Abyss, Dogma, Burn, Hypno... Yugo’s voice rang out as he recalled the atrocities committed by those who called themselves masterminds—the enemies he had confronted and fought until now.
Why were they trying to plunge this world into madness? When Yugo pressed for an answer, Lost simply let out a weary sigh.
"Phew... Unfortunately, I can't tell you that. But rest assured, you'll know everything soon enough."
"Don't screw with me! You’ve done all this, and now you’re just going to run away again!?"
"That’s just the nature of a villain. However... I don't intend to vanish without saying a word. I’ll leave you with a small—a truly simple—announcement."
"What...?"
Yugo’s expression hardened at the cryptic remark. In response, Lost adopted a theatrical air as he continued.
"You’ve probably guessed that the incidents Zenon encountered across the land were the work of other masterminds, right? I’m sure you’re worried about how many enemies remain even after Dogma and Abyss have fallen... but rest easy. They’ve already withdrawn."
"Huh...?"
"Abyss worked too hard, you see. The Top judged that the people busily making petty preparations in the background couldn't possibly surpass him. Just as Dogma was forced to take responsibility for her lackluster performance today, the others have been pulled from this world."
"Hey, wait a minute! Who are these 'Higher-ups'? And what the hell do you mean by 'withdrawn'?"
"I’m sorry, I can’t tell you that. But like I said, I think you’ll have the answer soon enough."
Yugo could sense the truth hovering just out of reach, but a complete answer eluded him. Even as he spoke to Lost through the Barrier, he desperately tried to piece together what kind of being his adversary truly was.
"By the way, those 'Protagonists' you and Ryuga crushed on your way here—yes, the Reincarnators who betrayed you to side with Dogma’s Group—they’ve all been erased. Since Zenon over there is 'Game Over,' you’re the only one left. My Hero."
"...So the only survivors left on the Mastermind Side are you and Drop. That means if I take you two out, this whole thing finally ends."
"Precisely. And on the flip side, we’ll be doing our absolute best to destroy you. Sounds like things are about to get interesting, wouldn't you say?"
Lost’s mouth twisted into a grin—an expression that was as innocent as it was malevolent. Glaring back at him, Yugo slammed a clenched fist against the Barrier, sending a massive crack spider-webbing across the black surface.
"Lost, this is getting a bit dicey. We should probably beat it."
"Fine by me. Until we meet again, then. I’m looking forward to seeing you play your part in the story I’m writing."
"......!!"
Laughing with unabashed glee, Lost and Drop vanished into the same darkness from which they had arrived. Yugo and his companions could do nothing but watch them go.
Moments after the two had faded into the void, the Barrier dissolved.
"What about Dogma? What happened to her?"
"...It’s no use. There isn't even a bone left. If we could have taken her into custody, we might have been able to squeeze some information out of her about the masterminds...!"
Jinba and the other Security Force members who rushed over immediately regretted that they couldn't secure Dogma. Yugo shared the sentiment. Catching her should have been the key to unraveling the truth behind the masterminds and the Reincarnators. He cursed their failure—but then, something shifted.
"What is this Magic Power!?"
"No—is it even Magic Power? This feels... wrong!"
Though Dogma and her ilk were gone, a strange presence began to permeate the air once again. Yugo and the others watched in astonishment as a soft light radiated from an unknown source—a sensation that felt like Magic Power, yet fundamentally different. Then, a figure began to take shape within the glow.
"Ugh... ah..."
"Who is that?"
The figure emerging from the light was a man. He was tattered, visibly frail, and groaning as he stumbled forward with a halting gait. Despite his initial caution, Yugo couldn't simply stand by and watch the man suffer. He rushed forward to catch him, and as he did, the man tilted his head up to meet his gaze.
"Hey! Are you alright!?"
"Hugo Clay... Ah... finally... finally, I’ve found you..."
Yugo was momentarily taken aback that a complete stranger knew his name, but after everything he’d been through lately, a little mystery was par for the course. Keeping his composure, he pressed the man for answers.
"Who are you? Where did you come from?"
"Forgive me... I’m so sorry. I’m so... incredibly late...!"
The man ignored the questions, offering nothing but a continuous stream of apologies. Yet, as Yugo stared at him, sensing the gravity of the man’s presence, the stranger summoned the last of his strength to utter the impossible.
"I’m so sorry, Hugo... It’s all my fault. It’s my fault... that you were made like that...!!"
"What did you say...?"
Yugo wasn't entirely sure if he’d understood correctly. But piece by piece, the circumstances clicked into place. This man was almost certainly the one who had summoned him to this world. When the man finally succumbed to exhaustion and slumped into unconsciousness, Yugo readjusted his grip and turned to his companions.
"I’m taking him to the Infirmary! He has the answers we’ve been looking for!"
His companions nodded in agreement. Leaving the aftermath of the battle to the rest of the group, they sprinted toward the Infirmary. Lost’s prediction had been right—the truth had arrived sooner than expected. And as Yugo carried the man, he moved forward to meet it at last.