In the previous chapter :

Richelieu META : Enough backstory. We have to purge the enemy.

Charles : You're right ! Elohim ! Azazel ! I hope you have done everything you need ! Because you're gonna die with your regrets !

Azazel : Like that's ever gonna happen ! But I won't go without a fight !

God : I am ready to fight as well !

Charles : Good ! Because I am out of mercy ! The sea will be tainted with your blood !

Azur Lane and Elohim and Azazel were both on each side, ready to fight.

Near the Basilica :

3rd P.O.V

A big fight announced itself near the Basilica, due the truth that got out. God and Satan, now revealed to be Elohim Dog and Azazel Lucifer, are showing their true colors after being found out, and are now fighting against Azur Lane.

With the coming of more members of the Ashes, and the fact that Charles became one of them, the battle might seem to be a victory. But then, they never saw the full potential of those two when it comes to fighting, despite having fought alongside them.

After all, the Ashes are powerful Shipgirls that can destroy entire Siren fleets by themselves, making them very powerful opponents. But now that Charles is one of them, his power is even greater than the rest of the Ashes, most likely because of the fact he is a modern ship to begin with, and that he always held back.

For this time, maybe this time only, he is willing to go all out, to the point he may reveal his strong weapon in his arsenal. Not his FAMAS or his AT4, which he both newly acquired, but his nukes, a dreaded weapon which only brings desolation and ruin.

Azazel : Dude, we should bring the reinforcements ! We're only two against a few hundred !

Elohim : Don't worry. I'll bring them.

Elohim snapped his fingers, creating some portals behind him where a lot of purple Sirens showed up.

Elohim : What are you going to do now ?!

Charles : ... HEL !!!

The moment he pronounced this name, a scythe appeared at his side, floating. But for some reason, Elohim and Azazel seemed shocked by that.

Elohim : ...Wait... This isn't part of the project... Where did you got this ?!

Charles : Classified.

Azazel : Come on ! Be a pal and tell us !

Charles : ...No. I have wasted too much time speaking with you. I'll let my weapons do the talk.

The Sirens advanced towards him, but he took his FAMAS and shoot them all, killing most of them effectively, but the portals are still there, spawning more of them.

Charles : ...You cannot avoid the reenactment of the "Last Judgement". You might as well accept your demise, because this time, I will be the one to bring it to the gods.

Azazel : We're not afraid ! Bring it on !

Charles : In that case, let's finish this ! Everyone, let's show them the power of the unity of Azur Lane !

Everyone : YES !!!

Charles got ready for the fight. But he was accompanied by both Richelieu, as well as Saint Louis and Jeanne d'Arc. All of them wanting revenge against the one person they were looking up to.

Charles : We'll take care of those two impostors ! You all, take care of the Sirens !

Littorio : Got it. It's time to say to those guys "Arrivederci" !

La Galissonnière : Alright, let's get started !

Roon : Yeah !

Purifier : Finally, real shit is happening !

Omitter : Let's fucking murder those fakers !

Prinz Eugen META : I shall enjoy this.

Enterprise : Alright, everyone ! Let's give our all !

Ash : Couldn't said it better.

Meanwhile in the Siren World :

3rd P.O.V

The big fight has started and the Creator was watching the fight with his stalker orb. He know the battle between him and Charles is approaching, but right now, he is overseeing the fight against Elohim and Azazel.

Creator : Elohim, Azazel, you better not disappoint me ! Not after I gave you power ! Show me I was right to let you do "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS" !

He looked to see more Ashes showing up in the Simulation #19422020, but he didn't cared much about it. But however, as he saw a familiar woman, he widen his eyes in surprise. After all, she was declared MIA for some people, and even KIA for others. And yet, here she is, with Azur Lane.

Creator : ...Anzeel...?! ...She is alive...?!

Seeing this, he knows that the moment Charles will know the truth is already getting closer, the moment he will found the answers to his questions, even if it means for the Creator to die in the process.

Creator : ...If she still remember "it", then "DARKLIGHT IRIS" will understand the situation.

He decided to stay silent to watch the fight unfold, and maybe, even appears in front of Azur Lane, for reasons only known to him.

