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 has become legend.

Previously on Killer Ice:
Baro: DO I HAVE TO DO ALL YOUR THINKING FOR YOU, YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF GARBAGE?!

Neige: NO, NO! Please stop Baro!

He taps a device, tossing Neige to the side as he examines Marie's by comparison to the other kids, overflowing mana.

Baro: That's it.... she'll be our star of the show. Not at all bad for a little kid... any more shrimps like and we'll be rich in no time. Hold up-

Noelle: Hm, hey I know you from somewhere.... they have you working at Headquarters? They'll hire just about anyone if they're desperate enough.

Sekke: Ha-ha, Captain Jack had me stationed here temporarily, but I won't pushing papers or be a servant for long! I just accomplished so much in such little time with the Green Praying Mantises that he didn't want stretching myself too thin physically or mentally-

Noelle: WILL YOU JUST CAN IT ALREADY?! We have an emergency over here, you raging and babbling baboon! There is snow all over Nean and summer just began!

Sekke: Really? How romantic!

Noelle: DID YOU NOT COMPREHEND THE FREAKING WORD EMERGENCY JUST NOW?! WE NEED MAGIC KNIGHTS AT MY LOCATION NOW! SOMEONE USED MAGIC TO PUT ALL THE KIDS IN A TRANCE AND KIDNAP THEM ALL!

Sekke must have chosen the right day to get on someone nerves because his connection was all buggy but at the same time? Why chose an easily irritated royal who happens to be in the worst Magic Knight Squad...

Sekke: WAIT, HUH?! You should tell the Magic Knights!

Noelle: YOU ENORMOUS DUNCE, WHAT IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK I'M DOING NOW?!

It was at this moment, Sekke Bronzazza.. knew true fear just based off her rising anger due to his incompetence.

Sekke: Right well, don't you worry I'll spring for some emergency Magic Knight relief, Sekke is on the case. Ha-Ha!

She closes the device as she pinches her nose.

Noelle: Right... I don't find that at all reassuring. Idiot... Tyrus, get back to me soon.

Tyrus: BASTARDS! Are you responsible for this?! What the hell did you do to these kids?

Marie: That big scary man.... he took us one by one to that machine and it did something to us! He said something about money.

Asta grips his sword as he sends a deathly cold glare Baro's way.

Asta: MONSTER- What kind of sick monster does this to kids!

Baro looks terrified at their faces, as if he were about loose his bowels

Baro: Those looks- not good! I don't like the way these two are looking at me!

Neige: So what now?!

Baro: That tall one was troube enough on his own but with backup....

He touches his monocle to examine both Tyrus and Asta's power.

Baro: Oh no... the one wielding ice magic is powerful but hang on this other kid? BAHAHAHAHAHAHA, hey there the little shrimp has no magic power at all! WHAT A FREAK! And look the other one isn't even wearing a robe, SOME BACKUP YOU GOT THERE MIRROR MAGE! Just a couple of stupid kids!

Tyrus: If you were think we're so stupid like my liability of a sister loving teammate, test it at you own peril.

Baro: Neige, I'll take the anti-magic punk. You can get the mirror and ice ones- BAHAHA, huh?!

Sekke finally touched down in the forest which hosted the Bulls' hideout, remarking just how much closer it had been in comparison to the other hideouts.

Sekke: I wonder what's taking them so long. I rang them for assistance hours ago, then again with the group of misfits known as the Black Bulls, there's no telling what shenanigans they've got themselves into.

He notices the doors are slightly cracked as he invites himself in as he tries to find any conscious Black Bulls.

Sekke: Hello? Anyone here... we've got a request for some Magic Knights backup.

He walks through the main artery of the hideout seeing bottles littered all over the place.

Sekke: Ha-ha... this was a bust. I KNOW! I'll see if the Blue Rose Knights are available, that gorgeous boutique of amazingly stunningly yet capable women! Farewell creepy and dust filled dungeon, Sekke Bronzazza is out... of... here?

He walks right into the head of Gordon. What will appeared to be Gordon's head but his body really was just shrouded in darkness

Sekke: AHHHHHHHHH!

He goes through a horror montage being scared by both Grey and Gordon while also doing the worst thing you can do... Wake up Yami Sukehiro while he's dealing with an alcohol induced migraine.

Yami: SHUT THE HELL UP! I swear just when I'm getting the meanest and best nap of all time, there's a HA-HA here and HA-HA there. Huh?

He sees Sekke now hiding behind a corner.

Sekke: My apologies for the late intrusion Captain Yami I have a backup request from a Noe- AGHHH?!

Yami skips the plesantries and gets right to gripping Sekke's head like he would Asta.

Yami: Who in the blue hell are you? HEY! You're not some of bar tab collector, are you?

Sekke: B-Bar tab? No I got a call from one of your Magic-

Yami: I never been to a damn Magic Knights bar, idiot. Just how gullible do you think the Black Bulls are, least of all their Captain?

