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bean-plaent · 2 months

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Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss – Chapter 7 (Part 3)

Following is part 3 of my translation of Chapter 7 of Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss. This part contains Episode 7-112 to 7-116. This concludes Chapter 7.

Main storyline spoilers after the cut.

Episode 7-112

Idia: G-Get me outta heeeeeeere!! W-Why are Malleus-Shi and a Styx unit having a sudden death match in the middle of school?? And that getup, don't tell me… Malleus-Shi overblotted…!?

Ortho: Uwaaah!? The sky's splitting apart!?

Idia: Eep! W-What is it now!?

Malleus: …This dream is beginning to fall apart.

Ortho: Fall apart?

Malleus: You are not meant to exist within this dream. And now that you have appeared here before your older brother, his "happily ever after" will be no more. Little Shroud, I see now I've no reason to fight you. I can simply let you be consumed by the abyss, together with this crumbling dream.

(Malleus teleports away)

Idia: Huh!? W-Waaait! Malleus-Shi, t-take me with yoooou!!!!

Ortho: …Now I understand. I- This humanoid version of Ortho, I only exist because of what happened that day. And by being here in this dream world, where big brother is supposed to have his "happily ever after", I'm causing a temporal paradox!

(The Darkness appears)

Idia: Ugh! The heck's this black goop!? It- It's dragging me down…!

Ortho: Big brother! Here, take my hand! And don't let go!!

Idia: Dude, you're gonna rip my arm off…!!

(An alarm beeps)

Head Engineer: Or-kun, can you hear me? You need to get out of there!

Idia: Is that… Is that mom!?

Ortho: But I can't leave without big brother!

Head Engineer: The spell's formulation is being rapidly rewritten. If you stay there any longer, we'll lose your signal and you won't be able to come back! This is a direct order: retreat at once!!

Ortho: Ugh…!

Idia: Ortho? This unit is… Ortho…? AUGH! M-My head…!

Ortho: Big brother! No, don't let go of my hand…! Ah-!

(Idia is dragged down into the Darkness)

Idia: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Ortho: BIG BROTHER! I promise… I promise I'll come save you…!

Episode 7-113

Idia: What is… this place…? It's so cold… and dark… and lonely. This feels so… familiar. …I…

???: Oh, come on! We had that big, emotional goodbye, and now you're coming back already? Boooo. I dunno what's going on, but I can already tell this is gonna be a pain in the ass.

Idia: Huh? ….WHAT THE!? A PH-PHANTOM….!?

Ortho (Phantom): Yo, big bro. How's it going? Welcome to the Underworld! It's a little dark, a little gloomy, but hey, what are you gonna do?

Idia: Wh-…. WHAAAAAAT!? W-What in the actual hell, man!? First that virtual bishounen and that Styx unit kept calling me "big brother"… and now this friggin' huge ass phantom is calling me "big bro"!? M-My little brother is a good kid, and he goes to school at Royal Sword Academy… I think I'd remember having a pair of uber intense brothers like you guys, thank you!! Even for a nightmare this is way too much! Please, if this is a dream, just let me wake up already!!

Ortho (Phantom): Huh? I go to Royal Sword Academy? Ahhahahaha! Now that sounds like a nightmare to me. Or a delusion, even. Sorry, but Ortho's stuck in this gross ass pit, not at some gaudy school.

Idia: Y-You're lying… Ortho's an extrovert with tons of friends, and he-

Ortho (Phantom): Friends? Oh, yeah. I got lots of those. They're all phantoms, though, and all they ever do is moan and groan. Not big talkers, those guys.

Idia: That's impossible. T-There's no way Ortho's stuck in the Underworld! We're not even supposed to go down here! Ortho is… My little brother is…!!

Ortho (Phantom): …Big bro. It's not your fault I'm here. Stop blaming yourself already. Remember what you promised me? You said you wouldn't give up, you said you'd keep pushing on and fulfill all our dreams. Are you really just gonna curl up in a little ball and stay down here forever?

Idia: Our dreams…? …Augh..! My… head…!

(Idia has a flashback)

Ortho: We can leave for real this time and go far away.

Idia: …Just leave it to your big bro.

(The flashback ends)

Idia: Haaah, haaah… I-I remember now… This is where I…! A-aauugh!! That's right, there is where I… Aauuugh…!

(Idia lets out a guttural scream as he remembers everything)

Idia: …..How… How could I forget… How could I forget something so important to me… I remember… everything…!

Episode 7-114

Idia: This is where I overblotted… Me and Ortho were aiming for the stars but we… but our classmates smoked us… The fuck did I tell him "just leave it to your big bro" for… My little brothers are always having to swoop in and save the day for me. I'm such a fucking loser…

(Idia has a flashback)

Ortho: I need you to help me save the world, Idia Shroud!

(The flashback ends)

Idia: …Listen, I dunno know what the hell's going on, but I do know Ortho needs my help. I have to get out of here… I have to find him.

