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. Asta, Tyrus and Yami found themselves locked in a life or death battle with the intimidating leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, Licht. Their defeat was all but guaranteed until a fully healed and mana restored Gauche, by way of Finral's spatial magic, burst back onto the scene to save his captain and teammates.

Gauche: Mirror Magic, My Real Double!

Licht looks on shocked, not expecting the fully healed Gauche to be back so soon but was even more stunned by the power he had possessed after he was severely wounded.

Licht: He's back?

Gauche: NOW GO! MIRROR MAGIC, FULL REFLECTION!

A giant mirror appears in front of Gauche just as Ray of Divine Punishment hits it flush and bounces back, hitting Licht flush! The impact was so hellacious it caused the mountain to rupture with the blast erupting through the snowy terrain, leaving Asta and Tyrus stunned he was even back.

Gauche: Your magic may be fast and powerful, but a mirror can and will always be deflected against light!

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Everyone takes a deep breath as Licht stays unconscious from the blast meant to kill Asta, Tyrus and Yami has been fully deflected and reflected, injuring the Midnight Sun's leader severely.

Tyrus: Wow...

Finral: Nice save, Gauche!

Yami lets the barrier down as Asta's brain finally gets through processing what had transpired.

Asta: WHOOOAAA! What just happened guys?! NO WAY, HOW ARE WE STILL ALIVE?!

Gauche: My mirror magic... reflected h-his attack back at him. I didn't see it hit the smug bastard but there's no way in hell he could have dodged it.

Tyrus: Easy. You did good Gauche-

Yami: AAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Glad you decided to drag your tall and lanky ass back into the fray. And with a new spell no less, Adlai. Way to surpass your limits!

Gauche: Captain... you made me into the person I am today, thank you. I owe you everything.

Yami: OH IS THAT SO! I GUESS I CAN TAKE CREDIT FOR BEATING THE LIGHT MAGE THEN HUH?!

Asta: WHAT SENSE DOES THAT MAKE, GAUCE PUT HIM DOWN WHILE YOU SAID WE WERE DEAD MEAT, GAHA!

Yami grips his third youngest mage's head and begins to squeeze down on it.

Yami: Shut up.

Asta: WHY CAPTAIN?!

Yami: You think just because you and your brother defeat Sir Skinny Bones Long Face, you can just have no filter like yours truly?

Tyrus: Aht aht, don't look at me Asta! You're the bonehead who wanted to stick up for Gauche, take that whooping from the Captain!

Finral: Hey now, isn't the important thing that we're all alive and well while everyone did their best, there's no need for violence!

Gauche, Tyrus and Yami: Oh yeah, and what did you do at all?

They all give him a deadpanned look as the nobleman cries out accusatorily and pissed off.

Finral: EXCUSE ME, it was my spatial magic that made everything possible!

Gauche: No one cares, just get me back to Marie and the Old Hag.

Finral: Alright that's enough out of you, I AM YOUR SUPERIOR GAUCHE!

Gauche tunes out his superior and Asta's screaming as he looks to the sky.

Gauche: Well my little darling, star dusted angel? Your big brother has done it and soon, you shall be in my arms, spoiling me with unlimited hugs. Marie.... Well, chop chop to it Finral.

His nose spurts out blood which prompts Tyrus to slide to the left in disgust.

Tyrus: I may love Recca and Aruru, but pray I never act like.... THAT when it comes to them.

Finral: I am your- nevermind. Anyway I can't get you there. I told you before we came here I was low on mana and I maybe had one more spell left in my tank. So until it recovers, we're stuck in this cave.

Tyrus: Boy... ain't no fucking way. Boy ain't no way.

Yami and Gauche simulatenously TCH at his statement as Finral demands they don't.

Gauche: Marie should never be kept waiting, Foolral!

Yami: And here I thought Finral couldn't be any more useless.

Finral: Okay, now you're just being spiteful!