Back to the fight :

3rd P.O.V

While Charles and his group went towards the two traitors, getting rid of the opposition, the others defended the base from the Sirens coming out from the portals.

Unlike what they thought, it was easier to fight them for several reasons : first, everyone was here to fight, whether they are Shipgirls, the Elite Sirens or the Ashes.

The Elite Sirens, like the Ashes, wield tremendous power, enough to be able to obliterate a whole Siren fleet by themselves, although they are holding back because there's no point wasting it on mass-produced Sirens, especially with the fact there is no Humanoid Sirens in sight.

Sovetskaya Rossiya : Hmm. It's weird that it's much easier to deal with those Purple Sirens ships here than in the Arctic.

Ning Hai : Well, you were less numerous at that time.

Yat Sen : That's what I heard from what Charles told me. But it doesn't make a difference to him.

Sovetskaya Belorussiya : Well, nice to see you chatting, but it's better to focus on the fight.

Sovetskaya Rossiya : Apologies, Comrade ! Let's get back to burying the enemy six feet under the sea !

Omitter : Now, we're talking my favorite language !

While the Rossiya and her comrades were fighting on one side, we look to see on another fight Jean Bart completely destroying the Sirens coming in her way.

Jean Bart : Tch. Your efforts are touching... but when you pick the wrong fight, it's all they're gonna be.

She was bored because she was only fighting mass-produced Siren ships. She didn't even bother checking behind her, as a Siren ship try to shoot her, only to be destroyed itself. Jean Bart looked behind her to see Drake was the one sinking it.

Drake : You should be more aware of your surroundings, Jean Bart.

Jean Bart : I don't bother doing that right now, since we are all fighting together, we technically have the back of each other.

Drake : Well, that's true, but how Charles would react if you failed to do that ?

Jean Bart : ...You got a point. But then, I wasn't fighting seriously.

Drake : Then, how about a friendly competition to see who is the best privateer between us ?

Jean Bart :*smirks* You're on. Let's see who can sink the most Siren ships !

Drake : Good ! But even if you're one of the strongest battleships around, I won't let you win !

Jean Bart : Bonne chance, that's what I would say, but there is no place for that.

Surcouf : I'll come as well to help !

Massachusetts : I'll come too. Don't want to leave all the fun to you, I'm still looking forward to another match.

Jean Bart : We'll see that later.

Jean Bart is always trying to break her limits of power, especially after she heard of a story about another version of herself that did an impressive feat.

In the Simulation #334234, the Jean Bart of that world managed to defeat by herself the entirety of the Royal Navy. Whether it is truly the Jean Bart of that world or an Ashes version of her is completely unknown, but it didn't stopped her to always strive to be better, especially now that she can use all her guns, to surpass that other self.

But this isn't the only friendly rivalry going on  right now. Several others are also happening.

Meanwhile with Algérie and Zara :

Both of them also stroked a friendly competition to see who is the strongest between the two. But Algérie have the advantage due to the fact she trained with Charles.

Zara : You're truly no joke in fighting.

Algérie : What can I say ? I've trained with the best after all.

Zara : *pouting* I'm jealous right now of your husband training all the Iris République.

Algérie : He actually helped training his other wives.

Zara : WHAT ?! Now, I'm jealous of Littorio ! If only I lost the bet that time...

Algérie : Too late. Littorio ended up being the true winner of that bet.

Zara : *sighs* Let's just sink those Sirens.

And while talking, they still manage to destroy the Sirens without problems, thanks to the training they had.

Meanwhile with Conte di Cavour and Warspite :

Both of them also ended up fighting together against the Sirens. Although there isn't a friendly competition between them, Conte di Cavour still wanted to show the strength of the Sardegnia Empire.

Conte di Cavour : I never thought I would fight side by side with a Royal Knight.

Warspite : How about fighting the Sirens together ?

Conte di Cavour : I could do that. I'll make sure you will acknowledge my strength.

Warspite : In that case, go ahead. I'll have your back.

Both of them went back to fight. Warspite saw the progress Cavour did, and was glad to see what the unity of Azur Lane brings as a result.

