Newgate City. Jin was in Bloom’s office reading a report that was given to him by one of his subordinates.

“So Miko has returned and even attacked Romix and battled Bastian. He’s even sending a message telling me to get stronger?”

He put down the papers with a frown on his face.

“Does this guy’s arrogance know no bounds?”

(However, these feats can’t be ignored. According to my spies in Romix Miko looked like he had Bastian on the ropes and he looked like he could’ve destroyed the city if he wanted to.)

Jin leaned back in his chair.

“How did he get so strong when he was in a coma for a month? Could it have something to do with his Irregularity? Or maybe it’s an Irregular thing? I heard that one of the leaders in New Era was an Irregular but I’m not familiar with any of them…”

He became silent as he stared in space. After a long time he mumbled to himself.

“I wish that you’d wake up soon, Bloom.”

“You really get lonely easily, Jin.”

He turned his head and saw Sapphire smiling at him.

“When did you get here?”

“For a while now. I walked in while you were in a daze.”

She walked up to him and brought her face close to his.

“It’s rare for you to stare into space like that.”

She pecked him on the nose and smiled.

“It’s rather refreshingly cute.”

She then pulled his head and gently pressed it against her stomach.

“I also think it’s a sign of how tired you are. Isn’t it a time you take a breather?”

“Thanks for the offer but our enemies won’t allow that….Miko’s awake.”

“….I see.”

She sighed.

“I’m honestly fed up of all this fighting at this point. Why can’t Bloom just live in peace for once?”

“Because that’s the kind of world we live in.”

Jin gently pushed her away and looked up at her.

“But don’t worry. I’ll make sure to protect you, her, and all of our comrades without fail.”

“Argh!”

In Romix, Natasa was growling like a mad beast.

“I can’t believe that he attacked here while I was gone! If I was here I surely would’ve fought him!”

She roared while angrily stomping on the ground.

“Bastian, couldn’t you keep him here long enough for me to arrive?!”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I already had my hands full saving my own neck.”

Bastian sighed while leaning back in his seat.

“Natasa, heed my advice. Avoid fighting him.”

“Like hell I will. You expect me to not get excited after hearing about what he did. I might go attack the Red Light District now.”

“Natasa.”

A heavy pressure rooted Natasa to her spot. She looked at Bastian whose eyes were dead serious.

“If you go there, you’ll only get yourself killed. If you’re so insistent on going then do so after you’ve defeated me.”

Natasa looked at him for a bit before grinning.

“Then, I’ll just take you up on that offer.”

In this war-ridden country, there existed one place that was completely free from conflicts. This place was found on the edge of the capital and was completely spotless despite the recent attacks. That was because not even an insane person would dare to attack MYTH in this country.

“…….”

Tommy “Gear” Akabe had arrived at this place. Despite it being so close to enemy territory he had no fear of an attack. That’s because of the fear and respect this place had commanded. He silently walked in and greeted the Android at the desk.

“Good morning. I’m here to see, the owner.”

“Tommy Akabe….You’re permitted to enter.”

The android pointed to the hallway behind her. Gear nodded and went where he was directed. He stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall. He took a deep breath and opened the door. Inside, he saw someone sitting behind a desk. It was a little girl. The girl looked to be around 9, had pink hair, a cute face and two different colored eyes; pink and gold. It was the girl known as Mari.

“My lady.”

Gear bowed his head.

“Come in.”

Gear lifted his head and stepped back when he saw that there was someone else in the room.

“Chrome!”

“Gear, you bastard!”

“Now, now. That’s enough you two.”

Mari looked at Gear with a fierce gaze.

“Close the door and have a seat.”

“….Yes, Ma’am.”

He did as he was told and sat in a chair that was right next to Chrome, who looked like she wanted to tear him apart.

“You’ll make him uncomfortable if you continue to give him the death glare, Chrome. Cease doing it this instance.”

Chrome’s body flinched and she quickly turned her head away from Gear and looked at Mari.

“That’s better.”

Mari had a bright smile on her face but the two in front of her couldn’t help but feel tense.

“It’s rare for me to have guests, much less two at once. Then again, not many people have the authority or status to meet me. There’s you two, Bloom, Jin….”

She narrowed her eyes with a smirk.

“And of course, Miko.”

Their bodies shook which made Mari laughed.

“I basically know what you two want but I’ll still allow you to speak yourselves. Tell me, what can I do for you?”

“Madam, I request that you remove Miko from this war.”

Gear said.

“He’s an outsider and someone who doesn’t have the right to involve himself in matters of this country….Also, he’s obviously an important guest of yours. With that in mind, I can’t fight him seriously out of fear of angering you; and that puts me at a disadvantage.”

Mari nodded and looked at Chrome.

“And you?”

“I want permission to nuke Romix, Elon, Sawyer, and the Red Light District.”

Gear looked at Chrome like she was mad.

“You crazy bitch. You’d actually use something that would kill most of our citizens? You’re committing genocide.”