Ortho (Phantom): Oh-hoh, didja finally wake up? That's great and all, but, uh, aren't you forgetting one teensy-weensy, but ever so crucial, little tiny detail?

Idia: Huh?

Ortho (Phantom): You know the gate's only supposed to be one way, right? And as the King of the Underworld, I can't just let spirits come in and out here like they own the place. Don't wanna look bad in front of the other phantoms.

Idia: Heh heh… You got some balls calling yourself the King of the Underworld. You're the one who's forgetting something here, my guy. You remember that curse you have? No wait- that blessing. The one that burns all your blot… Well, I got it too. This place is like one massive buff for my ATK and Magic stats. I'm broken, dude! *breathes in, breathes out* Okay, just gotta envision, like, my ultimate form…! HAAAAAA!!!

(Idia forces himself to overblot)

Ortho (Phantom): What, you wanna fight me?

Idia: Okay, you little snot nosed brat. Your big bro's gonna show you who's boss!

Ortho (Phantom): Augh…! N-No, how could I lose…! The hell's going on!? It's like all the blot's under his control!?

Idia: Boom-bada boom, boom, boom! Ha ha ha! Oh, please. You gonna start crying for your mommy? If that's all you got, forget about calling yourself king, you cocky little shit. Imma take my throne back and you can be my substitute whenever I'm gone. New Achievement Unlocked: "King of the Underworld" title earned! Ahh Ha ha!!

Ortho (Phantom): Uuugh…!!

Idia: Aaaah haa ha! Aaaah ha haa! Ah-Auuughh… *cough cough* …. Haaah, haaah…. That's right. I'm not gonna let you be king of this gross place forever. And that's why I can't stay here forever, either. I have to go. Game, Set, Match. Gate to the Underworld!!

(The gate opens and Idia escapes)

Ortho (Phantom): ….Take care, big bro. All the stars in the sky are waiting for you out there.

Episode 7-115

(Beeep beeep)

Idia: …..Ugh, would ya shuddup… Who is it?

(Idia answers the phone)

???: Ah, you finally picked up. It’s morning already, come on.

Idia: …Who are you?

Ortho?: Who am I…? What, did you forget your own little brother? It’s me, Ortho.

Idia: Ortho? …Guess it was all just a dream….. Heh….. Heh heh heeeheeehee!!

Ortho?: Uh, is everything okay?

Idia: Those crazy good drop rates and pulls I've been getting, Muscle Red not giving up gaming anymore, me going to orientation in person…. It was aaaaalll just a dream! Yup, it was just 100% my otaku fantasies!

Ortho?: Umm… What the heck are you talking about?

Idia: Uh-uh, that's my line, bro. There's no way in hell my little brother would go to Royal Sword Academy, all the dumbass rainbows and sparkles would make him SICK. I only have two little brothers: The humanoid one that goes to NRC with me, and the other one who's down in the Underworld!!

Ortho?: !! W-Wait, big bro! Just listen to me!

Idia: I'm soooo sorry, but the only people I'm okay with calling me "big bro" are anime and video game characters. Like, who even are you? And who's in charge of this gross ass dream? Is this a hallucinogenic spell? Was I kidnapped by some evil org and they've got, like, a brain washing helmet on me? Whatever's going on, you guys need to get yourselves a new scenario writer, stat. 'Cause I mean, really? Resetting the dream just 'cause I didn't get the Good End? That is beyond lame. Listen, I don't care what happens. I'm the only one who gets to decide if I get my "happily ever after" or not!! Expect a strongly worded letter from me sent to your customer service department!! Bye!!

(Idia hangs up the phone)

Episode 7-116

Idia: …You there, Ortho?

Ortho: Welcome back, big brother. I'm surprised you made it back here all by yourself. We had a lot of trouble reentering your dream on our end.

Idia: Hey, Ortho. Lemme, uhh.. apologize first. I know I've hurt you a lot, and I… I'm really sorry.

Ortho: Before you continue, there's something I want to say, too… I went to outer space all by myself! And I had this totally awesome battle with Malleus-san, it was so cool. This whole time while you've been asleep, I've been going on all these amazing adventures. I bet they'd even put the hero of Star Rogue to shame! Now don't you think there's something else you should be saying to me besides "I'm sorry"?

Idia: …Ortho, that's amazing. I can tell how hard you've been working. You're, like, the coolest guy in the world in my book. You're kind of making your big brother look bad here, though.

Ortho: Heh heh! Are you even surprised though? Don't forget… I'm the world's foremost humanoid, made by the one and only mad genius himself!

Idia: Heh. Yeah, you're right. Maybe one day you and me really will take over the whole galaxy together… Joking, of course. Ok, with that out of the way…. Uhhh, I remember going to sleep and all, but could you maybe explain what the hell is going on!??

Idia: *siiiiiiiigh* I wanna say I totally understand everything you just said… But my brain, like, short circuited after you said mom went through all my stuff. Only other thing I've understood so far is Malleus-Shi went overboard with the cheat codes.