The five Black Bulls walk over to the limp and bloodied body of Licht as Yami begins to taunt the Midnight Sun's leader.

Yami: So much for that super powerful light spell of yours Line-Face-

Tyrus: OH YEAHHHHH, LOOK AT YOU! YOU WAS POPPING ALL THAT GOOD SHIT A SECOND AGO, THEN YOUR OWN SPELL CAVED IN YO CHEST! SUCK IT! What? He put a hole in my shoulder and hamstring, he deserved it!

Yami: Righttttt. As I was saying, guess your magic has only one natural enemy. A for effort though.

Licht begins to stir as he takes a long, meaningful look at mirror mage credited with defeating him in a last second bid to prevent his captain and teammates from being wiped from existence. He gets several flashbacks from what appear to be his childhood and peace before images of bodies piled up flood his brain.

Licht: I-I'm so sorry... I should have.... hurt you. Dear friend.

Gauche: Me? What are you going on about?

Yami: Whoa, didn't know you two were friends. If ya need a moment-

Gauche: We aren't, I'm just as confused as you are Captain. I would never be friends with such a damn monster!

Licht: Give it time.... you will find out soon enough.

His words unsettle everyone as he sets his head back down in a resting position.

Yami: I will never understand what you or your damn minions spew every time we run into you... but it's better if I don't I guess. We'll be hauling your weird ass back Magic Knight Headquarters and that'll be the end of that, then you can tell us all about the Eye of the Midnight Sun and your 'activities'. Finally, the King of Overly Serious People has been avenged. May he rest in fiery peace.

Tyrus: Captain, he's not dead. You do realize that, right!

Yami: Geez kid, do you have to be such a worrywort? Chill out for a moment before I kill ya.

Tyrus: I apologize for my outburst. Please, continue Captain.

Yami brings his grimoire out as he begins searching for a binding spell.

Yami: Let's see here... I know you're here somewhere. Bang, here we go. Go Dark Restraint.

Back in Nean Village, the last of the straggling kids were finally reunited with their parents but the mood within Rebecca's home had been a lot less jovial. Noelle had been going back and forth once with Sekke Bronzazza of the Green Praying Mantises about her call for reinforcements and how the spare Magic Knights hadn't arrived yet. To say she was upset well, see for yourself.

Noelle: Reinforcements should have arrived HOURS ago! WHERE IS EVERYBODY?!

Sekke: Ha! Well Miss Black Bull, I'm happy to tell you that I was the one who alerted your captain ages ago about the situation!

Noelle: Wait, Captain Yami is here? You actually went to the hideout-

Sekke: Yes and it was positively awful, he wouldn't listen to a word I had to say to him!

She genuinely is taken aback when she hears that her captain was in the village assisting with the recovery efforts.

Noelle: Go on, what happened next?

Sekke: He should've left not too long after that, I don't know- I was out for a good minute or ten after he knocked me out.

Noelle: Wait so where is he then?! He hasn't shown up in the village at all!

Rebecca: Oh no... Marco, Luca.

Both girls hearing perk up when the sound of those kids just arriving back into the village are heard, happy and joyous crying reverberating off the window. Rebecca and Noelle give each other a knowing look as the redhead with her siblings and Silva Royal as they run out to the raucous scene.

Sekke: If that's all, yawnnnn! I think I earned myself a good nap. Good thing it's about time for that daily shift change. Captain Jack is about to get up and will want a report. Bahhhh why didn't you tell me sooner, idiot. Do you want to get sliced keh keh?! He might just be the scariest Captain out of all the Magic Knight Captains!

Noelle: The village children!

Rebecca: They're all back, and none of them look seriously hurt!

A young girl turns away from her mother still hugging her as she looks at Noelle and the Nean native.

Child: The Magic Knights came to our rescue!

Mother: You're the one who told them we needed their help. Thank you so much!

