The Imperial Civil War is a large scale civil war that took place within the Sacred Vollachia Empire. The war started one year and five months after the arrival of Natsuki Subaru into the world, and it was forcefully ended by the Great Disaster in one year and eight months AA. It is the primary conflict of Arc 7.
Though both the emperor Vincent Vollachia and his aide Chisha Gold were aware of a coming disaster that would be triggered by the former’s death, the two had different approaches to handling it. Vincent would gladly give his life so that his army and Divine Generals could handle it. On the contrary, Chisha believed that Vincent was necessary for the survival of the Empire. In an attempt to prepare everyone for it, Chisha incited a coup alongside the Imperial Prime Minister, Berstetz Fondalfon, who had also been troubled by his emperor’s behavior.
Forced off of his throne, Vincent took steps to reclaiming it, including ensuring that Subaru, who had been brought to the Empire unwillingly, assisted him, allying with the reclusive People of Shudrak, and even forging alliances with dangerous people, including the Divine General Yorna Mishigure. At the Decisive Battle for the Imperial Capital, the two armies fought for control over Lupugana. However, with everything in place, Chisha gave his life to protect his emperor, and the Great Disaster began.
Background[]
The Stargazer of Buddheim[]
Years ago, the People of Shudrak had a Stargazer, Mariuli Shudrak, among them. Though having befriended Taritta Shudrak as a soul sister and even having a daughter, Utakata Shudrak, her role as the Stargazer took up her thoughts, and her prophecies and knowledge she was given by the stars were what she worshipped.
On her death bed, she made Taritta promise to carry out her missive: to kill the black haired man who would appear in the jungle at a specific time in order to prevent the Great Disaster. After having Taritta kill her with her own hand and staining her blood with her hands, she passed away. Taritta, having been protected by Utakata’s words, made it her mission to carry out Mariuli’s last request, and she waited for the day that man would arrive.
Imperial Coup[]
One day, one of the Stargazers, Ubilk, made an appearance before the Vincent, before he became the emperor, intending to reveal to him the future that needed to be prevented. Due to the accuracy of the prophecies he held, once Vincent took the throne, he was given a position within the castle as their Stargazer. However, among those prophecies was one of the approaching Great Disaster, and it was set to be triggered by the death of Vincent Vollachia. While Vincent was willing to accept this outcome and had been making appropriate measures to counter the event, Chisha, who learned about it after Vincent had become the emperor, was not so content and confronted Ubilk about the prophecy. Realizing he could use his ability to take Vincent’s place, Chisha started making his own measures.
The measures he took included investigating the Stone, who was supposed to remain in Garkla, sending the Divine General, Groovy Gumlet, to go to the border of Kararagi with a small army, and even recreating Olbart Dunkelkenn’s infantilization technique, using it on Cecilus Segmunt, and sending him to Ginunhive so that he wouldn’t get in the way. Afterward, he allied with Prime Minister Berstetz, who had been discontent with Vincent’s lack of taking any brides and producing any heirs, and they staged a coup.
Vincent was blindsided by Chisha’s actions, and Divine General Goz Ralfon, who had been present when Chisha began the coup, held off the forces the two had brought with him, allowing Vincent to use a certain device to teleport himself to the Buddheim Jungle. When Goz was defeated, he was imprisoned beneath Berstetz’s mansion. Having known the location in which his emperor landed, Chisha sent a small force of his army to search the jungle. Meanwhile, he took on the face and mannerisms of Vincent, and he made a statement to the citizens of Vollachia, keeping them unaware of the circumstances.
Meanwhile, Vincent went to visit the grave of a previous emperor by the Great Cascade, and resolving himself, he set his sights on searching for the People of Shudrak, wrapping his face in bandages to hide his identity.
