Non-Administered World #97, Star Rail Universe…
At the edge of Hachiman's enormous Geo barrier, the Alliance assault force was making its final preparations. Beyond the golden-yellow barrier, countless Dark Dimension creatures roamed the ruined streets surrounding Mahora's World Tree. Some wandered through the devastated buildings, while others repeatedly threw themselves against the barrier, only to be repelled by the Geo energy protecting the unaffected regions.
Despite the dangerous situation awaiting them, a familiar argument was taking place among the members of Team Star Pulse.
"I seriously can't believe her!" Kiana shouted, crossing her arms.
She had been complaining about her future self ever since their communication with the Herrscher of Finality ended. She paced back and forth in front of the others, her cheeks puffed in annoyance while Sirin and Elysia watched her with growing amusement.
"First, she somehow changes the entire timeline by sending Hyperion, AI-chan, and VA into the past!" Kiana exclaimed, raising her fingers as she counted off her complaints. "Then she shows up out of nowhere, acts all familiar with Captain, and starts teasing me like we've known each other forever!"
"Well, technically, you have known each other forever," Sirin pointed out with a grin. "She's you, Sis."
"That's not the point, Sii!"
"Then what's the point?"
"The point is that she just casually announced she'd handle removing Dormammu's shard, and before anyone could ask how she planned to do it, she ended the conversation!" Kiana threw both hands into the air in frustration. "Seriously! How are we supposed to know what she's planning?! She didn't even explain anything!"
"Fufufu~. But isn't that wonderful, Kii?" Elysia giggled, clearly enjoying the sight of Kiana getting so worked up over herself. "Your future self is quite an extraordinary lady. Changing the course of time, helping our beloved Captain return, and even volunteering to handle something as dangerous as Dormammu's shard. You should be proud of yourself~."
"I am proud! That's not what I'm complaining about!"
"Oh? Then perhaps you're upset about how affectionate she was with Noah?" Elysia leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "My, my~. I never imagined the day would come when our adorable Kii would become jealous of herself."
"ELLIE! I'M NOT JEALOUS!" Kiana protested, her face immediately turning bright red.
Sirin burst into laughter at her sister's reaction. "PUAHAHAHA! You definitely are! I mean, you started shouting the moment Noah called her Kii!"
"THAT'S BECAUSE SHE'S USING MY NICKNAME!"
"She's also Kiana, Sis."
"SIIIII!"
Nanoha covered her mouth as a laugh escaped her. Beside her, Fate tried to maintain a sympathetic expression, although the small smile appearing on her lips was making that increasingly difficult.
"To be fair, Kii-chan, your future self did seem rather comfortable around Noah," Nanoha admitted. "But considering everything she went through to help him, I think it's understandable that they're close."
"Exactly," Fate added gently. "And she was genuinely happy to see all of us alive again. I don't think she meant to upset you."
Kiana looked toward the two women, clearly hoping that at least they would understand her frustration. Unfortunately, Nanoha's expression became a little more playful as she continued.
"Although… you did get rather worked up when she called herself Kii."
"NONON! NOT YOU TOO!"
That finally broke Fate's composure. She turned her face away as a laugh escaped her, only making Kiana look even more betrayed.
"F-Fii?!"
"I'm sorry, Kii-chan." Fate tried to regain control of herself, though her smile refused to disappear. "It's just… both of you reacted so similarly that I couldn't help it."
"Uuuuu…" Kiana crossed her arms and turned away with an enormous pout, earning another round of laughter from the group.
Euphyllia and Rossweisse, who were standing nearby while waiting for the final briefing, couldn't help chuckling at the exchange.
"Fufufu. It certainly sounds like Kiana-san has quite an interesting future ahead of her," Euphyllia remarked.
"Indeed," Rossweisse agreed with an amused smile. "Although I must admit, encountering your future self during an emergency operation is not something I would have expected. Especially when that future self seems to enjoy teasing you."
