Area 11

Viceroy Palace, Video Meeting room

Cornelia stood rigid in front of the massive screen in the video meeting room, her body still bandaged from the brutal encounter days ago. She bore the wounds of her defeat—a stark reminder of the unknown knightmare frame that had obliterated her forces and humiliated her in battle. Despite her recovery, the sting of failure lingered. Four days of rest had not been enough to erase the memory of her fall.

The screen flickered to life, and the face of Emperor Charles zi Britannia loomed large, his commanding presence filling the room. His piercing gaze bore into her as he spoke.

"So... Is this what you're reporting to me for?" His voice was cold, cutting through the air like a blade.

Cornelia swallowed hard, her pride warring with the need to explain. "Yes," she replied hesitantly. Her voice, though steady, carried the weight of shame. "It is unfortunate. Despite my strategies and victories in the campaign, I have never faced a loss like this... terrorists wielding such incredible arsenals, the likes of which I have never seen."

The emperor's eyes narrowed, his tone laced with disdain. "Is that so? And I thought the so-called 'Goddess of Victory' held the advantage. Yet you were defeated by terrorists? Terrorists with a military arsenal capable of overpowering you?"

"I—" Cornelia began, but Charles cut her off with a sharp retort.

"Ludicrous! No mere terrorists could possess such weapons, let alone appear out of nowhere to disrupt your operation in the Saitama ghetto. It seems to me that your blind overconfidence is the true reason for your failure."

Cornelia clenched her fists at her sides, biting back the urge to retort. Instead, she swallowed her pride and lowered her head. "I will reflect on my mistakes, Your Majesty. I swear to improve myself and ensure I will not be defeated again. I will eliminate that terrorist scum—Ronin Vindicator. You have my word."

The emperor's expression remained unreadable, though a faint smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Hmph. Redemption, is it? Very well. But to ensure no further failures, I am sending reinforcements. Two of the best."

Cornelia lifted her gaze. "Who?"

"One of my Knights of the Round, Nonette Enneagram, and the Glinda Knights—a counter-terrorism unit led by your sister, Marrybell. They recently dealt with the Wings of Talleyrand during the military base takeover in Cuba. I trust you remember her."

Cornelia nodded stiffly. "Yes, I've heard of it."

"Good. Then you have no objections?"

"None, Your Majesty," Cornelia replied. "I appreciate the assistance in eradicating the terrorists in Area 11."

Charles leaned back, his expression hardening. "Just remember, Cornelia, repeated failures to maintain order in Area 11 will have consequences. If this continues, I will not hesitate to find someone to replace you. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Cornelia bowed deeply, her voice unwavering despite the sting of his words.

"Good. I am busy, so do not summon me again with news of failure." With that, the screen went dark, leaving Cornelia alone in the quiet room.

Straightening from her bow, Cornelia winced as pain flared from the bandages around her head. She pressed a hand to her temple, her thoughts turning inward.

"Nonette and my sister... It's humiliating to rely on others, but this must be done." Her voice trembled with suppressed anger. "I will root out both Zero and Ronin Vindicator. They won't escape me again."

The name Ronin Vindicator echoed in her mind, a haunting specter of her defeat. The image of his knightmare frame and the devastation he wrought burned vividly in her memory. Her teeth clenched, her eyes blazing with fury.

"Ronin Vindicator... I will have my revenge for what you've done to my knights, to my forces. And Zero..." She exhaled sharply, her voice a low growl. "You will be next. Right after I rip Ronin's mask from his face."

Cornelia's resolve hardened, her anger fusing into a single, unyielding purpose.

...

Four days had passed since the bloody clash in the Saitama ghetto, yet the public remained blissfully unaware of the true events that had unfolded. The military's campaign to eliminate the terrorist presence, along with the capture of two notorious fugitives—Zero and Ronin Vindicator—had ended in failure. Princess Cornelia, despite her best efforts, had not only failed to neutralize the threat but had also suffered a humbling defeat. In an attempt to save face, the Empire spun the tale that the terrorists had been eradicated, fooling the Britannian populace into believing that the operation had been a success. But Cornelia, seething with frustration, was far from satisfied. She could not let this failure stand. She was determined to bring both Zero and Ronin Vindicator to their knees, and she would not rest until she had redeemed herself in the eyes of the Empire.

To assist in her efforts, Emperor Charles zi Britannia had dispatched the Knight of Nine, Nonette Enneagram, and the Glinda Knights to Area 11. Their arrival was imminent, and Cornelia prepared herself for the next phase of the campaign. For now, she would maintain the fragile stability of the colony state, waiting for reinforcements to bolster her efforts.

