⛔️ ⚠️ WARNING !!! ⚠️ ⛔️

This chapter doesn't contain a lemon, but spoilers : not only about the "Tower of Transcendance" event, but on the Azur Lane's lore as well !

Before reading this chapter, it is strongly advised to be familiar about the Azur Lane lore, as this chapter will contain spoilers from the game, and the next chapters might contain spoilers as well !

If you are already familiar with the Azur Lane lore, then you can proceed directly into the chapter !

But if it is not the case, go learn more about the Azur Lane lore to avoid being spoiled elements you weren't aware about !

If you end up being spoiled about the lore, you only have yourself to blame ! After all, I did warned you, so don't put the blame on me !

And now, let's start with the next chapter !

Previously in the last chapter :

The group finally got inside the main building, and after a few minutes, they were in the cafeteria, with Dreamweaver and Ash waiting for them on a table.

Ash : You certainly took your time.

Scharnhorst META : Well, sorry for putting our ships in the docks.

Arbiter VI : We might have took a little of your time too.

The three Sirens revealed their presence, shocking both Ash and Dreamweaver, not expecting them to be here.

Ash : You didn't told us you would bring Arbiter VI and her Enforcers here !

Charles : Well, they appeared as soon as our call ended.

Dreamweaver : In any case, the other Arbiters and Enforcers will be delighted to see you again.

Combination : So do we.

Attraction : I can't wait for their reaction.

Charles : Alright, let's talk about the important subject here : Magister.

Ash : We have a long talk coming. I hope you have answers to our questions, Dreamweaver.

Dreamweaver : I will answer them to the best of my abilities and tell you everything I know.

And so started this important meeting about one last possible Siren enemy.

Back to the story :

Charles : So, according to what Scharnhorst said, Magister and Observer Zero are the same Siren, is that right ?

Dreamweaver : Yes, Magister is her true name even though we mostly know her as Observer Zero.

Charles : But what is bugging me is that why Ash didn't killed you the moment she saw you when we came back from the Panama Canal ? If I'm correct, the main goal of the Ashes is to kill Magister, right ?

Scharnhorst META : I'm with him. I need an answer, Ash, and it better be good a good one !

Ash : Her power...When I sensed it, it was different from the one exuded by Magister. When I saw her when we came back with Charles, she was much weaker, just as strong as an Advisor-class Siren.

Charles : Which leads me to this question, are you a clone of Magister, Dreamweaver ?

Dreamweaver : Your assumption is correct. I am indeed one of her clones. Her most successful one at that.

Illustrious META : Could you elaborate ?

Dreamweaver : I inherited most of her intelligence. But what makes me different from Magister is that I have my own will.

Arizona META : Your own will ?

Dreamweaver : Yes. Since I was created, I observed everything whether it concerns Humanity or Sirens. At first, I learned alongside the other Advisor-class Sirens. But when I came here and joined this alliance, that's where I completely changed in mindset compared to her.

Yamashiro META : By fighting alongside Charles and the others ?

Dreamweaver : Indeed. That was the beginning of what makes me different. But when Charles made me one of his Lawyer-class Sirens, it was what finally made me distinguish myself from Magister, because of my objectives.

Gneisenau META : Which are ?

Dreamweaver : I'll put it that way : whatever Charles's objectives are, they're mine as well. Of course, the same thing can be said about the rest of the Lawyer-class Sirens.

Victorious META : I never heard about those Lawyer-class Sirens. Who are they ?

Ash : Remember the Sirens like Alpha, Tester and Purifier ?

Victorious META : Yes ?

Ash : That's actually those same Sirens from this world that got promoted by Charles to Lawyer-class. To make it short, they're the equivalent of the Enforcers but more different.

Combination : What do you mean by different ?

Charles : Unlike the other Enforcers, the Lawyers have much more power.

Attraction : How powerful exactly are we talking ?

Dreamweaver : We are powerful enough to be able to fight Arbiters on equal foot.

Arbiter VI : Really ?! I really need to test it out myself !

Dreamweaver : You can go ask Salvation or Obliteration for that. They're the most likely ones to accept the challenge since they can be compared to warmongers.

Hiyou META : I really want to test my power against them, but I feel like I will loose !

Scharnhorst META : I wouldn't be surprised given how much difficulty we have to fight an Arbiter ourselves.

Charles : But about Magister, how strong is she ?

Dreamweaver : In terms of power, she is much weaker than the Creator or you, but that doesn't mean she should be underestimated as she is as powerful as an Arbiter. What she lacks in strength, she makes up for it with intelligence.

Charles : So, we can expect her to use unorthodox tactics ?

Dreamweaver : You should definitely expect her to do that. She will always do everything it takes to fulfill her plans, no matter the price to pay.

Charles : I see. I'll remember that.

Ash : Was there something else to talk about ?

Charles : Indeed. But it's best to do that once everyone finished their night. So, for those who want, I can lead you to your rooms since there are several spares one here.

