rapid clash continues, with Erwin managing to catch up to the rapid speed of Remendado. The marbled floor sustains colossal cracks shaped like ravines. Erwin sustains multiple injuries and bruises, with barely any cuts. However, Remendado's highly resistant fabric clothing begins to break down and fall victim to the slices and slashes of Erwin's fiery sickles. Unwilling to create an opening, Erwin summons all of his adrenaline in multiple slash attacks that begin to hinder Remendado from escaping. Charges of lightning are sent to Erwin, who resists the pain but fails to absorb. However, Erwin's next slash misses, opening up an opportunity for Remendado, who swings his staff upward, and unleashes a burst of lightning which sends Erwin back.
However, after only 5 seconds, Erwin leaps back, launching massive and agile slashes like a mantis, attempting to cut down Remendado. His attack speeds up, in an attempt to match Remendado's blitz. After a minute, Erwin eventually runs out of stamina, Remendado smacks him in the face. Erwin slashes back, slicing Remendado. Remendado responds, attempting to impale Erwin's throat, as he chokes with a critical hit. However, Erwin explodes in a burst of fire, before unleashing 6 slashes that follows Remendado, but he parries rapidly as Erwin leaps back toward him, initiating another clash.
Erwin notices a shadowy figure that soon disappeared. He feels that it is another hallucination caused by his condition. After recognizing the disadvantage, Remendado leaps backwards, only summoning small lightning strikes from the sky onto Erwin, who swiftly dodges in pursuit of Remendado. Throwing slashes of fire toward Remendado as he retreats, a chase ensues between the two. As he evades the slashes and also attempts to retreat to find a vantage point for his benefit, he notices that Erwin has reached his strongest form. That after all that happened, he never gave up and continued in his strife to redeem himself. 
He prides himself with the title of the first rank of the Sentinels, that he has made himself the strongest of all. But, he is unable to defeat a former fourth rank, which was miles weaker than him. He cannot help but uphold high respect for Erwin's wit and drive, that no matter what happened to him, he never once considered suicide unlike his brother. After realizing this, he remains defiant and persistent regarding the rapid pursuit. Since he is now free of Erwin's chains and oppression, he charges up his staff to the maximum and imitates a lightning strike, leaping and rushing to evade Erwin's slashes, redirecting himself toward Erwin, body slamming him into a wall, regaining his footing and control. 
Surprisingly, Erwin remains defiant, having have already sustained incredible amounts of injury within him, shakily holding his sickles and looking at his opponent, a legend within the community of the kinetic fighters. Remendado doesn't finish him off, however, instead choosing to speak to him and commend his improvement.
Remendado: "Erwin, you've proven me wrong."
Erwin: "I'm wide open right here... I can't move as much... I'm shaking from the shock... Why aren't you killing me?"
Remendado: "You're something special. If you fought me one week earlier, you would have been dead the second I struck you with that lightning. If you fought me when I killed your brother... You would have been dead with one sweep of my staff."
Erwin: "What's the difference here...? 
Remendado: "Obviously, you've improved. You've not only told me, but shown me. You were able to cut my wrist. Only Ezekiel has been able to do that amount of damage to me, or even more."
Erwin: "So, what? You're belittling me? Comparing me to my brother...? He's dead. Let him rest... You're fighting me, of course I wouldn't give up this easy... I'm beginning to recover..."
Remendado: "And it's only been less than a minute. Great... You're powerful... You're not even an all-star... This is amazing!"
Erwin leaps, swinging his sickle toward Remendado, who blocked his attack, again resuming the clash only of parries, but this time neither use their kinetic arts. Erwin taking note of this, realizes that Remendado wants to see how strong Erwin physically is. Remendado is fighting fiercely, Erwin attempting to break through the defenses as much as he can, but seeing no opening makes it completely impossible. Erwin's chain of attacks is broken as Remendado butts his stomach with his staff yet again, sending him backwards, but still on his feet, now setting his sickles ablaze. 
Remendado: "You're powerful, Erwin... Your form is immaculate..."
Erwin: "Are you attempting to flatter me? No reason for you to say these things, Linyun."
Remendado: "I'll tell you a story, just for you to know how powerful you are... Rosenberg himself, challenged me to a duel. The conditions were that I had to concede the position of the first rank, promoting him and demoting myself. We notified our leaders, to which they agreed. We also fought here, in the same place... But as soon as the order to begin the duel began, I struck him only 6 times in the span of 6 seconds. And after the seventh strike in a swift manner, he conceded. I didn't know at the time, but the bruise I gave him reached his heart, which was already damaged by the lightning strikes I launched. He almost died in that short amount of time... But when it came to you, no matter what I throw, you don't break..."
Erwin: "There are many things I don't know of myself. But I am certain what drives me is my determination."
Remendado: "No, Erwin... There are many things we're uncertain of. Things we don't know nor understand. But we're certain of its danger."
Erwin: "What do you mean?"
Remendado: "Tell me, do you have a family? Do you know of your family?"
Erwin: "It's a controversial ancestry... But I know enough."
Remendado: "The progenitor of all kinetic arts is rumoured to have descendants entering politics... It's safe to assume that you're related to him."
Erwin: "What makes you think of that?"
Remendado: "You've inherited his strength and will... That my lightning, that almost kills all who even touch my staff, is something you can resist... That the pain of envy and jealousy crawling through your neck is something you brush off as the past... And worst of all... losing your loved ones to animals and barbarians when everyone in your country has turned against you... It hurts, right? But still... You have lived this lo-"
When suddenly, Erwin exploded in a burst of flames, and the next thing Remendado sees is that the sickles of Erwin are millimeters away from slicing his neck. Despite being the divine lightning, he is unable to escape the flares of the infernal star, leaning backward, attempting to dodge, thinking of how strong Erwin actually is, that he underestimated him, for the first time in most of his life, he was scared for dear life. The darkness consume the eyes of Erwin, as if he was losing himself to dishonor. That he did not hear out his opponent for the sake of this advantage. However, that was not true. The blades of his sickles were suddenly redirected, and were pushed sideward, preventing a swift cut through Remendado. Before he knew it, someone else is fighting against him. That it is one against two. He was kicked in the side, sent sliding backwards as the darkness lit up with a shadowy figure.