Meanwhile, the Vindictarium Order moved in the shadows, their operations far from the reach of Britannian forces. They had spread themselves across Japan, conducting missions that differed from the military's agenda. Under the guise of protection, they had gained the trust of the ghettos' residents by offering healing to the weak and sick through the combined use of magic and nanotechnology. Their remarkable abilities, as well as their potent weaponry, had made them a beacon of hope for the oppressed, and the people began to see them as their saviors.

Elsewhere, Xavier Salvador had left the universe for his homeworld, taking his newly adopted daughter, Mihara Salvador, with him. They were on their way to meet her new siblings. With his absence, Supreme Magistrate Frieda took charge of the Salvatian forces within this universe. Her first command was to send Legion agents deep into enemy territories—Holy Britannian Empire, the European Union, and the Chinese Federation. Each agent was assigned specific tasks aimed at weakening these powers from within.

In the Holy Britannian Empire and Chinese Federation, the agents were tasked with disrupting military operations: severing supply lines, sabotaging defenses, assassinating high-ranking officers and nobles, and sowing discord among the common people. Through bribery and subtle manipulation, they worked to incite rebellion and shift the loyalties of low-class nobles. They also provided military training and resources to guerilla fighters who opposed the Chinese Federation, while dismantling factories aligned with military production.

In the European Union, however, the agents had a different approach. A few Japanese refugees were escorted out of the EU internment camps and taken to the refugee dome on the other side of the moon, their movements concealed from the authorities. The agents also sabotaged supply lines and military armaments, leaving the EU vulnerable in the face of conflict. Despite their actions against the EU, the Salvatians made it clear that their loyalties did not lie with the Britannian tributary empire. They played all sides, weakening the powers of the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the EU equally.

Ishiwari and his companions had taken a brief respite from their struggles, journeying to a rural village nestled in the heart of Miyagi. There, they visited Hitarashi's cousin, who had settled with his family—his wife and a young baby boy. The peaceful village, once under the harsh rule of a Britannian noble, had been freed from the Empire's grasp, thanks to the intervention of the Vindictarium Order. The Order had removed the oppressive ruler and taken over a small Britannian base to establish their territorial chapter, offering the village newfound protection. For Ishiwari and the others, it was a rare moment of peace—a much-needed pause after the chaos of battle. They relished the time spent with the family, sharing in the simple joys of life before they would inevitably return to their fight against the Britannian rule.

Meanwhile, the Black Death Legion moved in the shadows, carrying out covert missions with ruthless efficiency. Their target was any Japanese resistance group that posed a significant threat to Xavier's broader goals, especially those with a vehement anti-Britannian stance. Among the most notable of these groups was the Japanese Liberation Front, or JLF—a formidable resistance organization comprised largely of former Japanese military members. They had refused to yield in their battle against the Britannian oppressors, and their unyielding resolve made them a target for the Salvatians. The JLF's extreme opposition to the Britannians clashed directly with the Salvatians' plans, making them a threat that needed to be eliminated or weakened before they could jeopardize the mission at hand.

In recent times, Australia had undergone an astonishing transformation, rapidly advancing in development after striking a deal with Salvatia. With the infusion of advanced, sci-fi inspired technology, the once desolate wastelands were now blooming with life—lush grasslands, vibrant trees, clear waters, and an array of colorful flowers filled the land, all contributing to an environment that everyone marveled at. Gone was the reliance on sakuradite energy, as the Salvatians introduced a new, revolutionary power source called Neutronicite. This extraordinary energy harnessed the unique properties of plasma and neutron-based technologies, fueling the electricity that powered homes, towns, and entire cities with an abundance of unlimited energy. The markets, too, were flourishing, with new technological devices emerging from local producers who collaborated with Salvatians—businessmen from their homeworld and other colony planets. These exchanges not only boosted the economy but also facilitated a trading partnership that further enriched both parties.

In Indonesia and New Zealand, the magistrates had overseen the most advanced development the region had ever seen, thanks to their integration of magitechnology—a blend of magic and sci-fi innovation. The citizens in these areas felt a sense of security and stability, free from the oppression that once marked their lives under the cruel rule of the Holy Britannian Empire. Even some Britannians, rehabilitated by the Salvatians, had come to accept their new way of life, shedding their old supremacist views in exchange for equality within the new regime. As long as they refrained from discriminatory actions or opposing the regime, they were welcomed as equals. The formation of the Collaboration Armed Forces (C.A.F.) saw native citizens join the magistrate military, standing united with the Salvatians to defend their newfound way of life. This growing force, made up of collaborators from across the globe, patiently awaited the signal to strike—ready to reshape the world into a new, unified order.

