View source for Main Quest:Chapter 3

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|''Berserkers - Ikebukuro Underground Fighting Arena''
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'''Chapter 3: Berserker -Ikebukuro Colliseum-''' is the third accessible Chapter of the [[Main Quest]], set between the [[Shinjuku]] and [[Toshima]] Wards. It consists of six scenarios, most of which have multiple parts.

In this Chapter, the {{Transient icon|Protagonist}} and {{Transient icon|Shiro}} must infiltrate the [[Berserkers]], one of the three dominant Guilds in West Tokyo, in order to protect {{Transient icon|Kengo}} from a trap he was baited into by a rogue member of the Guild.

==Scenarios==

===Rulers of Ikebukro (1) (Shinjuku-Ikebukuro)===

The chapter opens with {{Transient icon|Shiro}} in the middle of a chatroom conversation with someone named Cain. He asks them about [[The App]], but they request to meet in person at a station in Ikebukuro as explaining online would just take too much time. Later, after passing a message from {{Transient icon|Ryota}} to {{Transient icon|Moritaka}}, Shiro has the {{Transient icon|Protagonist}} meet him in private to discuss the events that happened with the Exception and whether or not they're considered a [[Transients|Transient]] before inviting them to the meeting he set up. However, he abruptly changes his plans when he notices that {{Transient icon|Kengo}} is uncharacteristically absent, and, given Ikebukuro's history and Kengo's rep for picking fights, wants to find him before he does anything stupid.

Arriving in Ikebukuro, they immediately find Kengo in the middle of a fight with the same thugs they dealt with earlier. However, when Shiro attempts to intervene, Kengo becomes angry at him for getting in his way. However they don't have the time to dwell on it as the thugs continue their attack.

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===Rulers of Ikebukro (2) (Ikebukuro Guild Entrance)===

Once the thugs are taken care of, Shiro tries to get so answers from Kengo, but Kengo brusquely pushes him away and declaring his intention to leave Shinjuku Academy before running off. Concerned about his sudden change in attitude, Shiro and the Protagonist search for Kengo, eventually tracking him to a nearby building. However, before they can do anything, they are confronted by {{Transient icon|Snow}} in the process of kicking out a thief. Snow explains that, as he's in charge of running the 'Ikebukuro Colisseum', he can't allow them to enter and look for Kengo. When he begins taunting Shiro for his apparent cowardice, the Protagonist interjects, forcing a confrontation between them and Snow.

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===Rulers of Ikebukro (3) (Ikebukuro West Gate)===

Despite Shiro and the Protagonist managing to hold their own, it becomes clear that Snow was merely toying with them. He informs them that, despite their skill and courage, he can't let them in without the recommendation of an 'established gladiator'. Snow then ups the ante by subduing Shiro and, in an attempt to make his next appointment, summons three bladed discs to incapacitate the Protagonist. When they regain consciousness, they find themselves away from the Coliseum in the company of {{Transient icon|Shuichi}} and his brother {{Transient icon|Duo}}. After Shiro makes a few quick introductions, Shuichi then casually reveals he's not only Cain, but that he and Duo are top ranking members of the [[Wisemen]], a Guild within the App operating out of Bunkyo Ward. However, the manner of which he does this attracts the attention of nearby thugs from a rival Guild, the [[Berserkers]], forcing the group to defend themselves.

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===Infiltrating the Ikebukuro Guild (1) (1kebukuro West Gate)===

After breaking the Berserker's ranks enough to slip away, Shiro begins to grow suspicious that Shuichi wanted more from this conversation than to simply discuss the App. Shuichi admits to using his [[Sacred Artifact]]'s Rule to get his and the Protagonist's information before getting to the point: while scouting Shiro as a candidate for entry into the Wisemen, he discovered that Kengo is the target of a trap by members of the Berserkers and passes this information to him to get him on their side. Shiro, not completely convinced, goes to discuss things further with them while the Protagonist, along with Moritaka, an established gladiator at the Coliseum, goes to save Kengo.

Arriving at the Coliseum, Moritaka and the Protagonist are intercepted by {{Transient icon|Garmr}}, a Berserker bouncer. He forces the Protagonist into a battle in order for them to gain entry.