Noelle, still overwhelmed by the fact of what she was witnessing takes a second to mask on her professional game face as she waves off the mother in a matter of fact type of notion.

Noelle: It's no trouble, it IS the job and duty of us Magic Knights to protect and serve the people after all. Yet all I did was call for help, she shouldn't be praising me at all. Asta, Gauche and Tyrus deserve all of the credit. I went straight for my communication device instead of helping my teammates. Why did they leave me behind?

Male Child: Sister Theresa helped too! You should've seen this wicked spell she let loose, Miss Magic Knight!

Male Child 2: There was this guy who turned into a mud monster, it was so scary!

Rebecca: Where are Marco and Luca? Did they not make it back with you all?!

Noelle: What about Asta, Gauche and Tyrus?! I'm not seeing them anywhere, let alone any other Magic Knights right now!

Just then Nero flies from the perch it had been sleeping on as the anti-magic bird darts past Noelle and Rebecca, making a beeline for the church. The two women burst into a chaotic scene having been led on by Nero as Noelle shouts for Tyrus, Rebecca for her siblings.

Noelle: TYRUS!

Rebecca: Marco, Luca!

As if on cue, her two youngest but elder siblings to the other run into their big sister's arms as the waterworks commence at this point.

Rebecca: OH THANK GOODNESS YOU TWO ARE ALRIGHT, I CAN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW SCARED I WAS! Wait, what happened to Sister Theresa? Will she be okay?

She wheezes but overall is in better shape than what she was originally brought in as.

Theresa: Don't you worry about me, young Rebecca. I'll be fine with time, I've got at least another hundred years left on these bones.

Rebecca: Thank you. I seriously cannot think of how I'll ever be able to repay you for bringing all the kids back!

Theresa: You're welcome, but I simply didn't do this alone. I had help. Those three boys did-

She coughs up a small amount of blood as the healers urge the nun not to talk so much as she was still in very bad shape. Noelle notices a Black Bulls robe dangling all over Marco's body as immediately registers in her mind.

Noelle: Hey that Black Bulls robe... Marco, where did you get it from?

Marco: Oh it's Tyrus's, he lent it to me when he, the Sister and Asta found me in the cold before they saved the rest of the kids! I'm keeping it safe for him. He and Asta said so long as I have this on, I'll be the bravest child there is and I wouldn't be scared, and they're not lying! I had so much courage, I didn't even cry!

Rebecca: Good job, I'm so proud of you!

Noelle: And Tyrus?! What about him, Gauche and Asta? They came back with you, didn't they?

Marie: No, they stayed behind back at the cave.

Noelle once again in as many times, is shocked to hear a new revelation. Leave it to her fellow boneheaded rookies and sister obsessed teammate to not even give her a ring or so much as a health update.

Neige: The battle is still ongoing right now, the last we saw of them....

Theresa: Yes... another one showed up.

Healer: Sister, please!

Noelle: Wait, what do you mean another one?

Neige: A mage called Licht, he's the supposed leader of the group called The Eye of The Midnight Sun.

Noelle: And that's who Tyrus, Asta and Gauche are still fighting?

Neige: That's right, there was guy named Yami that was there to help but I blacked out after that.

Marie: My brother went back to help them! A guy with spatial magic took him back to the caves.

Noelle: Finral!

Marie: I know they'll be fine because I believe in Gauche! He's the best big brother in the world!

Noelle nods at the resolve Gauche's sister displays, as she too she takes heart that her crush as well as Gauche, Asta and Yami were alright, given they were four of the strongest and most determined people she's been around.

Noelle: Yes, you're right. I have faith in them, they are strong. They will be back after they have defeated him! Finral and Gauche too?! If they were here the whole time, they could've taken me to Bakarus with haste- I MEAN! NOT THAT I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT THAT ABSOLUTE BONEHEAD! It's not all about him! HE'S A PERFECTLY CAPABLE MAGE AND CAN TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF! Magic Knights should stick together, that's it, yeah. The principle!