"See?! Even Rossweisse-san thinks she's teasing me!" Kiana complained, immediately pointing toward her.
"Well, you are making it rather easy for her," Sirin replied without hesitation.
Kiana slowly turned toward her sister, narrowing her eyes. "Sii…"
"Hmm?" Sirin tilted her head innocently.
"Once this is over, I'm getting you back for all of this."
"Looking forward to it, Sis." Sirin merely grinned, looking completely unbothered by the threat.
The others laughed again, but their amusement gradually softened when they noticed Kiana glancing toward the corrupted World Tree beyond the barrier. Despite all her complaints, she had not forgotten the danger surrounding them or the reason they were preparing for this operation.
If anything, knowing that her future self had intervened so drastically only made her wonder how terrible the previous outcome had truly been. She remembered Noah disappearing into Finality, the despair of arriving too late, and the helplessness of knowing that even with everyone rushing to save him, they had failed to reach him in time.
Kiana tightened her arms around herself for a moment before looking away from the World Tree.
It was then that Welt Yang approached the group. Having arrived from Meldiana Sanctuary to participate in the assault, he had heard enough of their conversation through the communication channel to understand why Kiana was still upset.
"It seemed you got yourself worked up, Kiana."
She turned toward him. "Mr. Yang?"
"Hello everyone, it is nice to meet all of you again," Welt greeted them before turning back to Kiana and giving her a reassuring smile. "I understand why you're frustrated. Having someone suddenly appear with your face, make decisions that affect everyone, and then leave without explaining herself would certainly be unsettling."
"Exactly!" Kiana immediately pointed toward him. "Finally, someone understands!"
"However…" Welt adjusted his glasses as his gaze moved toward the World Tree. "I also believe your future self has given us considerable reason to trust her."
Kiana blinked at him, opening her mouth to respond before deciding to hear him out.
"She sent Hyperion and its accompanying systems into the past, helping create the circumstances that eventually brought all of you together. And when Noah reached Finality, she allowed him to return and change what had happened." Welt looked back toward her. "Those are not the actions of someone who would casually gamble with the lives of her companions."
Kiana's expression softened as she listened.
"Besides, I suspect she understands the consequences of failure far better than any of us here. If she believes she can remove the shard safely, then perhaps we should allow her that opportunity while making sure the rest of the operation succeeds."
"…I know," Kiana admitted after a moment. "I do trust her. I mean, she's me, right?" She sighed and scratched her cheek. "It's just… she could've at least explained what she was planning to do instead of dropping something that important on everyone and disappearing!"
"Then you can ask her afterward," Welt replied with a gentle chuckle. "Once the world has been saved and everyone has returned safely, I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to speak with her."
Kiana considered his words before releasing a long sigh.
"Fine…" She puffed her cheeks again, though some of her earlier frustration had disappeared. "But I'm definitely making her explain everything once this is over!"
"That sounds reasonable."
"And Captain isn't getting away either!"
"I imagine he already expects that." Welt chuckled.
"Good!"
Elysia giggled beside them, clearly unable to resist another opportunity. "Fufufu~. Poor Noah. Now he has two Kianas to answer to."
"ELLIE!"
Their familiar laughter returned, but before Elysia could tease Kiana any further, the growing activity around the assembly area drew everyone's attention back toward the operation.
All across the designated gathering point, the Alliance forces were completing their final preparations. TSAB mages stood in organized formations with their Devices activated, establishing defensive fields and coordinating their positions with the Arthra. Behind them, Mahora's magicians prepared protective enchantments and support spells, while Chaldea's soldiers and combat personnel checked their equipment and awaited the command to advance.
Several specialized combat units were also present, equipped with weapons and magical tools specifically suited for fighting enemies that conventional soldiers would struggle to defeat. Their commanders coordinated with the TSAB and Mahora representatives, ensuring that each group understood its role once the barrier opened.
