The door was knocked, and Vincy went to open it. The visitor was EmaKenjiro, completely exhausted. Apparently, she had been practicing her beam multiple times, increasing her durability.
"Sheesh, you look like someone who just stepped out of an oven," Vincy joked.
"Coming from the blazing boy," she replied.
She entered and joined Taro and Yukiko at the dining table.
"So, Abodo, what's the plan?" Ema asked directly.
"I'll tell you, but first, let's have lunch," Taro responded.
"Abodo, I didn't come to eat," Ema replied, confused.
"Don't worry. Just a small reward for your hard training," Taro said with a smile.
"I can't refuse such an offer," she accepted.
Ema grabbed a spoon, and they began eating... except for Taro, who sat on the couch reading a book.
"Oh wow, is it me, or did you get better at cooking?" Ema asked.
"Maybe you're right," Taro replied. It was all thanks to Lloyd's advice.
"Taro, won't you eat?" Yukiko asked.
"Thanks, I'm full," he answered.
"Man, restoring your voice was the best thing ever," Vincy said.
"True. Being silent was awkward," Ema added.
"Well, I wasn't much of a talker before," Taro replied.
Then, he continued reading silently. Vincy finished eating, washed his hands, and sat beside him.
"Yo, Taro, what are you reading?" He asked.
"A guidebook for dueling strategies," Taro answered. "This will be important when facing dark creatures, especially Armageddon."
"Man, what does that Armageddon even look like?" Vincy asked.
"No images of him were ever captured or drawn. He's a mysterious figure," Taro replied.
Moments later, Ema and Yukiko finished eating. Taro closed his book, went to clean the table, and brought the dishes for washing. Yukiko helped him with the drying.
"Ano, Taro, I never saw you cry before," Yukiko said suddenly.
"I haven't cried in a long time, probably since childhood. Maybe I'm emotionless," he said, laughing softly. "Why ask that question so suddenly? Something wrong?"
"N-No, just wondering," she answered.
He stayed silent for a moment, then said:
"Crying doesn't mean you're weak. It shows how you care. But I prefer not to cry... because I don't want sadness to spread. I just want to keep smiling."
He suddenly looked at her and said, blushing:
"Ah, sorry for saying too much. You can go sit with the others."
"Daijoubu, I like helping you," she replied, smiling. "You're still as kind and quiet as the day we met."
"You still remember that day?" He asked, surprised. I was ashamed of that moment...
"Of course. You were my first friend ever," she answered.
"T-Thanks, Yukiko," he said, blushing.
"You're too shy, Taro," she laughed.
"Sorry, that's something I can't change," he chuckled.
Yukiko returned to the living room, while Taro stayed in the kitchen to prepare some tea. A few minutes later, he joined them with six cups of tea and a plate of dates.
"Six cups? Who else is coming?" Ema asked.
"Kevin and his friend," Taro answered.
"HEEEH?! WHY HIM?!" Vincy shouted, spitting his tea.
"Why not? He's one of us now," Taro said, cleaning the mess.
"Right, they helped us against the Dark Lords," Ema replied. "But... will they fight with us against Armageddon?"
"Not directly, but I'll need their help too," Taro replied.
"Man, he's the worst," Vincy muttered. "Didn't he hurt you before?"
"Right. The scar still exists. However, I owe him for helping me become who I am today. That scar is my lesson," he responded.
Moments later, the door was knocked.
"Tsk, must be him," Vincy muttered.
Taro went to open it. Kevin and Lara stood at the door.
"Hello there. Come in," Taro greeted with a smile.
"Vincy, treat him well," Ema whispered.
"I'd rather die. Forget it," Vincy grumbled.
They entered and sat down. Taro began explaining the plan:
"Alright, now that everyone's here. Armageddon is far stronger than anything we've faced. He even defeated all the Legendary Azure Knights and other powerful warriors."
Ema jumped in:
"Who are the Azure Knights? And what about the Legendary ones?"
"Azure Knights are warriors from another realm. The Legendary ones had the power to use ethereal shields... just like TaroAbodo and his father," Kevin explained.