Sekke: No, it's Nean Village!

Yami: You must want to die, I already paid my tab in Nean Village, clown!

Sekke: Can we please forget about tabs already?!

Yami: You think I'm gonna pay twice, ass-hat

He applies even more pressure to the Praying Mantis' Knight's head as Sekke begins to truly regret coming to the Black Bulls.

Sekke: What in the hell did I get myself into?! Why didn't I go to Silver Eagles or Blue Rose Knights first! AH HA HA!

Sally: WOOOOWWW! SO MUCH POWER IN ONE PLACE?! BARO YOU AND YOU BROTHER OUTDID YOURSELVES!

Asta: Wait a minute that sounds like-

Tyrus: Oh no..... just fucking end me!

Baro: It's about time, you're so slow for you using spatial magic! Listen, we had a snag in the plan. Mainly of the Magic Knight kind. I could use a little help here!

Sally: Ugh.. I am so sick of your whining! Asta, Tyrus! YOOO-HOOO!

Asta: The Eye of the Midnight Sun?

Tyrus: Here? I knew something was rigged with bullshit if this dissecting expert maniac is here!

Sally: I didn't expect to see you both here!

Tyrus: Yeah, thanks so much for ruining my damn off day!

She continues to laugh, off putting everyone in the cavern as the twists and jaw jacking turns kept on coming. The hell was the Eye of the Midnight Sun doing here, and why were kids' magic power being sacrificed in the dawn of night?! Yup, some off day.

Picking up right where we left off last time....

Tyrus: Stop that incessant ass laughing! What's the Eye of the Midnight Sun doing here?

(Black Bulls Hideout.)

Yami: WHAT?! Something's going down in Nean and you didn't think to mention it sooner, idiot?

Sekke: But I tried to-

Yami: No excuses, whatever your name is! So the idiots need backup, do they?

He looks over at Gordon and Grey, doing their usual mute and blowing smoke out routine.

Yami: You can never tell what these two chuckleheads are thinking at all. I guess they're not going. Vanessa would be perfect but as you can tell our resident drunken witch is out cold like everyone else. And I certainly don't want to do it. MAN!

Sekke: How did these three ever make it into the Magic Knights?!

Back in Nean, the nuns were escorting the families of the kidnapped back into their homes, so that they did not catch fevers themselves. Rebecca stares through her window of the dispersing scene, clearly worried about her siblings. Noelle sits with the redheads siblings, as they too dread on with how much they miss Marco and Luca.

Rebecca: Everything is going to be alright, I'm certain Marco and Luca will be back before we even know it.

Noelle: They may not look the part but Asta, Gauche and Tyrus are three of the most capable and strongest Magic Knights I know. There's not to mention we'll be getting backup from the other Magic Knights squads soon.

Rebecca: Let's hope, I hate leaving them out there on their lonesome. Come on you three, you want to help with dinner?

They gleefully accept their sister's offer to help take their minds off the situation as Noelle, smiling for a second then goes back to neutral look. Would the backup actually arrive in time for her squadmates? Better yet how were they doing was the better question?

(Nean Village Cave....)

Sally: Why am I here, you ask? Well silly-billy, it's this transmitter that alerted me! But Baro, you haven't gathered that much magic power.

Baro: Well, blame the stupid ass Magic Knights and the goody two shoes nun!

Sally chuckles as she stares down her failed captors from the attacks on the Royal Capital. More or less Asta, who she was just fascinated by his lack of magic power.

Theresa: Children, please stay here and continue to heal! No one moves a muscle. Asta, Tyrus. Is this them, the terrorist group that were responsible for attacking the Capital?

Asta: Yeah, that's them alright. I recognize that crazy glasses wearing girl from anywhere, she kidnapped both Tyrus and I after the initial siege was done.

Tyrus: They call themselves The Eye of the Midnight Sun. Quirky bunch, but definitely terrorists to the tee.

Gauche has a look of murderous intent waged and trained on Sally.

Gauche: You-you're the ones responsible for my Marie getting hurt the way she did? YOU'RE DEAD!

He fires off his mirror magic towards but it gets quickly intercepted.

Sally: Gel Magic, now go STICKY SALAMANDER! I'm trying to have a touching reunion here with your teammates, maybe I should keep all four of you, DISSECTION PARTY!

Tyrus: Not happening. At all, ya damn freak!

Theresa: What type of sinister magic does she possess?

Asta: Be careful, it's very powerful! It was even able to block the power and attacks from the Captain of the Silver Eagles!

Tyrus: Not to mention incredibly antagonizing to go up against, not to much all kinds of slimy.

Sally chuckles as she then suddenly jumps into the salamander and darts for the quarter.

Asta: LOOK OUT!

He takes the initative, bolting for the unstable girl. He slashes successfully through the gel amphibian but that's where the good ended, they lock eyes as he quickly rebounds off a wall as he then decapitates the head.