Noelle desperately continues to rationalize her feelings for the ice mage, brushing them to side as best she can as Rebecca and her newly reunited siblings wondered what exactly the royal is going on about. She then takes a deep breath as she focuses her glare on Neige.

Noelle: Now.... who exactly are you?

Neige: Well um, it's kinda a long story.

Meanwhile back in the cave, everyone continues to sit on pins and needles waiting for Finral's mana to recharge as the Black Bulls each took a turn either watching Licht and Valtos or-

Yami: Can we get out of here now?

Finral: No, Captain. Just wait a little longer, like I said before. Transporting all those kids back to the village, getting Gauche, whatever his name was and Sister Theresa and then doubling back was extremely taxing. It'll take long before I'm back to one hundred percent!

The Captain and Gauche both 'TCH' at his statement.

Finral: AGAIN WITH THE TCH?!

Yami: Tch, yeah you like that huh? Tch, tch, tch, don't let it get to ya.

Finral: But that's exactly what's it doing!

Gauche: Well then, get me back to Marie and the Old Hag. I promise not to annoy you nearly as much as I'm doing now.

Finral: Unlike a certain mirror mage, I wasn't imbued with a megaton of mana just now, now was I?

Gauche: On second thought however, take all the time you need. My reunion with my darling little sister will be worth all the time in the world in this abysmal cavern we're stuck in. Yes! That certainly would've held up in the past.

Asta: What about the past?

Gauche: I'm not talking to you and Icy over there about anything that pertains to Marie, got that?!

Tyrus: Geez, stuck up much? We almost died literally twenty minutes ago, you'd think that would've bonded us closer as teammates.

Gauche: Anyone who approaches Marie is my mortal enemy and will be dealt with accordingly!

Asta: SERIOUSLY?!

Yami: Damn, I don't know about the rest of you jackasses but I'm starving! Couldn't you at least conjure up a portal and get us some breakfast or something?

Finral: I am NOT a delivery service, Captain! Take this seriously.

Yami: TCH! Huh? Hold on.... you all feel that?

His charges look on curiously as they wonder what's gotten their Captain suddenly all knotted up. Tyrus is the first notice... the intense change in the atmosphere. It was malignant, almost evil incarnate and unlike Licht who was calm, this was pure rage and animosity in the air.

Tyrus: Yeah... pressure just rose enormously.

Asta: Is something wrong?

His brother, teammates and Captain all rise to their feet.

Yami: Not just that, but a lot of mana is coming from where Licht and Sir Skinny Bones Line Face are being held.

Much to their combined horror and surprise, a portal begins to take shape but when they look to see Valtos still is restrained by Yami's Dark Magic Binding Cast and that's when they see three individuals appear through the portal. A man beast covered from head to toe in fur with a purple trenchcoat, a young woman with pink hair who was short in stature but had the most blank stare in her eyes and a young male with black hair that sports frosted white tips with a robe like Licht's only his isn't blown out.

Finral: Who are these guys?

Yami: More enemies.

Asta: Spatial magic....

Tyrus: That can't be... we knocked that bastard out! So where did these three come from?

Rhya: Oh man.... seems like quite the showdown happened here in these parts and nothing went as planned. Hell of a fight and clearly... Licht and Valty were NOT our winners here.

He yawns once more as he takes stock in the Magic Knights standing before him, Vetto and Fana.

Rhya: Cleaning up this mess will be a drag but... oh well, that's what we're here for. Gotta help your friends when they're in trouble... amIrite?

He then teleports right in front of Yami and... touches his grimoire everyone thought.

Rhya: Huh... Dark Magic. And you got quite the unique design with this grimoire... not that it matters honestly.

Yami: This guy... he moves way faster than Line Face! DARK MAGIC: DARK CLOAKED LIGHTLESS SLASH!