The Failed Assassination[]
In Lugunica, upon returning to the Barielle Domain following the Battle for Priestella, Priscilla Barielle was confronted by assassins sent by Chisha, whose intent was to lure her to Vollachia. After easily dispatching the assassins, she declared to the members of her camp that they would be leaving for Vollachia. However, this led to a fight between herself and Al, who was heavily against returning to the Empire. Their fight resulted in Al backing down after failing to convince her despite “dying” approximately 1000 times. Afterward, with the assistance of Serena Dracroy, she and her camp arrived in the Empire and made their way to the Fortress City of Guaral.
Pleiades Watchtower Expedition[]
Having just weathered through the Battle for Priestella, the Emilia Camp and some members of the Anastasia Camp traveled to the Pleiades Watchtower in order to find a way to fix those affected by the Sin Archbishops of Gluttony and Lust with the assistance of the Sage. At the tower, the group faced various opponents, including the tower’s guardian Shaula, the siblings Gluttony, an army of Witchbeasts, the soul of Reid Astrea, and even the Divine Dragon Volcanica. After a long and drawn out battle, the group ultimately emerged victorious. The even successfully managed to purge Lye Batenkaitos of the names and memories that he had devoured.
With their victory, Subaru, Ram, Meili Portroute, and Patrasche were left in the Green Room to recover, alongside the still unconscious Rem. After a short conversation about the effects of Gluttony, a bright light shone in the room, and once it faded, an unconscious Rui Arneb, who was meant to have been left trapped within the Corridor of Memories, was there. After Meili was sent to inform everyone, a shadow suddenly emerged in the room. Sending Ram and Patrasche out of the room, Subaru, Rem, and Rui were all taken by the shadow. In the process of being taken away, they were struck by a light from the Divine Dragon, and they were left in the Buddheim Jungle.
Battles[]
Buddheim Jungle Investigation[]
Just outside of the jungle, the army created an encampment, using the excuse of a training exercise as justification in order to appease those who live in the jungle. Their commander, Zikr Osman, remained behind in the nearby Guaral. Meanwhile, Subaru awoke to find Rui acting strangely and Rem awake. However, due to the scent of the witch emanating from him and his treatment of Rui, Rem knocked him out and left with Rui. When Subaru awoke, he left in the direction that Rem wanted him to believe she went, and having gone through one loop already after encountering the “Hunter”, he quietly made his way to a small camp site, hoping to find at least a knife. When Vincent held a sword to his neck, the two engaged in conversation before he led Subaru in the right direction, leaving with him a knife so that Subaru would used as bait. Then Vincent, having been warned by Subaru about the “Hunter”, made his way towards their direction, growing curious about Subaru, whose name he was already aware of.
Subaru eventually managed to catch up with Rem thanks to Rui leaving marks behind, and after a small skirmish and argument, the two were forced to jump into a nearby pit to avoid the arrows of the “Hunter”. Though Rem reflexively broke his fingers shortly afterward, the two were still able to run away, taking Rui along with them. Coming across a cliff, they were left with no choice but to jump. Washing ashore, they were surrounded by imperial soldiers led by Jamal Aurélie. Defending herself, Rem caused the group significant damage before she and the others were captured.
Subaru was awakened in cuffs by Jamal, and the first person he saw was Todd Fang. Due to a previous loop, he was aware that he was in Vollachia and wanted to try and befriend Todd so that they would be safe. However, when Todd saw the look in his eyes, he stabbed him in his shoulder, believing Subaru was trying to manipulate him. Desperate, Subaru claimed to be from the People of Shudrak, and he offered to take the soldiers to them. With no other choice, Todd, Jamal, and several other soldiers took him into the jungle, to the worry of Rem and Rui. After some time, Todd grew suspicious of Subaru, and soon after, a large Elgina appeared, chasing after the scent of the witch. While the soldiers were distracted, Subaru attempted his escape, with Todd hot on his trail, having believed Subaru responsible for this. Subaru successfully managed an escape after jumping off of another cliff, landing in a trap. Meanwhile, the soldiers successfully fought off the Elgina, though they were all killed shortly after by Todd, who was testing the beast’s poison.
