Holy Arcadia Empire Arc

Holy Arcadia Empire Arc is the eleventh story arc of the Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut series and also the final arc of the Seven Dragon Paladins Arc. This arc focuses on the Holy Arcadia Empire-the oldest and infamous branch of the Arcadia House. It begins with the Lords having abducted Lux Arcadia and the other Seven Dragon Paladins for their sinister plot. After the Paladins escape, they race against the remaining Lords to reach Avalon and the treasures within.

The Lord's Purge Against All Ruling Classes
Sometimes after Dragon Marauders' demise, Lisha is awaken from her recuperation at the Academy's Infirmary but immediately leaves because she seemly misses the New years parade. On her way, however, she confronts Krulcifer who not only congratulates her success but also warns her not to force herself. As the girls are discussing their future battles, Lisha wonders about Lux as the class is about to begin but Krulcifer tells her some bad news: In the wake of the aftermath of Dragon Marauders' defeat 1 week later, the Lords have liberated both Hall (Ymir Theocracy) and Garden (New Kingdom Atismata) and their relationships with the World Alliance has deteriorated as they announced the hidden worlds including the Sacred Eclipse. Lisha is infuriated to learn this to the point condemning the Lord's manipulation from the start. To further the princess's shock, however, Krulcifer proceeds to tell her the Lord's Plan to purge every royalties and nobles across the world and further explains what happened next.

It revealed that in a same week, Listelka has made her surprising "visit" (via Abyss named Shadow at Lordgalia Royal Palace where not only she revealed that she controlled all the Ruins across the world, she also gloating Holy Arcadia Empire's superiority and coercing everyone to accept her regime, as well as her threat about annihilating everyone who resist her (especially Drag-Knights). Enraged by Listelka's unreasonable "demand", noblemen desperately requested Queen Raffi to order to exterminate the Shadows but ignoring Raffi's dilemma about Atismata's scarce of manpower, only to be silenced by Nulph for their disrespect for the queen, before witnessing the Shadow reduced to ashes. To make matters worse, they also learned that all Seven Dragon Paladins were kidnapped as hostage by the Lords and they were given an ultimatum: The Lords will execute all 7 Dragon Paladins if the nobles fail to send some representatives to Marcafal Kingdom within the next 12 days.

This news further enrages Lisha to the point losing her temper but Krulcifer reasons with the princess that she is not in her prefect shape to battle-especially when she was unable to feel anything strange about the Dragon Paladins' abduction and Abyss's presence at their home kingdom. Moreover, not only their time is limited and they are lacked of resources, allies such as Celes and Phi have already left for Marcafal Kingdom this morning, to Lisha's frustration. Anyway, Lisha tells Krulcifer that they will be leaving to Marcafal Kingdom in hours which Krulcifer replies that she is not the only one who is concerned about Lux, of whom is none other than the Triads who then urging Lisha and Krulcifer to rescue Lux first while they wait for Yoruka's recovery. As soon as Lisha and Krulcifer depart, the Triads begin to lament their loneliness especially Sharis whose legs are trembling for odd some reasons but they eagerly wait patiently until Yoruka's recovery.

General Fugil's Advice
Everything has gone well up to Listelka's plan but they cannot reach the goal as fast as prediction since Lolotte and Zwei are proficience at handling situation. She initially would have Abyss ambush them when they were panicking but it did not go at all. They instead had recaptured the base and went to old castle. It will be trouble for them if New Kingdom's divine Drag-Knights regroup with them. So, she asks Fugil's advice about clearing the obstacles.

Fugil as usual talks using metaphor. He uses Shougi, a chess from Koto Nation where Yoruka was born as analogy. In Shougi, they can reuse the pawns other than the king. Mishis does not immediately get it. Fugil then explains that it means they can use the pawns they stole, the Seven Dragon Paladins. Mishis thinks it will be dangerous since the restrains may slip off. Fugil convinces her that it will be alright. Then, Listelka sends the contact to first floor.