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===Infiltrating the Ikebukuro Guild (2) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

After the brawl, Garmr, after a weird moment where he recalls meeting the Protagonist before and expressing interest in them becoming his new master, allows them and Moritaka to enter the Coliseum. They run into Snow, the second in command of the Berserkers, who escorts them through the Coliseum before leaving to schedule the next 'match'. Arriving at a changing area, Moritaka discusses Kengo's change in attitude before advising that the Protagonist ask around for information about him. While looking around, they run into {{Transient icon|Bathym}}, a high ranking member of the Guild, who reveals that Kengo is likely among the Rankers, the Berserkers top gladiators, and that they'd need to win matches in order to have a chance at finding him. He directs them to a desk where the Unranked sign up to participate, and the Protagonist is placed in their first match.

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===Infilrating the Ikebukuro Guild (3) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

While the Protagonist's infiltration of the Berserkers is taking place, Shiro and Shuichi continue their conversation at a nearby diner. Shuichi fills Shiro in about the role Guilds play in the App and provides some insight into the Berserkers base.

Cut to Berserkers' base. The Protagonist, having won their first fight, is congratulated by Bathym for their performance, in particular how the crowd was interested in them, an idea Bathym tries to focus his fights on. As Bathym mentions wanting a master to care about him, they are approached by {{Transient icon|Andvari}}, the Guild's financial consultant, about their pay from their respective matches. When the next round of Unranked matches start, they bump into their next opponent, {{Transient icon|Taurus Mask}}, in a bathroom without his mask on. He makes a grandiose proclamation about beating them, though he's visibly uncomfortable about it, before running off.

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===Sanctuary of the Berserkers (1) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

During the Protagonist's match with Taurus Mask, Shiro and Shuichi continue their conversation, having reached the topic of Sacred Artifacts. Shuichi believes they are divine objects connected to 23 worlds outside of Tokyo that can overwrite the laws of nature, but are bound by specific Rules in order for them to work in the physical world. He also states his belief that the App is a conduit for a 'proxy war' to decide which world is superior.

Cut to Berserker Coliseum. The Protagonist has gotten the upper hand on Taurus Mask, but the wrestler still claims he's going to win so he can preserve his identity. He brings up a famous wrestler who inspired him to take up the sport but retired before he had the chance to team up with him. When Taurus Mask asked him to postpone his retirement for his sake, he told him to keep fighting until he found a more worthy partner. Resolved to win, Taurus Mask uses his Sacred Artifact to create a ring around them. He claims the Artifact forces fighters to fight head-to-head and exposes the true nature of the soul. However, Taurus Mask becomes distracted when he thinks he's fighting more than one opponent, allowing the Protagonist to knock him out. When he comes too in the changing room, Taurus Mask declares that the Protagonist is his 'soul brother', though they have no clue what he's talking about. Before they get anywhere with this, {{Transient icon|Nomad}}, a private investigator working with the Berserkers, informs the Protagonist that the Berserkers Guild Master, {{Transient icon|Claude}}, wishes to have a talk with them. As they walk off, Taurus Mask is approached by a mysterious little girl, who proceeds to erase his memories before disappearing by the time Bathym shows up to chastise him for the stale ending. Outside, the little girl, {{Transient icon|Alice}}, is approached by her bodyguard {{Transient icon|Jambavan}}, who advises that they leave before someone immune to her rule starts snooping around.

Back inside, Nomad presents the Protagonist to Claude, though he complains about Snow not doing this himself. Claude congratulates the Protagonist for their recent victories, but when the Protagonist becomes annoyed by Claude's frivolous disrespect of Kengo, Nomad, suspecting an altercation, steps in to intervene.

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===Sanctuary of the Berserkers (2) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

Before the brawl gets out of hand, Nomad abruptly stops. He and Claude reveal that the fight was staged in order to test them, but Nomad is annoyed that he was used as Claude's plaything. Claude reveals that their success was sufficient enough to promote them to No. 10 Ranker after Taurus Mask gave up his own Ranker status. When asked to show them around, Nomad reveals that 'No. 9' showed interest in the Protagonist's skill, causing Claude to pass the task to him. Alone, Nomad apologizes for drawing them into the fight before offering to help them with any trouble outside the guild. He also reveals he used to be human before an incident turned him into his current form and gives the them a warning about some of the people in the guild being dangerous. Soon they meet up with No. 9, {{Transient icon|Horkeu Kamui}}, who already heard from Snow about showing the Protagonist around. He asks the Protagonist if they consider themselves a hero before anointing them as one and telling them he has seen countless heroes in his home be adored by the public before dying, causing him to come to Tokyo in order to protect the next hero. He then reveals he set up a match between the two of them in order to test their skills.