As the days passed, the Office of Secret Intelligence (O.S.I.) had been working tirelessly to gather information, learning that three students from Ashley Academy—Shirley Fenette, Nina Einstein, and Milly Ashford—were planning a trip to Lake Kawaguchi, a popular tourist destination. However, the summit being held there for the annual Sakuradite conference was not the only cause for concern. Bug spy drones, having infiltrated the Japanese Liberation Front (JLF) base, had uncovered disturbing news: a faction of radical JLF members was conspiring to seize control of the lake, intending to take hostages in a bid to force Britannians to comply with their demands. What made the situation even more alarming was that these actions were being taken without the authorization of General Katase or any other high-ranking JLF members. The stage was set for a volatile conflict, one that would have far-reaching consequences.

...

Constitutional Authority-class Super Dreadnought, Throne Chamber

The Throne Chamber aboard the massive Constitutional Authority-class Super Dreadnought exuded a quiet sense of power as Xavier Salvador stepped through a shimmering portal. Having returned from his homeworld of Salvatia, he settled into the sleek, black throne that dominated the room. The vast chamber hummed softly with the presence of advanced technology, a testament to the fusion of power and precision Xavier commanded. His mind briefly lingered on his adopted daughter, Mihara Salvador, who remained on Salvatia to bond with her new siblings. But now, his attention turned to the reports awaiting him.

Frieda, standing with her usual composed demeanor, began to speak, her voice steady and professional. Beside her, the Oracle AI hummed softly, its holographic form flickering faintly as it processed and delivered data.

"As you can see," Frieda began, her gaze steady, "Lake Kawaguchi has been seized by rogue JLF members under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Josui Kusakabe. They have taken hostages and gained control of the area's security defense systems."

Xavier's sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "I see," he replied, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of authority. "I had a feeling something like this would happen eventually. What is the status of the air and sea approaches?"

The Oracle AI chimed in, its tone clipped and precise. "Lake Kawaguchi is fortified with anti-air missile systems, making aerial access impossible. As for the sea, Princess Cornelia dispatched a task force to infiltrate the area from below, but their attempt was failed by robust security measures. The sea route is also impassable."

Xavier leaned back in his throne, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. "And the tunnel systems? Lake Kawaguchi is connected to the network. Surely the Britannians would have considered using them."

"Correct," Frieda confirmed. "However, the OSI deployed a bug spy drone, which uncovered a significant defense asset. The JLF has brought out a heavy unit Knightmare Frame called the Raiko. It's a siege weapon armed with a devastating canister shot—a high-velocity shell that disperses steel ball bearings capable of tearing through Knightmare Frames with ease. Four additional Knightmares are stationed strategically around it, each equipped with dual-seater cockpits for enhanced coordination. It also features auxiliary cannons for continued combat efficacy, even if the primary cannon is disabled."

Xavier's expression didn't shift, though a faint hint of approval flickered in his eyes. "A well-designed weapon," he remarked. "But if Lancelot is already repaired and piloted by Suzaku Kururugi, I predict it will prevail against the Raiko. Zero and his group will undoubtedly arrive soon to attempt a rescue. What of Euphemia? Has she been located?"

The Oracle AI answered without hesitation. "According to OSI intelligence, Princess Euphemia is disguised as a civilian. An undercover bodyguard, identified as female, is with her. She is among the hostages currently held by JLF forces inside the main building."

Frieda glanced at Xavier, her voice carrying a hint of caution. "Supreme Sovereign, might I suggest dispatching a special-ops strike team to rescue the hostages?"

Xavier's lips curled into a faint smile. "Yes," he said, his tone decisive. "But I will accompany them as Ronin Vindicator."

Frieda's calm composure broke briefly as she allowed herself a small, knowing smile. "Going undercover as your alter ego, sir?"

"Indeed," Xavier replied. "With Euphemia among the hostages, this presents a unique opportunity. If I can secure her cooperation, it will advance our plans significantly."

Frieda inclined her head. "When shall we commence the operation?"

"Tonight," Xavier answered without hesitation. His eyes gleamed with calculated resolve. "We'll wait until they execute one of the hostages."

Frieda blinked, her brow furrowing slightly. "We're allowing a hostage to die, sir?"

Xavier's voice remained steady, devoid of remorse. "Yes. A single casualty is acceptable. It will ensure the success of the mission and keep the remaining hostages alive. Euphemia must be secured before Zero arrives."

Frieda straightened, her expression resolute. "Understood, sir. I'll make the necessary preparations for tonight's operation, including the rescue mission and the capture of the Britannian princess."

Xavier nodded, a faint smile playing at his lips. "Excellent. Let's see how this unfolds."

...

On a small hill overlooking the waters of Lake Kawaguchi, Suzaku, Lloyd, and Cecile stood together, the repaired and operational Lancelot parked nearby. It had been a relief to see the knightmare frame restored after the Shinjuku disaster, but for now, they were on standby, awaiting orders from Princess Cornelia to formulate a rescue plan for the hostages.

