Narrator: Threatened by a ruthless demon, humanity was on the brink of destruction. All seemed lost until a lone mage stepped forward and took up the fight. After his triumph, he was hailed as the Wizard King, and his story became legend.

Patry: Now die.

Nozel: Your skin tone has changed a bit, and even so I'll never forget that face. Leave him to me, you three.

Tyrus: It's-

Mimosa: Cousin Nozel?!

Yuno: How did he get here.... and how did he do all that?

Nozel: I must warn you however.... I've come looking for blood and I'm nowhere as merciful or lenient as my rival, Fuegoleon Vermillion. You will pay for nearly taking his life.

Patry: Hate.... Hate... HATRED.

Nozel: I will not stop you, but know right now in this very moment you stand absolutely no chance in defeating me.

Patry: I HATE YOU ALL.... JUST DIE!

Nozel: My Mercury Magic is just as formidable as your Light Magic is... think of it as the perfect counter. So with all that being said, I do not plan on losing to the person I happen to have the worst magic affinity between the two of us, either. I've been sharpening my magic for exactly this one moment.... the moment I'd take my revenge.

Tyrus: Captain Nozel Silva of the Silver Eagles.... on the outside he seems like a cold hearted individual but his magic.... his magic power is damn near second to none whenever I've seen it in action. Technique is impeccable, is this the fully tapped potential of a royal's power?! Still I can't help but wonder, what's going on with this other guy, Rhya called him Patry.... it's like that devil said.. something to him and he went batshit fucking crazy. How's he able to move so fast? Even moreso after unleashing that much power, not once BUT TWICE!

Nozel: You are most definitely a slippery rat... but even so. Thanks for playing right into my hands, the preparations are complete. You see had I had to play along, since this spell requires maximum control and power in addition to all the focus I could muster. I couldn't use it in the last battle with my sister since our magics were being disturbed.

Nozel: Mercury Creation Magic, Silver Star of Execution!

After showing up at the most opportune of times, Nozel had bailed Asta, Tyrus and Yuno as he launched his own vicious attack on Patry, the leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun and the one largely responsible for the reincarnation of the elven race who had been on a rampage thanks to the newly revealed mastermind of the massarce so long ago in the devil Zagred. However just when Nozel seemed content in executing the elf, the trio stopped the Captain of the Silver Eagles in his tracks.

Nozel: Now then... let's go ahead and finish you off. It's time to die-

Asta: HANG ON, HANG ON THERE CAPTAIN! JUST WAIT A SECOND! I don't think that's the way this is supposed to play out.

Yuno: Meathead has a point.

Nozel: And how do you suggest we curb this threat? How did you honestly see this playing out, this villain is the leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, the organization first hand responsible in nearly taking over the capital. His actions alone took many lives while also throwing many more who claim the Clover Kingdom as their home into mass panic and confusion.

Asta: Don't get me wrong I agree with you!

Yuno: Captain Nozel, please hang on a second. I know this will sound ridiculous to you, but that body the elf is possessing, it belongs to Captain Vangeance, I can tell easily.

Nozel: That's insane. What you're suggesting- his face and magic are completely different to Vangeance's scar and World Tree Magic.

Yuno: I know. I can't explain it fully and even I don't know the full reason, but I know for a fact I can sense my captain deep from within the elf's body.

Tyrus: And from what I've seen on our way to capital, Asta- WILL YOU STOP DOING THAT YOU MEATHEAD?! I was going to say, Asta appears to have a sword in his grimoire that at will can undo a many of the elves reincarnation. He's succeeded in undoing on our teammates Luck, Gauche as well as his little sister Marie.... I think Asta's new blade could work on this elf too. Give him a chance.

Nozel: That's ridiculous... a pipe dream at best. Are you wishing to die here and now if this all goes South?

Asta: DID YOU NOT JUST HEAR A WORD THEY JUST SAID... man you must really wanna kill the dude?! I think I'm warranted in attempting to do so, please?!

Nozel: Do as you please, don't say I didn't warn you though.

Asta: Thank you, Captain Nozel!

But just before Asta could undo Patry's possession of Vangeance's body....

Asta: WHERE- WHERE AM I?!

Asta: This is insane, I must be inside this guy's soul.... these have to be memories of what took place recently? What else would they be? Maybe everything the sword sucked out is flowing... through me!

HATE.... HATE.... HATEEEEEE!

Asta: Sooooo.... LOUDDDD! I CAN BARELY HEAR MYSELF THINK! MY HEAD'S KILLIN' ME!