Farther back, a squadron of Titan mechs had been deployed from Hyperion. Their armor bore the crest of the Astral Express, and the machines stood in formation under the combined direction of AI-chan and Void Archives. Their weapons had already been configured for combat within the corrupted region, with additional restrictions placed on attacks that might damage the World Tree or the surrounding ley lines.
[All Titan Mechs are ready to go!] AI-chan announced proudly through the communication channel. [Weapons checked, armor checked, targeting systems checked! AI-chan's beautiful mechanical soldiers are ready for action!]
[Their combat instructions have also been synchronized with the Alliance's assault plan,] Void Archives added. [Priority will be given to suppressing Dark Dimension creatures and protecting the escort formation. Indiscriminate bombardment of the World Tree and surrounding leylines has been prohibited.]
[Of course!] AI-chan replied indignantly. [AI-chan knows how important the planet is! You don't have to remind me!]
[I would prefer not to discover otherwise during the operation.]
[VA! You're so mean!]
Welt studied the assembled machines before giving an approving nod. "Having those Titans with us should make it easier to hold the route once we begin advancing. Their defensive capabilities will also reduce the pressure on our mages."
"Fufufu~. And look at all those wonderful people who volunteered to accompany me!" Elysia clasped her hands together as she admired the assembled coalition. "I'm starting to feel a little spoiled."
"Don't get too comfortable, Ellie," Sirin replied with a smirk. "We're not carrying you all the way to the World Tree."
"Oh? But wouldn't that be lovely~?"
"E-Ellie…" Nanoha laughed helplessly, already suspecting where the conversation was going.
"Well, if you get tired, I can carry you!" Kiana finally grinned again.
"See? Our adorable Kii understands romance~!" Elysia declared happily.
"That's not what I meant!"
The others laughed once more, but before Elysia could continue teasing her, Chrono's voice entered the communication channel.
[Attention, all assault units. This is Admiral Chrono Harlaown. The operation will begin shortly. All participating personnel, please confirm your assigned positions and prepare for the final mission briefing.]
The atmosphere around the assembly area immediately became more serious. Kiana stopped complaining and joined Sirin, Nanoha, and Fate near the front of the escort formation. Euphyllia and Rossweisse moved toward them, while Welt took a position where he could observe the battlefield and provide support wherever it was needed.
Elysia remained near the center of the formation, where the defensive units could protect her from several directions. Although she still wore her usual cheerful smile, her attention was now focused on the enormous corrupted World Tree waiting beyond the barrier.
Across the Alliance's communication network, Chrono brought up a detailed battlefield projection showing Hachiman's Geo barrier, the corrupted territory enclosed within it, and the World Tree standing at its center.
[Our mission is straightforward, but the dangers involved should not be underestimated,] Chrono began. [The corrupted territory contains an unknown number of hostile creatures, and their numbers continue increasing as Dormammu uses the contaminated energy trapped within the barrier.]
He highlighted the route the assault force would need to follow, marking several narrow passages between the ruined buildings that could be used to approach the World Tree.
[Our first objective is to establish a safe passage from the barrier's entrance to the World Tree. The assault units will clear any creatures obstructing that route, while our defensive and support teams protect the formation and prevent the enemy from surrounding us.]
Several commanders acknowledged the instructions as the designated route appeared on their tactical displays.
[Our second objective is to escort Miss Elysia directly to the World Tree. Her safety is our highest priority. We cannot afford to lose the person responsible for restoring the affected portions of the planet.]
Elysia placed one hand over her chest and smiled toward the communication window. "Fufufu~. You can count on me, Admiral."
Chrono nodded before continuing. [Once Miss Elysia reaches the World Tree and establishes the necessary connection, the future Herrscher of Finality will carry out the extraction of Dormammu's shard.]
Several people instinctively glanced toward Kiana, who immediately puffed her cheeks again.
"She'd better!"
Sirin snickered beside her, but Chrono continued without acknowledging the interruption.