Meanwhile with Pamiat Merkuria and Bache :

Both of them also ended up fighting together, but it was a perfect opportunity for them to show off to each other, not only to fight but also to see who has the best smug.

Bache : Those Sirens are nothing against the power of the Fletcher-class~ ! They cannot handle my style~ !

Pamiat Merkuria : Please, clearly they cannot handle my cuteness whereas your fashion is clearly inexistant~. Look at how they fall thanks to my smiles and shells~.

Bache : That's it ! I'll show you I am the best Fletcher-class Destroyer and the best ship to ever exist !

Pamiat Merkuria : *smug* You're welcome to try~. But I'm not the best babushka for nothing after all~.

Bache : Don't worry, after your defeat, you'll be in retirement house, old hag~ !

Pamiat Merkuria : Now I'm mad ! I'll show you your place, filthy zoomer !

Safe to say that the Sirens didn't wanted to fight them anymore, not after the carnage the two smug Shipgirls caused to them.

Meanwhile with Duke of York and Scharnhorst :

Since everyone fought the Sirens in all directions, they end up fighting with someone against the Sirens. Imagine the surprise when Scharnhorst ended up fighting alongside Duke of York. She has bad memories about her, which explains her fright.

Duke of York noticed it and decided to try to reassure her.

Duke of York : Thou shalt not be scared, as thou art no longer my prey.

Scharnhorst : ...Well, good to know, but could you please talk in modern English, because it's still feels weird.

Duke of York : Apologies, let's paint this sea with their blood then.

Scharnhorst : Finally something great to do !

They said that as they fired more salvoes to the Sirens. Scharnhorst finally managed to surpass her trauma concerning Duke of York. But that isn't the only old grudges that got removed.

There are several others old grudges that finally ended :

Bismarck and Hood, but it already happened some time ago. Right now, they were obliterating Sirens cruisers.

Saratoga with Ryuujou and Chitose, and to some extent, Chiyoda, with who she has a good friendship despite the pranks she pulls. Together, they asserted their air dominance on their zone, with the other Aircraft Carriers.

I-58 with Indianapolis, and Portland, although it was much harder for Portland to accept that. She had to accept since she didn't want Indianapolis crying, something she considers as the worst thing to ever exist.

It was the same thing for I-168, except that it was Yorktown that asked Hamman to get along with her. Hamman begrudgingly accepted as to not sadden Yorktown.

Speaking of Hamman, she actually became kinder to Charles after he got wed to Yorktown, something that surprised him but welcomed it anyway. She went as far as to apologize for calling him pervert and never called him that way ever since then.

Ark Royal (the normal one) somehow managed to overcome her fear of submarines thanks to U-81, with whom she was fighting alongside. Her fear of submarines was the reason why she was overly attached to Destroyers, to the point of harassing them. But because she is no longer afraid of submarines, she stopped being a lolicon. Right now, both of them were with Bismarck, U-556 and Hood to help them.

And also, Kawakaze managed to get on good terms with Northampton, but that wasn't too difficult as she knows that the past doesn't mean much compared to the future. She was fighting alongside Northampton, Chicago, Houston and Hornet.

Those are only a few examples of all the old grudges that have ended thanks to the bonds Azur Lane forged between each nations, Sirens (those who aren't under the Creator's control) and Ashes included.

Right now, the fight was getting slowly in favor of Azur Lane. Seeing this, Azazel and Elohim decided to get on the next level.

Elohim : You're tougher than I thought. But let's see how you're gonna deal with this !

More portals started to appear with, this time, humanoid Sirens coming out from it.

Azazel : Let's see how you're gonna keep up with this, bitches !

Charles : Tch. Just because you have brought humanoid Sirens doesn't make you stronger ! But then, it might be more entertaining ! Let's get to the next level as well !

Richelieu META : If this means more heretics to send to Hell, then I'm all for it !

Richelieu : Let's do this !

Saint Louis/Jeanne d'Arc : For the Iris République !

The humanoid Sirens dashed towards Charles, who smirked before taking his AT4, the other girls were confused at this weapon looking like a pipe from the Mario games.