Illustrious META : I'll take your offer. Especially since Lusty here needs her sleep.

Illustrious META pointed at her daughter sleeping peacefully in her arms.

Charles : Well, follow me. But avoid making too much noise as to not wake up everyone else.

Everyone nodded and followed Charles to the upper floors of the base. He went towards the dormitories of the Ashes and the Sirens to drop the corresponding people.

After it was done, Charles went back to the cafeteria since he won't be able to sleep this night. He thought for a bit before finding an idea.

Charles : Hmm... There's a lot of people talking about that place... Might as well go explore it to see it from my own eyes...

Charles turned into his Siren form before making a portal and entering it.

(Timeskip given to you by Charles petting "The Thing from Level 7")

Mers-el-Kébir, in the morning :

3rd P.O.V

The sun rises from behind the horizon, meaning a new day has begun. People started waking up before going to take their breakfast. Just a normal morning like the others.

The cafeteria was filled with everyone talking about everything that goes through their head. On a table, some popular faces were talking.

Richelieu : The bed felt empty that night.

Émile Bertin : Yeah, it feels unnatural.

Algérie : Well, at least, it was only for a night.

Clémenceau : Speaking of Charles, where is he ? I was expecting him to be with us.

Jean Bart : That's a good question.

A question that will be quickly answered by TB appearing out of nowhere.

TB : Hello. If you're looking for Charles, I detected him in the Simulation #39.

Tirpitz : Simulation #39 ?

TB : Simulation #39, codenamed "The Backrooms"

Bremerton : Wait, the Backrooms really exists ?! I thought it was something created by people on the Internet !

Observation : It does exist, although we never went there. We don't have full data on that reality, despite the researches of the humans stuck there.

Dreamweaver : I think we should call him back.

Arbiter III : I'm taking care of it.

Empress pinpointed her husband's location thanks to TB before opening a portal right at his location. The other side of the portal opened in the cafeteria, with Charles dropping from it and fell on the floor.

He got up to see everyone in front of him. He was completely wet for some reason.

Charles : Hello everyone but who brought me here ?

Arbiter III : I did. I never thought you were bold enough to go to The Backrooms, especially with its dangers.

Salvation : What level were you by the way ?

Charles : Level 7 codenamed "Thalassophobia". Was about to find and fight "The Thing From Level 7" before I got teleported back here. Oh well, I can try it later.

At that moment, Charles was reminded of the conversation he has that night. And since Empress was here, it was a good time to ask.

Charles : By the way, Empress, I thought you were going to rule the Sirens of that Simulation. So, why did you gave me that task instead ?

Arbiter III : Wait, you already know ? I was about to talk to you about that matter myself.

Charles : Well, you can thank Lovers for letting me know.

Arbiter IX : She's here ?

Arbiter VI : Right there.

Everyone turned back to see 3 Sirens that they have never seen before.

Charles : Slept well ?

Arbiter VI : Indeed. Those beds are comfy.

Charles : For the curious ones, she is Arbiter VI : The Lovers, with her 2 Enforcers : Combination and Attraction.

Combination : Greetings.

Attraction : Hello.

Yat Sen : We take it that they came back with you last night, right Charles ?

Charles : Yes, but not only them. Some Ashes as well.

Atago META : Really ? Who ?

Charles : Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Illustrious, Victorious, Arizona, Hiyou and Yamashiro. Illustrious has brought her daughter as well.

Fusou META : My sister is here ?!

Charles : Yeah, most likely sleeping.

Richelieu META : So, Illustrious and Victorious are here...

Helena META : At least, Lena can play with her.

Lena : I missed her.

Ash : Scharnhorst and Gneisenau found us as well.

Charles : Yeah, but back to the question. Empress ?

Arbiter III : Technically, I would be ruling over the Sirens since "Empress" is my codename for a reason. And also, since you are my husband, we would both be rulers. But I think it is more logical that you take the place of leader of the Sirens.

Arbiter XIV : I think I see the bigger picture. Because he is human and Siren at the same time, he is the link between our two species and can assure more easily peace between us, is that it ?

Arbiter III : Exactly. At least in this Simulation.

Charles : Well, that's quite the important role you're giving me. I have to think in details about that since this is a decision that cannot be taken lightly.

Arbiter III : I see. But remember that we, Arbiters and Enforcers. are here to help you if needed, since we technically follow you.

Observation : And as your trusty Lawyer-class Sirens, that's our duty as well.

Obliteration : That's right.

Charles : ...I'll give you my answer later. But speaking about peace between our species...

Charles took something from one of his pockets. As he opened his hand, the people closest to him could see the item was an USB stick.

Friedrich der Grosse : If you don't mind asking, what is this item and what is its purpose ?

Charles : That USB stick is the final step to solidify the peace between our two species. With this, we can break out the Sirens of our world from the Creator's grasp and bring them under our jurisdiction.

Illustrious : So, we can finally end this pointless bloodshed ? What a relief.