Sally: Oh silly Asta, your anti-magic attacks will never land if they can't connect with me!

Gauche: Well then... try this on for size! Mirror Magic: Reflect Refrain!

His magic also hits the construct only for it be absorbed, shocking him.

Sally: That's really cool magic, but like Asta. There's only so much a magic reflection can do against Mr. Salaman! Not very effective if you ask me. Maybe try something... STRONGER!

A gel beam strikes the Sister Complex as it quickly redirects Gauche right into a wall.

Tyrus: Shit, Gauche!

Sally: Don't think I forgot about you my favorite Icicle, Tyrus!

Tyrus: Bring it, you blind sadist! Ice Magic: Starfire Breaker!

He fires his attack off in waves but unsurprisingly none connect as he too gets whipped into a wall causing a dust cloud to form.

Asta: TYRUS!

His attention gets diverted as tendrils wrap quickly around him, bringing him into the salamander as Sally gets a hunger stricken look on her features, with slime in her jet black hair.

Sally: AHAHAHAHAHA! There you are my little pretty one Asta! You're not so ordinary for an ordinary looking human, dearie.

Asta: I... Can't.... MOVE!

Sally then licks his neck, making the anti-magic user all sorts of uncomfortable remarking how special he is.... AS SHE THEN BITES HIM!

Asta: AHHHH! AHHH! THAT HURTS, SO FREAKY!

Sally: Heh-heh, your blood is ordinary enough! Next up, one fingernail sample. Stay still!

He screams in horrors as the fingernail on his right index finger begins to get yanked at when fireballs form all around the salamander.

Theresa: Flame Magic: BRILLIANT FLAME CROSS!

True to her command, the nun's spells forms giant flaming cross exploding Sticky Salamander without a second thought. Asta falls to the ground with Tyrus spawning out from his indentation he made in the cave to catch him from hitting his face.

Sally: Awww no fair! Mr. Salamander exploded.

Theresa: RAHHHHHH!

The nun nearly catches the monolouging Sally off guard with a flame punch, which the teenager deftly and closely evades. Tyrus and Asta looked on jaws on the floor as the guardian for so many children look this frail and elderly yet was packing this much power to destroy Sticky Salamander, a magic that even Nozel Silva had no counter for? Sensational.

Theresa: You might as well back off of these two and the children, little girl! You're not taking any of them.

Sally: You realy shouldn't interfere with my play time.

Tyrus: I take back... EVERYTHING I SAID ABOUT HER! She may be elderly but damn can this nun FUCKING GO!

Asta: THAT... WAS AWESOME! Hey thanks, for saving us!

Tyrus: Gotta admit, I was NOT expecting that from you Good Sister. Good looking out!

The Sister whips around, her pride and an intense smile painted on her face as she looks down on the two Black Bull siblings.

Theresa: DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THERESA, THE CRIMSON SHE-LEOPARD! ONCE A MAGIC KNIGHT YOU TWO, ALWAYS A MAGIC KNIGHT!

Tyrus: NO WAY-

Asta: YOU WERE A MAGIC KNIGHT?!

Tyrus: I shouldn't be that surprised. The power, the fact she can actually wield flame magic, and the fact Gauche outside of before we left didn't try attacking her? It tracks.

Asta: Crimson She-Leopard? Wait, does that mean you know Captain Fuegoleon?

Theresa nods at his assumptions as the now ex-Magic Knight turned nun continues.

Theresa: Little Fuego? Of course.

Asta: Little-

Tyrus: Fuego?

Theresa: Back then, I was in charge of his training when he was a young lad.

She reflects back to a time, retelling the two knights of the early days when she trained a MUCH younger Fuegoleon Vermillion, helping him hone and increase his mana and flame magic. She says herself she was a strict yet understanding teacher.

Theresa: Back when he was a mere child, he was a mess. But he's turned out pretty well for himself.

Asta: I cannot picture that.

Tyrus: I guess even royals need help sometimes too, don't they? I'm sorry to tell you this if you didn't know Sister-

Asta picks up where his brother begins to choke up at, a pained and traumatizing look just like the day of the attack that put Fuegoleon in the coma he was in now painted on his face.

Asta: But Captain Fuegoleon... he was targeted during the attacks.

Theresa: Yes... I heard about his less than stellar condition. And we will capture them.

Tyrus: Let's do it then, we will avenge the Captain!

Gauche: Are you going to at least help me, you old coot?

Tyrus: You promise to not try to kill Asta and I? If you can, then hang on Gauche.

Sally: So.... it's three on one? I'm not liking these odds.

Tyrus: Nor should you. Between my ice magic, the Sister's flame magic and Asta's brute strength? You're going to get hurt really bad, Sally. Any last words?

Sally: Actually yes, syringe.

Tyrus: S-Syringe?

After muttering back and forth with the restrained Baro, she suddenly whips out one of her big syringe with a needle, as she then injects him with some sort of formula.