Charles : EAT THIS !!! I'LL PROMISE YOU THAT ITS TASTE HIS GONNA BLOW YOUR MIND !!!

The AT4 launched a rocket, or a missile for those who never saw a weapon like this before, who ended up exploding on the Sirens. It was gore seeing several parts of Siren's bodies flying right and left.

They saw that Charles was right, it's weapon blow the minds of the girls... and the bodies of the ennemies as well.

Richelieu/Richelieu META/Saint Louis/Jeanne d'Arc : *shocked* ...

Charles : Quoi ? I'm simply getting on the next level. What's wrong ?

Richelieu : ...Nevermind. Let's continue ! We have to get to those two traitors !

They continued advancing towards the two traitors hiding like cowards behind the Sirens ships, but not before sending a message to the other Ashes to start fighting seriously.

Speaking of them, Ash was fighting alongside Enterprise, but unlike Enterprise, she was holding back, because her power is much stronger.

Ash : ...Looks like it's time to get serious.

Enterprise : Why ?

Ash : The Humanoid Sirens are starting to appear.

Enterprise : What ?! You were holding back ?!

Ash : Yes. And you're gonna witness our power that can make us fight the Advisor-class Sirens on equal stands. This is the power of the Ashes, although it cannot compare to the three Iris males.

Ash suddenly launched several planes that looks more advanced than the typical Eagle Union aircraft. The Sirens in front of them are getting completely shredded. Enterprise was shocked and in awe of her sheer power.

Enterprise : ...Damn.

The other Ashes also started to fight seriously, impressing just as much the other Shipgirls, but then they have more experience in that domain, so it was expected.

Ember, Atago META and Yukikaze META got serious by releasing waves containing dozens of torpedoes, hitting every Siren ship or humanoid Sirens unfortunate enough to be in their way. The damage done was very impressive, but it doesn't hurt to do more damage to the enemies.

Hiryuu META and Cinder both started to go all out. Hiryuu META was spamming her different attacks : launching aircraft, black and yellow cards while shooting lasers in all directions. She even used her swords to do some slashing attacks, sending dark beams towards the Sirens ships, destroying them.

Cinder also did the sword beam attacks, but differently. She shoots smaller beams, but more numerous. She also summon holographic ships to launch them towards the Sirens. But also, she summoned six guns at her side which shoot several types of ammunition in all directions. But in both cases, they have total control of the area, whether on the sea or in the air.

As for Prinz Eugen META, she got more defensive thanks to her shields stolen from Siren technology, making them very sturdy, even for the Sirens themselves. But unlike her normal counterpart, she has the firepower to decimate her enemies, which she did by either using her AP and HE shells against the Sirens ships or letting her riggings do the work by brutally biting the humanoid ones.

Seeing the Ashes go all out, the rest of Azur Lane decided to get serious as well.

Queen Elizabeth : My dear servants ! You are allowed to go all out on this one !

Enterprise : Everyone ! Show them no mercy !

Nagato : Let's fight for our future !

Bismarck : Let's reclaim our seas back !

Sovetsky Soyuz : Let's all unite, Comrades !

Vittorio Veneto : For our glory !

Yat Sen : Let's do this !

Jean Bart : Let's crush those fools !

Arbiter III : Let's claim back our freedom !

Everyone else : YEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHH !!!

Just like the Ashes, everyone got serious and started to destroy more of the Sirens. Azur Lane was starting to get back the advantage, despite some of them got some minor injuries.

(Timeskip given to you by Charles and the Sardegnia Empire burning pineapple pizzas)

3rd P.O.V

The battle continued to rage with Azur Lane still having the advantage. Even if they started to get tired, they couldn't give up as they are threaten right now.

Meanwhile, Charles and the girls accompanying him finally managed to get to where Elohim and Azazel are. They saw Charles's group and got angry.

Elohim : Impressive. You managed to get to us.

Azazel : Fucking worms always getting in our way ! Looks like we have to do this ourselves ! You better be grateful that we are fighting you ourselves, fucktards !