Amagi : But where did you got it ?

Charles : Actually, the Creator gave it to me before he died.

Odin : That's good but what are you supposed to do with it ?

Charles : Well, he didn't say much about it apart from the fact that I need to go to someplace called the "Tower of Transcendance".

Dreamweaver : Let me search about it.

Dreamweaver started searching in her data to find anything about the "Tower of Transcendance". Due to her efficiency, she found a result rather quickly.

Dreamweaver : I found a match, but under the name of "Tower of Midgard". It is a device created by Ironblood that could make them travel to other Singularities.

Everyone was shocked by what they heard, even the Ashes. Ironblood really outdone themselves in the technological department.

Bismarck META : Even when I was leading Ironblood back in my former world, we weren't even at a level of technology this high.

Experimentation : I must admit that I'm impressed with Ironblood's evolution.

Friedrich der Grosse : It looks like we know what do next.

Bismarck : In that case, Friedrich . Would you mind bringing him and a fleet to the Tower of Midgard ?

Friedrich der Grosse : This won't be a problem at all. I will need to call Strasser first to tell her the news since she is overseeing the place right now.

Charles : In that case, we shall go there tomorrow.

Friedrich der Grosse : I agree. Strasser prefers to be aware of such actions to prepare everything that is needed.

Vauquelin: Can we finish our breakfast now ? I'm really hungry !

Maillé Brézé : I agree with my sister !

Everyone were finally starting taking their breakfast, with the Ashes that came last night that just woke up from their slumber. Everyone could meet the new Ashes that came her last night. Fusou META was especially happy seeing her sister once again.

During the breakfast, Littorio was deep in her thoughts since Foch (CA) came. She remembered then a fight that happened long ago against her and Algérie. The last thing she remembered is a dagger that was thrown at her by Foch (CA). So, she tried to search for that dagger until she found it. Now was the perfect time to give it back.

Littorio : Hey, Foch ?

Foch (CA) / Foch (CV) : Yes ?

Littorio : Oops, forgot they were two of you. I meant the Heavy Cruiser one.

Foch (CA) : What do you need ?

Littorio took the dagger from her coat before branding it in front of Foch (CA).

Foch (CA) : Wait... you actually kept it ?!

Littorio : Of course. Due to how fine-crafted it was, it would be a waste to throw it away. But it's time to give it back to its original owner.

Foch (CA) : Merci, Littorio. I'm glad to get it back.

Algérie : This bring back memories, that's for sure.

Charles : What do you mean ? What is the story behind this ?

Algérie : Oh, right. You weren't around when it happened, Darling.

Foch (CA) : To make it short, Algérie and I were on a mission to sabotage a Sardegnian port. We did it but then Littorio showed up and we started to fight, but since we weren't strong enough we had to flee and I used the dagger as a distraction.

Littorio : Well, at that time, I wasn't supposed to fight with all my strength, so I decided to let you go.

Charles : This is confusing to hear the former Vichiya attacking the Sardegnia Empire.

Algérie : Actually, this operation took place when the Sardegnia Empire just joined the Crimson Axis, but the Iris Orthodoxy was still a thing. Also, we have to apologize to Trento and Zara for that time.

Foch (CA) : Yeah, sorry for before.

Trento : Don't worry, I don't hold a grudge against you. Instead, I should commend your power at that time.

Zara : Well, it's all in the past, but I will still find a way to win against you, Algérie.

Algérie : I'll be waiting for your next challenge then.

Clémenceau : From what I heard, the description reminds me of Operation Vado.

Charles : Oh. I see now.

Vittorio Veneto : Time really flies. So much happened since then that it almost feels nostalgic.

Charles : You're right. But it's time to get back to the present, and focus on the future.

They agreed before finishing their breakfast. Once it was done, the preparations for the mission concerning the "Tower of Transcendance" finally started.

(Timeskip given to you by Charles discovering Liquid Silence)

Near the Tower of Midgard, classified location, the next day :

3rd P.O.V

Just like planned, Charles and a fleet departed from Mers-el-Kébir in direction of the "Tower of Midgard".

The fleet was lead by Friedrich der Grosse and was composed of a few Ironblood girls. Indeed, they were accompanied by Roon, Mainz, Tirpitz and Prinz Eugen.

Several Ashes also went with them, either because they were familiar with that place or by curiosity. Ash, Bismarck META, Z23 META, Prinz Eugen META, Richelieu META, Gneisenau META, Scharnhorst META and Hiyou META were in the fleet.

Some Sirens came as well. Empress, Harvest and Hope were part of the fleet, just like the Lawyer-class Sirens.

More surprisingly, Marco Polo came with the fleet, just like the An Shan-class Destroyers from the Dragon Empery to get more fighting experience, especially the An Shan-class Destroyers as they just got retrofitted into Guided-Missile Destroyers.

After a few hours, in what seems to be the middle of nowhere, they finally reached their destination as they saw several structures seemingly made of Siren technology.