Ortho: M-Mom had too! It was an emergency! Please don't feel too down about it.

Idia: You gotta be kidding me, dude. There's no way she didn't see that and oh yeah that too… Uuuggh… Why… Why me… WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS!? I'm just an innocent bystander! I didn't even friggin' go to the farewell party!! So why!! Why did my mom have to look through my computer!! …Ugh, just make it make sense, man… I feel like I just took 50 billion points of psychic damage….

(Idia collapes to the ground)

Ortho: Erm, I mean, yeah. I don't think anybody could've seen this coming, and it's unfortunate what happened… B-But it's okay! Mom didn't even really say anything about what she saw on your PC, so…

Idia: NOOOOO! Stop, stop, stop! Her being nice about it just makes it a million times worse!! You guys are lucky I can't accumulate blot or else I'd totally be overblotting right now!!! Fucking hell, Malleus-Shiiiii!!! Oh, he is so not getting away with this! I bet he thinks he's soooo cool, but I'm not gonna rest until he's on his hands and knees with snot and tears running all over his face begging me for mercy! Now, let's see. What'll I do to him…. Eh heh heh heh!!

Ortho: Uh-oh, I'm almost scared to ask what you're planning… Heh. He really picked the wrong guy to mess with.

Idia: Heh heh… Dude's never even seen my final form before, and now that my Underworld training arc's over he doesn't even stand a chance. You wait right there for me, Malleus Draconia… I'm gonna expose every single fucking weakness you got and make you PAY FOR THIS!!!

Part 1

Part 2

(TL Note: The flashback lines I took from the official ENG translation. Also took some lines from Disney's "Hercules" for Ortho in some parts.)

#idia shroud #malleus draconia #ortho shroud #twst #twisted wonderland #twst spoilers #twst jp #the ruler of the abyss

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bean-plaent · 2 months

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Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss – Chapter 7 (Part 2)

Following is part 2 of my translation of Chapter 7 of Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss. This part contains Episode 7-107 to 7-111.

Main storyline spoilers after the cut.

Episode 7-107

Ortho: Pretty much our only option is to try and convince Malleus-san to bring down the domain himself and let everybody go. 'Cause if you destroy a server, you'll just end up destroying all the data its got inside it, too. How about we do something like go up to the barrier and shout, "Hey, Malleus-san! You're making your grandma cry over here!!" You know, like they do in those old crime dramas.

Chief: …We'll certainly reach out to Queen Maleficia, at any rate.

Head Engineer: I wish it were as simple as just getting an overblotter's family member to talk them out of it, honey. Then Styx wouldn't always have so much trouble on our hands.

Ortho: So what, are you guys saying we should give up?

Head Engineer: Now, now, Or-kun. Did you forget what you just said?

Ortho: Huh? What do you- You mean when I was talking about trying to convince Malleus to let everybody go?

Head Engineer: Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!

Ortho: But mom, you said so yourself, it's not as simple as just talking an overblotter out of it.

Head Engineer: As long as you've got even the slightest chance of success, it's worth a try. Besides… I've already thought of a different approach.

Ortho: A different approach?

Head Engineer: Here, can you tell me what this is, Or-kun?

Ortho: Hm? That's a video of… big brother!? Where'd you even get this from? Waaaait a second… That's weird. Where's my maintenance dock? We kept it in big brother's room even after I enrolled and moved into my own room… No way, is this a video of…!?

Head Engineer: That's right. This is a live feed, direct from Idia's dream.

Ortho: Whaaaaaat!??

Head Engineer: Finding a back door's a cinch as long as you understand the source code. And that goes for magical domains, too! And now that we're inside… We can make contact with all the dreamers without Malleus finding out.

Ortho: I-I mean, I understand what you're saying, but still… That's crazy. It feels like I blinked and you already analyzed the domain and even figured out the address for big brother's dream.

Head Engineer: Heh heh! So what do you think? This is the power of human innovation right here! Just you watch, I'm going to dig up each and every address and make my own admin system right under his nose! Hehhehehe….!

Chief: She's been like this ever since she went through the logs of your fight with Malleus… She's even got the data processing and engineering departments going into over drive.

Ortho: Gotcha. She's probably got a grudge against Malleus for saying her tech was pathetic. Heh, sounds like something mom would do. She and big brother really are a lot alike… But I'm glad.

Chief: About what?

Ortho: Big brother looks like he's having a lot of fun in his dream. I know it sounds weird, but I'm just glad to see him so happy.

Chief: I see. Yes, I understand how you feel.

Episode 7-108

Head Engineer: Anyways, it looks like everybody on that island is having the same kind of nice, pleasant dreams as your big brother. Everyone's fast asleep, getting lots of good rest while they're dreaming… Their magic and strength reserves must be all topped up by now, and that's why I'm thinking they're probably going to get bored of these dreams pretty soon. …Well, maybe.

Ortho: So this different approach you were talking about, it's… We're going to make contact with the dreamers and have them take care of Malleus-san for us!?