Charles : Good. Makes your death more worth it !

Charles summoned Sökkvabekkr and charged at the enemies while Elohim and Azazel started throwing projectiles at him. But he managed to destroy them with his sword, while his scythe was killing Sirens that might do a sneak attack on him or the girls.

Speaking of them, the girls try to attack them with their shells, but they got countered by the projectiles of the two traitors, either the white or black flames thrown by each traitor respectively.

Charles tried to attack them with his aircraft, whether it was the A-10 or the Mirages. Although they managed to hit both of them, Elohim and Azazel managed to destroy most of them, due to the facts they observed him to see how to counter his attacks, which paid off in some way.

Charles : This is getting annoying. But I've finally got a challenge. Bring it on !

Satan : Tch ! You are much powerful than we predicted ! Good thing your Admiral died, because all this power is thanks to us.

Charles : ...How dare you mock my Admiral...?!

Elohim : Well, he was our main obstacle after all. Thanks to his death, we have managed make the perfect weapon to win the war we have been losing !

Satan : Yeah, why he became an Admiral is beyond me ! He only got there because of his name !

Charles P.O.V

That was the last straw. He dare mock the one who lead me all those years.

...I think I'm gonna do it.

I wasn't supposed to do that yet, but after what they did and said, they deserve that demise.

I unsummoned my scythe while I put back Sökkvabekkr in its sheath. My eyes were hidden behind my hair, but if they could see them, they would only reveal hatred and wrath.

I decided to call immediately Clémenceau and Foch to make an evacuation of the battlefield. I can't let everyone get caught in the explosion. I will be fine if I use it, but they won't.

Clémenceau : Charles, what's going on ?! Do you have some difficulties ?!

Charles : ...Evacuate everyone now. Tell the Sirens to start teleporting everyone out of here.

Foch : What ?! Why ?! We are winning right now !

Charles : Because I'm gonna use it.

Clémenceau : It ? Wait, you mean "that" ?!

Charles : Yes. And you both know that only I can resist that.

Foch : ...Alright. I'm gonna tell them.

Clémenceau : Well, we don't have much of a choice I guess.

Charles : Merci, guys.

I ended the call before turning back to my wives and Richelieu META.

Charles : You all need to get out of here.

Saint Louis : QUOI ?! POURQUOI ?!

Charles : ...Richelieu, do you remember that time when I told you and Jean Bart about the story behind my name ?

Richelieu : Oui, but what does it have to do with what you said ?!

Charles : I told you about a mass-destruction weapon that was used, do you remember its name ?

Richelieu : You said it was a nuke. Wait ! Are you telling me that-

Charles : Oui. Not only I have nukes in my possession but I'm also gonna use one right here.

Richelieu : Are you crazy ?!

Charles : I know what I'm doing. I won't be affected by the explosion, but that isn't your case, hence, why I asked you to leave.

Richelieu : ...Alright. Don't you die again !

Charles : I won't. I have more important things to do than dying.

The girls left. Good. All I need to do is wait for Empress and the others Sirens to teleport everyone out of this zone, so I can freely use the nuke.

Elohim : What is "it" ?

Charles : *smirks* You'll see.

Azazel : Dude, he's bluffing ! He won't do shit to us !

I heard a teleport sound behind me. I looked to see all Azur Lane being sent far from this zone. I got a message from Empress at the same moment.

Arbiter III : Everyone got out of the zone. But why exactly did you asked to do this ?

I sent her back a message to tell her the reason.

Charles : Because the weapon that I'm gonna use could be very dangerous to you all other than me. What I can confirm you is that your Siren Fritz X is nothing more than a joke compared to what you will witness.

I looked back at Elohim and Azazel before a maniacal smile appeared. I took out again my AT4 while I make appearing a nuke.

Charles : It's time to bring salvation !

Elohim : I don't like where this is going...

Azazel : The fuck you are talking about ?!

Charles : Can't you see ?! With this, I will take both of your lives to save hundreds of them ! This is what salvation looks like !

Elohim : Oh no...

Azazel : Dude, this is madness !

Charles : Madness...? No... THIS !!! IS !!! SALVATION !!!

