The sixteenth chapter of the Shakugan no Shana X: Eternal Song manga series.
As Molech went over the current state of the war, he thought about Töten Glocke's victory and what the Grand Scheme would entail.
Summary[]
Molech watched over the battlefield with Labyrinthos. A group of Flame Haze were trying to chase down the retreating right flank army of Töten Glocke when Crimson Denizens from the central army crashed through the forest, splitting the Flame Haze forces into two groups. Molech thought that apart from the use of Tendōkyū, everything was going according to Töten Glocke's plan; holding the Flame Haze back at the foot of the mountain and buying time.
Sokar and Ninurta bickering.
Molech remembered a time when he was explaining a plan to Sokar and Ninurta, with the two having disagreed with him before he could finish what he was saying. Illuyanka had convinced the two to stop their bickering and listen to the rest of the plan.
Crimson Denizens potentially witnessing the realization of the Grand Scheme.
Molech told Sokar and Ninurta, who had both perished, that the fruits of their battles had resulted in Töten Glocke's present favorable position. He watched Ullikummi and the central army, who had broken up the Flame Haze Army and pushed out Bal Masqué's pursuers so that they had to continue their chase. Molech wished for Ullikummi to hold out until the Grand Scheme was realized. The way to stop the battle with the Flame Haze was to make it have no meaning by promoting the significance of the Grand Scheme and creating a new order for this world. When they see the Grand Scheme completed, Denizens, even ones in the Crimson Realm, would recognize all the new possibilities it would bring, and Töten Glocke would become the engine for the new world. Molech hoped he would survive and be a part of it, but thought what was needed for the battles leading to the new order were powerful people like the "Pair of Wings".
The damage caused by Merihim within Labyrinthos.
The "Pair of Wings" were locked away inside Labyrinthos and Merihim launched Rainbow's Heaven Sword once out of frustration, causing great damage. He understood that Molech was making their victory more certain by exerting himself and resting them, and he would signal for them when it was time, but Merihim still wanted to fight "that woman".
Molech was glad Merihim had settled down. He didn't understand why Mathilde was choosing to go around fighting guard Denizens instead of trying to destroy Labyrinthos. He believed that if she did try to destroy it, her enormous power would mean he would eventually perish trying to hold her off. Molech was prepared for that, but remembered Chernobog berating him for speaking as if he would die, as she thought his Unrestricted Spell was truly impregnable. He wondered how she was doing, as Tendōkyū blocked the effects of Labyrinthos and he couldn't tell what was happening inside. As no Flame Haze forces had exited it, he thought Chernobog was doing well. Molech planned to make it up to her for making her go to Tendōkyū when her original duty was assassinations, and recalled that she liked colorful flowers.
The "Pair of Wings" potentially coming to the aid of Ullikummi.
Molech wanted to maintain this situation to buy time and when the Flame Haze were exhausted, he would deactivate Labyrinthos and have the "Pair of Wings" take care of them. Next they would suppress Tendōkyū and after removing things that could harm their master, all of their forces would go and help Ullikummi in defeating the Flame Haze. During this, the Grand Scheme would be realized quietly, and Töten Glocke would win. Molech didn't know that as Mathilde ran, behind her trailed thin threads.
Characters[]
- Molech
- Sokar (flashback)
- Ninurta (flashback)
- Jarri (flashback and Molech's thoughts)
- Ullikummi
- Alraune (cameo)
- Merihim
- Illuyanka
- Mathilde Saint-Omer
- Wilhelmina Carmel
- Chernobog
- Gavida
- Asiz (Molech's thoughts)
Powers and Abilities Used[]
Unrestricted Spells[]
- Labyrinthos - Molech
- Rainbow's Heaven Sword - Merihim
- Knights - Mathilde
- Ribbons - Wilhelmina
Locations[]
Quotes[]
- Molech (thinking): "If they see the accomplishment of the Grand Scheme with their own eyes, our brethren in the Crimson Realm will realize how vast the new possibilities are. Then, Töten Glocke will become an engine to reorganize the new world. If possible, I would like to survive so that I can help... but given our opponents, it won't be easy. If the worst comes to pass, the likes of me can be found anywhere. However, for the battles that will continue towards the new order, strong ones like the "Pair of Wings" are absolutely necessary..."
Trivia[]
Omake page after the chapter.
- At the end of this chapter, there is an omake page. It features Chernobog and Molech playing chess, with Illuyanka in the background.
- Molech recalled Chernobog berating his timid way of speaking as he was giving her instructions, in chapter 07.