Chapter 7: Berserk Mode

Now that I think about it, there is a major issue to consider. The scar on my back signifies that it's no longer a matter of "if," but I prefer to consult everyone about this.

"Berserk?" everyone asked.

"I'm not sure if Fine knows about this, but the Berserk phenomenon occurs when someone with a relic inside their body, like Hibiki and me, is exposed to a significant increase in power. This causes the relic to gain more than our bodies can handle, turning us into mutant monsters."

As I spoke, everyone glanced at Hibiki before shaking their heads. I slowly pointed at Hibiki, which made them fall silent. In the future, due to the Ignite module, almost everyone will have experienced Berserk at least once. When you fail to enter the Ignite module, the backlash effectively forces you into a Berserk state.

"While the future has changed since I altered everything, Hibiki actually went Berserk a couple of times, some of which were because of this."

"Although in the future, Hibiki manages to rid herself of her relic, I can't use the same method because my relic is from another timeline, and their nature is very different. But you don’t need to worry about that, as it’s far in the future."

"What do you mean by that, Mamoru?"

"Well, basically, a certain Symphogear possesses that kind of power. When that power spirals out of control, Hibiki uses it to save both herself and the owner of that Symphogear. I won't elaborate further since this timeline is already confusing enough for me."

Hearing my words, they slowly let out a sigh. Just then, the screen lit up, showing Fine in her sleepwear, which made me think she is really enjoying prison life.

"Now I'm curious about which relic this Symphogear possesses," I mused.

"I'll refrain from saying anything more, as you probably have a hint about what kind of relic it is. Still, I need to ask you all to prepare for when Berserk happens in the future. Luckily, you have two people who can help. So, which one do you want to face: Hibiki or me?"

I could see Fine grinning at my response, but I decided to ignore her and focused on the group, where Hibiki raised her hand.

"Mamoru, from what you said, this happens a lot, and it's mostly because of me. Why risk it in the first place?"

"Well, I know you don't fight me because you consider me a friend and don't want to hurt me, even when you go berserk. But I can assure you it's safe because we have four Symphogear users here. If one of us goes berserk, the other three can absorb the excess power."

"Absorb?"

"Yes, we Symphogear users can harmonize with each other through song, which helps us stabilize ourselves. That's one reason why it's easier to use X-Drive in a group rather than alone."

"Wait a minute, back when we were sparring..."

"Yup, I used your guys' phonic gain. Compared to a city environment or a concert, it was still low, but it was enough for me to transform alone. As expected, your harmony is very good."

"Tch, so we were being used."

"Yup. Besides, while the phonic gain requirement for you is slightly higher than for me and Hibiki, in Hibiki's case, since she only has a small shard inside her, there's a chance she could go berserk."

"Somehow, I feel like I'm the bomb of the squad."

"Oh, don't worry, Hibiki. While you are indeed the bomb, you are also the glue that allows them to access X-Drive easily in the first place."

"I am?"

"Yes! Even in the future, when you cleanse the relic from your body, you'll still be able to access all of your other forms compared to the others."

"Wait, Mamoru, from what you said, we have more than one form?"

"In the future, yes. For now, you don't need to worry about that, as many of your forms will come when you start exploring different parallel worlds."

"Wait, does that mean we're getting stronger?"

"Yes, Chris! In fact, in the future, you'll be able to access X-Drive much more easily than you can now."

"Hehehe, I can't wait!"

"I see a parallel world. I wonder what kind of me resides there."

"Most of them are either dead or you never awakened inside Sakurai in the first place. Fine, this is the only time you survive, and that’s mainly because I intervened. However, since I haven't seen that many parallel worlds, I can't be sure."

"And from what you said, a Relic did it? Very interesting. Maybe I can find a parallel world where I can kidnap him."

"You're really fixated on him, aren't you? Fine, if you manage to find one, sure, why not? But the chances are so low that it’s like asking you to find a needle in a huge bundle of haystack."

"Isn't it finding a needle in a haystack?"

"Yeah, but this is a parallel world, and there are tons of them. Moreover, the requirement to even find one is even harder. As far as I remember, in the future, we've encountered at least ten different parallel worlds, each with a different setting."

"Hmm... I see. So when you mentioned getting stronger, is that what you meant?"

"Yes, they will need to get to the parallel world and get stronger, as they operate on different principles."

"Okay, sorry to interrupt you, but please continue with your plan for the berserk."

"Well, I was planning to, but where was I? Oh yes, since you can absorb the overflowing power to cancel berserk, I am planning to have you guys do this, especially you two, Tsubasa and Chris, since you need to rescue Hibiki in case I'm unavailable or if I enter berserk. As for me, you three must absorb it, since mine is rather large."

"I see. Then leave it to us, Mamoru."

"Oh sure, it’s not like anything new with this idiot."

"Chris is being rude to me, Miku."

"Oh, yosh yosh."

"Yeah, but first I need to confirm one thing. Director Genjuro, is Durandal still inside this base?"