But one of those structures was standing out by its height and appearance. It was what Ironblood called the "Tower of Midgard", despite not really looking like a tower. Even though it was mostly made of reverse-engineering Siren technology, it was still an Ironblood building.

Marco Polo : For an edifice called the "Tower of Midgard", it sure doesn't look like one.

Mainz : Thank you for pointing the obvious.

Friedrich der Grosse : The appearance doesn't really matter.

Prinz Eugen : In the end, what is important is the purpose of that building.

Bismarck META : And that's something I wish to see from my own eyes.

Friedrich der Grosse : In any case, we are here. Take a dock and place your ship there. We'll go meet Strasser once it's done.

Everyone went on their respective dock to place their ships before getting down. As everyone finished docking, they went towards the harbor where Peter Strasser and a few girls were waiting.

The group knew three of them besides Peter Strasser, but for the rest, it was the first time meeting them.

Prinz Heinrich : Hey ! Look it's Charles and the others ! We're here !

Z46 : Do you really need to point out the most obvious thing ?

Peter Strasser : Heinrich, focus ! We're here on an important mission ! There is no time for amusement.

Prinz Heinrich : Hehe... sorry, I'm too excited to see them again...

Both groups finally came face to face.

Peter Strasser : You're right on time, just as predicted.

Friedrich der Grosse : Thank you for welcoming us on such a short notice.

Charles noticed a few girls he never met before.

Charles : I see some new faces here.

Peter Strasser : That's the first time you meet them. I will let them introduce themselves before jumping straight into business.

Ulrich von Hutten : I am Ulrich von Hutten, an H-class Battleship and sister of Friedrich der Grosse. Whether my presence is meaning of celebration or despair is up to you to decide.

Charles noticed her weapon in her hands, which looked like a scythe.

Charles : Is that a scythe ?

Ulrich von Hutten : Yes ? What of it ?

Charles said nothing and made his scythe appears in front of him for a few seconds before withdrawing it. Ulrich slightly widen her eyes before quickly coming back to a neutral expression, but inside, she was pleased seeing this weapon.

Ulrich von Hutten : ...You have good taste in weapon. You are now my friend.

Prinz Heinrich : Anyway, let's continue ! Go ahead Sister !

Prinz Adalbert : Alright. I'm Prinz Adalbert, heavy cruiser of Ironblood and Heinrich's sister. Do not hesitate to ask me for help.

Magdeburg : What's up, homies ? I'm Magdeburg, light cruiser from Ironblood! Let's fistbump to celebrate this new friendship ! But be careful of my gauntlets tho...

Elbe : I'm Elbe from the Jade-class Carriers. I'll bring victory to you all.

U-1206 : I am U-1206, submarine from Ironblood. I shall fight alongside you.

Salvation : Hey ! It's the submarine with toilet problems !

U-1206 : ;-;

U-1206 was crying because of the bad joke of Salvation, which of course attracted the wrath of Observation who beheaded her immediately, keeping her head in one of her tentacles.

Observation : You should drop those jokes just like I dropped your body on the ground !

Obliteration : *wheezing Siren noises*

Everyone else : ...

Charles : 🗿

Peter Strasser : Let's not waste time anymore ! We need to tell you about this place and its role and importance.

Friedrich der Grosse : The true purpose of the "Tower of Midgard" was to create a portal that can lead us to other Singularities. We have already used it once.

Gneisenau META : That's how they found out about me.

Scharnorst META : And same for me.

Ulrich von Hutten : But we had to go back here because we were attacked by Arbiter VI and her Enforcers, although I heard it isn't anymore a problem.

Tirpitz : Yes. She got to the base during the night and joined us.

Charles : And thanks to this, we can go to the Singularity corresponding to our mission and complete it.

Peter Strasser : Exactly. However, due to last time with Arbiter VI's encounter, the device has took a lot of damage. It's still working but it's less effective, at least until it is completely repaired.

Z23 META : How effective are we talking about ?

Peter Strasser : We can only send less than 10 persons and we can't send mass-produced ships.

Bismarck META : Is there something else to know ?

Peter Strasser : You have to get ready to fight. Because once I activate the portal, the Sirens lurking around will be attracted and they will start assaulting this facility.

Hiyou META : It won't be too much of a problem. I'm always eager to fight !

Z46 : Now, the real question is who is going on the other side ?

Peter Strasser : What is certain is that Charles is going on the other side, and I'm sure Empress will follow him.

Arbiter III : You know me well. Harvest, I'll let you deal with the Sirens here.

Enforcer III : Alright, Empress.

Richelieu META : I'll come as well.

Bismarck META : I'll stay here. Z23, Eugen, could you go on the other side ?

Z23 META/Prinz Eugen META : Of course.

Ash : I'll join as well.

Marco Polo : I'm curious, so I'll join.

Chang Chun/An Shan : We'll help as well !

Z46 : Will it be enough ?

