Their journey was far from over. As they battled their way through the 97th floor, they encountered another clone, this time in the form of Omiya Eguchi.

Chiyo recognized her and attempted to free her from the tower, but Omiya transformed into Yuki Onna and attacked them. Despite their best efforts, they defeated Yuki only to discover that Omiya too was just another clone.

Mariko breathed a sigh of relief, “Somehow I’m relieved to know that. Let’s proceed to the next area, then.”

With renewed determination, the team pushed on. Taking the exclusive stairs, they reached the 98th floor of the Infinity Tower.

Shingo and his team were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Misaka and Aiko in the XR-3X Berzerker, the kindred mecha to the ZR-4G Holocaust and both were classified as archons, the special mechas. The towering machine glowed ominously, its mechanical limbs twitching as the pilots inside prepared for combat.

Shingo couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread as he looked at the mecha, wondering how they would be able to take it down.

“I think we have met before somewhere, but I can’t recall when and where,” Shingo said, trying to break the tense silence.

“It was just a common encounter that didn’t leave much impression to remember,” Shiori replied, her eyes never leaving the menacing mecha.

“Well, we were never properly introduced. But we know you more than just your names,” Misaka Takashi, a novel writer, said from inside the cockpit of the Berzerker.

“How’s that?” Nishi asked his hand on the hilt of his sword.

“Noboru Jinbei has sent us to spy on you and report to him regularly,” Aiko, a sorceress and college student, revealed.

“Just like that? And you two never tried to eliminate us in any way?” Keiji asked incredulously.

“That was because we know my samurai skills, Aiko’s psychic energy, and our inner strengths are not strong enough to overcome yours,” Misaka explained.

“So, we just lay low until you all came into this tower and reached this floor. And now we’ll attack you with the squad and everything we have, plus a big, gigantic help,” Aiko added, a hint of malice in her voice.

Misaka drove XR-3X Berzerker, the ultimate killing machine. The ground shook as the machine took its first steps toward the team, ready to unleash its devastating power.

Ryonoken stepped forward, his sword at the ready. “Look, I think you two are not evil like your employer. So, just try to stay alive after this fight, and return to normal life.”

“We’ll consider your words after you defeat us! Prepare to get obliterated!” Aiko retorted with determination in her voice.

Misaka maneuvered the massive machine with precision, while Aiko channeled her magical abilities, conjuring the element of water to her command. The battlefield became a maelstrom of chaos as Misaka unleashed a barrage of bullets, forcing the team to scatter and seek cover. Aiko’s incantations reverberated through the air as she summoned torrents of water, unleashing powerful attacks such as the Water Cannon and the destructive Tidal Blast.

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Shingo’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation, his instincts guiding his every move. He knew that defeating the mecha would require a combination of strategy and raw power. With a nod to Gale, Shingo’s trusted comrade, they exchanged a silent understanding. It was time to unleash their full potential.

Gale stepped forward, his fists clenched and his body radiating an aura of untamed energy. As if possessed by an otherworldly force, he unleashed his ultimate technique, the Tiger Dance Flurry. His movements were a blur as he delivered a rapid succession of lightning-fast strikes, each blow landing with explosive force. The air crackled as Gale’s attack tore through the metallic exterior of the mecha.

Meanwhile, Shingo’s katana slashed through the air with lethal precision. Despite the overwhelming size and power of the mecha, Shingo’s determination burned brightly within him. With each swing of his blade, he sought to dismantle the mechanical monstrosity piece by piece.

Mariko, with her sacred powers as a priestess and healer, provided support to her comrades, her light magic weaving a protective barrier around them.

The battle raged on, the clash of steel and the surge of elemental powers filling the air. The Berzerker tumbled under the relentless assault, its metallic armor succumbing to the combined might of the team. In a final, decisive strike, Gale’s flurry of blows culminated in a devastating blast of earth energy that engulfed the mecha, reducing it to smoldering wreckage.

Exhausted and battered, the team gathered amidst the remnants of their triumph. Gale and Shingo bore visible wounds from their valiant efforts, but their spirits remained unbroken. Mariko’s healing magic mended their injuries, soothing their pain and revitalizing their weary bodies. Together, they stood as a testament to the power of unity and unwavering determination.

One thing to note, just as Misaka and Aiko realized that they were losing, they ejected from the mecha, landing gracefully on the ground with only minor injuries. They approached Shingo and his team with a mix of awe and resignation.

“Well, looks like we must admit that destiny smiles upon you, not us,” Misaka said, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

“You have a great destiny, while our destiny is to be lovers living a normal life,” Aiko added, looking wistful. “Be seeing you!”

With that, the couple vanished into the shadows, leaving Shingo and his team to ponder their words. The text dimmed as the couple disappeared, leaving a sense of finality in the air. Shingo felt a strange mix of relief and sadness.

“I guess they’re the luckiest ones among our adversaries,” he said, seriously.

“You bet they are!” Shiori replied, giving him a warm smile.