The Imprisonment of Lux and the Dragon Paladins
At Guernica Prison, Lux wakes up and find himself as a prisoner in a cell. At the same time, he is also shocked to see Hayes again whose revelation about her revenge against him and his allies prompts him to realize that she was responsible for the Dragon Marauders' betrayal against Soffice. Hayes then tortures Lux by whipping him as her "lesson" about her pain and suffering, while his new collar electrocutes him for defying her torture. Hayes however isn't done with Lux as she not only gets him up and warns him about the consequences of defying the Lords, she also going to test Lux's "qualifications" as one of their "slaves" by starting his "trail" that forcing him whipping his fellow Dragon Paladin and prisoner Greifer. Despite Lux's horror, Greifer insists him to whip him as he believes that his torture will never break the Seven Dragon Paladins' unity as the Lords intended. Eventually, Lux's hesitation get the better of him as he's still unable to whip his comrade in spite the pressure from Hayes and Greifer. Consequently, he is electrocuted by his Wedge again as his "punishment". Hayes however continues her cussing towards Lux as she isn't about to let the "bait" die yet, making Lux to realize that the Third Imperial Princess's vile intentions on killing Lisha and others as well before he passes out.

When he wakes up, Lux sees Carol, or rather Aeril, healing his wounds and apologizes for her betrayal and Hayes's violent behavior. Aeril then reveals to Lux about her mission in observing the world as a Lord with her fake identity, as well as Hayes's grudge against him which she deems as a mistake. Before Aeril could explain even further, however, Hayes interrupts her sister's conversation with Lux and cusses her mercy to her "enemy". Still, Aeril calmly warns Hayes about the Seven Dragon Paladins's importance to the Lords and even a slight mishap befall upon them any mishap will not be tolerated. Hayes however pressures Aeril to carry out Listelka's instruction so she can participate the battle but her sister warns her about her body's condition. Nevertheless, Aeril orders Lux to go another room to retrieve the female Dragon Paladins while she frees Greifer and Singlen, not before warns him not to escape because of the Wedge's function. With little choice he has now, Lux reluctantly comply to Aeril's order and heading towards another cell.

Upon his arrival, Lux enters into the said room and greet the 4 female Dragon Paladins only to see them (almost) naked but wearing Wedges just like him. Of all the female Paladins, Rosa is the first to approach Lux despite the latter tells her to back away whiles Soffice mutters her own "horrific" story with Lux. Anyway, the situation turns chaotic when all 4 girls clings to Lux until Aeril enters the room that resulting a misunderstanding. Lux tries to reason with Aeril but she claims that she "doesn't mind" even though Lux senses her inner hostility. Magialca then pacifies the situation and explains to Aeril that all of this was Hayes's scheme when she actually tore off their clothes and took away their weapons, much to the shock of both Lux and Aeril. Later, they are taken to somewhere and while Mel worries about Lux for his exposed wounds, Singlen belittles him instead for his refusal to whip Greifer and even Lux replies that doing so will only makes him feel guilty, he continues his belittlement by saying that this make the prince indifferent to Fugil.

Sylvalles Knight's Arrival at Marcafal
Lisha and Krulcifer can do landing after almost two days departing to Marcafal. Lolotte introduces himself greets them. Both immediately ask the situation. He explains that the situation is now even. Both sides cannot advance their own plan progress currently. The Lords can only hide in Heaven Palace since they are short of people to conquer Avalon. On the one hand, the World Alliance fleet lacks Divine Drag-Ride. Enourmous number of Abyss surround the Heaven Palace and their half drag-knights were already down.

Lolotte tells them to rest in the prepared room and continue discussion after dinner. Both then go to there. Krulcifer take off her pilot suits and wears academy uniform. (TBA)

They have some raw foods for dinner and Lolotte starts the briefing. Lolotte starts from Celistia's question. All of paladins were captured using some kind of powers obtained via Ruins.

Listelka's Sub-Plan
Mishis questions her highness Listelka about just now's idea. She lets Aeril to choose Lux as her compatriot to capture Avalon. Way too risky from Mishis's point of view. Listelka answers that Aeril is now mature to like opposite sex. She also estimates that Aeril has fallen for him and letting Lux to be her partner is risky. Mishis becomes less understand. She reasserts her question. Listelka says that Lux is a present from herself. As they both are women, she can understand such feeling. In the fact, she admits that she loves Fugil Arcadia. Anyway, Listelka will not concern anything about betrayal from her sisters. She believes all of them and in case there is a betrayal, she still hides the most important point in their plan. She deliberately does not tell that Wedge will kill Aeril if she tries to put it off from Lux. Mishis can only pray that Aeril will not even think about betraying Listelka, a terrifying ruler that will kill destroy any obstacles in her way.