Head Engineer: Correct! If we can't do anything out here, our only choice is to fight him from the inside!

Ortho: Whaaaat!? No way, that'll never… Wait, but maybe… If we can make contact with the dreamers, then maybe this really will work. If you give up before you even try, your probability of success will be stuck at zero forever. Even if you have a 0.001% probability at succeeding, at long as it's not a zero, then you've got a chance to take that 0.001% and transform it into a one hundred. So there's no reason not to give it a shot. Okay, let's do this. I'll dive into the magical circuitry, enter big brother's dream, and…

Head Engineer: Hang on there, Or-kun.

Ortho: What's the matter? I'm just going to make contact with big brother, that's all. It's not like it's going to be dangerous or anything…

Chief: I'll take over from here, head engineer. We do have one major concern about your making contact with Idia.

Ortho: What?

Chief: Your brother might reject the truth- …he might reject you.

Ortho: …!

Chief: You noticed how your maintenance dock was gone from his room, remember? I'm sure you understand perfectly well what all that implies. You might just end up getting hurt very badly again, Ortho.

Ortho: …

Chief: We're going to reach out to some psychological experts so we can explain the situation as calmly as possible to him, without anyone having to get hurt-

Ortho: You don't have to worry.

Chief / Head Engineer: Huh?

Ortho: I know my big brother. I know as soon as he sees me he'll go, like, "OMG this bishounen humanoid inside my computer is asking me for help?!? Wait, don't tell me what happens next, I've seen this same thing play out like a billion times before in my light novels!! The time's finally come, right!? I'm finally going to become the chosen one!!?"

Chief: Erm, I'm not sure he'd say all… that…

Head Engineer: Honestly, I can see it.

Ortho: Well, regardless how he reacts, I know big brother will listen to us. He's Idia Shroud, the mad genius raised by the chief and head engineer of Styx, remember? Instead of trying to be amicable here and taking the long way around, I say we take a shortcut, instead!

Episode 7-109

Gloomurai: dude you killed it today

Gloomurai: lets hit up that new tundra map tomorrow~

Gloomurai: k im gonna bounce. ggs!

Idia: Maaan, that dungeon raid today was just… The drop rate was friggin' insane!!! I might be able to max out the armor for both my main and my sub-job now. Come to think of it, I also got three event SSRs in a row for my oshi this week, too… Uh-oh, now I'm getting a bad feeling about this. I'm never this lucky… Just watch, all my stuff's gonna crash so hard tomorrow I won't even be able to recover any of my data.

(Idia gets an incoming call on his PC)

Idia: Huh? Ortho's trying to face time me? Wonder why he's calling my online game account, that's weird. Wait, does Ortho even know about my Gloomurai account? And why can't he just call my phone? …Whatever.

(Idia accepts the call)

Idia: Hey, what's up? You need help with a game or something?

Ortho: Hi, big brother. How are you?

Idia: O-Ortho!? W-What's going on!?? I never knew you were into cosplay!?! Dude, that's like a god-tier setup, I can't process all this-… Wait, did you just call me big brother?

Ortho: You and I haven't met before. At least, not in this world. My name is Ortho. I'm a magical humanoid - an autonomous AI made by you.

Idia: …A magical what now?

Episode 7-110

Ortho: You and me haven't met before. At least, not in this world. My name is Ortho. I'm a magical humanoid - an autonomous AI made by you.

Idia: …A magical what now? O-Ooooh, okay, okay, I get it. You're just using an avatar, aren't you? Man, you nearly gave me a heartattack there. I see you went for the cool bishounen look.

Ortho: *sigh* I guess it's going to take some time for you to awaken…

Idia: Wait, what? Awaken? What…?

Ortho: It's okay, I don't blame you. I'm sure you've got a great life going on in there, don't you?

Idia: Umm, you're losing me here, my guy. Is this about some new anime or something?

Ortho: You need to listen to me. You've already realized there's something "off" about this world, haven't you? So I'll get straight to the point: I need you to help me save the world, Idia Shroud!

Idia: ….!! OMG this bishounen humanoid inside my computer is asking me for help?!? Wait, don't tell me what happens next, I've seen this same thing play out like a billion times before in my light novels!! The time's finally come, right!? I'm finally going to become the chosen one!!?

Ortho: BWAHAHA-!!! I mean! Ahem. That's right, big brother. The time has come. It's time for you to awaken from this dream!

Idia: Dream…? Augh!?

(The room starts to warp)

Idia: Humanoid… big brother… Ortho… No, that's all wrong! My little brother is… A-Auugh! My head feels like it's about to explode…! Ortho goes to Royal Sword Academy… No he…! He goes to Night Raven College with me…. My little brother… On that day, my little brother-…!

(Idia's phone starts to ring)

Idia: Ortho's calling me…!? Shit, my head…!

Ortho?: Big bro!? He's trying to trick you! He's a phoney, he's not real!

Idia: A-A phoney!? …Augh!! Where are all these… memories coming from…!?

Ortho?: That phoney's trying to brainwash you, big bro! Don't listen to him!

