It was another ordinary weekend when all heroes were resting at Siege's abode with the exception of Solas, who was patrolling the city. Suddenly, the skies darkened and strong winds began to whistle, the ground cracking open to reveal that the demon lords have come to visit.

The heroes left quickly, but the first one to strike was Reginn, who attacked Zealot, striking him in the chest. Zealot was pushed back, digging into the dirt, but took minimal damage.

"Kehehe. I like your enthusiasm. Sadly, we're not here to fight. If we did, Cadra... No, Avangarden wouldn't be left standing"

"..."

"Reginn" said Blodelshein

The two groups faced off in front of Siege's abode, the crack in the ground now closing, seemingly operated by Velvel's necromancy. On the hero's side stood Reginn, Blodelshein, Siege, Dune, Kallen, Sacrosanct, Orchestra, Poda-Bruss and Kaizer as well as Crimson the dragon. On the demon lord's side awaited Zealot, Karudo, Velvel, Alcaeus and Interrobang. Of the bunch, only Reginn and Zealot as well as Interrobang and Kallen had personal history, originating from the same era, Kallen visibly disturbed by the sight.

"What do you want?" asked Reginn

"We're here... To make a peace agreement" replied Zealot

"..."

"See, it's been nice to be reincarnated, able to enjoy the modern times. I don't want this to end, nor do I want the destruction of Sonosis"

"Are you asking for a World contract?"

"...Hmm... I wouldn't go that far. I mean, a verbal agreement built on respect would be enough, no?"

"Heh, I see what you're doing. You're only buying time for yourself. But I can't believe I'm saying this - I agree. Avangarden is weak, I assume Sonosis is the same. If I want to make sure to destroy Sonosis completely, the current arsenal won't cut it"

"...I'm going to ignore what you said. So as per the agreement, let's say, we'll leave you guys alone and you guys leave us alone. How about that"

Reginn looked around to see the reactions of the other heroes, most of which seemed affirmative.

"...Fine. Are we done here? I don't want any demon stench left in the kingdom"

"See how easy that was? This is what a good peaceful meeting is all about! - Unlike the last time when you guys just barged into our kingdom and started destroying stuff. But to answer our question, no. I've just one more task. Karudo!"

"Nothing personal," said Karudo

He teleported behind Dune and penetrated right through her heart, killing her instantly with a splash of blood landing on Siege. Her body fell limp, Siege catching her body before it hit the ground. The world began to turn into silence and began to slow in Siege's mind as he process what had just happened.

Dune was the first casualty of the reincarnation event of the 99th era.

The unlikely comrade who helped the heroes, an honorary hero, now turning cold in his arms..

"D-Dune!" shouted Siege

"Hm. I see how it is" said Reginn unfazed as Siege held onto Dune's corpse traumatized

There wasn't even enough time to say goodbye.

"Well look. I'm still keeping up the treaty. She's a demon lord who betrayed our God and deserved death. You would do the same if a hero turned to the demon lords' side!"

Reginn wasn't particularly a fan of Dune, just having the smell of a demon within the base was bad enough and her existence was a crime. However, he would be lying if he claimed that she was useless to the organization.

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"...What you don't get is that even if she was a demon lord, she was still a valuable asset - an honorary hero if you will. Blodelshein, bring the demon lord"

Without a word, Blodelshein temporarily disappeared and returned with Asche, now shackled to immobilization.

"This is... the 20th demon lord we captured not long ago," said Blodelshein

"According to our peace agreement-" said Karudo while wiping the blood off his hands

"I see that you're trying to show off your strength. Sure, the strong choose who dies, but the truly strong chooses who lives. I'll show her mercy"

"⌈Personality Dissolution⌋," said Blodelshein, and with a bright flash, Asche fell limp on the ground

"..."

"Her memories, her identity, it's all gone. Now we will raise her, teach her to become a hero. This is Blodelshein's 'Anti-Demon Lord' plan"

"...and why are you telling me this?"

"For the same reason you executed Dune right in front of us rather than back in Sonosis. It's a warning"

"...Kehehehe!!" laughed Zealot

"I can't wait to brainwash you especially, you monster"

"I see that being a hero means nothing these days, are you willing to stoop so long, Reginn?! Or should I say... Enkidu?"