???: "This is humiliating... The first rank... losing to someone not even an all-star nor Sentinel? He is just a captain... while you hold the status of a general!"
Remendado: "What...? Only now you've decided to unconceal yourself...."
???: "I am not always heroic... But you're worth saving. We've been through much, and little knew about it. I cannot lose a brother. You've let him slip through your fingers..."
Remendado: "I angered him. I was only commending him. I did not want it to turn out that way... You have to understand that he is not evil."
???: "If you think that it is always about right or wrong, you've not deserved to have lived this long as a warrior."
Dancaire returns into the shadows as Remendado lunges himself initiating another fierce clash with Erwin, who doesn't hesitate and use his kinetic arts to set his attacks ablaze. Remendado swiftly attacks, mimicking the speed of lightning. Erwin notices a change in Remendado's patterns, becoming more aggressive and efficient, as he launches himself away, with slashes chasing Remendado down. Erwin returns as Remendado fends off the slashes, manages to land a shallow hit on Remendado, who strikes him down with lightning yet again, before butting him with his staff. 
However, Erwin crosses the blades of his sickles and blocks the attack, setting the staff on fire that eventually makes it to the arms of Remendado. Distracted, he makes himself vulnerable to the infernal star, who swings his sickle yet again. Remendado leaps backwards and avoids a possible counter attack, maintaining his distance and raining lightning over Erwin, who is now losing stamina from the arduous predicaments presented onto him. Leaping upward, he approaches Remendado, slicing his side in another shallow cut and maintains his rhythm, launching multiple slashes against Remendado who collects enough energy to imitate lightning, rushing through and blitzing around Erwin in an attempt to confuse and redirect himself to approach Erwin and launch him in a wall yet again.
Erwin's cut was cut somewhat deep, caught off guard by the rapid movements of Remendado, to the point that it began to act like slashes. However, he has also began feeling the power of Dancaire, who suddenly attacks from a far, supporting Remendado. Erwin was now unable to match Remendado, who has been maintaining rapid speeds, rushing around and confusing Erwin. In an attempt to dissuade Remendado, Erwin leaps backward, landing next to a pillar and baited Remendado to redirect into a pillar as he smashes into it, disabling him momentarily. Erwin retreats as he recovers stamina, however, his vision darkens and blurs as he began to see a black figure with its eyes glowing.
He quickly composes himself, swinging at it. However, everytime he attacks, he is the one that receives a hit, as the shadowy figure simply evades the attack, hitting Erwin and beating him up from all sides. Dancaire remains silent, as Erwin's ears begin to ring from Dancaire's attacks. However, Erwin holds his sickles tight, as he sees Dancaire vulnerable. Not missing the opportunity, he swung as fast as he could at Dancaire. His attack was instead deflected, as Dancaire chokes him, pinning him onto a pillar and making him motionless. He was surprised by the fierce power of Dancaire, who retains his strength on the neck of Erwin. Beginning to asphyxiate, he summons a burst of fire, which made Dancaire suddenly disappear, and he was fine. As he regained composure after panting profusely, he set his sickles on fire, urging Dancaire to return to their fight and not retreat.
Dancaire doesn't return. However, Remendado swiftly engages Erwin again, into another clash as they sweep and slice aimlessly for minutes. After 10 minutes of aimless slashing, Erwin shows weakness which Remendado exploits, sending Erwin flying as Remendado follows in a lightning strike, declaring Electrokinesis: Rapid Thunder! However, Erwin's energy was recharged, as he launches slashes of fire toward Remendado, who takes the hits, stalling himself as Erwin slides onto the ground, firmly holding his sickles, the fires shortly extinguish. 
Dancaire reappears, as the darkness he was in earlier surrounded him once again. Surprised, he looks for Dancaire, who was flanking him. Glaring at him, he rushes at him, swinging his sickle again. However, he was punches fiercely on the face, kicked in the stomach and elbowed to the neck. Falling onto the ground, he grabs his sickles, looking for Dancaire yet again, he sees him. However, he fears to attack him again, thinking that he will only attack once provoked. Shakily, he holds his ground as he hopes for the darkness to end. Dancaire leaps at him, pinning him onto the ground and punching him repeatedly. 
Erwin was powerless, thinking that it is his end. His cheekbones are ruined, his mouth hurting and his tongue's portions slightly ripped. Dancaire continues to beat him, however, he grabs Erwin's neck, choking him again. Erwin slowly loses his consciousness. However, lightning dashes through and Dancaire disappears again. Swooping through, Remendado crash lands near Erwin, flinging Erwin away to another area of darkness, with his sickles following him, he stumbles backwards onto the ground, regaining his grip onto the sickles. As he stands up, the area grows dark once again, noticing Dancaire rushing toward him in another jump. However, he roars, setting his sickles ablaze and and cutting Dancaire's neck, which slashes him. Overcoming his fear, he finally landed a crucial hit on Dancaire, who disappears yet again upon meeting the light. Remendado returns in another strike, chasing Erwin, who develops his strategy.
==== Chapter 12:3:5 - The Hellfire: Erwin's peak ====
Erwin skillfully retains his defensive strategy. He awaits the attacks of Remendado, blocking or deflecting his attacks through various pyrokinetic techniques. Swinging his sickles, he deflects the rapid staff of Remendado, as his rumbles continue to echo throughout the fortress. As Remendado begins to run out of energy, he redirected again, retreating from Erwin, who locks onto him. As he flees, the darkness begins to consume Erwin yet again. But before he is encapsulated by it, he leaps in pursuit of Remendado. It was too late for him, as the figure produces a loud crescendo, disrupting Erwin's ear drums and confusing him. By the time he looks back, the dark figure catches up to him, slamming Erwin down to the ground. 
