Umpeare nervously peaked through the crimson curtains separating the stage in two, the illusion of the show and the spectators. Contrasting his worry, Reina seemed perfectly calm. The crowd's mourner a mere reminder of her destiny. She truly believed that the president was telling the truth; this show would be a smashing success.

“Stop worrying so much, Umpeare,” said Reina “We’re not even next”

“I-I know, it’s just… I’m a bit nervous being in front of so many people”

“Didn’t you say that you were usually the commander in your era?” asked Kaizer “Shouldn’t you be used to this?”

The fellow hero was merely here for emotional support, though she would never admit to it. In truth, she was looking forward to Umpeare’s performance.

“Well… Commander would be an overstate, more like a… protected personnel…”

“But surely you had a great celebration every once in a while? You are a hero after all”

“Sure, there were many, usually held against my will. I did appreciate the gesture, but I never got used to them”

Umpeare noticed the moving shadow along the curtained corridor to the backstage. It was Liliya along with her butlers transporting the instrument.

“Nice dress,” said Reina

“Thanks, I got it for such a special occasion!”

The princess was dressed in an outfit fitting of a royal. The light sky dress drew modestly from her body, a delicate figure reflecting the snow. Handcrafted by the greatest of the kingdom, it was a shame it would not be found often in her kingdom of clothes.

“So, are you next Liliya?”

“Yup!” replied the princess before turning her sight to Umpeare, “No hard feelings even if either of us wins the contest. The most important part is the performances themselves after all”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Hm… Just a gut feeling”

Liliya could tell that Umpeare had the radiance of a small woodland creature, not from any magical analysis or observation of aura, but an instinctual sense even the blind would not be able to ignore. Perhaps it was their mannerisms or personality, but it was far more mysterious than any conventional explanations.

“Well then, see you guys later!”

At the host’s announcement, the princess entered the spotlight to thundering applause, rivalling that of a thousand storms. The defining entrance was proof of the princess’s popularity, an important aspect of any heir. Unlike her mother who tended to stay within the castle walls, Liliya made sure to garner a positive image, as her father did and as her father’s father did.

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot!” exclaimed Reina “Good thingLiliya'ss dress reminded me”

Kaizer burst into a fit of laughter and Umpeare face turned tomato red as they witnessed the anti-demon lord unveil two matching dresses. Frilly short skirts with the upper half reminiscent of the sailors’ fashion, the colourful combination was too much for the heroes to handle.

“What? Why are you laughing? I got these from the president you know” said Reina as she handed Umpeare her outfit “Here’s your’s”

“T-thank you…”

Umpeare carefully turned the dress toward himself, his grip unstable.

“Haha! I suppose you’ll be having many more of this kind in the future, huh?”

“I should’ve borrowed Reginn’s uniform… If only I knew…”

“What are you guys talking about?”

The hero thought carefully, contemplating whether he should expose himself as an unfortunate crossdresser. Perhaps just maybe, Reina could be the one person to understand, either through the lack of comprehension or common sense.

“R-Reina… I have to tell you something”

“What?”

“I’m a guy”

The room fell silent and the air circulated still. Umpeare awaiting a response, Kaizer finding entertainment in it all and Reina slowly processing the information.

“...And?”

“What do you mean ‘and’? Didn’t you think I was a girl?”

“Oh yeah! Why are you wearing a girl’s uniform?!”

“Look… It’s a long story…”

“Anyways, if you’re fine with wearing a girl’s uniform, you should be fine with a dress, right?”

“Uh…”

“Come on! This is a once-in-a-year opportunity! Please?”

“F-fine. It’d be strange to wear men’s clothes after all this time anyway… Might as well get comfortable…”

“Yeah!”

The group heard another roar of applause before the curtain opened once again. Liliya’s performance was over.

“Ah! We forgot to watch your performance!”

“It’s fine, you were preparing back here anyways, right? You can probably find a recording anyway.” said Liliya “You guys are next, right?”

“Yup! We should hurry up”

Reina quickly undressed herself to Umpeare’s surprise, changing into her dress. However, she found the outfit complex and requested Liliya’s assistance.

“W-we’re changing here?!”