Subaru later awakened by Vincent, who was also imprisoned. After a short conversation, they met with the People of Shudrak’s leader, Mizelda Shudrak. They ultimately managed to negotiate to perform the Lifeblood Ritual. Taken to a battleground nearby, they were watched from above as they were made to fight an Elgina. Given a fire stone ring, Subaru made it their goal to destroy the Witchbeast’s horn, which would turn it docile and obey them. Taking advantage of the giant snake’s heat sensors, they were able to blind and trap it. With Vincent unable to cut its horn off, Subaru used his ring to instead blow its head off, blowing his arm off in the process. With Vincent getting him to say his wish for having won, the People of Shudrak made their way to the encampment, where they killed many of the soldiers and rescued Rem and Rui. Subaru, who awoke with his arm having regrown from a curse, passed out shortly after meeting with Rem again, and thanks to her and Rui’s efforts, he was saved, and they were brought back to the Shudrakian’s village.
Vincent declares war on Chisha.
Vincent was impressed with the results of Subaru’s actions and that he managed to stay alive with Rem’s healing magic. Mistaking him for one of the Stargazers, Vincent decided to take him along the path to reclaiming the throne, intending to use him as a strategist of sorts.
Fall of Guaral[]
Once Subaru was awake, he took Rem and Rui and made his way to Guaral, unaware that the survivors of the encampment attack had made their way there. Upon reaching the town, he befriended Flop and Medium O'Connell. Shortly after, he was forced to encounter Todd and retreat with the others in tow. Upon returning to the Shudrakian’s village, Subaru came up with a plan to take over Guaral without any bloodshed. Meanwhile, the soldiers continued closing up any hidden entrances into Guaral.
Returning to Guaral while crossdressing, he, Vincent, Flop, Taritta, and Kuna Shudrak acted as a dance troupe and walked right through the entrance. Captivating the citizens, they were eventually invited to the main building of the town, where the soldiers were gathering, to perform for them. Having successfully infiltrated, they performed once more before successfully holding a sword at Zikr’s neck. With their victory, Subaru burned the flag atop the building.
Not long after, Divine General Arakiya appeared to take defeat Vincent’s forces. Though she left Mizelda severely injured, she was countered, however, when Priscilla and Al arrived and defeated her. With Arakiya imprisoned, Todd decided to infiltrate the prisons and retrieve her. Leaving behind several bodies and using Jamal as bait, Todd managed to successfully escape with Arakiya.
Because of the actions taken here, Vincent made it his priority to gain allies from among the Divine Generals in order to gain assistance from Priscilla and her camp. Deciding to take on one of the most eccentric of the generals, his goal was to make Yorna his ally. Taking Subaru, Medium, Taritta, who had become the Shudrakian chieftain, Al, and Rui, who had snuck aboard their carriage, Vincent made his way towards Chaosflame. Simultaneously, Chisha decided to take a group of his own to Chaosflame, intending to meet with Yorna before Vincent could and potentially dissuade her from becoming their ally.
Destruction of Chaosflame[]
When Vincent’s group made it to Chaosflame, they took up a room at an inn before Subaru, Medium, and Al made their way to the Crimson Lapis Castle. Managing to meet with Yorna, they also had the misfortune of meeting with Chisha and his entourage of Ubilk, Olbart, and Kafma Irulux. After successfully handing the letter to Yorna, they managed to successfully escape from the castle, having taken only a single hit each from Olbart.
That night, Subaru’s group returned to the inn while Yorna’s assistant, Tanza, schemed with Olbart. The next day, Subaru, Medium, and Al found themselves infantilized, and they met shortly after with the cause of it. After proposing a game when Subaru called him out on his wish for posthumous infamy, he went to hide. After finding him the first time, they were forced to handle an ambush lying in wait by the Chaosflame citizens. This eventually resulted in Rui’s abilities awakening and Subaru being forced to reveal her identity. Because of their reactions, Subaru and Rui ran away.