Resilient, Erwin fights on, setting his sickles ablaze, fighting the shadow. He was outmatched, as Dancaire displayed speed faster than Remendado's. As he doubted, Dancaire made it to Erwin's rear flank, smacking his neck and hitting his liver, critically disturbing him. Following up, Dancaire attempts to strangle Erwin again, but before he could, Erwin unleashes multiple slashes of fire, emitting bright and scorching fiery slashes that hit Dancaire, as he was hit. Erwin, mimicking one of Nikolas' techniques, spins around, creating a hurricane of flames, before bursting it outward. Having had the right instinct, Remendado was returning as he began to hear rumbles, initially mistaking it for artillery. By the time the hurricane bursted out, Dancaire was pushed away and had disappeared into the darkness, as the room lights up from the orange fire of Erwin and the bright lightning of Remendado.
Returning, Remendado swiftly sweeps Erwin's attacks, who was overwhelmed and consequently slammed into another pillar. Recycling his techniques, he unleashes more slashes of fire, which Remendado has now memorized and parries the attacks away. Making his way to Erwin, who throws his sickles away, roaring with his fists on fire, clashing with Remendado bare-handed. Ripping off his mask, Erwin beats up Remendado, punching him in the face and in the kidneys. Forgetting he was undead, Erwin underestimated what Remendado was capable of. Consequently, Remendado ROARS, it produces rumbling and loud ear-shattering echoes, as he aims his staff toward Erwin, blasting him away into the distant darkness in the strike of lightning. Erwin had somewhat equaled Remendado by that point, however messed up and had to pay the price. As his sickles return to him, he stands again in the darkness, feeling it embrace him.
Finding himself in a tricky situation, Erwin's stamina begins to deplete as his body enters the state of a fever. After being barraged by punches and blows, Erwin was sent flying back onto the ground. Barely being able to stand up, he appears frail and weak, as if he was about to die. Dancaire laughs, Thinking that the fight is over because of one blunder. Mocking his mistake, Dancaire approaches the frail Erwin, preparing to annihilate him with one mighty jab. As he pulls his arm, Erwin doesn't waste the opening. Swiftly lining his sickle upwards, he swung at the vulnerable Dancaire, announcing Pyrokinesis: Temptation Swipe! as Dancaire stumbles backwards, growling at Erwin, who regains his footing in an unstable manner, Dancaire notices a change in Erwin's manner. He was always fighting aggressively in the form of reckless mannerisms. Suddenly, he began using strategy in his fighting style. Noticing that he has mastered aggression, he was worried of his potency in calculation. Remaining defiant against the infernal star, Dancaire persists in the fight.
Dancaire lines up another barrage at Erwin, launching 60 consecutive punches at him in seconds, rapidly throwing jabs and hooks but to no avail as Erwin deflects most of his attacks. Yanking his opponent's arm away, Erwin opens Dancaire up again, creating a large advantageous opening to slice his neck, as he doesn't waste any time, pulling and lining his sickle backwards, aiming for his opponent's neck swinging swiftly with fire following. However Dancaire suddenly disappears into the darkness yet again... But the shadows remain, as Dancaire somehow makes it to Erwin's rear flank, kicking him in the liver which causes a critical damage to Erwin. Surprising Dancaire, Erwin's sickle makes it all the way back to Dancaire, who takes the slash in his upper core. But as Erwin falls to the ground, a massive inferno catches Dancaire, burning him slightly as he retreats into the darkness yet again.
Remendado makes his way back to Erwin, who was now struggling on the ground, but he can't approach due to the inferno he just created. Though, he was close enough to converse and does not hesitate to speak to him.
Remendado: "You've retained your consciousness despite being hit in the liver? You're something special... You're going head to head, two against one and still persisting up until this point, not giving up no matter what we throw at you."
Erwin: "There was never any reason to give up... That's why I'm continuing to fight."
Remendado: "Then, tell me, Erwin; Why is it that you don't see surrender as a choice?"
Erwin: "It is the easiest thing to do... I am not cutting corners... The hardest thing to do is to keep going, and for a good reason. To end this war. So that nobody has to die anymore... So that we can finally move on and change."
Remendado: "You've done exceptionally well here... But that battle isn't over. I have been trying to kill you, and so was Dancaire. But you just won't die. However, unlike you, I won't take advantage of conversations to gain the upper hand." 
Erwin has noticed Remendado's second pair of eyes, and its pupils identical to that of Serene Ziegler's. He doesn't hesitate to interrogate Remendado about it.
Erwin: "What's with those extra pairs of eyes? Those are Ziegler's. What are your relations with her?"
Remendado: "She was a brief lover. She wanted to witness the fight between Ezekiel and I. However, she took my hand in love. I was in solitude. So I took her in."
==== Chapter 12:3:6 - Storm Surge ====
As Remendado and Erwin continue their clash, another rumble is heard nearby. The ground vibrates violently, as Remendado strikes Erwin down with lightning, succeeding momentarily. As the clash results in a stalemate, sudden large strikes onto the ground rumble around them. Erwin ignores the occurrence, however Remendado starts pushing Erwin away, attempting to retreat from the incoming danger. After struggling momentarily, Remendado escapes from Erwin's swings, as he leaps off. Erwin catches his breath as chains fly around him, with flails falling from the air, chasing Remendado down. The ground has multiple craters from the strikes. Erwin takes the opportunity to recharge his energy. 
As Remendado runs away, Dancaire consumes Erwin in darkness, as he leaps toward him. However, Erwin doesn't attack, instead choosing to remain passive and evade the shadow's strikes. However, it was useless as Erwin was then hit by Dancaire on the neck, striking Erwin down. Erwin explodes in another burst of fire, pushing Dancaire back. Dancaire leaps back at Erwin, attempting to strangle him again. Erwin grabs Dancaire's wrists, appearing helpless. Once he noticed, it was too late, the sickles return, swinging back at Dancaire, who just in time jumps away before he was sliced. Erwin roars at Dancaire, who was standing still. Swinging at the shadow, it disappears, as Erwin was beginning to get confused. His ears ring louder as he feels the temperatures plummet down. 