“We don’t have time! We’re the only ones here anyways”

“Come on, let’s get going,” said Kaizer while grabbing Umpeare’s dress

Surrounded by compliance and urgency, Umpeare soon broke under pressure and began undressing. He made sure to do so quickly to not show Liliya his body, Kaizer assisting in the endeavour as a fellow hero.

“Thanks, Kaizer”

“I’m just doing this for your identity,” said Kaizer while finishing the dress “Now get out of here!”

The speaker soon echoed throughout the stage, inviting the two performers to the spotlight.

“Let’s go, Umpeare!”

Reina quickly ran out to the stage while Umpeare collected the needed items. Holding the microphone and triangle, she entered the blinding light, slowly adjusting.

When her fully regained his vision, he was surrounded by a silent crowd awaiting their performance.

Unsure what to do, he handed the microphone to Reina.

“...Hello, everyone! I’m Reina and this is Umpeare, and we’ll be performing the Wundermastenn song I learned yesterday!”

…

During the performance, Umpeare merely rang the triangle a few times as Reina put on a passionate, but still amateurish performance. However, the vision of the crowd seemed to mostly follow him around, embarrassing him to no end. He was in a dress, in front of hundreds of strangers, while performing the triangle. A first for him, and perhaps the first in history. The hero averted his gaze for the duration.

After what felt like an eternity, the performance finally concluded with a misplaced ring on the triangle, the finishing touch to the trainwreck. The room fell silent once again, before unexpectedly breaking into applause.

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Umpeare looked up to face the crowd, seeing a few familiar faces in the crowd, most noticeably Blodelshein, and Reginn as well as the president and her crew of the Council. Blodelshein softly smiled, entertained as well as content with the progress of the candidates. While they were not improving as much in strength as Sivrit or Attila, the two within Cadra were making important lifelong connections. Reginn was simply amused by the performances, which he had never seen before in his life.

Blodelshein quietly rose from her seat before guiding the other hero to do the same. They made their way to the backstage, where Liliya and Kaizer awaited.

Umpeare and Reina returned backstage as well, the anti-demon lord in excitement and the hero in relief.

“Reginn! Blodelshein!” greeted Kaizer with a smile

“Hmph. You’re here too?”

“It’s nice to be back”

“When did you guys come back? I thought you were gone for at least a year more”

“I’ve heard about this ‘Wundermastenn’ from her,” said Reginn while gesturing toward Blodelshein “and if it’s the commemoration of heroes and the Goddess, I can't miss such an event”

“And of course, I created the holiday so it’d be ironic for me to miss it”

“H-hello”

“Ah, Umpeare. I want to talk to you a bit later, but for now; how are you?” asked Reginn

“I-I’m fine”

Kaizer carefully observed the conversation, sensing that something strange was occurring. Reginn rarely asked how someone was doing, and he rarely greeted so gently either. She knew something was different about Umpeare, but perhaps he was more dangerous than Kaizer gave him credit for.

“Anyhow, princess, you can come out here and join us,” said Blodelshein

Liliya took careful steps, making sure not to trip with her shaken legs. The hero she saw from before was back and it seemed that there were more to the others than she thought.

“H-hero…”

“Greeting, candidate” replied Blodelshein “I see that you’ve met the fourth candidate, Reina”

“I knew it… So there was one more candidate…”

“It was a bit of a spontaneous decision, but her status still stands. I hope you two will have a healthy competition, seeing that the other two candidates are away”

“O-of course, but how do you know the other…?”

“Hm… Well…”

“My name is Reginn, and I am the second hero of Avangarden”

“...”

“...”

“...The second hero?”

“...It’s true,” said Blodelshein

“Heh, I-”

Kaizer was instantly interrupted by Blodelshein, and thankfully the princess did not catch it due to the shock of the revelation. Umpeare knew better to keep quiet. It’d break their friendship if Liliya knew they were heroes.

“So you’re one of the candidates, huh? Sure you have the royal blood, but what else?”

“I…”

Liliya was too stunned to answer. The fact that she was meeting the second hero meant that she was in the presence of a near-divine being, the hero second closest to the Goddess. The princess could almost see the halo emanating from him.