Suzaku turned toward Lloyd, a hint of urgency in his voice. "Can't the Special Core offer any assistance with the rescue operation?"

Lloyd, idly tossing a stone across the water, watched as it skipped three times before sinking. "I've already asked them," he replied, his tone indifferent. "But we're just a regular unit, and they don't acknowledge our chain of command. Besides..."

Suzaku's gaze narrowed. "It's too risky to entrust the operation to an Eleven, is that right?"

Lloyd smirked faintly, brushing off the weight of the conversation. "Yet I'm sure you're aware that Princess Cornelia is very particular when it comes to Britannians and Numbers."

Suzaku frowned. "So the Japanese still aren't being fully accepted into your structure."

Cecile, ever the voice of reason, interjected. "If that were true, then what point would there be in even having an Honorary Britannian system?"

Lloyd shifted his attention back to Suzaku, a rare seriousness flickering in his expression. "Oh, by the way, Suzaku, please make sure nothing happens to Lancelot again. You know what happened back in the Shinjuku ghetto..."

"I know." Suzaku's reply was quiet, but the memory of Shinjuku loomed large in his mind. He could still see it clearly—a massive, mechanized humanoid, five times the size of a knightmare frame's head, towering over him. That encounter had left its mark, and not just on the Lancelot.

Suzaku shook his head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't understand why nobody bothered to investigate what really happened back then. Those giants—"

Lloyd cut him off, his tone almost dismissive. "Those giants you encountered, the ones responsible for trashing my knightmare, are, unfortunately, a tough sell. First, you're an Eleven, and they don't take your word seriously. Second, there's no concrete evidence to back it up. Words alone won't convince them."

Suzaku's frustration deepened. "What? So there's nothing to warn them about those giant knightmare frames that appeared out of nowhere?"

Cecile placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her voice calm yet firm. "Suzaku, there's no point in trying to convince them. Even Princess Cornelia wouldn't believe it without proof."

"But I saw it, Miss Cecile," Suzaku insisted, his voice rising with emotion. "We saw—"

"There's no point," Lloyd interrupted again, his voice sharp but resigned. "All we can do is forget about it for now and focus on the situation at hand. Besides, if they did believe what you saw, then maybe—just maybe—we'd have a chance to prepare for those giants. Until then, it's not worth dwelling on."

Suzaku lowered his head, his shoulders tense as the weight of disbelief pressed down on him. No one would believe his story. No one would accept the truth of what he had witnessed. His right fist clenched tightly at his side, frustration and determination warring within him.

One day, he vowed, he would face that black giant again and prove to everyone that it was real. But for now, his focus had to remain on the present. The hostages at Lake Kawaguchi needed to be rescued, and that mission couldn't wait.

...

Resistance New Hideout, Mobile Command Vehicle

Ohgi, Kallen, and the others arrived at their new hideout, a Britannian mobile command vehicle now under the control of the masked vigilante, Zero. The vehicle, once belonging to a noble, had been "persuaded" from its original owner using Zero's geass power. After watching the news about the hostage incident at Lake Kawaguchi, the group began packing their belongings to prepare for the move to the new base.

Inside the private room, Zero sat alone, watching a laptop screen that displayed an emotional interview with a man claiming to be Shirley's father.

The Britannian news reporter's voice came through the speakers, steady but laced with tension. "Is there anything you want to say to the terrorists?"

Joseph Fenette, his face worn with worry, spoke with trembling resolve. "She was only sightseeing. Shirley is still a student, but these criminals act indiscriminately. Savages... I want to know if Shir—if my daughter is alright. She hasn't done anything wrong."

The news reporter nodded solemnly before addressing the audience. "All he's asking..."

As the interview played on, Lelouch, under the guise of Zero, furrowed his brow, deep in thought. Plans and scenarios raced through his mind as he tried to calculate the best course of action.

We need to organize before we fight them again. It's too soon, though—we're not ready—but we can't just sit here and do nothing either. Knowing Cornelia, she'll sacrifice the hostages. Ah, then why doesn't she make her move? Is it possible...

His thoughts were interrupted by Kallen entering the room, her voice firm and direct. "Zero... what will happen to the hostages?"

Zero silently turned off the laptop with a remote before responding. "Eventually, there will be no reason to keep those Britannians alive."

Kallen hesitated before agreeing quietly, "Yeah... I'm sure you're right."

Their conversation was interrupted by Ohgi, who entered carrying a box filled with new outfits for the resistance members. "Hey, Zero, I found these. Should I hand them out to everyone? I mean, as far as gear goes, it looks pretty hip, but we're just a resistance group, so..."