Having an idea of where to find Tanza, who they speculated to have masterminded the event, Vincent’s group made their way toward the inn Chisha was waiting in. Meanwhile, Subaru and Rui, after handling several more citizens, left to find Olbart, having been assisted by Ubilk. Inside the castle again, they encountered Yorna, and they managed to obtain her help. Atop the castle, they accidentally instigated a fight between Yorna and Olbart, and after weathering the “ten seconds of despair”, they managed to quell the fight.
Vincent goes to engage the shadow.
Unfortunately, after Olbart tried to return Subaru to normal, Satella found Subaru again, and a shadow spilled from his body, managing to remove Olbart’s arm. This forced Yorna, the city’s residents, Kafma, and Vincent’s group to fight it off. Fortunately, thanks to Al returning to normal, Yorna’s act of blowing up the castle and town, and Tanza’s apparent sacrifice, they were able to push it back. However, Subaru and Tanza were flung across the country. Deciding to use his small state their advantage, Vincent began spreading rumors about a black-haired crown prince in order to instigate uprisings across the country and maybe keep Subaru safe. In the end, they got Yorna to ally with them, and they returned to Guaral.
Flying Dragon Cataclysm[]
Simultaneously occurring with the events in Chaosflame, the Ninth of the Nine Divine Generals, Madelyn Eschart, was tasked by Berstetz with taking her dragons and attacking Guaral, as that was the city’s only true weak spot. As they rampaged throughout the city, Madelyn encountered both Heinkel Astrea and Schult, intending to kill both of them. Despite this, she was interrupted by Priscilla, who intended to take the dragonkin on herself. Shortly after, Emilia arrived to assist her, and the other members of her camp helped out around town, having arrived there to retrieve Subaru and Rem.
Pushed to the point of needing to use Mezoreia’s power, Madelyn managed to escape to the town’s active medical station, where Rem was using her healing magic. Mistaking the girl as an innocent, Rem went to heal her, forcing Flop to get between them when the girl reflexively attacked. When she noticed something and tried to interrogate him, Flop had Rem use this to negotiate the end of the attack. Ultimately, the dragons pulled back, and Madelyn took Rem and Flop with her back to Lupugana.
March of the Gladiator Island[]
With Todd’s feat of having managed to save Arakiya from imprisonment at Guaral, he was taken on as Arakiya’s subordinate, where he was help her improve her techniques and even direct her as needed. Similarly, with the uprisings set to begin soon, Berstetz was worried about how the gladiators on Ginunhive might be used, and as such, he sent Todd and Arakiya to deal with the entire island, and if possible, offer Gustav a promotion.
The Pleiades Battalion is formed.
Having been flung to Ginunhive with Tanza, Subaru, having gone through a tumultuous and rough mass loop, made the decision to use his Return by Death, alongside a very potent poison made by Null, and the rumors of a black-haired crown prince to ally with everyone on the island. In doing so, he befriended the members of his unit, Hiain Yatz, Weitz Rogen, and Idra Missanga, the governor of the island, Gustav Morello, all of the soldiers, all of the gladiators, and even the infantilized Cecilus, and he formed the Pleiades Battalion. Scaring off Todd and Arakiya, the Battalion started its march toward the Imperial Capital.
The Uprisings[]
When Vincent’s team arrived with the citizens of Chaosflame, the members of the Emilia Camp, Vincent’s group, and the upper ranks of the soldiers in Guaral arrived at city hall. Despite issues surrounding Rui’s presence, once Priscilla arrived, Vincent stated his intentions. Spreading the rumors of the black-haired crown prince, he would start revolts across the city. In doing so, he forced the hands of the Emilia Camp, as the people they were looking for would end up in Lupugana by the time they were ready to fight.
Following the rumors that a black-haired crown prince began leading an army to reclaim the throne from his father, Vincent, the entire country rose up, using their own figureheads as excuses to rise up and fight. Under pressure of the coming war, the Divine Generals and Imperial Army were sent out to put a stop to the fights and capture the figureheads, as Vincent predicted. One such battlefield included a rebellion being quelled by Todd and Arakiya, where they completely annihilated the enemy in short order. That said, they were unable to stop the entire country’s uprising, and all of the army was forced to retreat and defend Lupugana.