Ortho: Argh, I knew this spell would have some sort of countermeasures built into it. Looks like the NPCs are programmed to stop any dreamers when they try and wake up. That kind of autonomous magic is really high-level stuff… Guess there's a good reason Malleus-san is considered one of the top five mages in the world!

Ortho?: You wait right there for me, okay? I'm coming!

(The Darkness appears)

Ortho: W-What's all that black mushy stuff!? Oh no, is it.. Is it blot!?

Ortho?: Sorry I kept you waiting, big brother. I'm here. Everything will be okay now.

Idia: Or…Ortho?

Episode 7-111

Ortho: Don't tell me, big brother thinks that black gunk is "Ortho"? Get away from that thing, big brother! Run!!

Ortho?: It's okay now, big bro. You're just tired from playing video games for too long, that's all. Come over here and rest for a while.

Idia: U-ugh… O-Okay..

Ortho: Crap, he can't hear me anymore. Big brother run away! Get away from theeeeeere!!!

Idia: …Huh!? Why… Why am I wearing my ceremonial robes? And why am I in the courtyard?

???: Is that you, Shroud?

Idia: Eep!

Malleus: So it was you. …What ever is the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Idia: M-Malleus-Shi… why are you here?

Malleus: Why…? Orientation's just about to start, isn't it?

Idia: O-Orientation?

Malleus: …Heh. Are you still half-asleep? You remind me of Silver, a student from my dorm.

Idia: Hold up… Orientation…? That was months ago…

Malleus: What do you mean? This is the first time you'll be attending orientation as a dorm warden.

Idia: U-Uhhh… Really?

Malleus: You're a strange one, you know that? Come, and let us make our way to the mirror chamber. It won't do for two wardens - and two third years at that - to arrive late.

Idia: Man, it feels like I'm forgetting something suuuper important right now… Whatever.

(something thuds in the distance)

Malleus / Idia: !?

Idia: There's a bright light in the sky… The heck is that… I-Is it a meteor!? Uhhh, doesn't it look like it's coming straight for us!? It's coming straight for us, right!??

Malleus: …What on earth is it? I don't… I don't know what it is.

Idia: Dude, why aren't you freaking out right now!? We need to RUN!! It's gonna be game over if that thing hits us. N-No, it's too late!! I need to put up a forcefield-! Uwaaaaa!!

(Something crashes into the ground)

Idia: PLEASE tell me my dead man switch fired and deleted all my shit, please, please, please… Wait.. I'm… alive?

???: Life force resonance tracking was a success. The target has been located.

Ortho: Sorry I took so long to get here, big brother!

Idia: W-Who the heck are you!? Ah! That's the Styx emblem! Are you a new power suit model that mom made? But why are you calling me big brother…?

Ortho: I'll explain later. Now get behind me! There's a scary guy glaring at us.

Malleus: What is the meaning of this, Little Shroud? You are not meant to exist within this dream. Just how did you weasel your way in here?

Ortho: Heh. Don't you remember what you told me, Malleus Draconia-san? You said I'm like a ghost. And a ghost doesn't need any reason to be able to move between dimensions and spacetime, now does it?

Malleus: Heh… Ah ha ha ha! You have my praise, for being able to astound me twice now. However, for you to have the gall to tread not once, but twice into my castle without my permission… You are brazen beyond belief, you little automaton! Stand back, you fools!

Part 1

#twst #twst spoilers #twst jp #the ruler of tje abyss #malleus draconia #idia shroud #ortho shroud

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bean-plaent · 2 months

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Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss – Chapter 7 (Part 1)

Following is part 1 of my translation of Chapter 7 of Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss. This part contains Episode 7-101 to 7-106

Main storyline spoilers after the cut.

Episode 7-101

Silver: Y-You’re…!

Idia: Can’t start a boss raid without a tank, and now we’re all set to go. The opening act’s DONEZO. Time for the main event! Heehee!

Sebek: J-Just what on earth is going on here!? Have we awakened from the dream?

Idia: Nah, we're still in the dream, sorry. Well, it's not really a dream. It's just a magic domain that Malleus-Shi created. I mean, just look at that armor you're wearing, dude. No way you can take that into the real world with you. 'Cause it's not really real, it's just, like, "info".

Silver: W-Wait, how do you know all this? Do you remember what happened before we fell asleep?

Idia: Uhh, it's not that I remembered everything. It's just I got a good handle on what's going on, I guess you could say.

Yuu: What do you mean?

Idia: H-Hold your horses, I'll explain later. But first… uhmm.. Ahh… I haven't really ever talked to you guys, right? Name's Idia Shroud, I'm the dormwarden over at Ignihyde.

Sebek: Ah, that's it! I was wondering why you seemed so familiar. Now I remember, you are indeed Ignihyde's warden! You appeared in that strange, plank-like form at my orientation, and I dare say this is the first time we've ever properly met.

Idia: R-Right. I just remoted into your guys' orientation on my tablet.