Friedrich der Grosse : I'm sure of it. And Charles can call the Dreamworld Sirens in case of.

Peter Strasser : In that case, I'll activate the portal. Get your riggings ready since the Sirens will show up.

Ulrich von Hutten : Tch. To think I'll have to waste ammo on those pitiful Sirens makes me want to vomit. They'll be sure to eat shit.

Obliteration : I like her way of talking. I'm ready as well to kill those little shits.

Salvation : I'm in ! ...once I get back my body...

Observation : Not sorry.

(Small Timeskip given to you by Readers telling to everyone else mind-blowing facts)

3rd P.O.V

As everyone got ready, the device creating the portal is entirely ready. It took longer than usual to get 100% ready because of the damage inflicted upon the structure before.

It was just in time as the alarm rang around the place.

🚨 : WARNING !!! SIRENS APPROACHING !!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL !!!

Prinz Adalbert : That was quick.

Fu Shun : What kind of Sirens are we facing by the way ?

Weser : It should be Blue Sirens from what my aircraft detected.

Prinz Eugen : It won't too hard to deal with them.

Friedrich der Grosse : Let's start the symphony, my children.

Peter Strasser : Charles, is your group ready to go ?

Charles : Affirmative.

Peter Strasser : Alright, you can all cross the portal. Contact us when you will be in the other side.

Charles nodded before he gave the signal to move to the rest of the group, who followed his lead. They got close enough to the portal that only their silhouettes could be seen, before complete vanishing inside.

Friedrich der Grosse : For the rest, let's take our stand here and defend that place.

Everyone else : Alright !

The Sirens were finally close enough that the girls could start attacking them, drawing the first blood.

On the other side of the portal, Unknown Singularity :

3rd P.O.V

On the other side could be seen a place ruled by chaos, ruins and despair, smelling like death.

All that can be seen around apart from the sea were either destroyed facilities or Siren wrecks with a building looking like the "Tower of Transcendance", damaged but still standing.

It suddenly activated with a blue light emanating from it. From the device exited several figures. They revealed to be the taskforce sent here to complete the mission.

They looked around to get more familiar with their surroundings. Charles didn't wasted time by sending his two Dauphins to make some recon. Ash and Empress did the same.

It was at that time when Peter Strasser contacted the group again.

Peter Strasser : Peter Strasser here ! Can you hear me ?

Charles : Loud and clear.

Peter Strasser : So it worked. Wonderful. What is the situation right now ?

Ash : We already started to launch a few aircrafts for recon to see if any Sirens are lurking around.

Prinz Eugen META : But for now, nothing, but looking at that place, I wouldn't be surprised if they are coming in our direction.

Speaking of the devil, one of Charles's Dauphin found something.

Charles : Well, that was fast. One of my Dauphin found a Humanoid Siren. Although it looks different from the others.

Peter Strasser : What do you mean ?

Charles : They're green. First time I've seen them with that color.

Ash : Wait. I detect a few of them as well.

Empress : So do I. And it seems they're going on our direction.

Richelieu META : Looks like a fight is inevitable. Good thing we came prepared.

Charles : I just hope the device we're looking for is not far from here.

Even if fighting is necessary, that's not their main objective. After all, if they can find the device to remove the Creator's control over the Sirens, they can stop the bloodshed.

But it seems luck is on their side, as Dreamweaver joined the conversation.

Dreamweaver : It took me some time but I located the device you need.

Z23 META : Really ? Where is it ?

Dreamweaver : You are in luck as it is in the same place as you are right now.

Marco Polo : That makes things way easier.

Charles : But it changes how we should fight. We have to take a defensive position to make sure they don't get too close of here. And let's hope the fight between Ironblood and Lovers didn't destroyed it.

Peter Strasser : There is no way to know if that specific room was hit during that fight. We just have to hope it isn't the case at this point.

Charles : Yeah, I'll stop the conversation here. We have to prepare ourselves for a siege defense, while you do the same on the other side.

Peter Strasser : Understandable. May you be victorious on that fight.

That was the last message before the call ended. During that time, the deployed aircrafts came back to their respective owners.

Charles : How close are they now ?

Empress : Close enough to be at range of An Shan and Chang Chun and their missiles.

Chang Chun : I can finally test my new toys-

An Shan : SISTER !!!

Chang Chun : ...Er, I mean my new armements. You don't know how long I waited to have some missiles !

An Shan : Good grief. Our lives are on the line, you can't make this a game.

Chang Chun : Alright, I'm sorry...

Prinz Eugen META : So what's the plan ?

Charles : Let's wait until they are in range of Richelieu and Marco. Once it's the case, they can fire their salvoes. If they try to gather, An Shan and Chang Chun can blow them up with their missiles. Empress and Ash will take care of imposing the air supremacy here while Eugen and Z23 will protect them. Meanwhile, I'll search for the device while also strengthening our aerial advantage.

Z23 META : The plan looks solid to me. Let's get started.