That should be their last words before the will get eaten by the mushroom of death. I put the nuke in my AT4 before launching it on them. As it hit, I put some glasses to not be blinded by the bright light emanating from the explosion.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOM !!!

Meanwhile with Azur Lane, a minute before Charles uses the nuke :

3rd P.O.V

Far away from the Basilica and the battlefield, but close enough to see the tremendous power of a nuke, a bright light appeared before leaving the entirety of Azur Lane there, dumbfounded at what just happened.

One second, they were sinking Sirens, and the next one, they got teleported there for no reasons.

It was only after several seconds that one person asked the question everyone had.

Roon : What the hell ?! Who has disturbed me from killing more of those Sirens ?!

Arbiter III : Sorry for the sudden teleporting, but Clémenceau told me to do that because of Charles's orders.

Queen Elizabeth : What ?! But we were winning ! Why did he pulled that stunt ?!

Richelieu : Because of what he is going to do.

Harmony. : What do you mean ?

Foch : He is going to use a nuke.

Enterprise : A what ?

Jean Bart : Wait ! He has nukes ?!

Equilibrium : Wait, you know what is it ?

Jean Bart : From what Charles told me, it is a mass-destruction weapon powerful enough to wipe out a large city.

Richelieu : And that the Siren Fritz X is nothing more than a joke compared to it.

Observer Alpha : What ? Is it really that powerful ?

Arbiter XIV : I want to know as well.

As they were listening to what was said about the nuke, they heard the noise of something falling far away.

Clémenceau : Brace yourselves ! Here it comes !

The noise then stopped. Everyone was confused until a bright light appeared in the horizon. And then, the sound of the explosion followed by the shockwaves scared everyone.

After it calmed down, everyone looked only to end up frightened by what they saw : a huge mushroom made of smokes and flames. They know saw how powerful it was.

Omitter : Holy shit !

Purifier : What the fuck is that ?!

Tester Beta : He wasn't joking when he said we cannot compare it to the Siren Fritz X.

Enforcer III : Wait, is he ok ?

Foch : Charles should be fine, he can resist this without problem, but not us, hence why we got teleported here.

Clémenceau : You just witnessed the power of a weapon used by the Americans against the Japanese that ended WW2 in our world.

Jean Bart : To think such damage could be caused by a bomb. Who can survive this...?

Enforcer VIII : I don't think we can.

Bismarck : ...And another reason to not mess with him.

Roon : I definitely agree !

Anzeel : ...They're doomed...

Back to Charles :

Charles P.O.V

I did it. I actually did it. I have used a nuke.

I waited for the smoke to dissipate, and I saw them, lying down on the sea. I saw they were still alive but not for long as I can see their lives fading away,

I approached them to see if they had any last words to give me.

Charles : Have you any last words before going to Hell ?

Elohim : ...Our death... doesn't matter...

Azazel : ...Because... we completed... our objective...

What ?! Was it too late to stop that project ?!

Charles : What ?! Since when ?!

Elohim : ...You have... found our project... right...?

Azazel : ...Don't tell me... you haven't... read the last part.

There was a last part ?! But then, when I got angry earlier, I didn't finished reading the entirety of the folder. Could it mean the answers are there ?!

Elohim : ...Well... it's over...

Azazel : Ironic... That I'm going to... where I rule.... as a dead...

I saw they closed their eyes for the last time. I checked their pulse only to find none. They gave their last breath before sinking in the depths of the sea.

I went back towards the Basilica to check again the folder for what I missed, unaware of the rest of Azur Lane closing in.

(Timeskip given to you by the JeJe beans, the sponsor of this timeskip)

Charles's office, Basilica :

Charles P.O.V

I finally got back to my office where the folder about "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS" should be. Thankfully, it's still there. I checked it out to see I have indeed missed a page.

I read it

Whether we continue living or die in the process doesn't matters. If he completed the Awakening Protocol, then it's enough for our project to be considered a success.

The Awakening Protocol was the final step after all to make the project complete.

If you read this Charles, sorry to do that but it was for the greater good, to destroy the enemy we couldn't defeat. You will soon learn the truth from the Creator himself.