Sebek: And I am Sebek Zigvolt of Diasomnia! A first year of Class D, student number 33! This dullard here is my dormmate, Silver! He is a second year!

Idia: G-geez he sounds like a friggin' air horn!! Feels like my eardrums are about to explode. Hard to believe Malleus-shi's ears aren't totally busted from having to listen to that all the time...

Silver: My apologies, Idia Senpai. We'll try to keep it down. Anyways, I don't think you have to worry about your eardrums, since we're inside a dream and all, but… Ah, that's right! Everyone, stay alert!! Idia Senpai, Grim, Yuu, get behind us!

Idia: Wait, wot? Why? AUGH! Ow ow ow! I'm getting squeezed to death in a meathead-and-armor sandwich!!

Grim: Huh? What's goin' on, Silver?

Silver: Now that Idia Senpai's awake, it's only a matter of time before the Darkness appears and tries to lull him into a deeper sleep.

Grim: Crap, yer right! An' ya know what else… I bet Malleus is gonna pop up any second now and go into his stupid "HaVe yOu aWaKeNeD!?" spiel!

Sebek: The Darkness aside, I fear without Sir Lilia's aide our odds against Lord Malleus are… Nay, that matters not! Be it the Darkness or the Young Lord, we shall defeat whatever stands in our path!

Idia: Ohmigod I'm gonna die… I can't… breathe…!

???: So sorry to rain on your guys' parade, but… There's no need to worry about Malleus Draconia-san or that wiggly black stuff right now. It's likely Malleus-san is currently engaged with pouring his "resources" into keeping Lilia Vanrouge-san asleep.

Grim: Hey, that sounds like Ortho! Boy am I glad you're here, I thought we mighta lost ya back in the dream corridor. Where are you, anyway?

Ortho: Teehee, sorry for all the worry. Unfortunately, I'm unable to join you guys in big brother's dream without it causing some major problems, so we'll just have to talk through this monitor feed for now. Sorry. Anyways… My big brother appears to be suffering from oxygen deficiency judging by the pallor of his face, so could you please give him some space?

Silver: Ack, I'm so sorry!

Idia: *gasps for breathe* Uwaaaah!!! A-Another second and I was about to get yeeted into the Underworld… T-Thanks, Ortho.

Sebek: Oi, what was all that gibberish about Lord Malleus pouring "resources" into Sir Lilia?

Idia: Yeah, yeah, we're getting there. Ortho, could ya give 'em a recap?

Ortho: Roger that, big brother! I guess I'll start with how me and big brother know this is all just a dream… So on the day of Lilia-san's going away party, Malleus-san cast a spell that put all of Sage's Island to sleep… Or better said, he froze all of spacetime here. But by transforming into data and utilizing a connection I established with a communication satellite, I was able to escape.

Everyone: Communication satellite!?

Grim: The heck were ya able to do that!?

Ortho: Hehehe, it's because I'm unique! I may not be able to develop a Unique Magic, since I'm not a mage… But I was able to transmit my consciousness and my soul to a communication satellite using radio waves, and I then transferred myself into a different body. And that's something only I can do, ya know?

Sebek: I am loathe to admit it… But the technical advances that humans have brought forth truly are astounding.

Silver: Right. You and me could train and train, but we'll never be able to do what Ortho just did. He truly is unique.

Ortho: Hehheh, I'd love to hear you guys compliment me some more… But I'll get back to the story. Once I made it to Styx, I got my hands on a brand new gear.

Sebek: Styx…. 'Tis the organization that administrates the Isle of Lament, as I recall Sir Lilia explaining to us before.

Ortho: Correct. And then I worked together with Styx to infiltrate the island, so we could analyze Malleus-san's Unique Magic… Fae of Maleficence.

Episode 7-102

(A little while after Ortho and the KB-RS units departed for Sage's Island)

Ortho: This is Ortho reporting. I have reached the aerial perimeter of Sage's Island together with KB-RS01 and 02. We are now en route to the penetration point. The island's still pretty far away, but my magical energy and blot concentration sensors are going crazy. This is just like when the gates to the Underworld opened up… No, it'll be okay. I've got this new gear mom made for me, and the KB-RS units are here with me, too.

KB-RS01 / 02: Grrrr…. Woof woof!!

Ortho: This is Ortho reporting. We have reached the penetration point. Now making final preparations for descent.

Chief: Roger that. Good luck!

Ortho: Now deploying magical barrier infiltration mode. Activating counter-spell barrier. KB-RS units, deploy slicer modules and activate your ethereal slicers! Now initiating operation "Infiltrate Sage's Island"!

Ortho: Dammit, looks like this isn't going to be easy… KB-RS units! Keep on the attack!

Chief: We need to cover for Ortho. All battleships, aim your magical cannons at the barrier!

Operator A: All magical cannons are at full output! Firing in five seconds…. 3…2…1!

Chief: Fire!!