Erwin sees Dancaire vulnerable again, wasting no time to swing at him with his fire, however it was another illusion. As his sickles go through, the shadow disappears again like black clouds. However, Erwin retains his confidence, seeing Dancaire rushing at his right flank, as he swings at his neck, but it was again an illusion. At this point, he was paranoid, trying to think where Dancaire really is. He sees 5 different versions of Dancaire walking around him aimlessly, one of them rushing at him, but he swings at it and it was still a fake. However, he ignites one of his sickles and swings at a circular motion in a large circular blaze of fire. The darkness doesn't disappear this time. Erwin feels something approaching his neck, he quickly pulled his sickle, blocking his neck as Dancaire reappears. Looking, he was startled as more adrenaline pumps out of his body as his sickle begins to slice Dancaire's wrist, who pulls back and punches Erwin's chin. As Erwin was about to be kicked by Dancaire again, he disappears, as Erwin looks behind him to see lightning rumble and chains to fly around everywhere.
Erwin: "What?! I thought you..."
Wassermelone: "No time to talk, Hollenfeuer! Just drive and I'll tell you about Wassersaule!"
Melone enters the fight, swinging his flails furiously and preventing any possible escape of Remendado through his chains, trapping him in one bubble of chains where he can slow him down and inflict damage through water, electrocuting Remendado. The Sentinels fight as Erwin is left to confront Dancaire, the greater enemy. As the darkness encapsulates him once again, he stays defiant at the face of fear and horror. He tightly grips his sickles and explodes in a burst of fire, sending fire slashes all round him in an attempt to locate Dancaire. Mowing through the illusions created by the shadows. Eventually, after feeling his heartbeat grow more rapid, he realizes he is now close to Dancaire, who he faces ignoring his fears and the daunt imposed onto him. 
As he swings his sickle at him, he does not hesitate to unleash all of his might at the shadow fighter who has been challenging him for the entire hour. He initiates a clash, with the shadow fighter also overcoming his fear of fire and light. Swinging and throwing punches onto each other, they hope to conclude the fight as swiftly as they can. Rummaging through, mustering all of their remaining strength, they throw it at each other, with their fists and sickles colliding hopelessly, in another stalemate clash. However, Dancaire attempts a breakout, turning himself into a decoy and attacking Erwin from the rear yet again. Just before his heels were able to strike Erwin's neck, he turns around just at the right moment and swings at Dancaire, puncturing his calf and landing a slice on his thigh. 
As Dancaire stumbles, pivoting backwards, Erwin launches another 360 degree slash, predicting correctly that Dancaire was about to trick him again. Dancaire was again caught in Erwin's sudden strategic fighting style, as he is thrown to the side by Erwin. Recovering quickly, Dancaire merges with the shadows and conceals himself in darkness. Recognizing that Erwin is running out of stamina, Dancaire begins to darken Erwin's vision, creating yet more illusions for Erwin to mistakenly hit. As Erwin slashes one of the illusions, Dancaire gains his advantage right after Erwin's swing, taking the initiative to attack.
Erwin is smacked brutally onto the ground, with shock resonating through his body, as he loses grip of his sickles. Making things worse for his opponent, Dancaire kicks Erwin's stomach. Erwin was unable to get up due to the critical damage he has been receiving, as well as the bones he has now already shattered. As if it wasn't enough, Dancaire's petrifying gaze scratches Erwin's soul, instilling great fear inside of the young man.
Dancaire makes his way over Erwin, mocking him.
Dancaire: "Humans can only go so far. Where if they knew what benefits temptation provides. Only if you compromised yourself, you would have already won thirty minutes ago. But it's too late, you're too pitiful to keep alive, or to give blood of the undead. Your time has come, you insolent fox."
Dancaire pins Erwin down, strangling him for almost 1 minute. Erwin cries, Erwin whimpers and struggles. Dancaire cackles, expecting victory, now having Erwin dying within his hands.
...
...
...
...
Erwin: "You... are... slow...."
Erwin speaks, in a frail muffled voice, as Dancaire cackles and mocks him, however, a fire sweeps Dancaire's neck, creating a deep slice, as he begins to bleed. His eyes widen as the darkness began to disappear. Dancaire stumbles and pivots backward, as Erwin shakily regains his footing, grabbing his sickle and unleashing slashes that Dancaire evades just in time. Erwin begins to run away, as Dancaire chases in pursuit. Erwin launches slashes at random directions in an attempt to dissuade Dancaire, however Dancaire remains persistent in his pursuit. Leaping over hurdles, gaps and cracks, both sprint for 3 minutes as Remendado and Melone continue their clash from afar. 
Erwin trips over a gap, landing on his back as Dancaire catches up, leaping over Erwin. Preparing a skull-crushing jab, descending onto the infernal star, the shadow fighter descends rapidly, with his fist lining up with Erwin's skull. But before he knew it, his legs were on fire. And Erwin launches him onto a pillar. As Dancaire surveys around him, multiple pillars were deeply slashed, realizing that Erwin's reckless swings were a set up. Erwin prepares a last stand, awaiting Dancaire's powerful attack,
==== Chapter 12:3:7 - Divine Lightning ====
Remendado is beginning to overwhelm Melone, whose chains begin to loosen. With one more strike, Remendado breaks out of Melone's trap, freeing himself and striking like lightning, heading towards Melone. However, Melone retains his wet surfaces, preventing Remendado from touching down. As Melone yanks his flails, the strikes disrupt the ground, sending echoes to Remendado, making him rumble ironically as it shatters his track. The fight is happening to the point that it is unobservable, both warriors are displaying peak performance with Melone going as far as to absorbing literal lightning. The fight was happening quickly to the point that neither of the fighters even know what's going on.
Remendado unleashes his ultimate attack, rapidly hitting the ground at the speed of light and electrocuting Melone to a lethal level. Since he is human, he is close to death, however Remendado also bumped into Melone, causing him to jitter, experiencing the same electrocution to a lethal level. Their cells begin to burn, but Melone remains persistent, persevering through the immaculate pain he is going through, he yanks the flails as quick as he can, and before he knew it, Remendado was twisted, caught in chains as he moves, dragging Melone with him. Looking at his feet, he notices Melone latching onto him. He creates nearby strikes from his flails to lead Remendado into a trap, preventing him from escaping, as if the chains were not enough. 