"You know a lot, Kevin," Taro said.
"Of course. I'm from that realm too," Kevin replied. "But I'm a Crimson Knight. Unlike your kingdom, ours is different."
He continued:
"Legendary Crimson Knights can greatly increase their strength. While Azure Knights focus on defense, Crimson ones enchant their attacks."
"Is there a king to rule them?" Ema asked.
"No, the kingdoms function more like clans, completing quests and living like the medieval era," Kevin said.
"What about the relationship between Azure and Crimson?" Yukiko asked.
"They were at war decades ago. Now they live in harmony," he answered. "In fact, HaruAbodo and my father were friends and rivals."
"Wait... so you and Taro..." Vincy began.
"Right. I don't belong here. I'm from another realm," Kevin continued. "Taro's father, on the other hand, married someone from the Overworld."
"Half Overworld, half Realm... nice fusion," Ema said.
Kevin paused, then said:
"Back to Armageddon. You may continue."
"Thanks, Kevin," Taro said. "As for the Dark Lords, they're still dangerous threats."
"But you beat them alone," Ema replied.
"Maybe, but that wasn't their full strength," Taro said. "They're much stronger."
"One of them killed my sensei in Japan. The one with the blade," Yukiko said sadly.
"That lord is the toughest of all... but I know all their weaknesses," Taro replied.
He picked up a pencil and note, then started drawing:
"The first lord: Obsidian. His strengths are raw power and self-healing. He can grow up to four extra arms as long as he isn't tired. Almost immune to weapons and powers. His chest is the weakest point. Vincy's {Berserk Mode} is perfect for this."
He continued:
"Second lord: Malice. She can shape-shift and fire dark blasts. Her dark crows and two giant wings make her an aerial threat. Ema's arrows and {Light Beam} will be effective."
"I tore her wing before," Ema said.
"I noticed, but she can repair it in their realm. That's why they must be defeated there."
Taro moved on:
"Last but not least, the third lord: Zero the Dark Bladian. His blade is sharper than steel and can be repaired in their realm. Yukiko's dual katanas and {Sakura Rope} are the best match against him."
Everyone was listening carefully, then Ema asked:
"Impressive. Now... what about Armageddon?"
"Of course, the king himself," Taro answered. "I'll fight him, but it won't be an easy task. In fact, I'll need your help after the battles against the Dark Lords."
"Then tell us your instructions," Ema urged.
Taro explained it in detail. They were surprised and slightly confused.
"That's it? Will this work?" Ema asked.
"There's a twenty percent chance of failure. If what I read about Armageddon is true, we'll win. If not... death will be waiting for me," Taro replied.
"Taro, this is too dangerous," Yukiko said, worried.
"Don't worry. I'll do my best... especially with my new special technique."
Kevin stood up, then said:
"Sounds like a good plan, but I don't see myself or Lara in this."
"We need you in the Overworld," Taro said. "Armageddon will send raids to spread chaos."
"Fine, but for one condition. I demand another duel between us," Kevin said.
"A rematch? You defeated me last time," Taro replied, confused.
"It wasn't fair. Along with that, I want to see your Azure Dragon once again," he responded, smirking.
"Fair enough. Then I'll have another meet and greet with your Crimson Wyvern," Taro replied, smiling.
Everyone else except Lara was confused.
"What are you talking about? Dragons? Wyverns?" Ema asked.
"AND WHY DUELING NOW?!" Vincy yelled.
"Taro, one lord alone could defeat three of us," Yukiko added. "How can we win separated?"
"Vincy, Ema, Yukiko... I'll answer all your questions in our duel," Taro said. "It's something powerful that's been within us all along. Something that might even terrify Armageddon. And now, let's head to the field."
An hour later, they reached the field near the beach... or rather, Taro's favorite place.
"Sure you don't want your armor, Kevin?" Taro asked.
"I'm certain. This will be fair and square," Kevin replied.
"You got a point," Taro said, smiling.
They stood across from each other, gripping their swords tightly with both hands...
...and revealed their powerful companions!