Patry: A time spell tremendous enough to save all the people in this kingdom.... impressive. it appears you've used all the power and time you saved up for just such an occassion. If you had enough awareness, you would've seen this next attack of mines coming. Unfortunately, you weren't able to call off the spell to save yourself.

Licht: Because, you Julius Novachrono, are the Wizard King.

Asta: Wiz-ard... King?!

Asta: WIZARD KINNNNNNGGG!

HATE..... HATE.... HATE..... HOPELESS.... HOPELESS! IT HURTS! SADNESS! DESPAIR... IT HURTS!

Asta: GAHHHHHHH! AHHHHHHHHH!

Patry: I can't believe I fooled myself into believing I did this all for Licht.... I was flat out deceived! Resurrecting everyone I held so near and dear to my heart was a mistake. Sacrifices he didn't even want... I made the wrong choice! Chosen... by the four-leaf grimoire? Of course it had to be blasphemous! Humans are evil, sadistic, self-serving.... or was that what I wanted to believe? If that's true... NO! William and I were able to understand each other! No... he's a human, we'll never be able to understand one another!

The voices of many dissenters plague his mind and he once again stood firm in his beliefs.

Patry: That's right.... EVERYTHING.... IT'S ALL THE HUMANS' FAULT!

Asta: There you are... I knew with time, I'd eventually find you, you bastard. Don't even try to run.... the name's Asta.... AND YOU AND I.... WE'RE GONNA HAVE A LONG TALK. We finally meet at last. This is crazy..... who would've you thought you'd be a shrimp around my age?

Patry: STAY BACK.... WHAT DO YOU WANT, FILTHY HUMAN?!

Asta: I get it... you were fooled and you couldn't protect the things that were precious or important to you. Bottom line is, you were tricked and strung along. Everything you ever believed in was a lie and now you're reduced to this, a puddle of feelings. But that's why I'm gonna say this and say it one time only. DON'T YOU DARE EVEN THINK ABOUT IT GIVING UP!

Patry: Wha-

Asta: SHUT UP! ALL YOU EVER DID OR HAVE DONE NOW WAS RUN AWAY AND YOU'RE STILL DOIN' IT NOW! YOU STOPPED THINKIN', HID AWAY IN THE DARKNESS BECAUSE IT'S EASIER TO NOT FACE THE ACTIONS OF YOUR CONSEQUENCES!

Patry: SH-SH-SHUT UP! WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW?! I DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF A DECEITFUL HUMAN NOT LOVED BY THE MANA!

Patry: WHAT COULD A STUPID, GREEDY HUMAN SUCH AS YOURSELF EVER UNDERSTAND ABOUT OUR PLIGHT!?

Patry: AH!

Asta: YOU TOOK EVERYONE HOSTAGE AND KILLED THE WIZARD KING! AND YOU THINK YOU GET THE RIGHT TO RUN AWAY FROM YOUR CRIMES!? WHEN YOU BROUGHT BACK THE ELVES, YOU POSSESSED SOME OF MY FRIENDS AND YOU HURT INNOCENT PEOPLE ALL OVER THE KINGDOM! YOU KEEP DRONING ON AND ON ABOUT HOW YOU CAN'T FORGIVE HUMANS WELL, RIGHT BACK AT YOU! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR WHAT YOU PULLED HERE TODAY!

Patry: But... But that's why-

Asta: AND AFTER EVERYTHING YOU PULLED, YOU WANNA GET OFF ACTING LIKE THIS?! Just because you did some things you can't take back, doesn't give you the right to run away like a coward! THINK ABOUT IT! SHOULDN'T YOU BE TRYING TO GET REVENGE AGAINST THAT PIECE OF SHIT DEVIL THAT TRICKED YOU, TOO?! YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS HAD ENOUGH GUTS TO PULL OFF ALL OF THIS TO GET HERE, IT WAS IN YOUR MIND TO DO ALL THIS! YOU DID THAT! WHO CARES THAT YOU WEREN'T CHOSEN OR WANTED BY THE FOUR LEAF GRIMOIRE! MAYBE YOU CAN'T BE FORGIVEN, BUT YOU'RE STILL THE AUTHOR OF YOUR STORY! MAKE YOUR GROUND WITHOUT BEING PATHETIC NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOUR MIND WANTS TO CAVE IN!

Patry: WHY?! WHY ARE YOU SO DESPERATE TO CHANGE MY MIND?! I KNOW YOU, YOUR RACE IS ENTIRELY WRONG, LEAVE ME ALONE!