In the Dracroy territory, Roswaal L. Mathers and Ram met with Serena Dracroy, intending to get her assistance or deal with a hindrance depending on the circumstances. Fortunately, they managed to secure her help once they heard of which side Subaru was on. Meanwhile, Subaru himself continued his march towards the Imperial Capital, stopping at numerous other settlements and expanding his Pleiades Battalion, and even obtaining new weapons and supplies to use as they traveled.
Battle for the Imperial Capital[]
The battle begins.
Eventually, all of the rebels decided to attack the Imperial Capital. To defend them, Berstetz left Arakiya and Todd, Madelyn and Mezoreia, Moguro Hagane, Olbart, and Kafma to defend the five bastion of the city. Though a massive chunk of the random races were wiped out by Olbart, Kafma, and Arakiya, eventually, the main force led by Vincent arrived. Priscilla and Yorna confronted Arakiya while Todd escaped to handle an oddity on the battlefield; Emilia confronted Madelyn and had the weaponkin retreat; a force led by the People of Shudrak, Jamal, and Heinkel fought the golems of the third bastion alongside the winged people; and Garfiel Tinzel assisted the centaurs by battling with Kafma.
Garfiel ultimately managed to beat Kafma and rip a hole through the wall, but Olbart, who had managed to completely defeat the glow people, left the fourth bastion to fend off Garfiel. Simultaneously, Todd confronted the support group, fighting against Otto Suwen, Medium, Al, and Petra Leyte. With everyone in a standoff, Frederica Baumann was able to inform Vincent of the situation, and he had Zikr lead the majority of his forces to the third bastion, intending to force Berstetz into firing the Magic Crystal Cannon. Not long after said forces arrived did Heinkel force Moguro’s official appearance, and Chisha gave permission to fire the cannon. This was countered, however, by the efforts of Rui and Beatrice, shocking both sides.
Taking advantage of the situation, Vincent called on their awaiting reinforcements and pushed the fight forward. Roswaal appeared to assist Garfiel, Ram allied with the Shudrakians, Serena appeared with her Flying Dragon Squadron, and Subaru arrived with his Pleiades Battalion. Cecilus, meanwhile, had run off, defeating several soldiers on his own and going to assist Emilia against Mezoreia. With Subaru reuniting with Beatrice and Rui and saving the spirit from vanishing, the marched toward the fourth bastion defeating the army along the way and busting through the bastion. With a new hole to enter, Subaru took Tanza, Beatrice, Rui, and Idra infiltrated the capital, leaving half his force to defend the bastion and the other half to assist in the battle. At the same time, Rem freed Goz from his imprisonment.
Back at the camp, Ubilk arrived to assist Vincent in reaching the throne room, where he confronted Chisha. At the same time disturbances were felt across the battlefield. Moguro retreated to the Crystal Palace, and Mezoreia flew the same direction. After fighting off Todd and Olbart, Otto and Garfiel noticed something strange from the insects and earth. Finally, Arakiya was ultimately defeated before something appeared before them. In the palace, however, Chisha was killed by the undead Balleroy Temeglyph, triggering the start of the Great Disaster.
Aftermath[]
Because of the Great Disaster, everyone was forced to move. Moguro helped Vincent escape and fought Balleroy, though he was interfered with by Mezoreia, who came to assist Balleroy. Goz and Bertetz confronted the undead Lamia Godwin, but they were forced to leave when faced with the other deceased Imperial Family members. On the ground, Vincent called for a mass retreat from the city on both sides. Elsewhere, Subaru had found Rem and the other black-haired crown princes. However, Todd was also there for his fiancée, Katya Aurélie. Though they decided to work together to escape, Todd ultimately decided to kill Subaru after a fight with the undead Izmail. Thanks to Rem and Emilia, the latter of which helped the citizens escape the city, Todd was defeated, and they retreated. Elsewhere, however, Cecilus came face to face with the leader of the Great Disaster, Sphinx, in front of the damaged reservoir.