Asta: WHAT DID YOU JUST DO TO HIM?

He exclaims as the portly scumbag begins twitching and spasming violently as the flame binding spell comes completely undone. Baro then unleashes a hellacious, pained scream as he collapses to the cold Earth and muddy ground.

Neige: What's happening to him?!

Tyrus: I don't know but it can't be anything good. Me and my unfiltered mouth.

The four, now with Gauche freed look on in horror as Baro's entire body overflows with mud, not one orifice or hole was not covered in the earthly substance. His body expands bigger and wider normally than any person should have to endure before.

Theresa: He's becoming some sort of monster! His magic is overflowing and steadily rising!

Tyrus: Hell, that's putting it mildly! He was already fat but, this is horrifying even for the likes of him.

The mud monster that was once a child napper, soon towers over the five individuals while unleashing an unearthly wail as giant puddles of mud pour around them.

Sally: Woopsie, that wasn't a part of the plan! At least you have tons of magical power and you can move, just at the cost of your humanity!

The mud monster continues to roar obscenely as it punches a hole into the caverns, terrifying the children.

Theresa: Gauche, Tyrus, Asta! Keep the children safe that's our priority right now!

Asta: On it!

Tyrus: Say less Sister! Gauche, you ready?! Gauche?

What the trio hadn't realized was that Gauche, in yet another act of sibling selfishness grabbed Marie and the two had darted out of the cavern without a second thought.

Tyrus: YOU SON OF A BITCH! I am going to kill him first chance I get!

Gauche: We're leaving, Marie.

Marie: We can't leave! What about the other kids down there, what about the Sister, Asta and Tyrus?

Gauche: Forget about them, they can handle themselves. My lone thought is getting you out of this absymal cave and away from that monster!

Asta: WHHAAAA?

Theresa: That damned fool.

Tyrus: MOVE!

The mud monster cocks a sloppy fist back as the trio moved as the gigantic arm slams into the ground beneath them, sending them flying as Sally gleefully cackles.

Sally: HAHAHA! I won't let you or your brother get away this time, Asta! You're mine!

Tyrus: Just when I think something is finally over, this freaking happens.

They finally take scope of what they're truly dealing with as the mud monster, once Baro, continues to wail angrily, causing obscene amounts of destruction.

Asta: That thing is huge!

Tyrus: If it's anything like Sally's Sticky Salamander, this is going to be one fight we might have trouble with.

Theresa: We can't even hope to fight something that big! Especially with kids nearby, we need to get them out of here!

Tyrus: Right, no kids and that means we have free range to take this bastard down!

Theresa calls forth some creation magic, summoning a flame leopard.

Theresa: Go children! Get on the leopard's back and he'll get you all out of here!

They do as she says, as multiple kids get on the giant cat's back, with plenty of room to spare as they remark of its warmth and caring nature. Like any cat, it purrs and softly growls for the kids to get on it as if to say time to go.

Theresa: It could take at least half an hour to and hour to get them all out of here. The boys and I will just have to hold our ground and hope we get a majority out by then.

Asta and Tyrus, both with swords and grimores armed stand defiantly like the last bastion of defense.

Asta: You won't get near these kids!

Tyrus: Not so long as we can fight and breathe, try us, you gigantic mud-pie! Not one more step!

The monster then disobeys Tyrus's challenge as it trudges forward with one gigantic step as it seemingly shouts out the word die while staring down Neige.

Neige: Baro, you're not yourself anymore! What did she do to you?

Tyrus: Shit! Ice Magic: Ice Missiles!

He aims several of his ice needles upwards to Baro to distract him as Asta then comes in to slash the already falling down arm with murderous intent as Tyrus then pulls Neige out from the chaos.

Neige: Why did you two save me?

Tyrus: Because you're just as complicit in all this as your monstrous brother. He maybe far gone now, but you will still atone for what you did to these kids.

Asta: You can't die yet. Man up and take some responsibility for what you did here, it's that simple. Take the punishment you deserve.

Tyrus: Just because I rose my blade towards my teammate doesn't mean I don't want to kill you myself. But I can tell when someone regrets their actions. We're giving you a chance, don't you dare waste it.

Asta: PLUS YOUR OWN BROTHER TRIED OFFING YOU AND THAT'S NOT COOL! I would never do that to my brothers or sisters!

Tyrus: This guy is sick through and through! Good thing we relieve him of his life here and now since he doesn't have all screws completely screwed in.

Asta: Our swords seem to work just fine! Tyrus, let's cut him down to size!

Tyrus: Right, I'm on it!

He wields his sword as he then fires more crystals towards Baro the Mudman, but for as no longer human he was, the sadistic ex-human being was onto their strategy as it tries to crack Asta with a mean meteor like fist. Sally laughs from above.

Sally: Your anti-magic is just so adorable! But you couldn't hope to think it was going to be that easy, did you? Think back to that dark magic tool I just used. It changes the life force of the person I inject it with and they swell and swell continously with magic power!