Asta: I wasn't chosen, wanted or forgiven and yet I made up my mind! I screwed a lot of shit up in the past-

Asta: I MADE UP MY MIND.... THAT I'M GOING TO BECOME THE WIZARD KING! THAT'S WHY.... I WON'T GIVE UP ON YOU OR THE REST OF THE ELVES! AS LONG AS YOU'RE ALIVE I BETTER NOT CATCH YOU GIVIN UP EITHER!

Patry: You... sound like.... him.

Lumiere: Let's foster understanding with one another.

Yuno: Asta!

Tyrus: You're back man! Are you okay!?

Mimosa: Welcome back!

Asta: BARELY! MAN, I SWEAR I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE, MY HEAD FELT LIKE IT WAS GONNA EXPLODE!

Rhya: I-Incredible, the little brat managed to bring Patry back from the depths of whatever despair he was experiencing!

Patry: Honestly... I don't think I ever met such an ambitious yet foolish human before in my life.

Asta: YOU MUST WANT TO GET BEAT SILLY, SAY THAT AGAIN!

Tyrus: Well... at least they're back and the elf ain't attackin' us again.

Yuno: Alright.... Just hang in there Captain Vangeance, we'll bring you back soon enough!

Patry: At this very moment, there is something I can do. Would you all be willing to see this battle through to the end with me? I promise you, at the exact moment we defeat this devil, I will bring back William and restore his body back to normal.

Asta: I'm in!

Tyrus: That goes double for me.

Yuno: Indeed.

Asta: I'm not letting that deceitful bastard run rampant all around my home any longer. And he especially won't get what he wants anymore!

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Finral: N-N-NEROOOOO?! HANG ON! SINCE WHEN COULD YOU TALK?! I THOUGHT YOU WERE JUST YOUR STANDARD RUN OF THE MILL ANTI-BIRD!

Nero: Did you not hear me before? Or did your brother actually manage to knock some sense out of you?

Finral: NERO... IS A BIRD! B-B-B-BUT BIRDS DON'T TALK, SO HOW IN THE HELL ARE YOU FORMING WORDS RIGHT NOW?!

Mage: That bird just spoke!

Mage: IS IT A SPIRIT?! A NOBLE SPIRIT AT THAT!

Finral: NERO! WHAT'S GOING ON HERE, WHERE DID CAPTAIN YAMI AND CAPTAIN JACK GO?! HANG ON I MUST BE ASLEEP, YEAH, YEAH! THAT HAS TO BE THE ONLY LOGICAL CONCLUSION!

Finral, who after brutally defeating his possessed half-sibling Langris had been rudely awakened by the anti-bird Nero most known for nestling in his squadmates Asta and Tyrus's hair had spoken for the first time... to the failure flirt that was the nobleman representing House Vaude no less.

Nero: Do be as kind as to pick your jaw up the floor and make haste. I need a portal now and you're my best shot at what I need done here and now.

Finral: You can't be serious. A bird of all things is giving me orders?! What's next, a freakin' rock!?

Nero: It's only fair I update you on the ongoing situation. As it stands right now, the humans who were possessed by the elves might not return to normal. This includes your younger brother Langris.

Finral: Hang on, slow down!

Nero: That's not even the worst part.... Anyway if you could go ahead and make with that portal, you'd be a great help. Take me to the demon's bones in the Forsaken Realm.

Finral: This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder.

Meanwhile....

Yami: DIMENSION SLASHHHHH!

Yami had successfully injured the devil Zagred, delivering his strongest attacks and cutting two of his wings off but the Captain of the Black Bulls was the one who was worse for wear.

Zagred: Now.... RETURN. I suppose one good cut deserves another GREAT cut. TEMPEST OF BLADES!

Yami: OI, EVER HEARD OF A FAIR FIGHT, PUSSY?! GET DOWN HERE AND FIGHT ME, MAN TO DEVIL!

Blades rain down on Yami as he expertly parries and dangerously brushes aside each sword, dagger, knife and blade.

Yami: Pft. This devil's got some mad dirty tricks.

He recounts all of the many spells Zagreds brought into the world just by putting sentences together.

Yami: Not only can this fucker make things he says appear at random... he can summon objects with little difficulty as well. Not to mention he can move, manipulate and order them around as he sees fits. But its this Tempest of Blades he keeps spamming. It's essentially of all of that in one spell. FUCKIN' RIDICULOUS! In the span of five minutes he withered Prickly Princesses' vines, healed himself and then proceeds to mess with however the fuck he pleases... IT'S HONESTLY CRAMPIN' MY STYLE, MAN! But then again, since he hasn't gone ahead and just said the word "Die" yet. He's got something much more evil planned. I can tell, he's got his own limitations. HEY, CHARLOTTE!

Charla: I told you, it's Charla!