"Wrong," Zero cut him off sharply.

Ohgi blinked in surprise. "Uh."

"We're not a resistance group. Is that clear?" Zero's tone was resolute.

"Well then, what are we?" Ohgi asked, his curiosity piqued.

"What we are—what we're trying to be—are knights for justice," Zero declared.

"Knights?" Kallen muttered, the term sounding uncomfortably close to Britannian rhetoric.

Ohgi scratched his head, then asked cautiously, "Hey, Zero, I have to ask. I've been thinking... what if that Ronin Vindicator guy gets involved too?"

The room fell into an uneasy silence at the mention of the mysterious figure.

Zero's mask tilted slightly as he answered, "I am unsure whether Ronin will be involved in saving the hostages or not. If he does not appear, then our time will not have been wasted, as our mission remains to rescue them."

Ohgi raised an eyebrow. "Save the Britannian hostages? That's the plan, Zero?"

"Yes," Zero replied confidently. "This will show the world that we exist to fight for justice—for the weak against those who use strength as oppression. We will protect and free those who have been oppressed, bringing hope to those who face tyranny."

"Wow... That's amazing," Ohgi admitted, admiration clear in his tone.

Kallen, however, wasn't as easily convinced. "Wait. What about Ronin Vindicator? Will he show up?"

Zero crossed his arms. "If he does... we cannot be certain how he will act. He has appeared without warning, and his intentions remain unclear. We must be prepared. Should he choose to raise his blade against us, we will have no choice but to treat him as an enemy."

Ohgi frowned. "An enemy? Even if he's the one who was responsible for that prince's death back then?"

"Yes," Zero confirmed, his voice unwavering. "Now then, I want everything prepared. We'll leave under the cover of night."

With determination, he clenched his fist and raised it high. "It's time to save those hostages from the unjust grip of the terrorists."

As the others began moving, Lelouch's thoughts turned inward once more. Milly... Shirley... Nina... Don't worry. We will save you.

...

Outside the convention center hotel at Lake Kawaguchi, a shimmering portal materialized in the air before a team of Salvatian spec-ops emerged with disciplined precision. The portal sealed shut behind them, leaving no trace of its existence. Their team leader, a male dark elf concealed beneath a sleek combat helmet, stepped forward with measured strides. He approached a shadowy figure standing under the canopy of a tree, which soon revealed itself as Ronin Vindicator, stepping into the faint light.

Ronin Vindicator's voice was calm yet commanding. "The best?"

"Yes, sir," the dark elf confirmed, his tone steady and professional.

Ronin Vindicator nodded in approval. "Good. We'll begin when they push one of the hostages to their death. That will be the trigger. At that point, Zero and his newly formed Black Knights will attempt to convince the viceroy to let them intervene. We, however, will act before they make their move."

"Understood," the dark elf replied crisply, his stance firm with readiness.

Ronin Vindicator's tone dropped to a quieter command. "We'll use camouflage. No one must see us."

Without hesitation, the dark elf turned to his team and gave the order. "Activate camouflage, men."

At his command, the Salvatian spec-ops engaged their advanced camouflage systems, their forms vanishing into thin air as if swallowed by the shadows. The team leader disappeared alongside them, a faint shimmer marking their departure before it too faded.

Ronin Vindicator would also become invisible, blending seamlessly with the night as the group prepared to execute their plan in complete silence and precision.

The unexpected shattered the tense air. A Britannian man was shoved from the rooftop by JLF soldiers, his terrified scream slicing through the chaos before his body struck the ground with a sickening thud. His death became the grim signal for the unfolding events.

Moments later, Zero and his resistance members arrived in a commandeered vehicle. With calculated words and the weight of his reputation, Zero managed to convince Princess Cornelia to grant them passage, ostensibly to confront Kusakabe and rescue the hostages. Cornelia, however, agreed for her own reasons, intending to seize the opportunity to eliminate both the JLF and Zero in one decisive blow.

Inside the convention center hotel, Ronin Vindicator and the Salvatian spec-ops team had already infiltrated the building. Moving with surgical precision, they scouted the rooms where JLF soldiers patrolled. Silently and efficiently, they neutralized their targets, dragging the bodies into hidden corners or closets, ensuring they would remain undetected by other JLF patrols or security cameras.

When the team reached a long hallway, it split into two paths, each leading in different directions. Without hesitation, Ronin Vindicator turned toward the left corridor, intent on locating Kusakabe. His instincts told him that Euphemia might also be in Kusakabe's custody, possibly held there for leverage.

Meanwhile, the spec-ops team took the right corridor, their objective clear: the room where the hostages were being held. They moved like shadows, weapons ready, their silence masking the storm about to erupt within the walls of the convention center.