"..."

"The Goddess has put you in this world for the sole purpose of stopping me, but you will fail this time! I tolerated you calling me 'Zealot', but what a disgraceful name. My name is Gilgamesh! The first true lord of Sonosis! I see what you're willing to do, and we will return in kind"

"See you in hell, Zealot"

"Let the next time we meet be the end of the world, Enkidu!"

The crack in the ground opened up once again, this time revealing a gigantic skull. After the demon lords entered the skull, they returned to the ground, the earth reforming as if nothing happened.

"D... Dune..."

"Siege. I have an important mission for you" said Reginn

"...W-what?"

"I'll need you to train Asche, but make sure to change her name lest she finds out the truth"

"...Yes, sir"

"Blodelshein"

"Hm?"

"Did you find anything in their minds?"

"They were all wearing the amulet from before, so I couldn't read their minds. We need to find out who they're getting that amulet from"

"...Did I come at a bad time?"

The heroes turned to see who was speaking and were faced with a warrior girl in foreign armour. It had taken Satie a considerable amount of time due to her lack of sense in direction. However, her luck led her straight to the heroes' base.

"I am here on behalf of Championnat. I've come to invite the heroes, courtesy of the king to show gratitude for freeing the slaves"

"...Orchestra, Poda-Bruss, Sacrosanct. You three will go to Championnat"

"...What's going to happen now?" asked Kallen

"This is war. We must be prepared"

...

It was later in the day, and the heroes were all busy with their own tasks. Kallen and Kaizer left to alert Solas, Orchestra, Poda-Bruss and Sacrosanct were getting ready for Championnat, Siege was digging a grave for Dune as Asche stood by and finally, Reginn and Blodelshein were having a private meeting.

"So it finally begins," said Blodelshein

"Indeed. These few months will be crucial. We must quickly arm ourselves"

"I've been thinking... Perhaps we should take over Avangarden"

"...What do you mean?"

"The kingdom is untrained and unprepared. They do not know the true war of this scale. It'd be the easiest-"

"That would disgrace our status as heroes and the Goddess's name will be disgraced with it. However... I'll keep that in mind. Just in case"

Reginn understood that everything was at stake in this war and losing was not an option. However, Blodelshein began pondering why fate played out the way it did. Perhaps the reincarnations were a tactical act, perhaps by a third party wishing the mutual destruction of both kingdoms. While Reginn decided to do everything in his power to empower the kingdom, Blodelshein began her search for the truth.

After Blodelshein left the basement, Siege entered the room, confronting Reginn.

"Sir Reginn... Please tell me the truth. How long did you have the 'Anti-Demon Lord' plan in mind? Were you going to use it on Dune as well?"

"...You misunderstand me Siege. I'm not a hero of this era and I do not follow the rules of the present. I am willing to do everything for the Goddess, and sacrifice anything. The Goddess is the beginning, the end and my purpose as a World Beast"

"Please... Answer my question"

"Of course, I was going to do it to Dune. And I will do it to any other demon lords I can get my hands on. You must dirty your hands if you wish to win a war, and this eternal war is worth everything"

"That can't be right... The Goddess wouldn't approve of this"

"Oh? Do you know the Goddess?"

"I..."

"The world is a cruel place, Siege. Let me remind you of one thing. The strong can do whatever they please. The Goddess is the most powerful and then it's me. If you wish to change the way I do things, show me with strength, not words"

"..."

"I'll be trusting you with Asche, or whatever you call her now. It seems that you have a knack for turning enemies into allies and it's a great skill, one even I do not possess. But if you want to see change, bring Excalibur next time. You will speak with your lance"

Reginn left the basement leaving Siege alone. There lay the nest he was working on with Dune, as well as the doghouse for Crimson. Now he had no one else to help him out, and surrounded by comrades, he felt more alone than ever.

...

"That's cheating, sister," said the young boy

"You should no better than anyone that there are no rules!" said his sister

"...Anyways, I think it's about time we entered the surface world. This is our final game after all"

"...Alright. Well then, see you on the battlefield"

"I wish you luck"