Lux and Aeril's Expedision.
The sixth day. Lux wakes up and Aeril is gone. Thinking their plan might have been unraveled, he searched her. But it was wrong. Aeril have come from kitchen and brought foods for breakfast. She clads in pilot suits and a white apron while bringing a tray of breads, beacon, cooked egg, vegetables soups, and waters. Mishis baked the breads and the rests are up to Aeril. They then have the breakfast as well as conversation. She went and cooked this because she is curious how it feels like to cook for a friend. Aeril seems to get interested in normal life so, Lux then asks if she wishes for a normal life. Aeril with a lonely expression says yes. She admits she feels envy.

Then, breakfast has ended. They will start to open the path to Avalon and subjugate it. Aeril will check Seven Dragon Paladin for the last time while Lux will have to clad in Drag-Ride and wait in front of underground entrance.

The New Wave's Departure.
Yoruka finally recovered and can join the fight. The pod had been used for others so her turn to sleep in pod was delayed. Looking at Yoruka's bewitching skin, all of the girls are stunned. She is extremely beautiful.

The last manpower that will depart from New Kingdom are Yoruka and Triad. They will be dropped by other Sylvalles Drag-Knights right in the frontier. After that, they will travel to battlefield themselves.

The Revival of Sacred Eclipse
At Marcafal Kingdom's Guernica, Lux and Aeril continues their journey for Avalon while combating numerous Abyss that infesting the Old Castle's first floor until they find a small room for their break. Whilst Hayes is leading her Abyss Army to halt the advance of the White Ridge Knights, Listelka and Fugil meanwhile are supervising Lux and Aeril and keeping their tracks and updates via Mishis and Dragon Marauders' information. Before Lux even asks her a question, Aeril reminds him that she can only answer his question that is considered as a tolerable scope before giving him permission to speak. After thinking for a while, Lux asks Aeril why the Abyss attacked even the Lords, to which Aeril reluctantly replies that someone has overwrote the Abyss's directives that caused them to gone berserk and attack anyone indiscriminately. This prompts Lux to wonder if his ancestor was responsible for the Abyss "malfunction", though Aeril is unable to confirm it as she believe someone else aside from the Holy Arcadia Empire is operating the Avalon's defensive system. Suddenly, they can sense Sacred Eclipse is nearby, right in the underground maze. Philuffy's anchor snatches Lux right away. Celistia also appears next to her. Seeing that, Aeril will start to engage them to fight. Lux is necessary to him. Zahhak which she clads in after Lux got snatched swings its special armament Breath Whip. A whip that can glow because of energy conduction, penetrates full barrier that typhon is generating and takes Lux to her side again in the blink of eye. Aeril then introduces Zahhak, her drag-ride's name. Ex-wyvern was dispelled before Lux noticing. Celis then generates her divine raiment area to do Double Attack. After she teleports to Aeril's back, she vanishes with her divine raiment and only a wall is right before her eyes. Aeril blows her Horn Flute to have several Gargoyles and Chimeras attack Philuffy. The Abyss will attract their attention. Aeril then orders Lux to advance now.

Philuffy and Celestia vs Mishis
Suddenly, Lux and Aeril hears a strange ominous yet sinister voices behind the room which the latter affirms it belongs to the Sacred Eclipse. Shocked to see its revival, Aeril immediately tells Lux to escape but the door is smashed before he could response and the violet wire chain is about to be snapped. Fortunately, Lux is narrowly rescued by Phi who is riding her Typhon, followed by Celes's arrival via her Lindwurm.

Nevertheless, Lux is surprised to reunite with Phi and Celes and asks them how did they get here. Phi replies that because she smelt his scent while Celes told him that Lisha and Krulcifer let them passed through the entrance while distracting Hayes. Anyhow, Celes tells Phi to take Lux out from the Old Castle while she dealing with a pursuer but before Lux could even explain to his friends, Aeril tells Phi and Celes to put him down but Phi refuses, forcing Aeril to attack Phi and then attacking Phi. Phi retaliates by activating Typhon's shield only to be stunned to see Aeril's attack crack the shield with the speed faster than light; in fact, the attack is so fast that not even Lux is able to see it.