Rhya jumps out of the way anticipating the spell but narrowly dodges as he gets cut on the right arm.

Rhya: Ow! And that's literally a pain! But like I said, it doesn't really matter anyway, I can just patch myself right up. Light Recovery Magic. Healing Light Particles.

Asta: That's the....

Tyrus: Licht's spell. The one he used to heal from Captain's attack! How the hell did he get ahold of it, is he a light mage too?

Fana, Rhya and Vetto surround their equal as he begins to talk weakly, as if all of his bones were crushed and ground to fine powder.

Licht: Thank you three for coming.... My power was simply not enough to defeat them on my lonesome.

Fana: You're.... hurt. Is it bad?

Licht: I assure you... ngh... I'm fine, my dear Fana. Better now that you three are here to aid me.

Fana: Yes... it will be alright.

She stands up, her almost neutral expression unnerving the quintet of Black Bulls as she pulls out a grimoire that's all too familiar to the two youngest of the four.

Tyrus: Why does that grimoire look so damn familiar? NO! That's impossible!

Asta: Why does she have that same grimoire as that one Diamond Kingdom mage that kept spouting off about the strong surviving?!

Fana: Flame Recovery Magic.... Phoenix Robe.

Her warm flames eradicate and undo the binding spell on both Valtos, who still remains unconscious and Licht, who still badly beaten looks to have his mana fully recovered as he cast a look of intense rage and faith for his friends.

Licht: I know you'll succeed where I failed. Thank you, my friends.

Gauche: HOLD ON! I thought this clown was the Midnight Sun's leader.

Rhya: You see Licht Yawn, if you try doing everything on your own.... It will always backfire, and it also can be too much work for ones sake and self.

Vetto: You.... MAGGOTS! How dare you, do you know what we do those who are brazen enough to harm our compatriots and friends?!

Tyrus: It sure isn't inviting them for a round of drinks and food, is it? Too soon?

Vetto: No you worm, but I'll show you! When I'm done with you and your ragtag group of ants, your limbs will be ripped clean from your body and you will wish for a quick and painless death! Like wings plucked from that of a soaring eagle!

Fana: I detest anyone that hurts Licht or my friends. I HATE them.

Asta: Right, so who're these guys?!

Asta asks the million dollar question as the rest of the Bulls continue to gauge the overwhelming magic power raidiating off of these newcomers.

Licht: How rude of me, of course I'll introduce you all. These three friends of mine... are the strongest of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, whose power rivals or even eclipses that of my own. Especially when it comes to the battlefield.

Asta: They're the strongest?!

Tyrus: Licht was in a class of his own, even Captain Yami struggled with him for a bit.... but if he's telling the truth about these three? Then no doubt, we are in serious trouble!

Licht: Indeed they are. Meet.... The Third Eye.

Gauche: And you say they're more powerful than even you, is that so?

Yami: So.... Third Eye, yeah?

Tyrus: Think you finally got your wish Cap.... these guys appear to be the truth!

Finral: That's impossible.... warriors stronger than their own leader, who happens to be a light mage? That's just not fair, please tell me he's bluffing!

Rhya: Sorry kid, but we wouldn't lie or bluff now. It'd be so tiresome, you get what I'm putting down?

Licht: Your kingdom takes the clover as its symbol as it befits its name, isn't that right? They claim the three leaves stand for Hope, Integrity, Love and the fourth one represents good luck. None of which of course your sham of a kingdom pretend to value or embrace. Such pretty words, are they not?

The flames intensify around him as Licht continues to lecture the Magic Knights.

Licht: Well, the Third Eye bear titles that are the exact OPPOSITE of your false values!

Tyrus: Say what?!

Licht: Directly opposing the ideal of Integrity, we have Rhya.... The Disloyal.

Rhya yawns again for what appears to be the umpteenth time as Licht turns over to the Man Beast who cracks his knuckles.