Remendado: "YOU IDIOT!!! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!!"
Wassermelone: "I- I- I- I- I- I'VE BEEN WAIT-WAIT-W-W-W-WAITING F-FOR THIS!!!"
The sudden crashes of the flails force Remendado to head straight into a pillar, as Melone tightens his grip on the chains, preventing Remendado's escape as if he was a kite. Wassermelone then begins to lose consciousness, however, he sprays water at Remendado, which increase the electricity Remendado is receiving, almost to a nuclear level, as Remendado's cells down to a molecular level begin to burn, as he speeds up rapidly, reaching that of lightspeed. It has gotten to the point where Remendado does not know what is going on, and his blitz thinking skills have overloaded, making him unable to think, losing control of his great power.
Meanwhile, Dancaire leaps upward, preparing a great flying kick towards Erwin's neck, who responds by creating another fiery hurricane. 
Erwin's attack gets rid of the darkness around, him, but not Dancaire, who is redirecting his attack into a powerful jab straight onto Erwin's skull. Laughing, he sees that the fight is won, and aggressively attacks, before Erwin moves over to the side, and Dancaire falls into fire, which lights him up, getting rid of his shadow powers, making him completely vulnerable. Cursing this, Dancaire can't believe that he lost. He knows for sure that there is nothing he can do, but enters grief and rage on himself. Worrying about his brother, he looks to his side, seeing a large swath of lightning tearing up the entire battlefield, with some pillars beginning to fall down like trees. Neither Erwin nor Dancaire can catch the Divine Lightning, which seems to be speeding up as Remendado hopes to utterly vaporize Melone.
Seeing that Dancaire remains alive, Erwin realizes that he is re-entering his shadow form. Not wasting any time, he drags him upward with his sickle, lines himself up and mimics Remendado's lightning rush technique. Creating a large beam of fire that allows him to push him freely, and this time, slashes of fire encircle them like a typhoon. However, Erwin notices that the shadows only burn away, rather than the body, leading him to strategize differently.
Erwin pushes Dancaire near a a falling pillar, as he abandons him, slamming him onto the ground, leaping atop the falling pillar, ensuring that it crushes him. Meanwhile, Remendado loses control and hits a pillar, and just in time, Melone leaps off of the chain mechanism, arranging his flails correctly in order to tie Remendado up, as he SMASHES onto a wall as hard as he can. Additionally, following up with an attack to ensure that Remendado remains pinned onto the pillar, at last, the battle, in one final rumble and explosion, ends.
=== Chapter 12:4 - After the flash ===
==== Chapter 12:4:1 - Ashes ====
Erwin retains his fever, with his body beginning to feel cold, despite the hell he has just unleashed upon his opponents. Hopping off of the pillar, he checks to see Dancaire. By now, Dancaire was not in his shadow form, and was just laying down under the crushing weight of Erwin and the pillar. As he approaches Dancaire, he was lifeless. He was not breathing, and his eyes were soulless. He remained still. Despite what happened, Erwin retains his respect for Dancaire, saluting him, as Remendado did to Ezekiel upon his death, in a way to honor Remendado, maintaining the respect they have as warriors. However, upon realizing who he just killed, it was Sentinel Rank: Zero. Someone who was stronger than Remendado, and someone who has also killed him multiple times. As much as he prides himself with this victory, he regrets to having have killed a mighty hero. Though, he needed to choose between his life and his own.
The area was in ruins. Multiple large cracks on the floor formed crevices within the marble tiles. Multiple pillars have fallen, and so have the floors above them. The fires roar and crackle around the battlefield-turned grand hall. It was ruined within hours. As Erwin held his salute for 10 minutes, he decided to wander around and look for Melone and Remendado. As he wanders, he notices the sheer and colossal damage they have inflicted. Walking through the fires, leaping over wide crevices, he remains resilient to search for Remendado, hoping that he has not died. After journeying not so far, he notices Melone, firmly holding chains as he talks to him.
Erwin: "Where's he?"
Wassermelone: "He's chained up by that pillar."
Erwin: "What was up with you suddenly joining in like that?"
Wassermelone: "I have planned this for a long time... The Sentinels were a guild of false heroines. I have planned to free myself from this guild, as well as other Sentinels like Hermann who I deemed true heroes."
Erwin: "Heroines...? You mean heroes? None of you were girls."
He was embarrassed by the correction, however nonetheless delivered his point.
Wassermelone: "Oh... Well now I know, apologies for the mistake... Remendado is one of the true heroes I speak of. You can interrogate him if you want, he's still conscious, I'll guard you. I'll help you against Omphious."
Erwin: "Hold on, where is my cousin? I thought you knew about him."
Wassermelone: "...There'll be a more appropriate time to tell you..."
Erwin trusts Melone, knowing that he is a good man. Approaching Remendado, the defeated Sentinel speaks in surrender.
Remendado: "I appreciate you, Erwin. I will keep it as short as I can."
Erwin: "Don't worry, tell me what you can. Ramble, if you will. I am interested in your story, after all you are a good man. I respect you, I know what you yearn for, Remendado."
Remendado nods, as Erwin crouches, preparing to listen to Remendado's story.
==== Chapter 12:4:2 - Lights and Shadows ====
"In the provinces of Ciudad Real, the De Diaz family, my family, lived life like peasant farmers. Our farmlands were small, enough to feed our big family. Our family consisted of our grandparents, our parents, our aunt and uncles, our three cousins, myself and my brother. Obviously, we were too big, and our family wanted to give us personal space. But our barn and farmhouses weren't enough. Us kids, we slept in the farmhouse comfortably. However, we felt bad, seeing our parents and elders sleep outside in tents. We spent our childhood only learning simple things. We make income, however, not enough for education, but enough for collective basic needs. Therefore, we couldn't learn and achieve degrees needed to find employment. We grew up as farmers, helpers to our parents. My elder brother, however, was keen on collecting knowledge and wisdom. He sneaks into classes, particularly community college classes, if he is caught he just leaves. However, he learns, adapts and remembers."