Yami: Yeah, yeah, I don't care. I don't get paid to remember the elf possessing Prickly Princess's body's name.

Charla rolls her eyes whilst summoning another round of vines to stop the current waves of Tempest of Blades that were incoming.

Charla: Earlier... Did some of briars not wither when he commanded all of them to do so? Even so, not all of them were affected by his attack. Were they out of range? His ongoing magic spells might've also been a occuring factor as well. Is it possible.... he's putting a massive amount of magic power into his spells that it overwhelms our defenses and spells? HAAAAA!

With another wall put up Yami began his next attacking phase!

Yami: All we can do right now, is skate by and figure out a decent way to breakthrough this clown's attacks! We'll find your weakness soon enough you fucking demon. I do know thing. No matter the amount of spells he's launched, he hasn't been able to stop my dark magic once before, like he has Prickly Princess's Briar Magic or that other elf's magic. I'm guessing-

He launches a Lightless Slash Zagred's way, the devil narrowly avoiding it.

Yami: Yep, he avoided it again on purpose. Now that I know his secret, it's all about landin' a final move on this wannabe world ender!

He lands but before he could mount a defense, Licht steps in front of him and deflects the remnants of his Dimension Slash right back at Zagred.

Yami: Hey, not too shabby!

Zagred: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You know for someone who's almost half asleep, you seem to be quite energetic!

Charla: This scumbag is right.... Licht can't possess his full power yet! As for this moment, the battle seems balanced and even then, it's slowly trickling in his direction.

Zagred: TEMPEST..... OF BLADES!

Yami: DAMN IT.... THERE'S NO END TO THESE DAMN THINGS! FOR SUCH A SCRAWNY LITTLE BASTARD, HE'S PACKING A LOT MORE BITE AND PUNCH THAN I THOUGHT! In terms of raw power, this menace has got us all beat....

A chart displaying the pecking order of magic power users is shown, with Yami slightly below Nozel and above Sol, Tyrus and Noelle and way above Magna and Asta.

Asta: WHAT?! WHY AM I SO DARN BELOW!?

Yami: I can't keep my magic goin' like this for much longer.... and what's pissing me off even more is that he looks like he hasn't even broken a sweat!

Zagred: Heheheheheheheheh! I'm enjoying this pathetic little resistance you three are putting together. Your company ever so slightly warms my cold-blooded heart. About time someone or some people kept me busy! Inhabiting my own body and being able to wield my magic so freely is just so... refreshing! I'm very grateful to you.... not just that but you also helped me obtain the five-leaf grimoire! Let's try one of the spells in here at long last, shall we? I SHALL SHOW WHAT WE DEVILS ARE TRULY CAPABLE!

Yami and Charla buckle in suspense as Zagred guturally utters his incantation.

Zagred: Word Soul Magic,-------------

What appear to be just jumbled up words become something much worse..... rumbling... more rumbling and then suddenly....

Yami: What the fuck? Just when I thought I felt the worst of this punk's magic- HE'S GOT MORE IN THE BAG?!

Zagred: Mahahahahahahaha! I'm a devil from a different dimension fool, the likes from which you cannot even begin to comprehend! YOUR DOOM IS AT HAND!

When all is said and done, a massive, disgusting shapeless mass of purple tendrils emerge, beginning the slow crawl towards elves and lone human.

Yami: What the hell is that thing? Never mind that, the fuck type of a spell is that, what's even happenin'?!

Charla: It can't be.... could this magic... be from the land of the dead!?

Zagred: Heheheheheheheh!

Yami: Tch! Hang onto something, Prickly Princess!

He makes a many slashes into the disgusting mass while Zagred continues to laugh his boney ass off. Where the cuts were made, more tendrils just appeared to replace the emptiness.

Yami: As I figured. Cut some and more appear to take their place! Yeah... we're screwed, no minicing words about it.

BOOM!

Patry: What was that... just now?

Yuno: No idea.

Tyrus, peers high above where Zagred made his exit, his thoughts now concerning towards Noelle and his absent Captain who he hadn't heard or seen from since Yami and Jack the Ripper gave pursuit after Patry.

Tyrus: I'm thinking along the lines on we're not gonna like the answer though.

Meanwhile... Hage Village, Forsaken Realm.

A portal opens revealing Finral and Nero pouring through.

Finral: God, even with Spatial Magic that was tiresome to even do. Langris took more out of me... than I'd like to admit!

Nero: Don't waste time, we're on the clock here!

Finral: Alright, alright! I hear ya. Stupid bird.

They approach the monument that started everything...