“...No matter. I am no judge, and the Goddess’s mind is an enigma. Sure, you can be the strongest, smartest or the most unique, but in the end, it is up to fate. My opinion is as good as yours or that of a dice”

“I see…”

“...Well then. I’ll see you rest later”

“Don’t be late!” added Blodelshein

The two heroes instantly teleported away leaving only Liliya, Reina, Kaizer and Umpeare behind.

“...Well, I’m gone!” shouted Kaizer before leaving the backstage

“Ah! I should go too!” said Reina before leaving as well

“...Liliya, are you alright?” asked Umpeare

“Alright? I-I’m fantastic! I met another hero! How are you not excited?!”

“W-well… I suppose I don’t know them too well” answered Umpeare, not exactly a lie

“Then next time, I’ll bring some encyclopedias about the heroes. You’ll love them!”

“Thank you…”

“Well then, my butlers are waiting - I’m going home early today. Do you want to come?”

“I’m fine… I should probably stick around to make sure Kaizer and Reina are fine”

“...Heh, you’re like their mom or something. Anyhow, see you tomorrow!”

“See you. I hope you win the talent show”

“I wish you luck as well”

…

It was midnight at the heroes’ abode when Satie instantly answered the knock door. It was Siege and Reina, finally joining the heroes for the celebration.

“Hm? What you holding there, young lady?” asked Satie

“It’s a secret”

As Reina quickly headed for the backyard to meet her friend, Satie offered to help carry the gifts Siege brought.

“Thank you,” said Siege “Wow, you guys decorated this place well - better than it's ever been decorated!”

“It was all my lord’s work”

Siege turned to look at Gaius on the couch, who was averting his gaze.

“Thank you, Gaius!”

“...”

“It’s good to see you, comrade,” said Poda-Bruss “Well then, we better start our celebration”

Before entering the sunken living room to join the others in their dining, Siege first decided to greet all heroes. Many of them he last saw weeks ago.

“Solas, I’m glad you could make it. Same for you, Kallen”

“Hmph. As if I would miss the celebration of the Goddess”

“And the heroes too… Anyways, it’s great to see you Siege. How is Reina doing?”

“Oh, she’s doing great. Sometimes she can be a real troublemaker these days, but it’s better to be comfortable than not”

“Heh, perhaps she’s too comfortable” added Solas

“Come on Solas, she’s just a kid”

“Age is just a number and in the end, Karma will be the true judge”

“Then we’ll have to wait and see,” said Siege

The hero headed toward the kitchen to help Orchestra clean away the dishes.

“Oh, you don’t have to”

“I insist. It’s been so long since I’ve been here, I’m not sure if I’m the master of the house anymore… This is the least I can do to help the fellow heroes”

“You’re doing more than enough by providing for the heroes, caring for Reina and acting as the public representative. Though I can’t say that for myself…”

“Hm. We’ll all be extremely busy someday in the future”

“We’re heroes after all” sighed Orchestra

“Anyways, I’ve been thinking about bringing Reina around more often”

“Is that so?”

“Well, if she’s to be an ally of the heroes, it’s important she gets to know them”

Siege watched through the window Reina and Crimson playing together. Sacrosanct was in the backyard as well.

“So how’s Crimson doing?”

“Oh, she’s doing fantastic. Surprisingly, Sacrosanct’s been getting along with her well. Maybe he has an affinity with creatures, living in the forest for almost half his life”

“...That’s good. Dune would be happy”

“...Siege…”

“I’m good. I told her that I wouldn’t be held by the past,” said Siege, wiping his dry eyes “Heh, it’s a bit funny. I learned that from Sacrosanct, and I met Crimson not long after. Reina too… I have people who rely on me, and people I rely on. I’ll be alright”

“...I’ll always be here. I promise”

“...Thank you”

The sound of metal clinking on glass rang throughout the house, Blodelshein calling all attention.

“Could everyone gather around the table? We’d like to officially begin the celebrations”

The heroes as well as an anti-demon lord and a dragon fathered around the table, though there were not enough seats. Many stood behind the seats or simply sat on the ground. Compared to when Reginn first entered Siege’s abode, the number of heroes grew multifold, the proof of the heroes’ newfound strength.