That attack prompts Celes to realize the Drag-Ride Aeril is riding is actually the Divine Drag Ride, which Aeril dubs it as Zahhak. Without any hesitation, Celes activates Lindwurm's Divine Gate and challenges Aeril to show her strength and resolve, while Phi attempt to retrieve Lux. Aeril, however, refuses to see Lux being taken away so she plays her Horn Flute to summon the Abyss Horde to distract them. While slaying the incoming Abyss Horde, Celes uses Divine Gate to sneak attack Aeril only to see a huge wall pushing her down; meanwhile, Phi is under attack by Gargoyles and Chimeras consecutively while suffering her headache from Aeril's Horn Flute. Lux tries to save them but Aeril stops him as she coldly warns him about his Wedge's function should he disobey his order and abandoning Phi and Celes is the only way to save them. Unwilling to see his classmates' struggle, Lux reluctantly complies and continue his mission while praying for their safety.

Traveling into the Old Castle's deeper section via the opened gates, Lux, upon his realization that Aeril was the driver of Zahhak, recalling the event where he fought against Rosa during the Campus Festival, leaving him to assume that she (under the name Carol) has been watching him all the time. Initially fell irritated by his question, Aeril still explains to Lux about Zahhak's powers-the Brain HackWicked-that is able to interfere surrounding people's mind while erasing their specific memories and perception. Nevertheless, the two find a room to take a break before proceeding their mission for Avalon but eventually confronting both Celes and Phi who miraculously survive their ordeal and catch up with them. Regardless, Aeril will not let Phi and Celes get close to Lux.

Worries that the duel will only bring harm than good to both sides, Luz pleas Phi and Celes to withdraw as he explains his situation in regards to his second collar; only to see his plea backfires very horribly as Phi and Celes becoming even more determined to free him from the said collar. Their confrontation, however, is interrupted by Listelka who orders Aeril to continue the invasion onto Avalon as she has dispatched Mishis to deal with Phi. In response, Aeril immediately swings her Breath Whip that creating an opening, grabbing Lux and rush through the underground in order to find any portal before Mishis's arrival while shaking off Celes and Phi's pursuit. During their escape, Lux notices a large hall-which Aeril claims that it is one of many Abyss Plants in Avalon-and the two enter hall so they can hide from Celes and Phi who are preoccupied by Abyss's presence.

During their exploration inside the Abyss Plant, Aeril explains to Lux everything from Listelka's motive in utilizing the Old Castle for her goals to the Divine Drag-Ride manufacturing machine as well as Mishis being Holy Arcadia Empire's champion. The empty atmosphere of the room further risen Lux's suspicions as they didn't encounter Abyss despite they have just entered their plant. As they explore further, however, they are horrified to see rotting Abyss's corpses are everywhere while meeting Mishis who is responsible for the Abyss massacre. Mishis, however, urges both Aeril and Lux to stay back as she detects 2 enemies heading towards them, whom later revealed as none other than Phi and Celes.

The duel begins with Phi launching Typhon's Pile Anchor onto Mishis but misses as the latter dodges it, though, in reality, the anchor is actually attacking the pillar. However, Mishis is unimpressed as she instantly sees through the surprise attack from both opponents. Nevertheless Phi and Celis proceed to attack Mishis via pincer attack that seemly beating the maid, but Mishis swings her Halberd that destroys everything throws at her whilst blocking Celes's attack via Azi Dahaka’s full power barrier without suffering a single scratch; which worries both Lux and Aeril, especially the latter who is extremely concerned about the battle will endangering both Phi and Celes.

As retaliation, Mishis then uses Ali Dahaka's Avesta to copy Lindwurm's abilities to perform Lightning Flash and attack both Celes and Phi but they retaliate via combined attacks of Celes's Flash and Phi's Biting Burst. Just as Lux assumes victory belongs to Celes and Phi, he sees Aeril's lips trembled until he sees the unexpected outcome of Celes and Phi's defeat because their attack is actually deflected by Mishis's Reflector. Mishis further dashing towards the weaken Celes and Phi but Celes barely able to defend herself to her lance, only to witness Mishis uses Divine Gate-another ability she copied from Lindwurm-to teleport herself towards Phi and ambushes her instead; though Phi reacts quickly by kicking Mishis immediately. "Admired" by the display of her opponents, Mishis opts to finish the duel with her Missing Faith-an ability she copied from Typhon-to defeat them as her Halberd strikes their Force Core, resulting from their defeat.