-Elohim Dog, A.K.A God

Boy, I will miss the moments spent with you, except those times I got bullied by Richelieu. Welp, at least, we finished what we had to do. See you later, man !

-Azazel Lucifer, A.K.A Satan.

...

No...

No !

NO !!!

I failed to put an end to this. I got so enraged that I literally started to destroy my office, punching a that hung in sight. It lasted for a few minutes before I stopped. I could feel the blood on my hands, but it doesn't matter anymore.

3rd P.O.V

Richelieu, Saint Louis and Jeanne d'Arc were looking around for Charles. As they got closer, they could heard a commotion. They sprinted to the place where the commotion was heard, which was Charles's office.

They entered only to see the office completely in ruins, and then they saw Charles. They gasped as they saw his blood on his hands. They immediately got closer.

Richelieu : Mon chéri ?! Are you okay ?!

Charles : ...I should be the one asking you that, especially after the revelations you've heard.

Saint Louis : It does hurt, but not as much as you think.

Charles : What...?

Jeanne d'Arc : God became secondary compared to you.

Richelieu : I agree. The bonds we share is above the rest, even religion, but now, I think we are all gonna abandon it, and do what we should have done : living to our fullest, free of restrictions.

Charles : ...I see...

Richelieu : But what about you ? Are you okay ?

Charles : ...Everything I've done... are they really choices born from my own reflexion... or are they nothing more than lines from a script made by higher beings...?

Saint Louis : What do you mean ?

Charles : ...Everything I've done until now... was nothing more than a script made according to the wills of those fakers... I feel like I have no free will...

??? : I think I can disagree with that.

The four of them turned around to see Anzeel entering the office.

Charles : What do you mean...?

Anzeel : Well, I looked at the folder myself, and I saw you fighting. And I noticed things that you did that were not written that you still did.

Jeanne d'Arc : What are the differences ?

Anzeel : First, those weapons, Hel and Sökkvabekkr, their names weren't present at all in the files. Only Ragnell and Alondite are.

Charles : Really...?

Anzeel : Exactly. And then, your nukes. They weren't mentioned either in the report. And with the informations Editor gave me, I can tell you that the armement of your Siren rigging was totally far from what they predicted. In other words, you have still somehow escaped their grasp, if you see what I mean.

Charles : ...

Jeanne d'Arc : ...Charles, are you really alright ?

Charles : ...No... I'm... tired...

Saint Louis : Tired ?

Charles : ...Yes... Tired of this damn war... You could say... I'm sick of it...

Richelieu : Mon chéri...

Charles was at the verge of crying. All his pent-up emotions are starting to show themselves. It's only a matter of time before he will let it out.

Charles : I just want... to finally live... without war being in the way...

The tears are starting to fall, and he was breaking down. He finally started crying. Richelieu immediately hugged him tightly and brushed his hair with one of her hand while he cried on her shoulder. Saint Louis and Jeanne d'Arc joined it too to calm him down.

What they don't know is that most of Azur Lane was in front of the door of the office, seeing what they could describe as an unreal situation.

One of the strongest people in Azur Lane, if not the strongest, was breaking down and crying in front of them.

Despite the fierce and powerful shipboy he was, he was just as vulnerable as anyone else. Right now, they weren't seeing a man fighting against the odds for what is right, but a man letting out his emotions.

A man shouldering too much burdens.

A man sick and tired of war.

A man that wants to put an end to the pain and suffering.

A man that simply wants peace.

After fifteen minutes, he ended up sleeping after crying all his tears out. The people that were watching the scene in silence until now, decided to let their presence be known.

Enterprise : War is taking its toll, but I never knew that some people are more affected than others.

Ash : The pain he showed... It reminds us of our own pain.

Yukikaze META : Yeah, even though this pain is present for different reasons.

Bremerton : I don't remember how long we are fighting, but he's right, this war has to end.

Arbiter VIII : ...No more... pain...

Richelieu : Yeah. In one way or another, we are all agree that this war has last way too long.

Jean Bart : I agree. But should we bring Charles back to his room ?