“We gather today in the honour of the Goddess, as well as Blodelshein specifically,” said Reginn “It’s a bit like a birthday for you huh?”

“I suppose it is, especially since I don’t remember my true birthday…”

“Then I’d like to dedicate the celebration to Blodelshein, the hero known for her party as well as the Goddess who allowed her to do so!”

A modest round of applause ran through the living room, the heroes celebrating one of their most important members.

“Well then, let’s get started with our feast-”

Reginn was suddenly interrupted by the sound of an explosion in the backyard, a smouldering crater formed within.

Reginn was the first to quickly approach the crater to find a… chest - with a note on it.

‘Dear heroes,

It’s me, Zealot - or Gilgamesh, if you are my friend. I’ve come here to wish you a merry Wundermastenn. Just me though, the other demon lords don’t seem too friendly with the idea.

Even as a demon lord, I don’t hate you guys personally, so here’s a small present (not peace offerings).

From one soldier to another,

Merry Wundermastenn

Signed

Gilgamesh’

Reginn handed the note to Blodelshein before opening the chest. The others braced for impact or prepared to shield others, but they only found a large chest full of chocolate.

“Chocolate?” asked Kallen

“...If I recall correctly, Sonosian chocolates are supposed to be luxury products. Something to do with magically fused cocoa fruits” added Blodelshein

“...Heh, do they truly think they can outsmart the heroes like this-” said Kaizer, but was proven wrong by the sight of Reginn trying one of them

“...Why are you looking at me like that? I’m immune to all poison and mana, so it’d have to be some kind of a physical bomb to have any effect and mmm…” said Reginn while tasting the piece “It’s good”

“No poison?”

“I know what most poison tastes like, and this should be good. Besides, it’s signed by Zealot, the only demon lord crazy enough to send celebratory chocolate to his enemies”

Reina took a handful before helping Sacrosanct bring it back indoors.

The heroes continued their celebration all night long. Sharing stories, comedies, tragedies. It was the time for the heroes to truly all see eye to eye for the first time.

…

In the countryside of Avangarden, Sivrit, Attila as well and the Goddess were celebrating Wundermastenn themselves in an inn, the snow slowly accumulating over the windowsill.

“Man, I wish I was back home now…” groaned Attila “We missed the biggest holiday of the year…”

“We didn’t miss anything. Besides, we should be grateful for this journey”

“She’s right you know. It’s not every day you get to travel with the Goddess, or even heroes” added Lilith “Speaking of which…”

Suddenly, Blodelshein materialized from thin air and humbly presented herself to the Goddess.

“Goddess. I’ve come bearing gifts from the heroes” said Blodelshein “And for you two as well”

“Good, good…”

Blodelshein revealed a box full of desserts, decorations, gifts and various objects to present to the Goddess.

“Hm? This chocolate…”

“Yes, it is a sonosian chocolate, a gift from a demon lord called Zealot. Though Reginn assured us it is not poisoned in any way”

“Zealot? Do you mean Gilgamesh? Haha… Always an amusing fellow. Thank you”

“I’ve saved some for you two as well,” said Blodelshein while pulling out two smaller boxes.

“Thanks…”

“Blodelshein, how is Reginn doing?” asked Lilith

“Reginn? Well, he’s doing well. Currently, he’s training a World Beast of the name Har-Meggidos”

“...Make sure he’s always got something to do, okay?”

“Hm? Of course”

“...How are things back home?” asked Sivrit

“...Everything is going well, no need to worry,” replied Blodelshein “Since today is a special occasion, I’ll be here until the morning, so ask me any questions you have”

“Well, my first question is… How are you doing?” asked Attila

Sivrit replied with a smile “I’ve been doing good, my friend”

And so, the Wundermastenn of the year ended without any trouble, the denizens of the kingdom celebrating the heroes, the Goddess as well as the resilience of humanity.

Wundermastenn’s original goal was to never forget what humanity can survive and will survive in the future. Blodelshein’s restoration of the great kingdom has been recreated many times to a lesser degree, but there is a change in the air. In the future, the kingdom will not resurrect from ashes but will be reborn from within.

Unbeknownst to most, they were celebrating the beginning of the New Avangarden,