Despite his astonishment to see Mishis' power, Lux still thinking on rescuing Phi and Celes before Mishis could kill them even if his Wedge will kill him as the result. Suddenly, Aeril raises her voice to stop Mishis but the maid replies that she needs to finish off the enemy of Holy Arcadia Empire's immediately, with Listelka intervenes by asserting her recognition towards Lux merely her sister's servant and refuses to let her tolerance and mercy got the better of her. Their conversation, however, is interrupted by something triggering a trap inside the Abyss Plant that shoot fire arrows at Aeril, injuring her. To make their situation even worse, they confront Sacred Eclipse that prompts Aeril to order Mishis to keep Sacred Eclipse busy and buying both she and Lux escape for the Old Castle while stopping Lux from saving Phi and Celes. Lisha and Krulcifer later arrive at the scene but the latter tells the princess to retrieve their classmate and fall back after she observing the situation. Initially unwilling to give up on saving Lux, Lisha reluctantly complies to Krulcifer's advice and bring her defeated classmate away. Lux, on the other hand, feels regret to see his reunion with his friends turns out this way but reluctantly follows Aeril while Mishis is fighting off the rampaging Sacred Eclipse.

Provocation That Was A Success
Listelka's scheme was a success. All of the nations is now at great commotion. The real people are doubting her majesty Queen Raffi after the "protesters" were massacred by "soldiers". The protesters are abyss, shadow that Listelka sent as fake commoners. They hold a demonstration since Queen Raffi has not admitted defeat to enemy and fulfilled their demand. The soldiers are shadow as well and have to kill the protesters in regards to maintain the public order.

Aeril and Lux's Private Time
Aeril is losing concousness and having her wound treated by Lux. The last era and generation from Holy Arcadia Empire. She was born in palace and lived a luxury life. Once upon a time, she took interest to the word "friend" that is written in the book. Then, she had a male friend whom mistook her as a boy at his first glance. Then her conciousness already recovers. She found herself that he had already treated her wound.

They have conversation regardings to her past, Holy Arcadia Empire's dark side. She

They arrive at control room, the surface floor's deepest part. Aeril immediately commences everything necessary in order to open the door and reach Avalon's core before Listelka does. Firstly, she seizes teleport device to escape to Heaven Palace. Then, she must authenticates a certain device with her blood because Ruins only recognizes the biometrics of Arcadia's bloodline.

Fafnir vs Bahamut
Aeril is on the process to offer her blood. Suddenly, Lisha and Krulcifer finds Lux in the control room because of the lights in control room are switched on. Celistia and Philuffy without cladding in their Drag-Ride also present behind them. Lux will have to fight Krulcifer alone because she refuses to retreat herself. Lisha, Celistia, Philuffy and Yoruka will not help her to fight.

Yoruka and Airi as a Bait
Upon her arrival on the Marcafal Kingdom, under the Lords's fliying fortress, appear the seven Ragnaroks which just now were revived by them. Lux now cannot be saved by them. The Triad and Yoruka then agree to Airi's plan to save the Seven Dragon Paladin instead of saving Lux. They can only hope that Lisha and the others suceed Lux's rescue. The plan is to have triad slip to chapel and free all of them while Yoruka lures the Seven Ragnaroks. Airi will expose herself to Heaven Palace so the enemies do not think that a different group was sent instead. Despite she agreed so, she just recovered and fighting the seven Ragnaroks single-handedly is reckless. Yoruka dodges, runs away and defends here and there. Her parts of armor that get touched by burning feather is Break Purge-ed. The barrier also reached its limit after consecutive defense and cannot be used anymore. Yoruka also considers to release Over Limit to breakthrough this situation but her condition is not fit to use it. Just after three minutes fighting, her lungs feels like being squeezed so hard. After that, all of Seven Dragon Paladin have been released and they will be the one to fight Ragnarok.

The Seven vs Seven
After Lux and co. free Seven Dragon Paladins, everyone then heads to the headquarter. The Ragnaroks has already overwhelmed half of the troops outside. The remainings who survive has already fleed from battlefield. Hayes using special Horn Flute to take control from near Ragnaroks. Upon their arrival, paladins recite the passcode of their divine drag-rides.