"One day, I was stacking barrows of wheat, as our parents were harvesting and tending our crops. Our grandparents were taking care of the animals. Our cousins were playing, with the oldest trying to learn how to clean. It was a peaceful morning, as my body was beginning to adapt to the hard work, building muscle by the age of 12. Though, my older brother was missing. On the previous night, he snuck out, claiming that he has to meet a friend. I couldn't sleep once he left. Once I woke up, I was worried sick. Despite the peaceful and happy morning, I couldn't stop thinking about my brother, worrying what has happened to him. However, once I finished my job, he returned, carrying bags of money."
Remendado: "What is this? What did you sell to make this much?"
Dancaire: "I'll tell you about it. Help me place these in the house first."
"So, I did. There were about 6 large bags of cash. I still had no idea where he had gotten it. When we went to our basement, we arranged it there, not opening it because I was told not to by my brother. It was dark, but a cold place down there, it was silent where nobody can hear us. And that was when I asked of him."
Remendado: "Do you mind telling me now?"
Dancaire: "Alright, listen. I got this job. It's a heist. There are dealers in this town, they're carrying some special substances. I have to steal them, and it pays a lot, maybe half a million, I don't know, but more than a hundred thousand."
Remendado: "What?! You're crazy! This is dirty money!"
Dancaire: "Hey! Keep your voice down... Listen, I'll get ourselves out of this shithole, so our elders can sleep in an actual bed. We have to help our parents, it's time that we stop being slaves to the rich. By we, I mean you and me."
Remendado: "You want ME to commit crimes with you? That's NUTS!"
Dancaire: "Kid, if you don't keep your voice down I'll strangle you. But still, you know our grandfather's getting older and older. He can't do shit at this point. We need to help him. I'm begging you, brother. I don't want to watch him die like that."
"And when he said that, I knew I had no choice. so I agreed. That night, we snuck out got ready and ran to the dealers he was talking about. They were about 30, and we were only teenagers. When I saw those dealers, I was scared, but I knew that I can't back out of it. Once we rushed, they turned around with daggers, and they tried to kill us. Luckily, my brother quickly struck one in the liver, and stabbed the other. He strangled the one who he struck until he died. When I made it to their supply, I rummaged as fast as I could. I found a box of tobacco, and when I asked my brother about it, he told me to steal it, so I nabbed it and ran away. I was scared, I was scarred, seeing two men die before me, but I knew what I had to do."
"We ran as fast as we could to meet Dancaire's employer, it was in a sewer, a hideout even. It was a Russian mafioso. Dancaire was well known among the ranks of these guys. Once I asked of them, they said they were smugglers. They peddle goods like tobacco and substances to make a profit, which essentially makes it expensive. Thus, making it a highly profitable job, but a dangerous once. We handed out the boxes of tobacco."
Dancaire: "Here, sir. We had to kill two people because of it."
Mafioso: "Good job kid, way more than the last one you've given me. Props to both of you... Now I know you've both been wanting rewards, and it's worth it. Here. Take these bags, they're worth half a million."
Dancaire: "Well, actually... We want another job."
Mafioso: "Listen, kid. You're young and have a bright future ahead of you. I know that we're looking to make money, but I'm not here to use children."
Dancaire: "Then... We'd like to work for you..."
Remendado and the Mafioso were surprised of Dancaire's offer, Remendado nudging Dancaire's elbow, taking note of the situation.
Mafioso: "Hey, you're not sure. Look at both of you... scrawny and still young. This is a dangerous business, kid. I have been going as far as to conceal both of your identities... And the both of you having had killed two people already... Well that's something... That'd be dirty work for us to keep covering up.
As the Mafioso declines Dancaire's offer, soldiers break into the hideout, as they all hear a scuff break outside of the Mafioso's office. Gunshots fire, as the Mafioso maneuvers, opening a ventilation shaft for the two young men to escape to. The Mafioso grabs his gun.
Mafioso: "Come back here alive, and you're in the business... No time due, just come back here another time you're comfortable with..."
Dancaire: "But-"
Mafioso: "Run the fuck away!!!"
The Mafioso shoves both Dancaire and Remendado out, as the climb out of the sewers, hearing gunfire near them, as they run for their lives, exiting a manhole. They were spotted by the soldiers, who shoot at them. But, with just enough luck, they have managed to get away from the scene, swiftly but barely. They return to their farm by 3 in the morning, and they were undetected by their family. Making it out safe but almost dead, they discuss to each other what just happened.
Remendado: "We almost died..."
Dancaire: "Fuck... We didn't even bring the money back home..."
Remendado: "That was for nothing, for christ's sake!!! God damn it!"
Dancaire: "Hey, he gave us another chance!"
Remendado: "Oh, GOD DAMN IT!!! We killed two people!!! You mercilessly killed them! Are you making any sense right now?!"
Dancaire: "Calm the fuck down!!! You'll wake our family up!!!"
Their argument stops, both seeing the tents start to turn on their lights, as they return back to the farmhouse, sitting on its porch, pretending nothing happened. After waiting for 5 minutes, their grandfather finds both of them. He is frail, having a hunchback, a weak body and barely any hair. He seems to have no teeth, and he moves slowly like a turtle. Both look at him, before looking at each other.
Grandfather: "Hey... keep it down... There's no reason to fight each other... You boys are brothers... By the time we're gone... You'll only have yourselves to take care of each other... Once this land is yours... Things will be harder than now, arlight...? So don't fight... You woke us up... Go to sleep now... It's very late..."
Just by saying those quick words, he walked off back to the tents, weak and barely able. Both brothers look at each other, with Dancaire following up, the moment their Grandfather makes it back. 
Dancaire: "That's exactly why I'm doing this... Talk to you tomorrow, brother."
"And we all went to bed, as if nothing happened. We slept, and for 2 months, I did not do anything illegal. Everything was normal afterwards. However, my brother randomly returns at noon, asking me to go with him."
