The Other Side of the Final Battle is a special short story given to those who purchased volume 15 of Sword Oratoria.
Summary[]
As the chaos on Level 59 of the Dungeon erupted, Loki and Ouranos, listening in with Fels' occulus at the underground altar, shout at the mage to execute the "Bullfight" operation, to have the Xenos assist in ensuring the expedition team's escape route.
Loki rushed her way out of the chambers, overwhelmed by anger and impatience, yet couldn't help be moved, hearing her children defy their fates. She thought about how if the "Ice Garden" hadn't activated at the worst possible moment, they would have secured victory, but brushed that aside, as she knew hope still remained.
She feels that none of her children's "blessings" have disappeared yet, not even Ais or the ones that plummeted down to the 60th Floor, knowing that they're continuing to fight, and she was going to do everything she could.
She immediately began rushing around the city for reinforcements. She knew that even though she couldn't communicate with Finn with his occulus broken, she knew that with Raul, he would ensure retreat for everyone remaining would be their priority; she had no doubts that he wouldn't make the wrong choice between "hero" and "coward", trusting in him and the others that they would return.
Loki first appeared before Hermes and Ganesha, revealing the situation, which they reacted first in shock, then offered their assistance. She then informed Hephaestus, Dian Cecht, and others whose Familia members joined her's, with some offering sympathy, and others delivering swift kick and moving on. Loki continued to worry tirelessly, making sure no chaos erupted in the city until the "escape route" was completed.
She visited the "simple street girl" working in the tavern, who stated she'll make sure Hedin and the others are ready, to honor the heroes, speaking of her "resolve" without comfort or pity. Loki then sighed as she reached her final destination, knowing she will have to owe a favor to the "Goddess of the Hearth".
Exhausted from running herself ragged, Loki stopped in her tracks, realizing the number of "blessings" had decreased by one. She didn't know who it was, only to then feel more and more of them starting to diminish. Now all she could do was anxiously wait the next several days at the entrance of the Dungeon, clenching her fists and radiating killing intent, in hopes of her Familia's return.
Finally, on the fifth day, the broken remnants of her Familia returned, at the front of the group standing the "greatest coward" who was more regretful, remorseful, and frustrated than anyone. Loki greeted Raul, keeping these words to herself, apologizing and thanking him.