Yoruka will stand by at the Headquarter to use Radar if anythings happen just in case. Listelka lost her composure seeing how some mere humans stand against Ragnaroks. She then orders Hayes to engage the war and release Lunatic Call.
 * Greifer Nest: "Roar thunderously and become a legend. O protector of fairy, the banner of great enemy, Cuelebre."
 * Mel Gizalut: "Two opposites of depravity competing with each other, be worn on the body and resurrect. O dragon of strife bringing ruination to heaven and earth, Ddraig Gwiber."
 * Rosa Grandhide: "Soot of intrigue that is the wickedness, sink, lurk, deceive, and strike. O dragon of previous life without repentance, Gorynych."
 * Soffice Xfer:"Born from the flame, is the taboo god. Devour hatred and reason then transcend, Vritra."
 * Singlen Shelbrit: "The origin of all things, the ocean, whirl powerfully to the critical pressure. Hand down the judgment of divine will that illuminates the heaven, Leviathan."
 * Lux Arcadia: "Manifest, the violent dragon that devours the flesh and blood of gods. Sever the sky of dark clouds, Bahamut."
 * Magialca Zen Vanfrick: "O world snake that is liberated from fate. Challenge the holy war and take revenge to the gods, Jormungandr."

Lux and Aeril vs Hayes and Yggdrasil

Greifer vs Metatron

Mel vs Fenrir

Rosa and Soffice vs Poseidon and Iblis

The Ultimate Divine Drag-Ride: Ouroboros
All of the Ragnaroks already died. They are at limit to move muscle. However the enemy is only a divine drag-ride. It seems likely they are the victor since Mishis is quite exhausted after confronting Sacred Eclipse. Fugil, the only remaining force of the Lords attacks first. In the blink of eye, the drag-rides are dispelled. it is not because the Force Cores receive the attacks but the torsos are cut, resulting their lifes perish along with the drag-rides. Aeril explains what she knows about him. He has Special Armaments called Zero One and Infinity as well as a Divine Raiment called Endless. Infinity is an ability that allows him to create countless of Divine Drag-Rides which he pilots personally.

The Young Man’s Collar
Despite their success in defeating the Ragnaroks and prevent Holy Arcadia Empire's invasion onto Avalon, as well as retrieving the Seven Dragon Paladins altogether, the World Alliance's victory is pyrrhic one because of the higher toll for the battle. Not to mention their champion Drag-Riders are exhausted from their harrowing duel against both Abyss, Mishis and Hayes.

Aeril is pardoned for her betrayal and being supervised as war hostage. She is strongly shackled within the dungeon. Lux then arrives and brings her food. Even her status is so, Aeril does not mind and instead she gladfully flirts with him. All of sudden, the girls appear and includes her to the pact.

Fugil and Lux: Fugil's Secret Plan
Gear Leader Arshalia had arrived and was standing by at Fugil's command. Fugil knows Lux is really exceptional at drag-ride. However, Lux was still a 12 years old boy who could not endure Bahamut's burden in long period. To strengthen his stamina, Fugil had Lux's body performed baptism in order to make him pilot Bahamut. Gear Leader Arshalia then proceeded the surgery and Lux became the pilot for Bahamut. The tale of Black Hero which Fugil arranged from the start went success.

That was Lux's deleted memory, which slowly returns. He somehow feels that he had met with Arshalia Rei Arcadia before even though he never met her. But, he knows that her looks was the same as Sacred Eclipse, but the Automaton in his memory had a pair of horns.

Deleted Memory: Fugil's Conduct in Ries Island
Lux wakes up in the fortress, a camp and headquarter for the war against the Lords. Lux was sleeping and tries to comprehend his yesterday memory, when Fugil had killed the force and the Lords withdrew from battlefield. Lux immediately fulfill captain's call that Phi should have told earlier. Lux enters the room Magialca's office. She is drunk even this afternoon. To spend time, Lux must perform chore writing on the paper that captain just handed over.

When Lux starts his job, Philuffy can sense Lux's abnormal behaviour. Phi points it out correctly.

Anti-Singlen Plot Preparation
Magialca sneaks in Lux's room. She wants to talk about the secret task. Magialca starts giving Lux several hints. Lux and Magialca suspect Zwei did something. Zwei did not follow the plan to subjugate Avalon. They also have to be wary against Singlen that may be the mastermind.