Tyrus: Great....

He slashes up and down but is angered when the monster grows yet another arm and hand.

Asta: She is a special kind of cuckoo-cuckoo!

They continually slash any and all massive appendages and body parts, which unsurprisingly make the mud monster angry and grow even larger.

Asta: It just grows right back!

Tyrus: And even larger at that!

They shout profusely as they continue to hack and hack as Sally tries to catch Asta from behind.

Sally: Here's a surprise for you two. I'm not done with you, especially Asta!

Sticky gel from her magic shoots out towards to the both of them as they throw their blades in a defensive stance as fire balls then raise up a shield, absorbing them rapidly.

Asta: SISTER?

Tyrus: Talk about a godly intervention.

Sally: That's the second time you interrupted the three of us! I'm getting really tired of old ladies and their feeble magic power-

Theresa: You'd do well to check that tongue of yours, you sassy brat! While it is true our magic power can start to wane away with age and our bodies starting to fail us, you can always strengthen it to work and cooperate with natural mana, no matter how old you are. When it comes to technique, I am a master and youth like yours has nothing on it. SO TRY ME IF YOU DARE, IT WILL BE THE LAST ACTION IN YOUR LIFE.

Sally: Geez, you're way too intense. Try to mellow out sometimes or else you're bound to keel over like a sick dog and die.

Theresa: I SHALL NOT LOSE TO A MOUTHY BRAT LIKE YOU!

She fires more flame balls at the mud monster who is driven back temporarily.

Theresa: I'm doing the best I can yet it's not enough. Not in my current state, I'd be better off getting these kids out of here while Asta and his brother continue to ward off the mud monster. This will go down disastrously, DAMN YOU GAUCHE AND YOUR OBSESSION ALL THINGS YOUR SISTER!

Speaking of said Sister Complex, Gauche was almost to the exit of the cave as Marie continues to beg her brother to assist his fellow Black Bulls and Sister Theresa.

Marie: PLEASE, GAUCHE WE HAVE TO TURN AROUND!

Gauche: No. I'm getting you and only you out of here.

Marie: THERE'S STILL TIME! WE HAVE TO HELP THEM, NOW!

Gauche: I'm taking you back to the village!

Marie: Please big brother!

Gauche: My magic is useless against that woman and now that the mud monster is in play? It would even be a riskier move and I will not put you in the line of fire.

Marie: But what about of the others?

Gauche: As long you're safe and I know it? I don't give a damn about Tyrus and Asta at all, least of all that old cow. That's right... no one else matters.

He's then taken back to a time when he and his sister were once proud nobles of the Clover Kingdom. Both of their parents, still very much alive at this time as the other nobles took stock of their kids, envy rich in their faces which were masqueraded by a plastered on smile. As compliments rained down on the family, a man asks the father of Gauche and Marie if he'd like to do business and that he was welcome to bring Mrs. Adlai along. Soon, much to the disbelief of Gauche and wondering of Marie they couldn't believe their parents were murdered by bandits. Gauche, way too smart for his age realized that one of his father's closest associates, his own uncle was the responsible party but it was more and less an organized hit to steal Marie and Gauche's inheiritance. This is why Gauche lived by the code of trusting no one as those gates to his former home shut harshly in front of them and began turning to a life of crime, not because of the thrill but rather to support himself and Marie. To see her smile and happy no matter all of the beatings he had to endure, he'd steal, assault and rob those that didn't even need it. It wasn't until he said his next words that he was shocked by his next actions.

Gauche: I never cared about anyone or anything and I'm not starting now- GUHHH?!

Marie balled up her fist and for as tiny as it was, she swung with all her might, sneaking Gauche with a surprising yet powerful hook as she began ranting.

Marie: YOU'RE THE MOST UNCOOL BIG BROTHER EVER, I HATE YOU!

Gauche is stoned by those words, as he crumbles into nothingness.

Marie: I know it hasn't been at all easy and there have been really bad people who have done unspeakable things to us, but Sister Theresa and the church kids are not like that at all! The only reason I don't that feeling of loneliness is because of them, they've been there for me when you're not. Isn't that why joined the Magic Knights? To get friends like them? So you wouldn't be alone? People are all connected in some way, we all need friends Gauche and you've got two back there right now! They are who make us who we are.

He contemplates his sister's final pleas as Theresa, Tyrus and Asta continue to struggle with the abombinable mud man.

Marie: Besides, Magic Knights are supposed keep people safe and protect them when they can't protect themselves, you know! I WAS SO PROUD WHEN SISTER THERESA TOLD ME YOU MADE THE MAGIC KNIGHTS AND I LOVE BEING PROUD OF YOU, so please Gauche!

Gauche: Marie....

They reach the exit as a recovered Marco with Tyrus's Black Bulls robe on him, shouts out to Gauche and his sister as a few more kids, saved by the Flame Leopard were outside now.