Everyone took their stance, while preparing their salvoes, aircraft and missiles respectively. Charles was summoning his scythe in case of.

Charles : Let's fulfill our mission quickly. We don't want to to stay here for too long.

Everyone : YES !!!

Charles left the group to go towards the device while the rest took their stand. As the Sirens got close enough, Marco Polo and Richelieu META fired their salvoes, hitting their target and inflicting massive damage.

Marco Polo : Oh ? They dare approach us ? Well,  let them get closer as they wish, so they can meet the power of my main guns.

Richelieu META : They won't stand a chance.

Z23 META and Prinz Eugen META were busy using their main guns and torpedoes to make sure they don't get too close. But more Sirens came, and they tried to make a group to have a better chance dealing with the opponents. But Empress wasn't having any of it.

Arbiter III : An Shan, Chang Chun, get ready to use your missiles ! I'm gonna restrain them with my armements, so you can sink most of them.

An Shan : Got it !

Chang Chun : Ready~ !

Empress fired main cannon shooting an orb that turned into a tornado, sucking the Sirens that are close by, which was the perfect opportunity for An Shan to use her missile.

Empress : NOW !!!

An Shan fired it towards the tornado created by Empress, which hit the tornado containing the several Siren ships, blowing them up. As the tornado disappeared, they could see the extent of the damage.

An Shan : Wow... It's really powerful.

Z23 META : I'm impressed by its power. It sure does very well it's job.

Prinz Eugen META : Let's not celebrate too soon. More are coming.

Just like Prinz Eugen META said, a new wave of Siren ships was approaching, this time with humanoid Sirens among them. They decided to repeat the same strategy while keeping the air superiority.

Meanwhile with Charles :

Charles P.O.V

I was going around to find any entrance that could lead me inside the structure. But after a few minutes, I found it, but some Sirens were in my way. So I instantly launched my Mirages towards them.

The Sirens noticed them, but when it happened, it was already too late as they got bombed, earning several cries of pain. Now that they were no longer in my way, I went inside.

As soon as I got inside, Dreamweaver contacted me.

Dreamweaver : You got inside it seems.

Charles : Oui. But I don't know where to go now. Could you help me navigate to my objective, please ?

Dreamweaver : Of course. Listen to my instructions.

I did what she told me and ran towards the room. After several minutes, with the help of Dreamweaver, I finally found the room.

I looked around to see a screen with in front several buttons. I approached it. Several screens appeared on it showing different worlds : some of them destroyed while others were full of life.

In front of that screen is a board. As I wondered what to do with it, Dreamweaver spoke again.

Dreamweaver : First, enter on the board the number of the Simulation you need.

I tap on the screen the number of the corresponding Simulation AKA #19422020

Charles : Alright, done ! Now what ?

Dreamweaver : Put the USB stick where it belongs to. Once it's done, I can make the changes happen. It should be quick.

I put the USB stick in and let Dreamweaver do the rest.

Dreamweaver : And it's done. Rebooting the Sirens ongoing.

That quick ?! But then, that's how advanced Siren technology is.

Charles : Can I take back the USB stick ?

Dreamweaver : Yes. Rebooting of the Sirens was successful. You do not need to stay here any longer.

Charles : Alright, let's leave.

Meanwhile on the other side, a few seconds before the Siren rebooting :

3rd P.O.V

The battle was fierce between both sides. While the Sirens had the number advantage, the Crimson-Azur Alliance had the weaponry supremacy.

But the battle abruptly stopped as every Siren present on the battlefield stopped shooting and moving. They were like statues, which brought confusion to the other side.

Roon : Why did they stopped moving ?

Hiyou META : It's not fun if the prey is too easy to kill !

Peter Strasser : Keep your guard up everyone.

Bismarck META : They look like they are in trance.

Dreamweaver : Charles managed to find the objective, right now, the Sirens are getting rebooted. Once it's done, they will no longer follow the Creator but Charles instead.

Prinz Eugen : But why aren't you and the other being rebooted ?

Salvation : We are ascended superior beings ! It won't work on us !

Obliteration : Fuck the system ! We are the system !

Observation : Technically, they are right because we are independent Sirens.

Investigation : It won't take too long before they get updated and out of the Creator's grasp.

And just like she said, the Sirens started moving again, albeit in a confused state, wondering what happened. The Crimson-Azur Alliance were watching very carefully their movements.

Dreamweaver took the initiative of going to them to defuse the situation. The confused Sirens saw her approaching and decided to ask about what is going on.

Siren 3728 : What happened ?

Siren 38282 : Why are we here ?

Siren 361 : And why those people are aiming at us ?

Dreamweaver : To make it short, you were under the Creator's grasp, and we removed his control over you. You can thank our boss, Executioner for that.

Siren 3728 : And where is he ?

Dreamweaver : In another Similation, but he should come back soon.

Back on the island, the girls were trying to process what was happening until they heard a sound. They turned around to see that the team sent to the other side came back.