[After the shard has been separated from the World Tree, Miss Kiana and Captain Takamachi will destroy it immediately. Miss Elysia will then use her Authority of Origin to restore the information Dormammu has altered within the affected portion of the planetary network.]
The projection changed, showing the contaminated leylines gradually returning to their natural state as the dark-purple corruption disappeared from the affected regions.
[Throughout the operation, Sir Nagumo will maintain the isolation between the corrupted and healthy leylines. Sir Hikigaya will continue maintaining the Geo barrier, while Sir Noah will use his Force to prevent the creatures from escaping through the entrance.]
From his Force Platform above the battlefield, Noah smiled as he listened to the briefing.
"Roger that, Chrono. Hachi and I will make sure nothing gets past us."
Hachiman's familiar tired voice followed through the channel. [Leave that to us.]
[Hayate Yagami and Reinforce Zwei will remain beside Lord Peverell, providing magical support while assisting with the protection of the assault force inside the containment zone,] Chrono continued. [Chaldea and Mahora's command centers will monitor the planetary readings throughout the operation and inform us immediately if Dormammu's influence begins behaving unexpectedly.]
[Understood, Admiral,] Marisbury answered from Chaldea's Command Room.
[Mahora's defenders are ready as well,] Konoemon added.
Chrono turned his attention back toward the assembled forces.
[One final reminder. Our objective is not to destroy the entire corrupted region or eliminate every enemy within it. The World Tree and the affected leylines must remain intact if Miss Elysia is to restore them. Focus on the designated route, protect the escort, and do not pursue enemies beyond your assigned positions.]
He allowed the commanders a moment to confirm their instructions before speaking again, his expression becoming more resolute.
[Everyone here remembers what happened during the previous course of events. We know the consequences of arriving too late and allowing this crisis to progress beyond our control.]
The memories of the previous future were still painfully clear to everyone listening. They had seen the World Tree consume almost the entire planet, lost people they cared about, and watched Noah disappear into Finality after making a choice none of them wanted him to make.
But this time, they had arrived before those events could happen again.
[We have an opportunity to prevent that outcome,] Chrono continued. [Let us make certain we do not waste it.]
Across the assembly area, the TSAB mages raised their Devices while Chaldea's soldiers checked their weapons one final time. Mahora's magicians completed their protective spells, and the Titan mechs moved into their designated positions as the entire coalition prepared to advance.
Kiana looked toward the barrier separating them from the corrupted zone. Beyond it, thousands of monsters had already begun gathering, their twisted bodies moving restlessly through the ruined streets as though they could sense what was about to happen.
"Ready, Ellie?" Kiana asked as she summoned her Flamescion Greatsword.
"Mhm! I'm counting on you, Kii." Elysia gave her a beautiful smile.
"You got it!"
Sirin moved beside her sister, summoning her Key of Void as she glanced toward the enormous number of enemies waiting beyond the barrier. "Just don't get carried away and forget we're supposed to be protecting her."
"That's my line, Sii!"
Nanoha and Fate exchanged amused smiles before activating Raising Heart and Bardiche. Euphyllia and Rossweisse prepared their respective weapons and magical formations, while Welt adjusted his glasses and examined the battlefield ahead, already calculating where his gravitational abilities would be most effective.
With Elysia safely positioned at the center of their formation, the entire assault force was finally ready.
[All units, stand by,] Chrono ordered.
Above them, Hachiman raised one hand from his position on Hyperion's hull. His Geo Astral Emblem shone brightly as he channeled more Imaginary Energy into the barrier, preparing to create a controlled opening large enough for the assault force to pass through without compromising the containment around the corrupted region.
From his Force Platform, Noah took a deep breath and adjusted his stance. He could already feel the enormous pressure pressing against Hachiman's barrier, and he knew the moment they opened a passage, the creatures inside would immediately attempt to escape.
"Hachi, I'm ready whenever you are."