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===Sanctuary of the Berserkers (3) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

As their battle continues, Horkeu Kamui, who was going easy to start, suddenly turns up the intensity, forcing the Protagonist back. This causes some concern for Snow, as he's not accustomed to seeing Horkeu Kamui exert himself before. However, this goes unheeded as Claude is too focused on the crowd's reaction to care. He then uses his Sacred Artifact get the crowd into a ferver while Horkeu Kamui commends the Protagonist's will having held out for so long. Both parties call on the power of their Sacred Artifacts, but only the Protagonist's attack appears to have left a mark. This furthers his belief that they are the hero he's been searching for, but the Protagonist tell him they can't accept before passing out. Horkeu Kamui then calls off the battle, despite Claude's attempts to use his Artifact to make him continue and knowing he and the Protagonist will swap rankings.

Cut to the diner. Shiro becomes worried about what happened to the Protagonist as he was caught up chatting with Shuichi, who assures him everything is fine before informing Shiro that his research has revealed that it's possible to artificially create a Battle Zone within an enclosed area. He explains that, should members of a Guild congregate in such a place, the power of their Sacred Artifacts were amplified as a result. This causes Shiro to accurately guess that the Berserkers are actively trying to draw members to them in order to strengthen their own standing within the App so they can eventually take over.

Cut to the Coliseum. The Protagonist wakes up to Horkeu Kamui peeling apples for their consumption. As they readjust, the Protagonist notices it's only been ten minutes since the fight, a fact Horkeu Kamui claims is due to the nature of the Coliseum. As both of them recover, Horkeu Kamui asks why the Protagonist doesn't want to be the hero he's looking for, to which they respond that their need to save Kengo needs to take precedent, a fact Horkeu Kamui has trouble wrapping his mind around before realizing he's being selfish for assuming they'd just go along with it.

As Horkeu Kamui leaves, the Protagonist winds up in the middle of an argument between Kengo and the No. 7 Ranker, {{Transient icon| Pollux}}. They try to talk sense into Kengo, but that just forces him to challenge them to a fight where the winner decides Kengo's fate before storming off. They're then approached by Pollux and Bathym, who talk them into a battle in order to prepare for Kengo.

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===Of Faith and Artifice (1) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

After the match, Pollux thanks the Protagonist for allowing to get out of his element by facing off with a sword fighter while Bathym applauds them for how strong they're getting. As they go their separate ways and they begin to worry about Kengo again, the Protagonist bumps into {{Transient icon|Ikutoshi}}, who warns them that their naivete will get them in trouble with the more underhanded fighters and that they've become part of the trap aimed at Kengo. In another part of the arena, Bathym and Andvari meet up with {{Transient icon|Kirito}}, who pays both of them for their part in the deception.

Cut to diner. Shuichi tells Shiro the Berserkers' method of baiting: by leveraging Claude's vast wealth, a group within the guild lures App users to them, then use deceit to weed out who shouldn't be there. However, as Kengo is tough enough to get by on is own, this faction has resorted to targeting the people he cares about in an attempt to cripple him emotionally.

Cut to Coliseum. Having been filled in on what's going on by Ikutoshi, the Protagonist rushes off to try and get Kengo out of there. When they check the locker room, however, they instead find the No. 1 ranked fighter, {{Transient icon|Macan}}, in the middle of an apparent freak-out. As Macan attempts to make a move on them, Ikutoshi, who realized too late that no one warned them about Macan's temper tantrums, intercedes to help deal with the problem.

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===Of Faith and Artifice (2) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

Despite Ikutoshi and the Protagonist's best efforts, it becomes evident that the loincloth Macan wears, in itself a Sacred Artifact, is absorbing any injuries dealt to him. As Macan moves in to try and 'eat' them, Nomad, who was coming by to check on him, intervenes, commanding the Protagonist to subdue Macan with a bag of concealed catnip. Nomad then reveals that Horeu Kamui, out of guilt for how he treated them, has left the guild and asked Nomad to keep an eye on them before informing them that their match with Kengo is being finalized. After being dumped on Macan, who complains that Claude has been dumping challengers on him who aren't worth his time, the two head to Macan's 'room', a modified jail cell designed to hold up when Macan rampages. Macan passes the time by talking to the Protagonist about his past and his philosophy about staying strong in order to prepare for the day when someone stronger will 'eat' him.