Peter Strasser : Looks like the mission is completed.

Ash : Indeed. We don't have to worry anymore about this.

Marco Polo : That was tough fighting the Sirens on the other side, but we did it !

Tai Yuan : I'm glad everything went smoothly...

Fu Shun : I agree.

Prinz Adalbert : Wait, where is Charles ? I can't see him.

Richelieu META : What do you mean, he is right... here...?

The team that came back just noticed that Charles wasn't with them.

Arbiter III : How is it possible ? He entered the portal just before me !

Gneisenau META : How about locating him ? He can't simply disappear in thin air.

TB : Let me try this.

TB used her upgraded radar to pinpoint Charles... only to fail locating him.

TB : Error. Charles cannot be found.

Edition : How is it possible ? We should be aware of his location at all times, right ?

Experimentation : Except when he is in a Simulation made by the Creator.

Obliteration : Except that the dipshit has been killed by our boss. How could he be trapped in one of his dimensions ?

Investigation : Magister. She must have something to do with it.

Scharnhorst META : I completely forgot about her.

Arbiter III : She was the right hand of the Creator. I shouldn't be surprised that she could do this as well.

Dreamweaver : I can confirm that. I looked at the logs of the Tower and there has been a hack attempt that succeeded just a few minutes ago. And it says nothing about the responsible.

Arbiter III : ...Looks like the only thing we can do is waiting for Charles to defeat Magister once and for all.

The fleet couldn't do much now other than explaining to the rest of the Sirens about everything going on.

Unknown location

3rd P.O.V

Charles got out of the portal, however he saw no one else, making him confused. He entered the same portal as everyone else, and yet, he finds himself alone in a completely different place.

He saw a virtual environment with a huge tower in the middle and what looks like some kind of city around it. The sky was completely digital as well.

He was all alone, with only the silence accompanying him. Or at least until a voice was heard.

??? : It seems you are finally here. Welcome.

Charles immediately turned around to be met with Observer Zero, or at least what looks like her before she got promoted.

Charles : You are...

??? : Indeed. I am the true Observer Zero, or, as you all call me, Magister.

The now identified Magister was standing in front of Charles.

Charles : Then... you are the one who brought me here !

Magister : It was necessary because I don't want any exterior forces to stand in our way for what's coming.

Charles : What do you mean ?

Magister : You are my biggest obstacle to the plan of getting rid of the Leviathan, especially after you killed the Creator, who was a must for me. After all, the Creator was simply doing my bidding.

Charles : Hold on ! You were controlling him...?

Magister : Of course, I am the reason he became corrupted and seemed to destroy humanity and Simulations. And his appearance to make it appear as someone who would disgust everyone was also part of the plan to make sure I get the highest amount of data possible and get a way to destroy the Leviathan.

Charles : How sick are you...? Those lives meant nothing to you ?!

Magister : Scarifices are necessary to get results. You should know that more than anyone else, especially between your Siren form and your METAmorphosis. I never had so much data before until you came. I should thank you for that. And that's why I want to make a deal with you.

Charles : What...?

Magister : Join me. With you at my side, we can defeat the Leviathan. So, what's your answer ?

Charles : I refuse to join you on your twisted plan. I will defeat the Leviathan with the allies, friends and family that I made along the way !

Magister : What a pity, but I expected that answer. I would have corrupted you just like I did with Aoste when he was the Creator, but because you undergone the METAmorphosis, it won't be possible. So, I can only do this.

Magister snapped her fingers, making a few portals appear. From those portals came a few Sirens that Charles immediately recognized as some Arbiters.

But he noticed they were different compared to those on the base. Their eyes were empty, and they don't talk. They were acting just like the mass-produced Sirens, as mindless weapons.

Charles : So, you brought reinforcements...

Magister : I have to. I'm smart enough to know that you outclass me in power. I'm simply making things balanced for this fight and to stand a chance.

Charles decided to turn into his Siren form, letting his rigging out, which roared.

Magister : Let's see which ideology will prevail.

But before the fight could start, a black light was emanating from Executioner. He took it to see it was the Creator's Dark Wisdom Cube, which Magister recognized.

Magister : No... it can't be...

The Cube shone brighter while his rigging seems attracted to it. Looking at both of them, Executioner decided to throw the Cube at his rigging, who ate it in response.

As soon as the rigging are the cube, it exploded, turning in several dozens of Dark Wisdom Cubes which flies at high speed in a circular pattern before converging at a single point.

From those Dark Wisdom Cubes appears something metallic, which increase in height as more and more of them fuse with it. It was only when the last Cubes fused with the structure that it took form.

It was Executioner's rigging but evolved : it was  similar to King Ghidorah, but being 25 meters high, completely in metal and with 7 heads, who all roared to flex their new might.

The newly-formed rigging was standing there, waiting for an order of his master.

Executioner : Destroy those fake Arbiters and Magister !!!

The rigging roared in response and started advancing towards its preys. Seeing this, Magister issued her own order.