Licht: Next with an ideal directly opposing the ideal of Hope, there is Vetto, The Despair. And last but certainly not least, opposing the ideal of Love, is Fana... The Hateful.

Fana: If someone dares to harm Licht in anyway.... I will kill them gladly without any hesitation. Kill, kill, kill.

Finral: Disloyalty, Despair and Hatred?

They all step forward, Gauche still sporting that same scowl when he assaulted Neige and used the spell that took Sally out of the fight, Tyrus with his grimoire afloat with his other arm resting in a warning position where his hidden dagger lay in his thigh pocket while Yami takes a drag out of his cigarette.

Yami: Well, those are some real spiffy names you got there, they still don't tell me if you're worth a damn when it comes to the battlefield, I'm taking those words at face value.

Rhya: Well I'll guess we can always show you like Vetto said. Man, how lame!

Everyone then notices the katana in The Disloyal's hands and alarm bells start going off with the Black Bulls.

Gauche: No way!

Tyrus: It's Captain Yami's katana! But the Captain still has his, what in the entire shit is going on here?!

He then teleports once more in front of them as that same menacing dark glow overtakes Rhya's "blade"

Rhya: Now go Copy Magic: Dark Cloaked Lightless Slash!

Yami: Your name was Rhya the Disloyal, wasn't it? How about Rhya, the Cheap Copy, because that's downright copyright infrigement asshat, I'll sue you for everything you're worth!

He fires a Lightless Slash right back at his imitator as it's revealed to be a trap all along.

Finral: LOOK OUT, YAMI!

Tyrus: ON YOUR HEAD, CAPTAIN!

Vetto: I'm afraid you two are too late! AS FOR YOU, WHERE ARE YOUR EYES?! BEAST MAGIC, BEAR CLAW!

He punches dead in the epicenter where Yami was as the quarter of Asta, Finral, Gauche and Tyrus dodge just in the nick of time!

Tyrus: MAN, WE'RE REALLY IN THE SHIT NOW!

Gauche: Damn it! My mana hasn't fully recovered yet-

Vetto: YOU FILTHY MAGGOTS!

He bursts through the cloud of dust intending to maul Finral to death, but is intercepted by Yami.... or so we're led to believe.

Asta: He dodged it?!

Tyrus: What kind of physical freak of nature is this guy?!

Yami: Impossible.... did he pick up on my ki?

Vetto smiles sadistically as he turns his attention on the Black Bulls captain as he gracefully dodges Yami's slash, finding new prey to tangle with. Yami slashes downward on the man beast who once again is three steps of the foreigner Magic Knight as he telegraphs the move and jumps in the air.

Vetto: Beast Magic, Bear Claw!

He relentlessly attacks Yami, who is just barely able to mount some sort of defense or even counterattack before-

PA-CHING!

The unthinkable happens... his katana under the sheer might of Vetto's relentless swipes, hacks and punches had shattered into two pieces. He expertly retreats as the pointed part stabs into the ground while the man beast laughs haughtily, a crazed, psychotic and hungry smile wrapped into one.

Vetto: I can't wait to see the look of despair of your faces, little rats. Nothing warms my soul or puts me at content than those lesser than losing all hope and knowing that they can't do anything about it! The pure seasoning of abject failure, nothing waters my mmout more with anticipation!

Yami: Hey, fuck all that! You shattered my katana, do you know how much this is gonna cost me! This was special ordered and VERY EXPENSIVE! I HOPE YOU GOT SOME FORM OF PAYMENT ON YOU!

Finral deadpans as his life flashes before his eyes.

Finral: Really, sir?!

Yami: TCH! And I didn't even finish paying this damned thing off! I had just one more payment left to go entirely. HM!

A massive fireball shoots out at the five causing a hellacious explosion to rock the cave to its very core.

Fana: Abhorrent, Loathsome. You must die!