Shinano : Some rest would be wise, especially after what he has been through recently.

Vestal : And Richelieu ?

Richelieu : Oui ?

Vestal : Please, watch over him very carefully. After what just happened, I'm afraid about him, mostly about being emotionally unstable. Between the truth of that "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS" and the recent betrayal, it might be possible that it has affected him more than we think.

Richelieu : Of course. Count on us.

Akashi : Report to us if there's anything wrong, nya~.

Richelieu nodded before getting up while taking Charles with her. His other wives soon followed to their bedroom, and to watch over him to make sure his emotions becomes stable again.

Realm of the dead :

3rd P.O.V

Both Elohim and Azazel, A.K.A God and Satan, are waking up. They looked around to see where they are, but only to see nothing but darkness. They were all alone, or at least that's what they thought until they heard a woman's voice breaking the eerie silence.

??? : Welcome to the realm of the dead, you two.

Elohim : Crap...

Azazel : Oh shit ! Of fuck !

The woman revealed to be Hel, the one ruling over the realm of the dead. Right now, she was still on her throne made of skeletons.

Hel : So, how does it feel to be killed by your own creation, God, Satan ?

Elohim : ...Well... It was unexpected. I didn't knew he would have nukes...

Azazel : And that fucking sentient scythe that can kill those Sirens ! What was it called again...? Ah yea, Hel !

She merely chuckled as they haven't noticed that she wields the same name as the scythe. As Azazel saw her chuckling, he finally realized something.

Azazel : ...Wait... the scythe... it was your all along ?!

Hel : So you finally noticed. Yes, Hel was a gift from my part, just like Sökkvabekkr. Although I don't know where the nukes comes from honestly.

Elohim : So, you have made modifications to our projects...

Hel : Of course, after all, I need him to bring me the souls of the Creator, or should I say Aoste.

Azazel : We can't hide you anything at all, right ?

Hel : Yeah. It will be only a matter of time before Aoste will join you.

Azazel : Just because we're dead doesn't mean we will obey you ! I am Satan, the best boy around here !

Elohim : Don't forget I am God.

Hel : And I am death itself, and do you know which common point I possess with Twitter ?

Azazel : What is it ?

Hel : Your opinion is irrelevant to me and to Twitter. So, now just shut up and become the cannon fodder the dead are supposed to be.

Azazel : ...Shit. We got roasted.

Elohim : *sighs* There's not much we can do now.

Hel : You're right. Now, you're coming with me in the cohort of the dead.

Siren world :

3rd P.O.V

The Creator saw the fight between Azazel and Elohim against Azur Lane and Charles. He sighed seeing how they got killed, although it didn't matter in the end. The project was complete and it was all that matters.

Creator : Hmm... Now that the project is finally done, I must prepare myself for the long-awaited fight.

He remembered that the two scientists told him to test Charles's power once he completed the Awakening Protocol. It was his way to see if Charles had what it takes to kill the enemy that the Creator and the Sirens couldn't even kill.

Creator : ...I might have to go see Charles to warn him about our fated fight to see who can protect this Simulation. Be ready because I won't hold back !

And that was when he decided to go back to his private quarters to finish the preparations for his final fight against Charles. He hoped that he will go all out just like he did with Azazel and Elohim.

Creator : ...Charles... Don't disappoint me !

(A/N) : And that's it for chapter 43. I hope you have enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your feedback and opinion in the comments.

At the moment of writing this, a new event focusing on the Sardegnia Empire is starting soon. I hope you are hyped about it, because I am. I hope Vittorio Veneto will be available in that event.

Unless they decide to do like they did with Sovetsky Soyuz by releasing Sovetskaya Belorussiya before her, by releasing Roma before Vittorio Veneto.

Once again, thanks for reading this chapter. And see you in the next one.

TheBreizhOne out !
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New characters that have appeared in this chapter :

Bache :

Ryuujou :

Chitose :

Chiyoda :

I-58 :

Portland :

Indianapolis :

I-168 :

Northampton :

Chicago :

Houston :

Of course, none of those images belong to me. So, credit to their original artist.