Magister : Don't let them approach !

The Arbiters flee towards Executioner and it's rigging and fired at them with shells, lasers and aircrafts. But it was for naught as the rigging activated his shield while shooting down the planes with his own lasers coming from its mouths.

The Arbiters managed to evade the attacks, but the aircraft and drones weren't so lucky and got completely destroyed to oblivion.

Seeing it didn't have any effect whatsoever, the Arbiters controlled by Magister decided to get closer to try to find a weakness on the rigging.

As they got close enough, the Arbiter IX clone started shooting on the riggings' heads. But one of the heads saw this and dunked under the shot, only to reveal another head dashing right towards her before catching her in its mouth.

The Arbiter tried to get out but couldn't as the head closed its jaws, sealing her fate as she get eaten alive literally. The other Arbiters saw this and widen their eyes at the brutality of the scene.

While the Arbiters were distracted by the gruesome, the other heads of Executioner's rigging decided to do the same and dash towards the other Arbiters. The Arbiters only registered what was happening when another cry was heard. The Arbiters looked in the direction where they heard only to find the Arbiter VI clone getting the same fate.

Seeing what was happening, the rest of the Arbiter clones tried to flee, but failed as the rest of the heads bit them as well, before crushing them with their jaws and eating them, resulting in their deaths.

Magister could only be afraid of the situation in hand. All of her Arbiter clones got destroyed by Executioner's rigging by itself.

Standing here, she realized she stood no chance. Especially when the power output was higher than even the Creator in his prime. Fleeing isn't an option either as he could simply track her. The only thing she could do was to give up.

Executioner simply walked towards her with his rigging at his side, waiting for his next order. He stopped when he was right in front of her. She lifted her head to meet his eyes.

Magister : ...You won. Before you kill me, let me tell you one more thing.

Executioner didn't say anything, he simply nodded.

Magister : You'll need a new Magister and Creator at your side, to accomplish what I failed to do. Find the persons that could fit their description. Their help is really important for you to defeat the Leviathan.

Executioner, once again, said nothing and just nodded to what Magister said.

Magister : I said everything. You can now proceed. I regret nothing.

Executioner turned back to his human form, before taking his sword and plunge it right through her.

But as soon as he did that, tremors started to happen. He tried to understand what was going on but Magister beat him.

Magister : ...Because you're killing me... This dimension... is falling apart...

Magister mustered the last of her force to open a portal with random coordinates because she don't have enough time.

Magister : ...Hurry up... enter the portal... this is your getaway...

Charles : What ?!

Charles didn't have time to react as one of the tentacles of Magister's rigging catch him before throwing him inside the portal, just in time as it closed right after that.

The dimension was collapsing on itself while the buildings exploded. Magister pronounced those final words before her existence would disappear alongside her dimension.

Magister : Father... I will join you... very soon...

Unknown location, in the depths of the Arctic Ocean :

3rd P.O.V

In a corridor of a metallic structure could be seen a girl walking. She was wearing clothes that are mostly white except on the breast area where it was black, with a huge white hat on her head. She had long brown hair.

??? : I'm hungry. I hope there is still some chocolate in the cafeteria.

That woman with  Northern Parliament clothes was on her way to the cafeteria to get some chocolate, and maybe vodka. As she was on her way, an anomaly abruptly appeared in the form of a portal.

As she was preparing for the worst, something got out of it. It was humanoid but crashed down into a wall, before falling on the ground, unconscious.

The woman approached carefully to see what it was, and as she got closer, she saw that it was a human, and a man as that, with a rigging. She tried to see if he was alive by checking his pulse, which thankful, there was one.

But still in panic, she called one of her comrades.

???2 : What's going on ?

???1 : I need help ! There is a man with a rigging that got out of a portal and crashed into a wall, and he fell unconscious !

???2 : You sure you aren't seeing things ? You must have drank too much vodka.

???1 : There is no way I would joke about something like that !

???3 : Hearing her tone... I think she is serious, it would be better to go check it out.

???2 : Alright, we're coming. Watch over him while we are on our way with the other girls.

???1 : Got it ! I'll be waiting for you all !

(A/N) : And that's it for chapter 50. I hope you have enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your feedback and opinion in the comments.

I apologize for being inactive for a while. The reason why was because I had a writer block for some time now. And the fact that I'm actively looking for a job isn't helping either. But I promised myself I will finish that book no matter what, no matter how long it will take.

Also, I would like to thank you for the 115K reads at the moment I'm writing this. This feels so unreal, and yet, here we are. Thank you for your support by reading this book.

And how was your gacha for Vanguard's event ? I'm curious. On my side, I managed to get Vanguard at around 30 pulls.

In any case, thank you for reading this chapter. And see you in the next one !

TheBreizhOne out !
________________________________

New characters that have appeared in this chapter :

Ulrich von Hutten :

U-1206 :

Prinz Adalbert :

Elbe :

Magdeburg :

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