Nero: I need you to pull out all of the magic stones that are deeply wedged within this monument.

Finral: Hang on.... these were all the Magic Stones we recovered.... did the Midnight Sun recover them all that quickly. Are you should I be doing this, Nero?

Nero: Now!

Finral does as he's pushed into doing.... and not even a few minutes later he and the anti-bird find themselves on top of the Demon Skull.

Nero: What you'll do next is place the stones into the statue.

Finral: The statue... of the First Wizard King. Alright... here goes nothing.

He carefully follows the pattern the legendary figure's belt sash, placing stone after stone in its designated fixture while Nero watched in anticipation.

Finral: Lastly... his eyes. Here it is.

With the last stones placed, a bright yellow glow occurs immediately.

Finral: No way! What's going on?!

Crack.... Crack!

Yami: WATCH OUT!

Charla: I didn't think it possible... our spells! THEY'RE MELTING!

Yami immediately noticing she was in danger throws a Dark Blunt Strike her way as a means to create some space between her and the devouring mass.

Charla: THIS MONSTER!

While he succeeded in saving the possessed House Roselei member, his arm was a much different story.

Yami: Did this fucking spell just take some of my ki and life force outta me?!

Zagred: OHOHOHOHO! SOON YOU'LL BE TOO WEAK TO KILL ME, LET ALONE CARRY YOUR SWORD! The spell I just happened to launch? It leeches all the life force from everything it touches and there's no way to stop it.... AND SOON THIS BEAUTY WILL BE UNLEASHED.... ON THE ENTIRE WORLD! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Yami: Fuck me.... this keeps getting worse and worse the longer we keep fighting him.

Tyrus: NOW WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!

Patry: It's coming towards us and it's rather fast!

Asta: It's so slimy and disgustin' lookin'!

Patry: It's the devil's power!

Tyrus: COME ON YOU TWO!

Tyrus joins the elf and Yuno while everyone looks on unsure of what they're facing.

Patry: Light Magic, Light Swords of Conviction!

Tyrus: Ice Magic, Ice Missiles!

Yuno: Wind Magic, Tornado Fang!

Their magics light up the swelling mass but other than that there's no effect.

Tyrus: Well, that was a waste.

Yuno: It just absorbed all of our magic like it was nothing.

A sudden blob appears on Patry.

Patry: And it's still going, get back!

Mimosa: AHHHHH!

Tyrus: SHIT, MIMOSA!

The trio continue to fire off more attacks desperately, looking to buy Mimosa and Rhya any time to escape but it proves fruitless, just as Asta took them and throws them out of the way!

ASTA: GOTCHA!

Time slows down for everyone in the same vicinity as the pile of goo hits Asta, seemingly drowning him.

Mimosa: ASTA!

Yuno: ASTAAAAAAA!

Tyrus: NOOOOOOO, TALK TO US!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

Asta: I'M HERE STILL! I THOUGHT THAT WOULD'VE KILLED ME FOR SURE!

Mimosa much like Tyrus and Yuno breathe sighs of relief.

Mimosa: Oh, thank goodness you're alright Asta!

Tyrus: Incredible.... Asta's Anti-Magic must make him immune to whatever the hell is hazardous to us. Meaning.... he's our best chance in taking out that devil!

Yuno: I guess it didn't feel like swallowing a loser with no magic to his name.

Asta: I'm fine by the way, thanks for asking you handsome jerk!

Everyone gathers around Mimosa while she has Magic Flower Guidepost.

Mimosa: Oh no!

Tyrus: What's wrong Mimosa?

Mimosa: It's just as I figured... that creepy purple substance that burned our elven friend and nearly drowned Asta.... more of it is spreading throughout the Shadow Palace. Which means the people in the other rooms above and below us, they don't know what's awaiting them in a matter of moments.

Tyrus tightens his knuckles.

Tyrus: This is why I didn't want to abandon you Noelle.... damn it. You better pull through. That goes for all of you guys!

Nozel looks at the expressions his cousin and his youngest sibling's boyfriend were displaying before he instilled some confidence into them, realizing Noelle with her new powers would be the best shot in getting everyone out.

Nozel: If our best strategy is getting everyone out that isn't privy to the situation. Right now, we must focus on saving the entirety of the Clover Kingdom.... and we'll do so without abandoning those we brought alongside with us to combat this vicious threat. You can trust me to assist those on the lower floors. Mimosa, I'd most appreciate it if you come along with me.

Mimosa nods, rigidly registering a tight swallow in her throat.

Mimosa: Yes, Sir.

Nozel then looks between the three commoners and the newly allied Patry.