As Macan, who feels that the Protagonist is fundamentally stronger than his previous masters, begs them to make a pact with him, Claude intevenes, informing both of them that Kengo's challenge has been cleared on the condition that it is an eliminator match for the right to face off with Macan at a later time. As Macan runs off to get himself invested in the fight, the Protagonist is approached by Kengo, who demands to know why they're following him but doesn't take their answer seriously before heading into the arena.

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===Of Faith and Artifice (3) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

As the fight progresses, Shiro and Shuichi learn about it, causing Shiro to become angry that Shuichi would deliberately allow the Protagonist to put themselves in danger. Shuichi explains that he did it to get Shiro away from the Berserkers, as he agreed with Snow's assessment that Shiro didn't have the fortitude necessary to deal with them. He repeats his offer of making him a high ranking member of the Wisemen, but Shiro, stating that Shuichi's words had the opposite effect of what he intended, turns him down on the grounds that he made it clear that he's worked with the Berserkers in some manner. He then states his intention to strong arm what information he can from Shuichi in order to countermand the trap Kengo and the Protagonist have stepped in.

Cut to Coliseum. Horkeu Kamui and Nomad are watching the fight between Kengo and the Protagonist. They discuss how the Protagonist is fairing in the fight, with Horkeu concluding that the way they're handling the fight is proof positive that they're the hero he's looking for. He informs Nomad that, knowing the Protagonist is the likely winner, he intends to train on his own in the mountains. In the ring, Kengo admits he didn't take Shiro's notes on how tough the Protagonist was seriously and divines that 'something happened' between them, yet he refuses to accept that they care about his safety. However, he relents that he wasn't properly prepared for them before they collide in one final attack.

The Protagonist wakes up later in Kengo's room, where Kengo, despite being annoyed that he had to get them to recover, says that they've earned his respect. He informs them that he was aware of the trap the whole time, but went along with it due to his desire to know what's outside of Tokyo. When he realized Shiro was being dragged into the trap, he begrudgingly started pushing him away to keep him out of the line of fire. Kengo then asks that they take his place as Shiro's friend before running off. Before they can chase after him, Shiro calls through the App. He instructs them to coerce Bathym and Andvari into leading them to the instigator of the trap. They arrive just in time to find him being harassed by Kirito and the No. 3 fighter, {{Transient icon|Oniwaka}}, who intends to take the power of Kengo's Sacred Artifact as his own. However, his plan goes awry upon finding out that Bathym, who never had any loyalty to him, and Andvari, who was promised full control of the payout for the Protagonist's impending match with Macan, have betrayed him at the last second.

Cut to the diner. Shiro and Shuichi applaud the Protagonist for knowing how to manipulate Oniwaka's lackeys into turning against him. However, Shiro informs Shuichi that, in the interest of keeping his future his own, he intends to start his own guild with Kengo and the Protagonist.

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===The Helpless Ones (1) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

After subduing Oniwaka and his thugs, Kengo confronts the Protagonist about them helping him out even though he told them to focus on Shiro before the group turns their attention to Oniwaka. Despite their attempts to get him to resolve this peacefully, Oniwaka rebukes their offers of friendship and understanding, claiming their success makes them blind to what people like him have to go through. He renews his attempt to steal the power of Kengo's Sacred Artifact, but a flash of light separates the group out and causes Oniwaka to disappear. When they reunite, the first thing they notice is that Kengo and Oniwaka's clash appears to have triggered another Exception event. However, there appears to be no immediate danger as the Exception inside, {{Transient icon|Thor}}, appears to be struggling to escape into Tokyo.

Cut to diner. Shiro, Shuichi, and Duo receive the news of the Exception's arrival over the App, causing Shiro to assume that Shuichi deliberately allowed this to happen. However, Shuichi and the Protagonist, who is talking to Shiro via phone, reassure him that thing haven't spiraled out of control enough to cause any immediate damage. When Shiro becomes annoyed that Shuichi would 'turn a blind eye' to the threat Exceptions cause, Shuichi informs them that he's learned of similar incidents where Exceptions were rumored to have appeared before hoping that Shiro's burgeoning guild can get through this.