[Yeah. Just make sure you push those things back the moment I open it.]
"Leave it to me!"
At the same time, Hajime received the signal through his communication channel. He remained near the isolated ley lines with Ingvild and Villhaze beside him, maintaining Blessing of Terra while keeping an eye on the battlefield through the Alliance's shared displays.
"It's finally starting," Hajime muttered as he looked toward the distant barrier.
"Hajime-kun?" Ingvild glanced toward him, noticing the rather familiar expression appearing on his face.
"Don't worry. I can handle this without interrupting Blessing of Terra." Hajime gave her a small grin.
"Your Majesty?" Villhaze tilted her head curiously. "Are you perhaps planning something?"
Hajime raised his free hand and tapped into his Herrscher Authority. Hundreds of glowing lines containing rapidly moving zeroes and ones appeared above them. The luminous bands spread before gradually forming mechanical components, each piece assembling into several enormous cannons.
"Those are…" Ingvild's eyes widened as she looked up at the weapons.
"Schwarzschild Cannons," Hajime answered with a satisfied grin. "I'm going to clear the entrance so the others can get through without being buried under those monsters."
Villhaze looked between the newly constructed weapons and Hajime before releasing a helpless sigh, although the smile on her face betrayed her amusement.
"As expected of Your Majesty. Building another ridiculous weapon out of nowhere."
"Hey, at least this one's useful," Hajime replied dryly as he began configuring the cannons' targeting systems.
"I never said otherwise, Your Majesty."
Back at the barrier, Chrono began the final countdown.
[All assault units, prepare for entry. Barrier opening in ten seconds.]
Anticipation spread across the assembled soldiers as the Titan mechs powered up and marched toward the designated entrance. TSAB and Mahora mages prepared defensive spells around the formation, while Chaldea's combat personnel positioned themselves to respond immediately if the creatures attempted to break through.
[Ten… nine… eight…]
Kiana's Pyro Astral Emblem shone brightly as flaming Imaginary Energy gathered around her body and Flamescion Greatsword. Beside her, Quantum energy surged around Sirin as she charged her Key of Void, while Nanoha and Fate activated their additional assault equipment and prepared to support the initial advance.
[Seven… six… five…]
Euphyllia and Rossweisse completed their spell preparations, ready to establish defensive barriers the moment the formation entered the corrupted zone. Welt raised his cane slightly, his attention fixed on the mass of creatures gathering beyond the wall.
At the center of the escort, Elysia looked toward the corrupted World Tree. Her usual playful expression softened into something more serious as she considered what awaited her there. She understood the responsibility everyone had placed upon her, and she had no intention of wasting the opportunity they had fought so hard to create.
[Four… three… two…]
"Alright, everyone. Here we go," Hachiman murmured as he narrowed his eyes and prepared to manipulate the Geo barrier.
[One. Open the barrier!]
"Corridor… Open."
At Hachiman's command, the Geo energy surrounding one section of the barrier began to separate. The golden-yellow surface parted as he carefully formed a controlled passage, wide enough for the assault force and the Titan mechs to move through while the remaining barrier continued holding back the corrupted region.
The Dark Dimension creatures noticed the opening almost immediately.
Thousands of twisted figures turned toward the entrance, their movements growing increasingly violent as they sensed an opportunity to escape. Without hesitation, the creatures surged toward the passage, trampling over one another as they attempted to reach the unaffected territory beyond the barrier.
Unfortunately for them, Noah had already taken his position.
"Not so fast!"
He thrust both arms forward, releasing an enormous Force Push directly into the approaching horde. The invisible wave slammed into the creatures at the front, violently throwing them backward into the monsters rushing behind them. Larger creatures collided with the smaller ones, crushing those caught beneath their bodies, while others were hurled into the remains of nearby buildings.
Within moments, the entire front of the enemy formation had collapsed into a tangled mass of struggling creatures.