Nozel: You four seem to understand the enemy and what's going on above us, now, do you not. You probably do more than I do. If you can find any way to use Asta's anti-magic with both Yuno and Tyrus's Spirit magics in concert with the elf's light magic, in perfect tandem... you should have no difficulty making it to the main chamber from here. Get moving, now.

Asta: RIGHT!

Tyrus: Good luck, you two. We'll see you on the other side!

Back in Hage Village....

Nero: Now that your seal has at long last become undone, assuming mines will also become undone in the same real time...

The Anti-Bird begins glowing intensely, putting Finral off.

Finral: Nero.... you're glowing just like.... the statue?

Nero: Such a measly and horrible state you're in.... this comes back on me. If only my spell was more complete back then, you'd be in better shape.

Lumiere: Please, don't say such things. It's because of your spell I was able to survive so long like I have.

Finral: DID THAT STATUE JUST TALK?!

Nero morphs into a slender young woman with a short length blackish-blue bob her once nasally voice replaced with a more clear voice as she looks at the First Wizard King restored, his grimoire lit ablaze.

Nero: It's good to have you back... my prince.

Lumiere: I'm sorry to have you kept you waiting, Secre.

Finral: Hang on.... this whole time, the statue of the First Wizard King...... it was really you... NERO? HANG ON IS THAT REALLY YOU?! YOU LOOK SO DIFFERENT! WHOOAAAAA YOU NEVER TOLD ME YOU WERE SUCH A CUTE GIRL AS A HUMAN, I WOULD'VE ASKED YOU ON A DATE EARLIER BUT HEY NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT--- And your eyes are telling me everything I need to know... cool story.

Lumiere chuckles.

Lumiere: I owe both of you a many thanks, good Sir. But just now, I felt just the unnatural feeling and otherworldly magic just a second ago that originates from only the Shadow Palace. I see... he too must have survived and obtained a new body, biding his time to unleash his plan on this world since it failed so long ago.

Finral: Hang on, my brain is about to explode! Can we just regroup and come back to how the statue was actually the real deal First Wizard King!

Lumiere: I suppose I owe you that much. Long ago after I had defeated the devil we stand above, I was mortally wounded when she or Nero as you call her now found me, so she used what remaining magic she possessed to confine me to a statue prison when I was about to die. So basically I've been sleeping this entire time. And now....

He activates one of the magic stones embedded in his eyes while his grimoire glows and flips a few pages as a giant clover-tipped spear appears out of it.

Lumiere: Thanks to you both placing the magic stones where they needed to be, I managed to wake up. Partially that is. As for her.

Finral: Such calm.... yet intense and overflowing magic! Even stronger than any elf magic I've come into contact with!

Secre: For five centuries I've only ever been known as a bird and more recently Nero to you and the Black Bulls.

She grabs a hold of his hand causing him to blush stupidly.

Finral: Hang on why are you holding my- HANNNNNNNNNDDDD?! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Secre: Sealing Magic, Inverse Release!

She invokes the entrance to the Shadow Palace once more as the trio finally separate with Secre and Lumiere flying in, leaving Finral all sorts of behind knowing of the dangers and wishing not to subject him to the hell they would soon experience.

Lumiere: Thank you for everything and setting me free, resilient Magic Knight of the present. I ask you now wait for your friends!

The duo race into the bridge as Lumiere laments while he holds her hand.

Lumiere: Five hundred years you've waited for me. You have my sincerest apologies, Secre.

Secre: It's fine, really. More importantly, we can't allow for history to repeat itself..... As a noble, it was expected for me to become a very powerful mage but all I was ever good for was opening and closing things... In the end I was cast aside and found a living as a royal servant. Assigned to serve an eccentric prince whose magic and talent far exceeded even those his superior. He's probably a snob like the rest of them..... just imagining it makes my skin crawl.

She briskly knocks on the door.

Lumiere: Why hello there! You must be my new attendant Secre. I hope I said your name right, Miss. I'm sorry, I'd get up to shake your hand, but I'm knee deep in my research with ancient magic. Tell me, what type of magic do you possess?

Secre: Yet, he was nothing like what my mind had wanted to portray.

Lumiere: Sealing Magic!? I never heard that type of magic before hand, you must be a rare case! How we can best utilize you then? Just thinking of the endless possibilities are exciting enough are they not?

Secre: All my magic does is seal and open up spaces. It's vulgar.

Lumiere: No it's not! Don't you dare seal your potential off in front of me!

Secre: I hope you're not making a face just because you think you said something clever.

Lumiere: Aw... it didn't work?

Secre: Also, your clothes are kind of weird.