...

The tension in the air grew as Ronin Vindicator sprinted through the corridors, his footsteps silent and purposeful. His sharp eyes caught sight of two JLF soldiers escorting Euphemia Li Britannia toward Kusakabe. But something else caught his attention—he could sense Zero's presence in the room ahead. A suspicion tugged at his mind: Zero must be using his geass to force Kusakabe and his officers into suicide.

Without hesitation, Ronin closed the distance between himself and the two guards. Before they could react, his blade flashed with lethal precision, slicing both soldiers down. The sound of steel cutting through flesh echoed briefly before silence returned. Euphemia stood frozen, her eyes wide with horror as the lifeless bodies of her escorts collapsed in halves before her.

Ronin Vindicator flicked his blade to clean the blood from its edge, then turned his gaze to the shaken princess.

"Princess Euphemia Li Britannia, I presume?" he asked, his voice calm yet commanding.

Euphemia's breath hitched as she recognized him. "You're... Ronin Vindicator, right? The one everyone, including my sister, talks about?"

"Indeed," he confirmed, his piercing gaze studying her. "You are quite different from the rest of your siblings. Nevertheless, your rescue will have to wait. There's someone I need to meet."

"W-what?" she stammered, confusion clouding her expression.

"You'd better stay behind, princess," he advised, his tone firm. "It's safer than wandering these halls with guards still lurking."

"But... how did you get here so quickly?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ronin allowed himself a faint smirk. "Let's just say I have my ways."

With that, he pushed open the door ahead, confirming his earlier suspicions. The room was eerily silent, its walls stained with the aftermath of Zero's power. Kusakabe and his loyal officers lay lifeless, victims of their own hands under the influence of geass.

Zero stood at the center of the scene, his voice cutting through the stillness. "Calm yourselves."

Behind Ronin, Euphemia stepped cautiously into the room, her voice trembling. "Zero..."

Zero's mask turned toward her briefly before he addressed the room, as if speaking to himself. "The Colonel and the others committed suicide when they realized how meaningless this operation—" He stopped mid-sentence, his gaze locking on Ronin Vindicator.

"Ronin... You've made quite the quiet entrance," Zero noted, his tone wary. Then his eyes flicked to Euphemia. "And I see you've brought company."

"This 'company' is a princess," Ronin replied sharply, crossing his arms.

Zero's composure faltered for a moment. "A princess? How—? No, never mind. I don't know how you bypassed the guards and security systems, but I want a word with the princess."

Ronin's tone turned cold. "As if I'd allow—"

"It's fine," Euphemia interrupted, stepping forward. "I'll speak with him."

Zero inclined his head slightly. "Your Highness, Princess Euphemia Li Britannia. I hear you've made Sub-Viceroy."

"It's not an appointment I'm happy with," she admitted, her voice heavy with regret.

"No," Zero agreed. "It's only because Clovis was murdered. Not by me, of course. His death was orchestrated by that man beside you."

Euphemia gasped, her gaze snapping to Ronin, who stood silent but unflinching. His arms remained crossed as if admitting the deed without shame.

"Nonetheless, Clovis was pathetic," Zero continued coldly. "If it were me, I'd have put a bullet in his head myself. He was a spoiled brat with a dark heart who ordered the deaths of Elevens."

Euphemia's voice wavered as she asked, "So... is that why you—or Ronin Vindicator—killed my brother?"

Zero shook his head. "No."

"Then why?" she pressed.

Zero's voice darkened. "Because Clovis was an offspring of the Britannian Emperor."

Ronin interjected, his tone hard as steel. "For me, he was responsible for the massacre of unarmed civilians—civilians who had nothing to do with terrorism but were gunned down by his soldiers anyway."

Zero's attention snapped back to Euphemia. "And you—you're one of the Emperor's children too, aren't you?"

His hand moved swiftly, raising a gun to point at her.

"Cover your eyes!" Ronin barked, his voice sharp and commanding.

Before Euphemia could fully process the warning, Ronin hurled a flashbang grenade toward Zero. The room erupted in blinding light, forcing Zero to stagger back with a pained cry.

"What are you—" Euphemia started, but her words were cut short.

Ronin reached out, his powers taking hold of her. Euphemia's body slackened, her eyes fluttering closed as sleep overtook her.

"My apologies, princess," Ronin murmured, catching her before she could fall. "But this will have to do. We'll talk later—not as Ronin Vindicator."

He slung her over his shoulder and exited the room. The hallway, however, was not empty. Kallen and her others arrived to meet up Zero, but instead, they saw Ronin Vindicator appear in front of them.

"Hey, what the hell?!" Tamaki shouted, spotting him.