Cut to Colosseum. As Kengo struggles to comprehend what's going on, Oniwaka is seen attacking Ikutoshi and Macan, though he's been driven into a feral rage monster due to an influx of power.

Cut to diner. After getting caught up, Shuichi explains to Shiro that Oniwaka is likely a Transient that took on a human identity. He theorizes that Oniwaka's Appropriation Rule must have overloaded from the near limitless power of Kengo's Infinitude Rule and, being the original owner of the Sacred Artifact, turned him into a micro Exception.

Cut to Colosseum. By this point, Claude and Nomad has caught on that something is wrong, though Claude assumes this is nothing more than a fight he can propagate for his own amusement.

Cut to diner. Shiro, after figuring out that Shuichi intended to see how an Exception event would happen in an enclosed space, realizes that Kengo and Oniwaka, already ranked within the Berserkers system, need to re-establish the hierarchy to get rid of Thor. However, as Oniwaka's too unstable to cognitively go through with it, he plans to have the Protagonist calm Oniwaka down enough to form a pact with him and act as his proxy.

Cut to Colosseum. During the conversation between Shiro and the Protagonist, Exception-Oniwaka has already absorbed Macan's power, though he is visibly struggling under the strain of all the energy. At the same time, the Protagonist's group (minus Andvari after he ran off to hide) run into an injured Ikutoshi, who informs them of what's going on. As Bathym stays behind to help Ikutoshi, the Protagonist and Kengo intercept Exception-Oniwaka before he can finish off Macan. This causes Exception-Oniwaka, on the verge of dying from the power overload, to try and take as many people out with him.

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===The Helpless Ones (2) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

As the fight comes to an end, Exception-Oniwaka's attacks become increasing erratic, giving the Protagonist the opening they need to use their Rending Rule to sever the energy flow making Oniwaka an Exception, reverting him to normal. With his strength fading, Oniwaka realizes how similar the Protagonist is to him, but is surprised when they tell him that their new friends have helped them get through the loneliness. The Protagonist then invites Oniwaka to make a pact with them as a friend, something that annoys Kengo due to Oniwaka's recent actions. After promising to help out should the Protagonist call him, Oniwaka then vanishes in a flash of light, though not before leaving a cryptic musing claiming they were a long-lost ally of his.

Cut to Diner. With the threat Oniwaka caused taken care of, the Protagonist calls Shiro to fill his end in on what happened. After promising to call back once he comes up with a solid plan, Shiro contends with Shuichi, who wants to know why they're able to handle the sheer number of pacts they have as well as the power of their sword without much visible strain as well as the fact that people are seeing different people even though they're obviously the same person, to which Shiro admit that, despite considering them a close friend, he's just as clueless about this as he is.

Cut to Colosseum. As the two of them rest up, Kengo asks the Protagonist is putting so much effort into helping others in spite of all the grief it seems to cause before asking if there was a Tokyo in wherever they came from. They admit they're not sure due to their memory problems, but invite him to go with them should they get out of this Tokyo. However, their conversation is interrupted as Thor sends what appears to be a vanguard down toward them, forcing them to deal with the threat.

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{{Quest Phase
|enemies-1=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Water}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Water}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-2=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Water}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Water}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-3=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Water}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Water}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-4=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Water}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|drops-1=
* {{Weapon|All Type}} {{Item|Skill Up}} ({{Item|Large}}) 
|drops-2=
* {{Attribute|All}} {{Item|XP Stars}} ({{Item|Large}}) 
|drops-3=
* {{Weapon|Slash}} {{Item|Provisional Proof of Mastery}} 
|drops-4=
* {{Companion icon|Kengo|rarity 3}}
}}

===The Helpless Ones (3) (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

As Kengo and the Protagonist fight their way through the near limitless swarm of opponents Thor sends their way, both their phones ping that their 'temporary guild registration' has been considered legit. However, they don't have time to deal with it due to the fight. Luckily, Moritaka and Garmr break through the mass of enemies to reinforce them. They inform the others that, the second Thor showed up, an invisible barrier popped up around the Colosseum, barring any attempt to escape until it's taken care of. Their conversation is soon interrupted by a phone call from Shiro, who gets filled in with what's going on before hanging up.