Lumiere: Ouch.... I made these by myself. You don't think they're amazing?

Secre: More importantly.... what is it you need assistance with? I am your servant after all.

Lumiere: Please I won't think of you as my servant. But that is a good question you raised. As of now, I find myself creating magical tools.

Secre: Magical tools?

Lumiere: Yes. I'm making them so that people who weren't blessed with magic or weren't born with any can use all the world's spells to their hearts content. I'm hoping in due time, this would make society a lot more balanced between all races.

Secre couldn't believe what she had been hearing.

Secre: That sounds like an almost impossible dream, what you're working for.

Lumiere: It does, but with these "magic items"... I'm sure we're taking one step closer. And I know for a fact your magic will help immensely.... I know! Can you seal items with your magic?

Secre: Actually.... yes I can.

Lumiere: PERFECT!

Secre: And with that... I helped Prince Lumiere develop magical tools.

She thinks back on all the times they made tools.... some more failures than others.

Secre: Lumiere was unlike anyone I had met before in my life. Of course at that time, there were some members of his family that didn't agree with his overly progressive beliefs. They didn't say it but their emotions and body language said it all. They resented his forward thinking and thoughts for equality. And in spite of that.... he never let their dissenting opinions get to him nor compromise his ideals or stance. Lumiere always remained steadfast, truly showing just how strong and honest person he really was.

She reflected on another memory that took her to the day she had found about Lumiere's sister Tetia fateful encounter with the elven leader Licht who too shared similar beliefs like her master.

Secre: What could they be up to? Ah- elves?! The race extremely blessed with the mana?! Phenomenal magic talent and skill, same four-leaf grimoires, same ideals and stances?

Lumiere: Let's foster understanding with one another. I believe with your innate magic skills and talent which is truly amazing coupled with the advances humanity has made with our magic items, we can create a just and equal society. This land will be even more safer and prosperous! Let us all join hands together, elven and human-kind.

Secre: These items of his... they would store magic and later go on to distribute them. And the elves' magic stones from which were forged another world and can amplify spells! Through his hard work in developing magic items for the elves, the prince soon found himself hard at work in fostering peace between elves and humans, his goal now closer than ever. He and Licht were slowly becoming best friends... and soon becoming a family.

Lumiere: I'm terribly sorry, Tetia. It does appear I'll be late to your wedding while I keep working on you and Licht's gift. Not only that but Father has summoned me to the palace on the day of your upcoming nuptials... so I'll try to make with haste as best as I can. I know that sounds disappointing dear sister and that he and the other members won't be attending given they're opposed to you and Licht's marriage. But please don't worry. I'm sure someday they'll come around and realize that this was indeed the best course of action.

Tetia: I know and I hope for the same, brother. Even if you're ten minutes late, I know Licht and the others would most welcome your appearance and wouldn't dream of rushing you.

Secre: But even as optimistic as the prince and Lady Tetia were.... HIS plot had already long set in motion.

Lumiere: It's definitely weird. I wonder why Father would summon at this particular time knowing Tetia's wedding is minutes away from happening and she's more than likely exchanging vows with Licht. I nor Tetia mention anything about a wedding so this couldn't be a coincidence... could it? I should definitely hurry so I don't at least miss the reception.

He steps into the throne room... but finds no one there.

Lumiere: Strange... Father isn't here. Something's very amiss. Father, I'm here! What is it you wished to discuss with me?

Zagred: Now.... BIND!

Lumiere: GAHHH! What... is this?! I'm trapped!

Minister: HOHOHO! GOOD DAY, MY LIEGE!

Lumiere's eyes widen when he sees who's behind the spell.

Lumiere: M-MINISTER?! What is the meaning of this, undo this spell at once! Wait... he didn't do this, this is a far more villainous mana radiating off of him than I could imagine! Who are you possessing the minister?!

Zagred undoes his possessing of the holy authority figure as he unveils his incomplete form to the prince.

Zagred: Who me? I'm despair, hatred, disloyalty, death, any number of things you could think, sweet prince! You can call me whatever you like.

Lumiere: I've read about beings like these.... souls with evil from the other world! No... an actual devil!? Where is my father, and the rest of the Royal family for that matter?!

Zagred: Who knows? I'm just here to speak with the prince who wishes to reach peace with that other race they're so hell-bent on destroying that's trying to harm their precious princess and in turn the entire kingdom.

Lumiere: Tetia?! You didn't-

Zagred: Imagine how shocked the elves are going to be... I mean when a human's greed and violence are driven over the edge... you'd be surprised just what types of depraved things they're willing to do at the wedding ceremony! You know the one only you were supposed to know about!