Marco: HEYYYYYY! Over here!

Marie: Look, it's Marco! I was so worried about you, I'm glad you're alright!

Marco: I was so frightened but thankfully the Sister, Asta and Tyrus came when they did!

Gauche: Hey kid, where did you get that robe from?

Marco: I got it from Tyrus when they found me, they told me recover and he handed this to me so I could stay warm! He and Asta told me it was chocked full of magic power and bravery.

Marie looks at her brother, who looks about ready to murder Marco when she backs him off.

Marie: I'm sure I'll be fine, Gauche! But your friends and the Sister need help. I can hang back with Marco!

Marco: Don't worry I'll make sure nothing happens to Marie-

Gauche puts his hand softly on the redhead as he does his best Captain Yami impersonation.

Gauche: You better you little shrimp, or else your sister will have one less sibling to worry about you poor excuse for a bodyguard. Because if something bad happens to Marie, I can promise something four times as bad will happen to you. Understood?

He nods carefully as the kids run back to the others and Theresa flame recovery magic while Marie tells them everything will be alright.

Marie: -Plus my big brother, Asta and Tyrus are a part of the same Magic Knight squad, so they have to stick together!

Kids: WHOA! The same as Asta and Tyrus?! You've got to be super strong!

Gauche: Marie.... you and these other brats need to stay well-hidden.

Marie: R-right.

He then gets back on his broom, taking a deep breath as he flies back in the cavern.

Gauche: Asta this. Tyrus that. What's so great about those two meatheads anyway?

He gets a recent flashback as Asta and Tyrus made their grand entrance with Sister Theresa and took the fight to Baro and Neige.

Gauche: The Captain, the other squadmates. They're so crazy about them. I can possibly, maybe see it with Tyrus. But they've been practically been useless back there. Hell it wouldn't at all shock or surprise me if the old hag and two of them have given up and ran for the hills nor would I hold that against them. It's just the human way, people will put themselves in front of other people's needs-

He is soon shocked to see the three continuing their desperate plan of attacks against the mud monster. Asta had been worned down, Tyrus was in a better shape, yet was starting to show some displays of exhaustion as he coughed up some dry blood, no doubt after having slammed into a cavern wall earlier in the fight with Sally.

Tyrus: B-big bastard!

Asta: I'M NOT DONE!!!

Tyrus: NEITHER AM I, LET'S KEEP IT GOING!

Sally: Wow, you two don't know when to quit, do you?

Tyrus: I'll give up when I die or become the Wizard King. Any other excuse and it'd be pathetic of me!

Sally: Well then forget about protecting them, and lemme take you and Asta. We three can have so much fun together!

Tyrus: Lady, my idea of a good time is working out, fishing, or eating with my friends... not getting hacked to almost nothing and seeing my organs get pulled out of my body. YOU SIICCCCKKKK FREAK!

Asta yanks his sword out of the ground.

Asta: Forget about protecting them? No way, not ever. AS IF! You're going to have to kill us if you want them!

Tyrus: And taking the brats and little squirts is non-negotiable!

Gauche: Are they insane? Just two thrill-seeking idiots.

Asta: WHICH ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN!

Tyrus: I WON'T DIE!

Asta: NOT BEFORE I BECOME THE WIZARD KING!

Theresa: Asta, quickly on your right! Tyrus, your left!

Tyrus deftly evades a muddy fist as Asta can't react in time, that was before Gauche sped in and kicked Asta dead in his spine.

Gauche: You know, for two idiots who keeping blustering and blathering about not dying, it seemed you like were about to die there.

Tyrus: Gauche?!

Asta: You came back! Why did you even run away in the first place you jerk?!

Gauche: Shut up! I wasn't running away you clown, I just needed to get Marie out of here so I could come back free of my brotherly distraction.

Theresa: So the boorish brute, came back? About time!

Gauche plainly ignores her as the mage becomes Sally's new challenger.

Gauche: Forgot about them, I will take you myself.

Theresa: NO YOU CAN'T!

Tyrus: GAUCHE SHE'S RIGHT!

Sally: Been there, tried that! It didn't work! STICKY SALAMANDER!

Gauche: Then I'll fight as hard as I know can. Marie will love me! And then she'll be proud of her eldest sibling once more!

He duplicates himself as he charges in even faster.

Gauche: GO REAL DOUBLE!

His magic produces not only multiple mirrors but also projectiles as they bounce off and pierce the mud monster once again, using the salamander as an honorary shield. Not once ounce of the monster isn't eating at least one.

Gauche: NOW DOUBLE REFRAIN!

Asta: That.. is so cool!

Tyrus: Maybe he does have a chance!

But the ice mage's exclamation is quickly undone as the fresh wounds disappear again, as if there were no trace of an attack that had just occured.

Sally: PRETTY FRUSTRATING, AM I RIGHT? HEE-HEE!