A Dark Coocoon emerges showing Yami had enough presence of mind to get it out before the inferno consumed them all as he looks at the dragonite like creature.

Yami: Salamander? As in the fire spirit.... So a wielder of spirit magic?

Asta: Spirit Magic?! Does he mean like with Yuno and what he has and with Tyrus, who said he saw something in his sword when we were in that dungeon?

Just then Fana's spirit resonates with Tyrus... rather painfully rather as he grasps his right arm.

Tyrus: AHHH, MMMM SON OF A-

Asta: Tyrus, what's wrong?!

Much like in the previous battle, his arm pulsates violently as linings and markings course through the exterior of his arm's flesh, then he notices a few droplets of sweat appear just south of his eyebrow.

Tyrus: I don't know, but it feels like my body is turning ice cold! This pain, it's unlike anything I ever felt before!

Yami: Fana the Hateful wasn't it? No one fucks with or tries to kill my rookies except me, why don't you get a new personality because Pink and Emo aren't it. Pick a life struggle and stick with it! Damn, it's not fully developed for a spirit but it still hurts a hell of a lot! And that's the spirit of Fire, one of the four elements.

Rhya: YAAWNNNN... Let's go ahead and finish this, yeah? Fana, Vetto any objections?

Vetto: GOT ANY FINAL WORDS, MEALS?!

Fana: You hurt our friends, I cannot forgive you. I must kill you. And I will kill you all a with a hundred fold the pain you inflicted onto Licht, Valtos and Sally.

Yami: Your four stay here, you hear me?

Tyrus: Captain, are you insane?!

His words fall on deaf ears as the coocoon closes on Yami's four subordinates as he approaches the Third Eye with his weapon, if you could even call it that...

Rhya: Look at that.... saving your teammates and appearing like a big hero. RIGHT, HERE WE GO!

Vetto: RAHHHHH!

Fana: Go on.... incinerate this fool, my Salamander.

They fired off a three pronged attack towards Yami, Rhya from the air, Vetto from the ground and Fana using her spirit magic from a long range. Rhya gives the Captain his due.

Rhya: You're hanging in pretty tough! But really, how much longer do you think you seriously can hold out for without any help!

Vetto: JUST GIVE UP!

Vetto gradually but surely gets the upper hand as a horrifying picture begins to paint itself. Despite him digging his heels in, Yami was slowly getting grinded down as wounds appear all over his body.

Asta: He got hit!

Tyrus: Damn.... The Captain's in hellhole of a spot and we'd just be getting in the fucking way!

Finral: Even the safest move is limiting the Captain's movement.... And I haven't nearly captured all of my mana to its full neccesity or for a spatial magic spell!

Gauche: These animals.... they're on a whole different plane.

Asta: SIR, LET ME HELP-

Yami: DAMN IT, I SAID NO AND TO STAY PUT, DIDN'T I?! You're not worried about me, are you kid? Cause let me tell you four right now, it's about a billion years too early to start worrying about me. You just make sure you and your brother are watching, got that?! Things are gonna get serious in a few minutes... It's time for me to push past my limits!

Asta and Tyrus get taken aback.

Licht: I didn't expect you to be so easily defeated, Yami Sukehiro. You truly are a fascinating indivdual worthy of praise. But your death will happen, it's inevitable. Every member of the Third Eye is stronger than even that of a Magic Knight Captain.

Rhya and Vetto jump back, their looks neutral as Fana continues to pet away at Salamander as she looks at the Black Bulls as an entire unit.

Fana: Now, kill them all. Spirit Magic, Salamander's Breath!

Just as the fire spirit, fires as massive inferno, Rhya delivers another Lightless Slash while Vetto fires off a claw projectile as Asta, Finral, Gauche and Tyrus scream out to their leader.

CAPPPPPPPTAIIIIINNNN!