"Hajime! They're all yours!" Noah shouted through the communication channel.
"Hah! Nice one, Noah!" Hajime replied with a grin as he directed the Schwarzschild Cannons toward the opening.
[Target locked,] the cannons' targeting systems confirmed.
The enormous weapons rotated in unison, their focusing mechanisms glowing as gravitational energy gathered within their barrels. Hajime carefully adjusted each cannon's firing angle and area of effect, ensuring that the attacks would strike the creatures crowded around the open streets without disturbing the World Tree or the surrounding leylines.
He had no intention of undoing the work he had just accomplished by allowing his own weapons to damage the planetary network.
Once the targeting calculations were complete, Hajime gave the command.
"Fire!"
DOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
The first volley erupted from the cannons, sending several enormous spheres of compressed gravitational energy through the opening. The projectiles struck the clustered monsters and immediately collapsed into miniature black holes, dragging the surrounding creatures toward their centers with terrifying force.
The monsters barely had time to react before the gravitational pull twisted their bodies and tore them apart. Larger creatures struggled desperately against the attraction, only to be dragged into the singularities along with everything else caught within the designated attack zones.
The remaining Schwarzschild Cannons fired in rapid succession, placing additional miniature black holes throughout the enemy formation. Each singularity remained confined to the area Hajime had selected, consuming the surrounding monsters before collapsing upon itself without damaging the nearby ground, buildings, or planetary structures.
Within seconds, the enormous group of Dark Dimension creatures that had been rushing toward the entrance was destroyed.
"WHOA! HAJIME JUST WIPED OUT ALL THOSE MONSTERS?!" Kiana shouted in astonishment as she watched the result from the front of the formation.
"Such a show-off," Sirin remarked, though the impressed look on her face made it clear she approved.
"My~! As expected of one of our dearest pillars, he certainly knows how to make a grand opening~!" Elysia added with an amused smile.
"Ahahahaha! Nice one, Hajime!" Noah laughed as he looked toward the cleared entrance.
"Just get those guys moving already," Hajime replied dryly. "I can't keep doing all their work for them."
"Roger that!"
Hachiman examined the temporarily cleared passage, making sure the surrounding Geo barrier remained intact before speaking through the communication channel.
"The entrance is clear. I'll maintain the opening while everyone gets through, but don't waste this opportunity."
[All assault units, advance!] Chrono immediately ordered.
"ALRIGHT! LET'S GO!" Kiana shouted as she charged forward, her Flamescion Greatsword already burning brightly in her hands.
"Don't charge ahead of the formation, Sis!" Sirin called after her, immediately following while preparing her own attacks.
Nanoha and Fate took flight beside them, ready to intercept anything that managed to survive Hajime's bombardment. Welt, Euphyllia, and Rossweisse advanced alongside the other members of the escort, carefully maintaining their positions around Elysia.
Behind them, TSAB mages, Mahora magicians, Chaldea's soldiers, and the Titan mechs moved through the opening in organized formations. Defensive barriers accompanied the advancing troops, while the Titans positioned themselves along the sides of the passage to prevent any remaining creatures from attacking the escort.
Elysia moved with them, surrounded by the companions who had promised to see her safely to the World Tree. She glanced at Kiana and the others fighting ahead of her before smiling to herself and continuing forward, determined to fulfill her own role in saving the planet.
As the last members of the initial assault formation crossed the threshold, Hachiman carefully closed the opening behind them, restoring the Geo barrier and preventing any corrupted energy from escaping into the unaffected region. Noah continued holding the advancing wall of corruption with the Force, making certain that the pressure from Dormammu's influence would not interfere with the assault force now fighting inside the containment zone.
The battle was far from over. Countless enemies still waited deeper within the corrupted territory, and the World Tree remained under Dormammu's influence.
But the Alliance had finally entered Dormammu's domain.
And this time, they had no intention of allowing him to take another world from them.
====== Chapter 250 END ======