Gauche: Damn, maybe the old bat and Tyrus were right. Hell I haven't scratched the woman yet.... this is probably my worst fight since Captain Yami when we first met. Should I play my trump card? No, not yet!

His thoughts or whatever next plan he had been thinking of get cut off as both he and clone get clobbered into the hard ground.

Asta: Gauche, are you alright?!

Tyrus: Speak to us!

Another fist approaches the sister lover at a high rate of speed as he contemplates dying here and there.

Gauche: Damn.... this is not how I saw myself dying...

Suddenly the glint of a sword brightens his viewing as Asta slashes down harshly yet again as Tyrus fires off his signature snow and ice cyclone.

Tyrus: The hell were you thinking idiot?

Asta: WHY'D YOU GO IN CHARGING LIKE THAT?! We're teammates remember, we're supposed to be in this together, Gauche!

Tyrus: We are teammates and squadmates of the Black Bulls, Gauche! Whether you like us or not, we fight as equals! Which means we protect each other, we watch your backs and you watch ours, got it? WE GO ALL OUT, NO HOLDING BACK!

Asta: WE GROW STRONGER TOGETHER, NO ONE CAN TAKE US ON IF WE WORK TOGETHER! That's what we call a foolproof plan!

The two Third Class Junior Knights charge in fearlessly back after Sally as Gauche reconsiders his stance on his rookie teammates. The plan may have been foolish in his eyes and he still may have thought of the boys as idiots but... their willigness to jump in a situation where their very life force could be extinguished. It was admirable as he smirks, thinking back to that fateful day when he fought his captain just as a scared, confused and desparate inmate. Yami had asked the criminal Gauche that he had no chance in running, let alone mounting any defense against his relentless and overpowering offense. When Gauche mentioned he would go to hell and back to get to his baby sister, Yami allowed him to join the squad if she was that important to the mirror magic user, not to mention the pay wasn't bad at all. All he wondered now, was Captain Yami anticipating something this testing?

Tyrus: ICE MISSILES!

Asta: HYAHHHH!

Tyrus: Sister, how many of the kids are left?

Theresa: Not that many left! This will be the last set of kids, now!

Another beam hits the monster as it continues its rampage and roaring.

Gauche: It seems I have no choice... Asta, Tyrus. I don't get it honestly, but Marie would absolutely be heartbroken if either one of you two died. So I will protect the both of you!

Theresa: This boy.... Could this really Gauche?

Asta: It's not like you're doing us a favor!

Tyrus: You're our teammate, idiot. It's our job to make sure we survive this. That's what comrades do!

Gauche: Watch the attitude, you two! As you senior squad member and superior. You will treat me with respect, wait. What's happening with your grimoire? As well as your arm Tyrus?

Tyrus notices his arm glowing a bright and brilliant light turqoise as he looks toward Asta as he pulls out the same sword he had procured in the dungeon and used to combat Mars with.

Asta: It's just... like in the dungeon? That glowing sword.

Tyrus: And my arm.... it's never done this before! But the power, it's overflowing.

He takes a look at his sword, which it doesn't glow has grown a lot sharper in its blade and also has icy residue radiating off of it.

Mud Monster: GROOOOAAHHHHHH!

Asta looks intensely as he then would rotate around, sending a glowing purple slash upwards and to the shock of Sally, the monster looks pained as its fingers fall off and then regenerate. It continues to attack, only for Tyrus to rare his arm back now the aura fixture sports claws like a dragon and swipe forward, as it leaves a gashing wound on the monstrosity as it then regenerates again.

Tyrus: OH COME ON!

Asta: It just keeps regenerating!

Sally: OHHHHH NEW MAGIC NEW MAGIC! TELL ME WHAT YOU DID, COME ON TELL ME, TELL ME!

Gauche: If were going to defeat this monster, all three of us are going have to hit harder than we ever had and faster than the bastard can regen.

He looks as Asta continues to hack and hack while Tyrus gashes from like him, an aerial standpoint. Realizing Asta's new attack would be their best bet but the regeneration would prove difficult he then came to an epiphany.

Narrator: Gauche Adlai, who had for most of his life been a lone wolf and distrustful towards anyone not named his sister, had not once ever thought of using his magic on someone else. But in a last play desperation to earn back Marie's love and his begrudging acceptance of Asta and Tyrus would show itself in a new way. A fundmentally similar yet entirely different spell had jot itself in his grimoire and not a moment too soon.

Gauche: Good! But I don't have nearly enough magic power to use it on the both of them. Hey, old cow. Buy some me time so I can replenish my mana. Please.

Theresa: You cad, needlessly throwing around demands to someone my age? Alright, just know I won't be able to hold out for much longer, so hurry up!

She fires off multiple fireballs as to distract the mud monster but to Sally, this old nun was starting to annoy her.

Sally: You've used all the good offense you've had and look what you've been reduced to. This simply won't cut it. Oh Tyrus, Asta! It's your turn to play! Use that slash attack again.