"Yes, Mamoru. While there was a plan to move it to a more secure place, for now, it is here."

"Oh, I see. You're planning to use Durandal to overpower you."

"Yes, that is correct, Fine. This method is easy and relatively safe since only Hibiki and I can enter a berserk state using this relic, so it’s safe."

"Fufufufu, then I will watch the recording. But I see berserk as a flaw that doesn’t need fixing since it’s rare, so I will use you two very well."

"Sometimes I wonder if you're really in prison with how carefree you are."

"Oh, I am indeed in prison, but I'm still a higher-up, so it's rather easy to request something. Still, with all this information you're giving me, I can't help but wonder what you want, Mamoru. Is it my body, or do you want me to become your bride? Too bad, it already belongs to someone else."

(WHO WANTS IT IN THE FIRST PLACE?)

I almost shout at her, but I manage to only yell in my mind. Besides, I prefer not to be sadistic, since I'm not a masochist. Wait a minute—recently, I feel like my mindset has strayed into masochistic territory. This is bad...

"So, which one do you want to face first: Hibiki or me?"

"Can you tell me the difference first?"

"Sure. Tsubasa, Hibiki is much easier to control and contain because she only has a small shard of a relic inside her. Me? It's different. My power will probably approach the X-Drive level, but without Phonic to control it, you'll need to do your best to contain me quickly before I completely lose control and massacre everyone."

"Wait, you're joking, right?"

"No, Chris. In fact, in one of the parallel worlds, I almost destroyed it but managed to contain it because of the three of you in the future. Looking at you all now, I can't be sure I won't kill you, so in the worst case, before I completely lose myself, separate the Durandal from me at all costs—even if you have to cut off my hand."

Hearing my resolve, the rest fall silent, even Fine, which is surprising. But I'm not sure if I can even enter berserk mode since I have a relic inside me, just like Hibiki. I should be able to enter berserk mode, but at least this way they won't take it lightly and will understand there are terrible consequences for doing it alone, especially since the Ignite module exists in the future.

"Then Hibiki."

"I see. Let's go to the training area, but please get the Durandal, Director Genjuro."

"You really are... sure."

After that, we enter the training area, already transformed. I still can't get used to the transformation sequence, but Genjuro comes in carrying a huge case and opens it to reveal the Durandal.

"Then, Director Genjuro, please leave the room. When you're ready, Hibiki, pick up the Durandal."

"Okay, Mei."

The trio takes a deep breath before fist-bumping each other.

"Get it together, idiot."

"Please go easy on me, Chris."

"Then Hibiki, stay strong."

"I will, Tsubasa."

Hibiki picks up the Durandal, and just like in the anime, a black aura with a red hue begins to take control of her. Initially, the plan is for Hibiki to face it first and see if she can get out of it on her own. If she fails, the others will try to contain her, and if that fails as well, I will step in to help them.

Just like in the anime, it initially seemed like Hibiki could contain her power. However, after a few minutes, she lost control, her eyes turning red, fangs and claws emerging, and her body transforming into a dark red-black form.

She began rampaging, throwing Durandal at me. I managed to deflect it with my shield, but the force sent a shiver down my spine. Chris and Tsubasa tried to hold her back, attempting to harmonize with her to absorb the overwhelming power.

From my perspective, there was a noticeable difference from the anime—perhaps because I was now a Symphogear user. I could see that the phonic gain was distorted, so I decided to sing a lullaby from my previous life, inspired by Frostnova. As I did, a cold aura began to dissipate, seeping into Hibiki and slowing her movements.

After what felt like an hour, they managed to contain her, but Hibiki looked worse for wear, on the verge of collapse. This surprised me since the anime hadn’t portrayed it this badly. Just then, the training room door opened, and Miku rushed in, embracing Hibiki.

It was truly a heartwarming sight. Although I’m not a fan of yuri, the relationships in Symphogear feel pure and free of lewdness—likely a result of it being an anime. I prefer this lighter approach to romance over the heavier themes often found in other yuri stories.

"Okay, you're next," Chris said.

"Chris, we're at our limit. Let's save that for later."

"Ehhh, Senpai, we should just get this over with, especially since you and Mei barely have any free time as idols."

Ugh... Those words stung. I had learned some interesting ninja techniques, but my free time was extremely limited. I barely had time to play video games, aside from a mobile one I played in the car.

"Well, okay then. When you have free time, let's continue the training, alright?"

"I can't wait for our next session!"

Hibiki exclaimed, but Miku playfully pulled her cheek as she puffed up her cheeks. I noticed Tsubasa slowly sitting down, nearing her limit, as was Chris, so I decided to heal them.

"Oh, Mei's healing is here"

"As always, thanks for the healing, Mei."

"With this, I can keep training!"

"Hibiki?"

"Sorry, Miku, that was just a joke. Please don't be mad."

At least today's training is finally over. However, with the time already wasted, I can't help but wonder if there will even be a significant battle besides the season 2 premiere.

As I contemplate this, I slowly turn my gaze to the Durandal still lodged in the wall.