Unexpected Rescue from Hayes
Just as Zweigbergk is about to execute Airi and the Triads, however, he is critically wounded by a stranger's attack that cripples his arm and piercing through his armor. To the girls' horror, that "stranger" is none other than Hayes who is seen wearing a white robe without her Drag-Ride. As Zweigbergk attacks her, Hayes blocks it effortlessly with her hand ant taunts him as pitiful because he wasn't informed by Singlen's "essential information". Hayes's new strength prompts Zweigbergk to demand her identity to which Hayes, in return, mocks him as a mere lowlife and defeats him with one punch that splitting him in half, killing Zweigbergk.

Hayes is so amazed by her new powers that she proclaims herself (not Lux or even her sisters Listelka and Aeril) as Arcadia Empire's "real" successor and vows to use them to repay her humiliation onto Lux and his friends. She then turns her attention at towards Airi and the Triads but after seeing the incoming Abyss, she leaves them for dead instead while mutters her plot to rule the world and torment her sisters before vanishes via teleportation. Nevertheless, Airi and the Triads are grateful for surviving their ordeal and despite the former's ill hunch about Hayes's sinister motives, she quickly find a first-aid kit to heal the Triads.

Lux vs. Singlen: The Conflict Between Philosophies of Power
At the Underground Floor, Lux and Singlen proceed to investigate the area while finding Listhe underground level after the former survives Mishsis's assault via the Syvalles’s rescue. The duo eventually reach to an ancient tower where it's Gear Leader Arshalia informs them that the Second Trial will be more difficult than the last one, so she urges them to make any preparations before touching her. Lux however becoming skeptical as he asks if they are able to finish the trial ahead of Listelka but Singlen scoff it off as he tells him to he will hold both Listelka and Fugil off because they didn't have much to fight against the enemy. Eventually, Lux enters the Second Trial where Arshalia begins to strengthen him via Baptism by pouring Elixir onto Lux that causing him to suffer intense agony before passing out, with Singlen sarcastically tells the fallen prince that he will "watch his back" as the Trial has commenced.

During the trial, Lux relives the history of the Coup that caused the fall of Arcadia Old Empire 5 years ago while witnessing an inconvenient truth: He firstly witnesses his confrontation with his late father-the former Emperor-where despite his crushing victory against the Imperial Army of 1,200 Drag-Knights, he refused to give up and made Airi as hostage and blackmailing Lux into surrender instead. In the midst of the affair, however, Fugil arrived at the hall and freed Airi by killing a chief Drag-Knight via his Bahamut's Reload on Fire. Shocked to see Fugil's betrayal, the Emperor demanded Fugil why he turned against him despite his "rescued his ancestor, to which Fugil brushed it off because of an "unforeseen events" (which involving an unknown person and Count Atismata's assassination) he deemed as a distortion of fate so he "rectify" his mistake by summoning Ouroboros to kill the Emperor, prompting Lux to realize that Fugil was responsible for the previous Royal Arcadia Empire. The trial then ended with the angry Emperor ordered his remaining army to kill Fugil which ended with a sea of flames, indicating Fugil's eventual murder onto the Emperor.

Lux, whilst surrounded by Singlen and Arshalia, is awaken from his Baptism and he is told this was just his preparations in obtaining Avalon's total control. This "preparation" however severely weaken Lux as he can't even stand up properly, as Singlen explains that it was due to Baptism's tempering onto the users' bodies that happened to other candidates before Lux. This confuses Lux to the point he demands Singlen's information about Avalon's capture since hiding it will violate the World Alliance's pact. As his "answer" to Lux's question, Singlen tells him some nonsense about Avalon's "arrangement" about the world's perception but teases Lux that he know better than his words are true.

Part 19
After sacrificing Hayes, Listelka and Fugil proceed to move towards the control room where Arshalia commences the third trial. Without wasting any time, Listelka agrees as she has anticipated this moment since her awakening. After the third trial, Listelka obtains Sacred Eclipse's power and finds it magnificent, meaning she has information about Avalon and intends to use it to rule the world while reviving the "Key of the Surface"-one of Sacred Eclipse's ultimate strength. Fugil then asks Listelka about her first move to which she reveals that she plans to "purify" the world by exterminate the ruling class even if it means resulting a massive casualties. Fugil is disgusted and resents her. He then kills Listelka who is now a threat for his ambition and kills Mishis who rejoins after this.