Ortho: The vines are all gathering together in that one spot to protect the island!! Looks like we should be able to get in over there, where the vines aren't so concentrated. Let's go, KB-RS units! Ethereal slicers at maximum output! We're gonna cut our way in!!

Operator A: Ortho has successfully infiltrated the barrier.

Head Engineer: …That takes care of the first hurdle. The next problem will be getting him out of there. He's only got twenty minutes before that gear loses power.

Chief: Right. Let's make sure we're prepared for whatever happens. Hurry up and get those cannons reloaded!

Staff Members: Yes, Sir!

Head Engineer: Come back safe and sound, you hear… Or-kun!!!

Episode 7-103

Ortho: ….We did it! We're inside the domain! And thanks to my counter-spell barrier, the spacetime aberrations here aren't affecting me at all.

(Time until loss of power: 20:00)

Ortho: Deploying analysis anchors!! Now running analysis! Woah, this magic is super complex… It'll take a good 17 minutes just to analyze the spell's formulation and save all this data. We'll be cutting it close, but we can make it. Just have to keep the anchors safe until the analysis is done….

(Purple lightning strikes)

???: My, my… And I was wondering just what slipped into my domain.

(Malleus appears in a column of green fire)

Malleus: Let's see here, you're… You look awfully different, but you're Little Shroud, correct?

Ortho: Malleus Draconia-san…!!! You're… So you really did overblot.

KB-RS01: Grrrr!!!

Malleus: Shouldn't you be fast asleep back at Diasomnia?

Ortho: Heh, sorry about that. But that body in the dorm lounge is nothing but a tin can now. I was able to use the wireless network to escape. Thing is, I'm an autonomous AI constructed from data, so I-… Actually, you probably won't understand even if I explain it, huh.

Malleus: In other words, you slipped out of your body, like a ghost, and found yourself a new vessel… Is that right?

Ortho: Oh, wow! That's a very fae-ish way of interpreting data transfer! But yeah, you got it. As long as there's radio waves available, I can go pretty much anywhere. …Even to the furthest reaches of space! I saw you used your magic to block off the submarine cables, but you never even thought about the satellites, didja? Magic is the power of imagination. And you can't bring to life or fight against something you don't understand. And that's exactly what I am - I'm not made out of quantum particles our spiritual energy or anything like that, I'm data. You seriously need to consider upping your security protocols! Personally, I recommend implementing UTM within your barrier.

Malleus: You-tee-em? What in the world is that supposed to stand for, I wonder.

Ortho: What the- You don't even know what that is, either? Geez. See, this is exactly why you got outwitted by your Kouhai like this. Doesn't matter if you're one of the top give mages in the world, or how ancient this spell is… You're no big deal. You'll never be able to put me to sleep with your magic!

Malleus: Heh, I see… In that case… I'll just have to smash you to pieces then, you little automaton.

Ortho: Go ahead and try! You'll see just how strong Styx… Just how strong the most advanced human technology in the world is!

Ortho (thinking): Malleus-san doesn't appear to view the analysis anchors as a threat. There's thirteen minutes left until they'll be ready… I need to buy us some time!

Malleus: My sincerest apologies, but uninvited guests really aren't welcome here. I'll be escorting you out now.

Episode 7-104

Malleus: You have my praise, it's quite astounding you've been able to maintain your sanity within my domain for this long. However… Is this really supposed to be the pinnacle of human invention? How pathetic! You haven't managed to lay even a finger on me this whole time. Fufufu…. Ahahhaha!

Ortho (thinking): Damnit! It's like everything in the domain is bending to Malleus-san's will. I don't think our attacks are even hitting him, let alone having any effect. It's like he's got this whole place in the palm of his hand…!

Malleus: Now then, let us cease with these childish games.

(Malleus explodes one of the KB-RS units)

Ortho: 01!!

Ortho (thinking): There's only 30 seconds left until the analysis is complete… Come on, we're almost there!!

Malleus: My, you look awfully pale. Do even machines feel fear? It's alright, I'll ensure you won't feel a thing when I shatter you.

Ortho (thinking): 20 seconds left… Please, hurry up, anchors! Hurry!!

Malleus: Sweet dreams, Little Shroud.

Ortho (thinking): I failed… I'm so sorry, mom and dad!

(Malleus freezes for a second and then looks confused)

Malleus: !!!

Ortho: !?

Malleus: Tsch, I missed.

Ortho (thinking): What… just happened? It's like he froze for a second there. Kind of like when a CPU overloads and gets a processing failure.

(an alarm beeps)

Analysis Anchor: Analysis complete. Data has been saved to the crypto memory core.

Ortho: 02! Get all the anchors and retreat! NOW!!

KB-RS02: Grrrr!!

Malleus: How bothersome. You're nothing more than a fly buzzing around my face…Away with you!

(Malleus explodes the other unit)

Ortho: 02! Argh… But thanks to 02 distracting him, the anchors are safe. All I have to do now is get them out of here…!

(The ground starts to shake)

Malleus: …What is it now? You fools just don't know when to stop!

Ortho: This is…!

