Harem Hero

Rebellious Spirit

You're starting to worry about when the robot will return to cause more trouble. They know that you're onto them now, and are biding their time and waiting to strike when you least expect it. It would be an incredible disaster if they were allowed to inject their chemical weapons in farmland or water sources. Barbara and Mitsuru have been working diligently to poison-proof as many locations as possible with surveillance and assessment from the AI system.

That has freed Mitsuru up to work on her other door project – one which will allow a more natural transfer of chosen individuals between your worlds. With that said, the Sledgehammer will still be needed to summon them to your location. Making them walk all the way from the garage every time an attack happens is not a feasible plan.

But before any of that can happen, you're intercepted by a familiar face as you walk around the city to try and finish off some of Mitsuru's chores. It's your 'son' from the future, Zandias. You aren't sure why the crimson-haired scamp sought you out when nothing is going on, but you decide to hear him out and gain some insight as to what he's here for.

"Can I help you?"

He smirks, "So cold to your own kin. I guess it makes sense when you haven't raised me just yet..."

You follow him away from the bustling streets and into a quiet park close by. He sits down on one of the benches and invites you to join him. There's a moment of serenity as he observes the green grass and birds fluttering between the trees. He's thinking of what he wants to say.

"You know, you and Mom told me that it didn't really matter what I said or did back here. Everything that I do has already happened, as it has happened hundreds of times before. Part of me wanted to spend time with you all and see how things were before I was born."

"You haven't been around much though."

"True. Maybe I'm just a little scared of seeing a younger version of you? I've always looked up to you and Mom, and all of my other Moms. You're always doing what you think is right. You're brave. Braver than me." Zandias swings his and chuckles, "Seeing these 'humble beginnings' of yours makes me appreciate it so much more. Even before you became the strongest man in the universe – you were still risking your life to do the right thing, working out of this old garage with Mitsuru..."

"Things will change."

"They will. In a million little ways, they'll change. You'll have me, and other kids, and you'll learn to protect the peace of the multiverse using so many amazing powers. You'll help the Gremory clan rise to the top of the underworld, and even more besides that. To think that I only came here to give you that scientific paper and set up a few dominoes for you."

"That's it?"

Zandias rolls down his sleeve and checks a digital watch, "Correct. I'm afraid that my part in this story is done soon. It takes a lot of magical energy to keep me here, and I need to be getting back home to the present now that my job's done. I hope you won't miss me too bad."

"We've barely interacted," you observe.

"That's for the best. Mom said I was a little hellraiser when I was younger – you'll be sick of me soon enough."

You laugh, "You're not filling me with much hope here."

"Consider this my pep-talk. Everything that has happened will happen. I can only promise you that the future is bright, all you have to do is keep going. Never lose that faith that doing the right thing will reward you."

You smirk, "Isn't it weird giving advice to your own father?"

He nods, "You're damn right it is. But that future is yours if you're willing to aim for it. You're the hero, and the Incandescent Devil Emperor. A lot of people have you to thank for preserving peace across the multiverse. Just don't forget about little old me when you're rich, powerful and successful."