Confronting the Hero of the Beginning (Prologue)
Outside, Lux wakes up from his unconsciousness after his harrowing duel against Singlen but barely moves because of his injuries. While he watches Avalon's unusual atmosphere, Lux is approached by Magialca who congratulates him for stopping Singlen's ambition while planning to obtain Avalon by killing Fugil who is standing before them. Initially confused by her words, Lux is shocked to see corpses of Listelka and Mishis which Magialca indicates as the result of Fugil's ultimate betrayal. Aeril and the remaining 4 Dragon Paladins (Greifer, Mel, Rosa and Soffice) are next to arrive at the scene where they are also confront Fugil.

Fugil tells everyone that Avalon will "reorganize" the world within 10 minutes and "urges" them to stop interfering, but Aeril retorts that she and others vows to stop his vile ambition while attacking him. However, Fugil retaliates by swinging his Sword Device that make Aeril's whip's disappear whilst blocking though the whip reappears shortly after Fugil swings his weapon again. This confuses Greifer and Aeril's only conclusion is muttering about an unknown ability of Ouroboros’s special armament, Zero One. Nevertheless, Magialca takes command of the strategy while Aeril and the 4 Dragon Paladin to attack Fugil. Lux on the other hand worries about everyone as he is wary about something dangerous about Fugil.

While he scoffing at Magialca, Fugil reveals that he doesn't want to kill the Dragon Paladins due to their talents, tragic backstories, and their "qualifications" in leading the masses to the "new world" where he views himself as the new king-something he has been longing desired. So he urges his enemies to give up fighting for Avalon's information and forget everything. However, the Dragon Paladins and Aeril reject Fugil's "offer" as they all refuse to bow down at the "future king" while claiming Lux to be a better hero. During their confrontation with Fugil, Aeril requests everyone to lend her their ears while fighting because she will tell them about Avalon's hidden function.

Characters
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Major

 * Lux Arcadia
 * Listelka Rei Arshalia
 * Aeril Vi Arcadia
 * Hayes Vi Arcadia
 * Fugil Arcadia
 * Magialca Zen Vanfrick
 * Singlen Shelbrit
 * Mel Gizalut
 * Greifer Nest
 * Rosa Granhide
 * Soffice Xfer
 * Lisesharte Atismata
 * Celestia Ralgris
 * Philuffy Aingram
 * Krulcifer Einfolk


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Supporting

 * Raffi Atismata
 * Nulph
 * Airi Arcadia
 * Shalice Baltshift
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Minor
(To be added...)
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Story Impact

 * Mishis's true prowess is shown where she is able to utilize Aži Dahāka to defeat both Celes and Phi, two of the strongest Drag-Riders from the Atismata Kingdom.
 * The aftermath of the duel in Avalon has effectively changed the entire world:
 * After her last minute defection from the Holy Arcadia Empire during the invasion of Avalon, Aeril not only becomes a prisoner at New Kingdom Atismata but she also but becoming closer Lux and his friends. Although this causes Lisha to be somewhat dismayed because of her envy towards the relationship between Lux and Aeril.
 * With the deaths of Listelka, Hayes and Mishis and the defections of Aeril and Fugil, the Lords as a group are effectively destroyed.
 * Provoking all of the nation caused great impact to politics and trust. For example in New Kingdom, people thought Queen Raffi really killed the protesters. After Fugil overwhelmed them, Dist said the queen has less political powers at her side.
 * Sacred Eclipse demonstrates its ability to fuse with human beings by doing so with Hayes. Although Hayes is killed during this arc, Sacred Eclipse itself survives.
 * Queen Raffi's standing shatters in this arc, which will be mentioned by Dist Ralgris that commoners and higher-ups no longer believes in her. Dist is offered to be king instead if he wishes himself to be.
 * The truth of the Old Arcadia Empire's fall reveals a different story than the Fallen Prince Arc suggests: According to Lux's suppressed memories via the Trials in Avalon, Count Atismata was actually killed by a mysterious assassin while the coup was underway, and the late Emperor did not admit defeat and even resorted to blackmail his son by threatening Airi. However, Fugil betrayed and killed the Emperor.
 * During the same event, Fugil mentioned someone related to the Atismata House who is implied to have betrayed them, though "XX" is used in the text instead of this person's name or title. This foreshadows Raffi's unitentional betrayal of her brother (revealed in the next arc).

Trivia

 * This arc's end can be considered to be the darkest arc in the series, considering more casualties and Fugil's ultimate betrayal for his own ends. However, the following arc is to be even darker and edgier considering Fugil eventually putting Ouroboros into good use to against the heroes.