“The lives of my enemies mean nothing to me.”

“Hmm….so basically, the two of you are panicking because Miko came back stronger than before. Is that right?”

Mari chuckled.

“I have to deny both requests.”

“But Madam!”

“My lady!”

“I understand that you’re anxious but-”

(Marionette.)

Mari’s eyed widen when she heard a voice in her head.

“Father.”

“?!”

Gear and Chrome’s body froze when they heard her mumble.

(I’m talking to you from the main unit. I heard the situation let me take over.)

She nodded. Her eyes then changed to a cyan color and a dull look appeared on her face.

“Its me.”

“?!”

Gear and Chrome immediately flung themselves to the ground prostrate themselves before the desk.

“We humbly greet His Lordship!”

They shouted at the top of their lungs with trembling voices.

(It’s him…The leader of MYTH!)

Gear was convinced that his heart was going to burst out of his chest any moment now.

“Tommy Akabe and Chrome Zanetti, I’ve heard a lot about you two. If you keep it up I’ll gladly let you join my company.”

“It would be a honor!”

The two enemies spoke in perfect sync.

“Now, regarding the matter of Miko. He’s a favorite among many of the top brass and I’m certain that they would be upset if he’s killed before he reaches his full potential. I am one of these people.”

(Dammit!)

Gear clenched his fists tightly.

“However…”

He lifted his head in wonder.

“If he dies here than that’s all he’s worth. That’s my stance on this.”

“In other words…”

“In other words, you’re free to give it your all to kill him and if you’re successful I’ll take responsibility. Just don’t nuke the place.”

The two’s face brightened.

“Thank you, My Lord!”

Mari nodded.

“If that’s all, you can take your leave.”

The two raised and bowed.

“Thank you, Your Lordship and My Lady.”

They then left together. Neither had to worry about attacking each other; after all, that would be suicide. When they left Mari’s eyes returned to normal.

“Was that okay, Father? What if Miko really dies?”

(Do you actually believe that can happen?)

Mari smiled.

“No. Not after growing so strong.”

(Damn, Irregulars. The fact that they’re unable to stop growing stronger is unfair. I can see why the world hates them. They’re literally without limits.”

Mari chuckled.

“In Miko’s case it’s not that he’s gotten stronger. He was always this strong; it’s just that he finally knows how to use his strength. He also learned a few tricks to help him out.”

(…Anyway, I have to go. Tiana Draxler wants to talk about this Phantom character that’s gotten her attention later.)

“Alright, talk to you later.”

The voice stopped and Mari was finally left alone.

“Phantom, huh? Now that’s another wildcard in this insane game.”

Red Light District. Miko was taking a walk with Edward and Bella at his side.

“Don, I must congradulate you again. You’ve gotten so much stronger.”

Earlier in the day Miko spared with all of his Apostles. The result? Completely victory.

“Even I who doesn’t know how to fight can see how much you’ve improved.”

“I’m shocked as well. I’ve fought along side them so I’m well aware of their strength, but not a single one of them came close to beating you.”

Bella looked confused while she glanced at Miko every now and then.

“You two are over exaggerating. We clashed without using any of our skills, just basic strength. Of course, I would come out the winner.”

“But wasn’t Ace suppose to be the strongest in hand-to-hand combat? He went toe to toe with Kaido after all. Wait? Does that mean you’re stronger than Kaido?”

Miko remained silent and kept walking.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

Bella said.

“More importantly, I want to tell you two something, since you’re my partners in this war.”

“What is it?”

Miko stayed silent for a bit before answering Edward.

“I’m going to lead the attacks from now on.”

“Huh?”

They paused and looked at him. He stopped and looked at them as well.

“While I was gone you two did all you could to survive, for that I’m grateful. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it wasn’t enough to win this war.”

The smile on Miko’s face slowly vanished.

“I’m grateful but it’s time I take over.”

“Are you saying that we weren’t good enough?”

Bella clenched her fists and asked.

“You were outnumbered, outpowered, and were being attacked from all ends. The fact that you survived is testament to your talents. You exceeded my expectations…You really did. However, it’s just as you said, you weren’t good enough. You weren’t cruel enough.”

He continued to walk while speaking.

“In war, cruelty is essential to win. You need to be cruel enough to kick your opponent into the pits hell, take advantage of their weakness, sacrifice innocent bystanders, trample on countless dreams, and destroy countless lifestyles. That’s the realistic way to a win a war.”

He stopped again and turned to look back on them.

“You two have done all those things already and yet, you haven’t won. Why? Because your enemies were crueler. They did everything you did and more just to ensure their victory.

“…….”

The two were silent because they couldn’t find the words to defend themselves. Seeing that, Miko smiled.

“I’m not belittling you so don’t get so upset. When it comes to failures I’m undefeated.”

He laughed.

“What I’m trying to say is you did well, so leave the rest to me.”

“….What are you going to do?”

Miko didn’t answer Bella immediately he thought about a bit and then smiled.

“I’m gonna fuck shit up.”