"He left a note, a long letter to let our parents know that we will be entering the world of smuggling, committing to that job in order to deliver income, aiding the treatment of our grandfather. He placed it in our safe, a small storage object where we keep the family's fortune and wealth in, that only Dancaire and our Elders knew how to open it. After I followed my brother, he led me to the same sewer the shootout occurred between the mafioso's associates and the soldiers who hunted us down. When we returned, it was abandoned and dirty. Some of the blood remained, and some barriers were implemented. It was nasty, it smelled like shit. However, the door to the Mafioso's office was broken, only the doorframe was there. Dancaire entered, and after rummaging for about 10 minutes, he returned with a note form the Mafioso, with an address and a time written. We were supposed to venture to Seville, and arrive at a conspicuous encampment of other smugglers and associates of the Mafioso. And so, we ventured."
"After a week of living life like a gypsy, we have made it to Seville. It was a town full of gypsies, prostitutes, traders, sailors, soldiers and alike. It was the heart of the spanish trading empire. However, of course, evil always finds its way into society, corrupting the people for the benefits it can provide. According to the note, a merchant's store was owned by the mafia we sought to join. We entered, and it all seemed normal. The store simply sold plants and flowers and sells an unprecedented amount during nighttime and especially February. As we entered, one of the merchants recognized us, and told us that the Mafioso we were affiliated with wishes to speak with us. We were led into the backroom, and sitting there, handling paperwork was the same Mafioso, and he came up to us with a job offering."
Mafioso: "I knew you'd come, Dancaire... And you've also brought someone with you."
Dancaire: "Yes, sir. He's my brother. Even if it seems like an exploit, we want to work, simply because we have to. It's a tit for tat, we help deliver you goods, and we receive compensation so we can help our family. That sounds fair to me."
Mafioso: "Well, listen here. You don't make the rules, I do. You don't speak like that to those with authority... However, I can use some bold speaker like you as my smugglers... You can take your brother with you, after all this kind of job isn't easy..."
The Mafioso took off his hat as a sign of respect to his newcomers, before he began to explain the job.
Mafioso: "This will be your depot. Both of you will take the role as delivery agents of our supplies. They will be passed off as botany supplies like fertilizers. But beneath them are tons of tobacco and other goods we'll peddle. Simply deliver them here. Stay consistent, and we'll let you in, capische?"
The brothers nod, before the Mafioso asked them to leave and do their job. They were given different locations to perform the drop-offs and pick-ups. And so, they acted according to their assignment, and bestowed loyalty to their new guild.
==== Chapter 12:4:3 - Shadows of Greed ====
"We have committed to serving the mafia as smugglers and dealers. And eventually, we have made fortunes. For months, we endeavored as criminal smugglers around multiple areas of Spain, but mainly in Seville. Our jobs mostly consisted of dealing substances and tobacco to other guilds and clients. We take home a fair amount of money, up to the thousands. I hated the job, however, it made me feel important and helpful. I hated seeing our clients' lives slowly being taken away by the drugs, substances and tobacco we give to them. I see the gleam in their eyes turn dark and soulless, I resent myself for condoning this. However, my brother did not care about it, he was blinded by the money, thinking it would significantly boost our family's income.
"Though after the lovers fell into resentment and jealousy, everything went down the drain. Carmen was bored of Don Jose, brushing him off simply as a basic and boring man. The gypsy eventually fell in love with a famous bullfighter, torero Escamillo, who has eventually raided our encampment to "free" Carmen from Don Jose, as they ran off into the sunrise. Obviously our corporal Jose was unhappy with what just happened... In one of Escamillo's bullfighting shows, Jose snuck into the backstage, where Carmen was. He killed her, and eventually, we were next as he sent us a note saying that we are not safe, and he'll kill everyone who had once only used him and never understood who he was and what he felt."
"Eventually, we reported to our Mafioso, who has bestowed onto us, protection of the Karpakovs, which he dubbed the organization. And little did we know it, they were moving out of the flower store, seeing that Seville ran out of the income the Karpakovs wanted after Carmen's death. They have opted to promote us to associates, knowing the benefits we provide for them. And so, they invited us to Munich, a town I've never heard of, and tell us that we can make a large significance there, helping their business as leading associates."
"We moved to Germany, as Dancaire and I consistently journaled our life events, sending them back home at Ciudad Real, to our family who has not known what we have been up to for almost a year. In Germany, we made fortunes, sending most to our family, keeping some for ourselves. Though, every June, we travel back to spain to smuggle Mustard supplements, an addictive new substance that seems to enhance people's strength and give supernatural abilities... But eventually, we were detected by the spanish coast guard, lead by the now Sergeant Major Don Jose, who keeps his promise to avenge himself from our exploits."
"Don Jose and his men open fire at us, as we fight back with mere pistols and small arms. A few of our associates sleep with the fishes, dying from the rapid machine gun fire. However, Dancaire ordered us to play dead and pretend we have gotten shot. Our boat sustained heavy gunfire, as theirs had none. We stayed down for almost 4 minutes, before the Spanish coast guards approach. And when the time was right, Dancaire shot a burst of submachine gun fire to one of the sailors, as we ambushed, shooting them down. However, it was not a quick fight, as a bit more lives were lost during the strife. Dancaire was shot two times, but he remained standing, facing off with Jose, who was now shot in the liver, and was leaning on the bay of his boat, with his other comrades surrendering, when we boarded them... Don Jose lost his bullets, and he cursed us, calling us greedy rats, before Remendado threw his revolver at my brother, who fell down and was unable to move. I shot Dancaire in the neck, as he fell into the sea, painting it red."
"I rushed to help my brother... And he seemed different..."
"Ever since he received his powers with the shadows, he immediately had gotten to work. Using everything he has learned, he developed his own fighting style of deception and surprise. Using everything he understands about the human nature, he exploits it into oblivion, making sure that he manipulates his victims and enemies through using their temptation to benefit from it... And so, he has... He has proven himself capable of espionage and intelligence, marking himself an essential figure in the Karpakov Crime Families."