Cut to diner. After Shuichi teases Shiro over his tumultuous friendship with Kengo, the two continue their attempt to find a way to deal with the Exception threat. After confirming the nature of how Exceptions are created and the method needed to get rid of them, they decide that, since Kengo is in the guild Shiro recently established and Oniwaka has made a pact with the Protagonist, they can safely cancel out the Exception due to the Protagonist's new standing as Guild Master supplying the hierarchy balance needed.

Cut to Colosseum. As the group fights their way through the Colosseum to reach Thor, the Exception takes notice of Kengo's constant use of his Sacred Artifact and begins charging a blast of its own. Luckily, Kengo and the timely intervention of Pollux manage to keep everyone from getting hurt, allowing the group to move forward. As they race toward the Exception, Claude, Snow, Bathym, Ikutoshi, Nomad, and Taurus Mask clear the path, allowing Kengo and the Protagonist to proceed toward Thor while Moritaka and Garmr hang back to guard the others.

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{{Quest Phase
|enemies-1=
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-2=
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-3=
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-4=
* {{Attribute|Dark}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Grass}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Grass}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|drops-1=
* {{Weapon|All Type}} {{Item|Skill Up}} ({{Item|Large}}) 
|drops-2=
* {{Attribute|All}} {{Item|XP Stars}} ({{Item|Large}}) 
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* {{Weapon|Slash}} {{Item|Provisional Proof of Mastery}} 
|drops-4=
* {{Companion icon|Wood Einherjar|rarity 2}}
}}

===End of the Banquet and then...? (Ikebukuro Colosseum)===

After fighting their way through the Colosseum, Kengo and the Protagonist make their way toward Thor. Kengo in particular feels he needs to win after all the help they got in order to preserve his reputation. As the remainder of Thor's forces tighten up, the two dive in to end the chaos.

After Kengo and the Protagonist subdue Thor, they call Shiro, who explains that, since Oniwaka's Rule is now positioned under the Protagonist's, they are in perfect position to reset the hierarchy that made the Exception possible. However, Shiro haphazardly dumps the responsibility of telling him how to do this to the Protagonist before hanging up. After being explained what's going to happen, Kengo relents that the Protagonist's Rule should be on top and forces himself though it, establishing the new hierarchy, making Thor vanish and sending them to the restored guild entrance. As they try to get their bearings, Shiro arrives and, after chastising Kengo for what happened, begins working on how to properly formalize their guild's status. As he does this, {{Transient icon|Lil' Salomon}}, who claims Snow attacked him after your initial encounter with him and was resting during the Exception incident, pops up, though he has no idea how to properly formalize a guild. As he vanishes, Andvari removes himself from wherever he was hiding and offers to be their guild's financial consultant, which they hesitantly accept. After saying goodbye to the Berserkers they befriended, the new guild, plus Moritaka, head back to Shinjuku Academy to work on preparing their new guild.

Cut to Ibekuburo street. Shuichi and Duo discuss the data they collected from the Exception event, though Duo is visibly annoyed at Shuichi's antics. Duo states he needs to head to Aoyama and Roppongi to do more research before abruptly bailing on his brother.

Cut to Colosseum. Snow pays Kirito for some unknown job, but they wind up in an argument over their ideals. Snow then returns to Claude to discuss business with the guild after what happened. Claude, while hinting that he knew of Snow's connection to Oniwaka's stunt, subtly suggests he will deal with the Protagonist's new guild, though at present intends to restore his ranks since several Rankers are either gone or have left while instructing Snow to circulate fabricated news that the incident left the Berserkers crippled and vulnerable. Meanwhile, Alice and Jambavan conclude their business around the Colosseum, though Alice dumps doing all the paperwork onto Jambavan.

<!-- End the Banquet and then...? -->
{{#masterdata:Quest|{{#vardefineecho:quest id counter|{{#expr:{{#var:quest id counter}}+1}}}}}}
{{Quest Phase
|enemies-1=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-2=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-3=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Einherjar]] x1
|enemies-4=
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Valkyrie]] x1
* {{Attribute|Fire}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* {{Attribute|Light}} [[Einherjar]] x1
* [[Thor]]
|drops-1=
* {{Attribute|All}} {{Item|XP Stars}} ({{Item|Large}}) 
|drops-2=
* {{Attribute|All}} {{Item|XP Stars}} ({{Item|Large}}) 
|drops-3=
* 10000 {{Item|Coin}}s
|drops-4=
* {{Companion icon|Fire Valkyrie|rarity 2}}
}}

{{Main Quest navbox}}
{{Guide}}