Tyrus: You don't want to do that.... trust me, it'll be game over for you. Don't get cocky!

Asta: OH TRUST ME, I WOULD IF I COULD!

Sally: AWW PARTY POOPER!

Tyrus: Look out!

They dance back, retreating as Sally gets back into Sticky Salamander and the mud monster threw another lazy fist.

Asta: Mannnn...

Tyrus: Took the words out of my mouth!

Gauche: I've kept it hidden but we're out of options and time. Using it now is our best chance to get out of here. Asta!

They look back to see Gauche sporting what appears to be a fake eye.

Gauche: I want you to look at me, Tyrus distract that bastard if you can!

Tyrus: Got it!

Asta looks at the fake eye and soon realizes it's a magic item that replaced his old one.

Gauche: Just like that. Hey bastard, try this new spell of mine! MIRROR MAGIC, MIRROR BRIGADE!

Tyrus looks as a barrage of Astas sprint towards him and the monster as he smiles deviously while continuing his own attack and distraction.

Gauche: NOW GO!

Beams all shoot from the original and clones blades while Tyrus swipes down at the legs, taking the monster down to a knee while Asta and his duplicates fire from all directions and hit the atrocity one known as Baro the Mud Mage is obliterated. Sally and her Sticky Salamander were not spared as slashes and amplified wide ranged cuts hit her from all ends by the ice mage.

Asta and Tyrus: YOU'RE FINISHED!!!!

They both shout in concert as she's roughly thrown a considerable distance from the trio of Black Bulls, her robe torn to tatters with the Asta clones soon dissipating as Gauche smirks.

Asta, Gauche and Tyrus: WE DID IT!!!

Theresa looks on shocked yet relieved.

Theresa: Incredible! They combined magics and then launched a pincer clone attack? And they finally drained the mana from that monster?

Neige was in a less than celebratory mood. He trudges forward to the last spot Baro was seen before he had lost humanity and turned into... whatever Sally had turned him into as he holds his brother slash abusers' jacket, Baro nowhere to be seen as he weeps while whispering goodbye. He then looks at the unconscious Midnight Sun member vowing to hate her.

Neige: I'll hate her, I'll hate her forever and ever for turning you into that monster! And myself, how can I ever forgive myself for these horrible actions of you and I, brother Baro? I only ever followed you without question or hesitation, no matter how sinister or callous your actions.

He then looks at Tyrus and Asta as they both ponder what to do with him.

Neige: What you two said before.... about needing to own up to your mistakes? You were right, I have to atone for both my brother and I. What we did to these kids, I'll spend however long it takes to make it up to these kids, even if I die and still haven't absolved of my crimes. I'll do that for however long that it takes me

Tyrus: Good. I'm glad one of you gets to at least live and regrets his actions.

Asta: And once you get that out of the way, we'll be your friends. I have a feeling we could get along very well, especially with all the cool magic you have, no doubt you'd be pretty popular around here.

Tyrus extends his hand for a shake as both Hage Village smile but before Neige could return the formality, he gets struck with something as it digs deep into his spine?

Asta: It's that bright light again!

Tyrus: Yeah... I remember it all too well...

Gauche: So much... magic power! I have never in my life felt something this... overwhelming and intense-

He then too is struck down with two light blades, one hitting him in his shoulder and then another piercing his leg, just barely avoiding the major artery.

Tyrus: GAUCHE!

Theresa: Another one? Haven't they done enough damage as-

Her words are cut off as she horrifyingly sees more blades rain down, intended for the brothers of Hage Village!

Theresa: ASTA! TYRUS!

Her body moves unconsciously as she pushes both unsuspecting Magic Knights. There is a quick, blinding light as both Asta and Tyrus use their arms for protection. What they see next stuns them into paralyzing shock.

Asta: NO!

Tyrus: SISTER THERESA!

Gauche: Old Hag, no!

Tyrus and Asta run up on her, quickly checking her wounds and hoping for a pulse.

???: You have injured my comrade. It's only fair I return the favor, you understand, don't you two?

Asta: Tyrus it's him, the guy the Wizard King confronted at the Midnight Sun's hideout!

Tyrus: I know... so this is where all that power is coming from?! Unreal, unfathomable, just ridiculous! YOU HAVE A FUNNY CONCEPT OF PAYING IT BACK AND FORWARD! DON'T WE AT LEAST GET A NAME!

Licht: Of course, how very rude of me. My name is Licht and I am the leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun.

Tyrus: N-No way.... so that's why you have all that power....

However what he was seeing? Asta was already scared by.

Asta: He's like Yuno.... he's got a four leaf clover grimoire!

Licht: You've got a lot of power if you were able to take Sally.... allow me to put you two Black Bulls to pasture. Asta and Tyrus, but playtime is over.

Final Word Count: 7,468 Words

End of Chapter Twenty-Three! End of Nean Village Mini Arc, Part Three!