"He embraced the shadows of greed. While I clung onto the hope of light and righteousness. Though, as he shook the hand of the devil, he lost himself. I considered him dead, as if he wasn't even Dancaire anymore, but a wicked greedy man with a knack for profit, but a strategic nature. He served as an intelligence agent and a spy for the Karpakovs. During Operation Salamanca, nobody knew of his existence, other than me and our seniors... After the fall of the Karpakovs, the Socialist People's Army formed to a greater strength, and so were the Sentinels established. Originally, I was rank two, with Gomer and Melone behind me... Dancaire was the true Rank One. However, we have quickly figured that hiding his existence is more efficient, we brought up the ranks, and he was now Sentinel Zero... Always has been, and forever will be... And it has been proven efficient, that even as a prominent man, he retained his stealth and privacy, an unparalleled skill of espionage."
==== Chapter 12:4:4 - New Order ====
Remendado: "Well, that's my story... I haven't heard from my family for a while. I want to return to them back at Ciudad Real. But now, it isn't likely. I might die here, at your hands or another Federalist's hands."
Erwin: "I see... You're a strong person... You're worthy of respect. Let's settle our conflict here. I will not kill you, that's too much to bear... You still have a life to live, and so do I. Perhaps, we should do something together, as one. Now that I know you, you know me just as much."
Remendado: "But why? You have challenged me to a duel, one where we must take each other's lives. Now you're backing out? You called me a coward multiple times, you've been making fun of my decision to live on and use your brother as a scapegoat. Now it's the other way around. You're a coward, you're scared to kill me. Why? Despite the strength you are given... the strength that was blessed onto you, as a Descendant of Calamity..."
Erwin: "I am scared to kill you, because you are human. I wouldn't want anyone to just weaken to the point I can't escape chains. And when I am most vulnerable and easy to exploit, my life will be taken away just like that. I have done that already. Multiple times to other people. I hated it. I felt like the devil. I want to redeem myself. And after I have reflected on myself, I have realized... I have no enemies, other than those who oppose peace... But you clearly are not one that opposes peace..."
Erwin reaches his hand out to Remendado, who is slowly being unchained by Melone, after hearing his story, along with Erwin. The fires crackle and scorch louder, as metal screeches and explosions roar nearby.
Erwin: "You and I have one problem to solve. This war. It must end. And we are the strongest, the ones in power to do so. I want to see my family, as much as you want to see yours. Let's be real, help each other get what we both want... Because, it is equal, it is just and it is right..."
As the newfound allies hug, the head of Saboteurs enters the arena, announcing the beginning of the final battle. Soon, loud roars are heard, as they immediately arm themselves, alerted. The dragons have awoken, and now, the progenitors of the Kinetic arts are ready to face off, in one final battle. Erwin has formed a new order with Remendado, Melone and the remaining all-stars. The frontlines have made it all the way into the fortress, as the Federalist soldiers begin to surround the entire perimeter, cornering all available forces and securing a tight encirclement, making a breakout impossible. The forces on the Rhine Westphalia and Baden-Wurttemberg are encircled, some beginning to consider a total surrender. However, the last stand continues. More people drop dead, more soldier's lives are mown away. However, by the next morning, the bloodshed shall end, and with it, its heroes and villains.
=== Chapter 13:0 - Operation Finale: The Descendants of Calamity ===
==== Chapter 13:0 - The Descendants of Calamity ====
A firefight begins outside of the fortress, its walls are mostly broken, ruined and pierced. The federalists make their way, penetrating the defenses with their mighty tanks. Lieutenant Germany's successor, Nikolas Klinge leads the mighty charge and chants into the fortress, leading the greatest soldiers into the biggest offense in the entire war. The end is nigh, and these soldiers will deliver. However, a stronger force awaits them. What they do not know is that this is not just a castle trapping a powerless politician. 
Kalamitat slowly strolls into the vicinity of Omphious Erronzein, who awaits him. The dragons he has summoned await the same way. It is a grand room with a large pit filled with void and darkness that is occupied by the three dragon heads. Erronzein stands atop a balcony. It is the top of the doomspire. It is just them, about to face off in a final battle. Kalamitat steps, slowly approaching his opponent every time he pivots his feet forward. His shoes tap on the floor loudly. 
Erronzein prepares himself, knowing what will come before him, and so, Kalamitat began to speak to him.
The hydrokinetic dragon rushes down to Kalamitat. However, swiftly, Kalamitat's sleeves rip, unveiling his growing arms, rushing toward the dragon and smashing it away with pyrokinesis, launching a large fiery fist, exploding as it impacts, flinging him back, but temporarily immobilizing the mighty dragon. The explosion rumbles loudly, as if it was an artillery explosion.
The aerokinetic dragon blows powerful wind toward Kalamitat, however, he simply defends, shooting warm waves of water, as it intensifies into an explosive small cyclone that flings the dragon away, quickly showing who's in power and who's truly stronger. Angering Omphious, he mocks him...
Kalamitat: "Those are weak dragons... I mastered my creations by my hand... All this innovation, yet I am still one step ahead of you!"
Omphious: "You're nothing but a thief!!! Dishonorable piece of shit!"
The pyrokinetic dragon swerves down onto Kalamitat, who he quickly initiates a clash with. However, he faces challenge, as the water and air he throws at the large dragon simply evaporates, or cools off. Overwhelmed, Kalamitat was thrown away, burning, into the floor. Just as the dragon prepares a return to devour Kalamitat, just in time, he decapitates the dragon by creating a large spike that blocks it off. However, it regenerates its head, as it is simply just a large fire taking the form of a dragon. Thunder rumbles from above, as Omphious recognizes that this is the final battle for one of them, but he'll make sure he's the one that'll make it out alive. Kalamitat, still optimistic, converses with Omphious.
Kalamitat: "What was this all for, Omphious? Because I was better? Because you weren't able to match me? Or because you weren't recognized?"
Omphious: "Simple statements... You think I am just a boring vengeful asshole? Think again... I am the punishment God has sent to this world, to teach people that they are sinners, so that they will redeem... So that they will change... For all of the pain I have gone through... What all of you have taken away from me... I will return worse, I will show what it means to suffer. I will show what it means to lose everything, to LOSE passion in morality..."
The dragon swiftly rushes at Kalamitat, who quickly musters a counter using his bare muscles, clashing with it in his bare hands...