"Is that... Ronin Vindicator?" Ohgi asked, his voice laced with shock.

Without a word, Ronin hurled smoke bombs into the corridor, enveloping the area in a thick, choking cloud.

Cough "Is that smoke?!" Toru Yoshida exclaimed, his voice muffled by the haze.

When the smoke cleared, Ronin Vindicator was gone.

"Damn it! He was just here a second ago!" Tamaki growled. "Is he a ninja?"

Sugiyama coughed, shaking his head. "Probably. I've never seen a ninja before. I thought they were just myths."

Kallen pushed past them, her focus laser-sharp. "Zero!" she called, dashing into the room.

Zero, still recovering from the flashbang, turned toward her.

"Zero, what happened?" Kallen demanded, ignoring the bodies of the JLF officers strewn around.

Zero steadied himself. "It seems Ronin Vindicator paid us a visit. Let's just say... we had a bit of a conflict."

"A conflict?" she echoed, her brow furrowing.

"Never mind that," Zero said, his tone regaining its usual authority. "We need to move on to the next phase of the plan. Ronin Vindicator isn't our priority, despite his little... interruption."

Kallen hesitated but nodded. "Right..."

...

Ronin Vindicator stood silently atop a building some distance from the Lake Kawaguchi hotel, the perfect vantage point to survey the unfolding scene. Euphemia remained unconscious, draped securely over his shoulder, her gentle breaths the only sign of her presence.

Lifting a communicator to his lips, he initiated contact with his team. "Spec-op team leader, report. Are the hostages safe?"

The calm voice of the Salvatian spec-ops leader, a male dark elf, responded through the comms. "Yes, sir. Everyone has been accounted for. The hostages are safely aboard the floating boats."

"Good," Ronin replied with measured satisfaction. "You've done excellent work. Return to base."

"Understood, sir. Thank you," the dark elf acknowledged before the line went silent.

With the operation progressing as planned, Ronin Vindicator adjusted his stance, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant hotel. The anticipation simmered as he waited for the next phase to unfold. Moments later, a series of deafening explosions erupted from the Lake Kawaguchi hotel, fiery plumes piercing the night sky and illuminating the dark waters below.

...

After the destruction of the Lake Kawaguchi hotel, the fiery aftermath illuminated the night sky. Inside his Lancelot Knightmare Frame, Suzaku sat in heavy silence, his heart weighed down by a crushing sense of failure. He couldn't shake the thought that if he had arrived just a moment sooner, he might have saved them all. The guilt gnawed at him relentlessly, each second feeling like an eternity of regret.

Suddenly, a voice crackled through a broadcast, reverberating across the Britannian communication network.

"My dear Britannians," Zero's voice rang out with its characteristic calm and commanding tone, "have no fear. All of the hostages from the hotel are safe and sound. I, Zero, return them to you unharmed."

The broadcast shifted to a live feed, displaying the hostages—Milly, Shirley, Nina, and others—seated safely on floating boats. Relief painted their faces, some even wiping away tears of fear turned to gratitude. They looked bewildered yet comforted, unaware of the swift and silent actions that had ensured their safety. The Salvatian spec-op team, unseen and unsung, had vanished as quickly as they had arrived, leaving no trace but the lives they had spared.

...

Inside the Lancelot knightmare frame

Seated inside the cockpit of the Lancelot Knightmare Frame, Suzaku exhaled a breath of relief as he stared at the broadcast feed. "They're fine," he murmured softly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the machine, though the weight of his earlier guilt still lingered.

...

Britannian bar

Inside a bustling Britannian bar, Rivalz leaned back in his chair with a relieved smile, his gaze fixed on the broadcast screen. "Ah, they're all right," he said, his voice carrying a sense of ease as the tension in the room began to dissipate.

...

Bridge cockpit, G1-Base land cruiser

In the bridge cockpit of the G1-Base land cruiser, Cornelia clenched her fists, her sharp gaze fixed on the monitor displaying Zero's broadcast. Her voice, laced with frustration and disdain, broke the tense silence. "Of all the brazen audacity... If we attack you, those people will quickly become your hostages, won't they?"

...

The screen flickered as the lights flashed, revealing Zero standing at the center, flanked by resistance members dressed in black uniforms. Their eyes were concealed behind masks, their identities hidden from view. Zero's voice, steady and commanding, echoed through the broadcast, "People! Fear us, or rally behind us as you see fit. We are the Black Knights."

...

Inside the Special Research Division Transport

Inside the Special Research Division Transport, Cecile and Lloyd sat, eyes fixed on the broadcast playing before them. Cecile furrowed her brow. "Black Knights?"

Lloyd let out a small, sardonic chuckle. "Ironic, isn't it? The terrorists refer to themselves as knights."