Lumiere: NO LET GO OF ME, YOU FIEND! NOWWWWW!

His energy crackles in anger, his light magic undoing the binds Zagred had originally placed on him.

Zagred: And that's why you're the strongest in the kingdom! Some truly terrifying magic, unfortunately for you I kept tabs on that you in particular for just such an occassion so you won't be able to escape them so easily. But don't fret as soon as I come back with my body and grimoire intact, I'll play with you some more!

Lumiere: WAIT! HELP! IS THERE ANYONE HERE!? PLEASE!

Secre: Prince Lumiere!

Lumiere: Secre, thank goodness! Quickly can you undo my bondage? I fear Tetia, Licht and the elves are in grave danger!

Secre: What am I looking at first off!?

Lumiere: There's a devil plotting a genocide of the elves and my error might've just spurred it on!

Secre: I knew you wouldn't put your sister and the elves at risk, Your Highness! But for some reason, the magic item we made in secret... IT'S GONE! STOLEN!

Lumiere: No... that's impossible! Quick undo these restraints, if we're lucky enough, we might be able to stop the planned slaughter at hand!

Secre: At once! Sealing Magic, Inverse Release!

Once they were undone, they immediately bursted from the castle grounds for the elven territory where Licht and Tetia's wedding ceremony was being held.

Lumiere: FASTER! COME ON MAGIC, FASTER DAMN IT! TETIA, LICHT PLEASE HANG ON EVERYONE!

But his hopes would soon be betrayed by what he and Secre saw next.

Lumiere: IT'S THE DEVICE WE MADE! No....

A forest fire engulfed the very spot where the wedding was held.... scores of bodies littered the ground including Patry, Rhya, Vetto, Fana and holding his pregnant sister who had been fatally wounded by an awry blast meant for Licht..... was her newlywed husband. Lumiere stood amongst the elven corpses as he stared daggers at the incomplete blob who seemingly reveled in his sister deceased status and Licht's overwhelming, bubbling despair.

Lumiere: I was... too late. Tetia... everyone except for Licht... they've died.....

Secre: My prince! Licht's grimoire, it's no longer a four-leaf! A five-leaf grimoire.....

Licht: I knew it...

Lumiere: Knew... what?

Licht looks at his best friend, bloodied, eye socket busted and face scarred but never letting go of his dead bride or taking his eyes off of her brother....

Licht: That deep down... you're at all weren't responsible for this Lumiere.

His eye begins to heal, in addition to whatever wounds previously suffered.

Zagred: Impossible! Has he already reclaimed all logic and emotion?!

Licht: Forgive me dear friend.... I almost doubted you for the closest second.

Zagred: Don't bother resisting... go ahead and let me have your body and grimoire, elven leader....GAHHH THAT HURT! Eh?!

Licht: You are the future we believed in.... you represent hope, love and integrity.

Lumiere: Licht.... what are you planning?

Licht: I fear my life much like my friends... my wife, your sister is coming to a tragic end. At this very moment, I'm filled with a immense amount of negative mana. While I still have some semblance of control, I don't know for how much longer. But what I do know is that we cannot let that devil do whatever he wants now.

It was at that moment he realized what his brother in-law was going to do...

Lumiere: LICHT, DON'T DO IT!

Licht: I'm afraid I'm out of options.... So to prevent my body and magic from falling into nefarious hands..... I have decided. To take in even more negative mana into my body.

Zagred: CURSES THE STONES.... HE USED THE HIGHEST FORM OF FORBIDDEN MAGIC TO ENSURE I COULDN'T POSSESS HIS BODY AND GRIMOIRE!

Lumiere: LICHT, PLEASE DON'T! I ALREADY LOST MY SISTER AND EXTENDED FAMILY, I CAN'T LOSE YOU TOO!

Licht: I'm sorry and I know this must eat at you... but I have one last selfish request before I die.

He sets Tetia down peacefully as she sleeps for eternity while he still looks at Secre and Lumiere.

Licht: If I am to go here and now... I'd want someone I'd consider my friend, my ally, my peer to do it for me. Lumiere.... Please.... kill me before I go on a rampage.

Markings appear all over his face and body as torrents of mana ooze out of Licht.

Lumiere: LICHT, NOOOOOO! I CAN'T DO THIS!

Three giant runes appear in the sky, explosions soon following with coming out of the smoke the very same demon of legend. Licht's voice once again resonates with Lumiere as tears sting his face.

Licht: Lumiere.... I need you to kill me before I kill every last human in the Clover Kingdom.

F.W.C. 6,609 Words.

End of Chapter Ninety-Six/LXXXXVI