Episode 7-105

Operator B: KB-RS01 and 02 are down! 45 seconds until Ortho loses power!

Head Engineer: …He still has enough time and power to escape the domain. Don't give up!! All autopilot Charon units, activate Termination Mode! Do whatever it takes to get Ortho out of there!

Chief: All battle ships, concentrate power into the magical cannons! Raise the output and don't stop firing!!

Technician: W-We've already reached maximum output! If we go any higher, the generators are going to get fried!

Chief: I don't care! As long as we can give him some time, even ten seconds or three seconds, it doesn't matter. We just need to have Malleus concentrate on defending the barrier! Now take aim and fiiiiiire! Fire, fire fire!

Ortho: It's Styx! They're giving me backup! Now's my chance! Magical slicer, full buuurst!

Malleus: …What!?

Ortho: Uooooooo!!

Chief: Cease cannon fire! All ships, prepare for Malleus's counterstrike and activate your invisible shields!

Operator A: …Ortho has now exceeded his power limit. System down, we don't have a signal!

Chief: …No!!

Head Engineer: Or-kun…!

(An alarm blares)

Operator A: We're receiving a transmission from the Charon Tetra Unit!

Charon: This is Tetra Unit reporting! We've discovered Ortho's body floating in the water around the domain! His body is very badly damaged, but his core is unharmed. We've also recovered all the analysis anchors from the water. We're now en route back to HQ.

Everyone: We did it!! Hooraaaaay!!

(Mr. and Mrs. Shroud hug and fall to the floor in relief)

Chief / Head Engineer: Haaaahhh….

Head Engineer: Good grief... I've said this before and I'll say it again, but even if I had a hundred hearts those boys would still leave me frazzled at the end of the day….

Chief: You know what? I gotta agree with you there, sweetheart….

Malleus: …Tsch. Damn those cunning little humans… No, it matters not. They can come back as many times as they like, be it a hundred times, a thousand times, and it will always end the same… I will remove any and all uninvited guests.

Episode 7-106

Ortho: Huh? Where am I…?

Head Engineer: You awake, Or-kun?

Ortho: Mom… Dad… I…

Head Engineer: Your Cerberus Gear was heavily damaged. All we managed to recover was your core and some of the surrounding parts around it. We lost both KB-RS units in the domain.

Ortho: I see… I wanted the three of us to make it back home together…

Head Engineer: They were good boys, huh. Listen, once we get rid of that domain, I'm sure we'll be able to recover their parts. And then mama will fix them up good as new.

Ortho: I'm so sorry, I know how hard you worked on them…

Head Engineer: What are you apologizing for!! All that matters is you're safe and sound. Welcome home, Or-kun.

Chief: Welcome home, Ortho. I'm so glad you made it back safely.

Ortho: Yeah, I'm glad to be home, too.

(The Shroud family hugs each other)

Ortho: Wait, I almost forgot! What about the anchors!?

Chief: They've all been recovered safely, you guys did an excellent job. Sytx's data processing department is firing all cylinders trying to analyze everything. There's multiple, complex layers of magic comprising Malleu's domain. The way it's interwoven, it reminds me of Test Subject F… Sorry, of the ancient spell that Grim has on him. Thanks to Briar Valley's assistance, we've at least been able to ascertain how the domain is constructed.

Ortho: Already!? That's great news!

Chief: Unfortunately, it's just the opposite.

Ortho: Wait, what do you mean?

Chief: We've determined that if Malleus Draconia himself does not break his spell voluntary, or if he is not eliminated, then we only have a 0.2% chance of destroying the domain from the outside.

Ortho: No…!

Head Engineer: Everything in that domain, even the laws of reality, is under Malleus's control. We could fire the most powerful magical cannons in the world at that barrier and fight our way inside, but as soon as you're in, you're powerless. We could maybe beat him if we take about 100,000 Cerberus Gear units with us…

Ortho: We probably wouldn't even need to fight him if we had that many units. He'd be too stunned to even move…

Head Engineer: Sounds like a good idea, right? But by the time I finish making that many auto-pilot units, his domain will have likely enveloped the whole world by then.

Chief: We have a couple of other concerns, as well. The minds of all those people asleep on Sage's Island, they're all trapped within Malleus's magical barrier. And according to our analyses, we've discovered they're all currently "dreaming".

Ortho: Dreaming…? You mean the illusionary phenomenon humans experience when in REM sleep?

Head Engineer: Correct. His magic is tricking them into believing that what they're seeing in those dreams is real. It almost works like the Lethe River system, in a way. So if we go in guns a-blazing and try to destroy the barrier, we just might end up destroying everyone's minds along with it.

Ortho: I get it… It's like the domain is one huge server. And that means… Pretty much our only option is to try and convince Malleus-san to bring down the domain himself and let everybody go.

Part 2

#twst spoilers #twst #twisted wonderland #twst jp #malleus draconia #idia shroud #twst silver #sebek zigvolt #ortho shroud #the ruler of the abyss #twst book 7

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