The screen flashed to Zero, his voice unwavering as he addressed the audience. "We of the Black Knights stand with all those who have no weapons to wield. Regardless of whether they be Elevens, or Britannians. The Japan Liberation Front cowardly took innocent Britannian civilians' hostage, and they mercilessly executed them. It was a wanton and meaningless act; therefore they have been punished."

...

Diethard held the phone to his ear, his tone sharp and commanding as he spoke into it, informing the recipient of the situation. "You heard me right," he said, his voice unwavering. "I said let it run. Liable? I'll be the one responsible for this."

Zero's voice rang out from the broadcast, clear and unwavering, his words filled with both conviction and resolve. "Just as former Viceroy Clovis was punished for ordering the slaughter of countless unarmed Elevens, we could not stand by and allow such cruelty to be carried out, and so we made him pay for his actions." He paused, his voice rising with authority. "I will not repudiate battle on a fair and level field, but neither will I tolerate a one-sided massacre of the weak by the strong. The only ones who should kill are those who are prepared to be killed!" He continued, his words charged with defiance. "Wherever oppressors abuse their power by attacking those who are powerless, we shall appear again. No matter how mighty, how formidable our foe may be."

...

Onboard the commandeered yacht

Kallen stood on the deck of the commandeered yacht, her gaze distant, her voice barely more than a whisper as she processed the words that hung in the air. "Knights... for justice?" Her tone was laced with disbelief and uncertainty.

Zero, standing beside her, spoke with quiet but undeniable strength, his voice carrying the weight of his vision. "Those of you with power, fear us. Those of you without it, rally behind us. We, the Black Knights, shall be the ones who stand in judgment of this world."

...

After he made a bold speech to the world, the broadcast flickered suddenly, stuttering as the image on the screen shifted. It was no longer Zero, but Ronin Vindicator himself, stepping into the spotlight with a slow, deliberate clap of his hands.

"How lovely to hear that the new group has declared themselves knights," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "The Black Knights, it seems. Nonetheless, who I am is Ronin Vindicator—the one actually responsible for orchestrating Prince Clovis' death before Zero could do it." His voice was calm, matter of fact, yet there was a sinister edge to it. "Still, this is not why I announce. I have something surprising to show you."

He held up his arm, revealing the unconscious form of Euphemia Li Britannia draped in his grasp. The image sent a shockwave through the world. There, on live broadcast, the kidnapped princess was displayed for all to see. The stunned silence that followed was deafening. Ronin Vindicator had taken one of the royal family.

Among the floating boats, Nina's eyes widened in disbelief as she spotted Euphemia, the very princess who had saved her life, now in the hands of the masked rogue. Her voice cracked as she called out, "Princess Euphemia!"

Inside the cockpit of the Lancelot knightmare frame, Suzaku's jaw tightened as he watched the broadcast. His heart raced in fury. "Princess Euphemia!" he spat. "Damn you, Ronin Vindicator. Holding her hostage is disgusting."

Onboard the G1-Base land cruiser, the bridge crew was equally stunned. Gilbert stared at the screen, unable to comprehend what had just transpired. "No way... How was he able to get a hold of her highness?" His voice was a mixture of disbelief and frustration.

Cornelia, standing rigid, clenched her fists, her body trembling with anger. Her teeth ground together in a fierce snarl. "You!" she seethed. "You dare hold my sister hostage!"

Ronin Vindicator's voice returned, smooth and uncaring. "That's right. I did save her from the clutches of the JLF terrorists, but she is now in my grasp. Do not fear, she won't be harmed; she will be treated fairly and well. As for what I want from her... well, I see no reason to tell you. You don't need to know. Until then, I bid you all farewell." His words grew cold. "Rest assured, your princess will be returned safely once I am done with her. And to Zero and Viceroy Cornelia, I want to say... we will meet again soon. Farewell."

With a snap of his fingers, the broadcast abruptly cut off, leaving nothing but silence in its wake. The stunned world held its breath as the gravity of the situation settled in. Euphemia, now in the hands of Ronin Vindicator, had become a pawn in a game of revenge.

Cornelia's rage was palpable, and she immediately made plans for retribution. "I will find him," she whispered to herself. "I will make him pay for taking my sister."

On the other side, Suzaku's determination flared. "I will save her," he muttered, resolving to face Ronin Vindicator no matter the cost.

Zero, in the shadows, felt the weight of his own helplessness. As much as he wanted to act, he knew the truth. His focus had to shift, his organization needed to grow stronger to face the forces of Britannia and the relentless pursuit of Cornelia. Yet, the thought of Euphemia—captured, lost—gnawed at him. He clenched his fists, fighting against the anger that threatened to overtake him.