But before the attack could wipe Yami and his members out of existence, thorned briars, green slashed fixtures and silver bullets shoot out of almost nowhere as the eat up the three pronged attack shocking everyone who had thought Yami was a dead man. The Black Bulls look up from the chaos to see....

Tyrus: No way!

Finral: Unbelievable!

Jack the Ripper: Keh...... You're having way too much fun, Yami. Greedy bastard as usual! KEH, KEH! Stronger than a Magic Knight Captain, you say? Lelel, Let's put that theory to the test!

Yami: Awww nuts, and just when I was about to have a awakening or something. What brings you out to these neck of the woods, my high and mighty fellow Magic Knight Captains?

Nozel: I'd thought someone of your position would have spoken with a little more care in their words. Be glad we even showed up foreigner, because I can easily have you executed one of these days. I swear that much.

Yami: If anything, Braids you need to be executed for that horrific haircut. I cannot take you seriously, Silva.

Charlotte: Pitiful, Sukehiro... You really couldn't have handled a few measly mages on your own?

Yami: Oh, cut me some slack would you...

Asta: Amazing!

Tyrus: Took the word right out of my mouth, Asta.

Finral: Three of them.

Gauche: Who are they-

Tyrus: Please tell me you're kidding!

Finral: They're Magic Knight Squad Captains, Gauche. How do you not know this?!

Gauche: Meh.

Tyrus: That's all you have to say?! Meh!? Meh!

Gauche: They're not Marie, so I should care because...

Finral: You have to REALLY work on this little sister thing you've got going on. Captain of the Green Praying Mantises, Jack the Ripper! Severing magic is his ace in the hole. Super sadist and has the biggest fetish for destruction and chaos. Also has an affinity to brag whenever he slices someone to all hell. Apparently, he and Captain Yami destroyed a mountain after a petty disagreement.

Tyrus: I feel bad for the mountain.

Finral: Then there's the Captain of the Silver Eagles, Nozel Silva. As you can obviously tell, outside of being Noelle's older brother, he's royalty and a very intimidating one at that. Often called a meticulous workhorse and commands the presence of a room whereever he walks into.

Asta: You're not kidding about the intimidation! He radiates absolute calm rage!

Tyrus: Just be lucky you didn't feel it up close and personal.

Gauche: Meh..

Finral's eyes bug out when he sees Captain Charlotte.

Finral: IT'S HER! Captain Charlotte Roselei of the Blue Rose Knights!

Tyrus: You're seriously worked up about her about her looks?! How about a thank you, considering she just saved our hides!

Finral: Get a look at her, you three! She's as beautiful as she's much a hellcat on the battlefield. I need to get to closer to her!

Asta: I don't know if that'd be a good idea!

Rhya: Three new captains? Talk about getting tedious right now.

Vetto: HA! Don't tell me they've got you nervous, Rhya! It doesn't matter how many of these cockroaches show up, they're no match for us.

Fana: If someone is brazen enough to hurt Licht, I will kill them all with no qualms.

Jack the Ripper: Keh, keh! You talk a big game, but I have yet to see what exactly this idiot Yami was struggling with. Bring it on, I'll chop you all up into tiny pieces! Let's get this party started right, shall we?

Charlotte: So you're members of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, are you? The same group stupid enough to thrash about our home.

Nozel: There's a many great deal of questions we'd like to ask you four. And we will get these answers, that is non-negotiable.

The six have a stand-off, daring one of the other to make a move that could someone their life. One thing had been for certain, everyone was locked for the next and possibly craziest spin on this emotional rollercoaster. Back in Nean, another day seemingly blazes by, as Rebecca puts her exhausted siblings to sleep.

Rebecca: Get some rest, you two. You've been through more than enough and I'm so glad you're alright.

Neige is downstairs, having finally confessed to Noelle all the egregious atrocities he and his now deceased brother Baro had committed. He finishes up, revealing that his brother had been turned into a giant mud monster by the depraved and sadistic Sally.

Noelle: I see.... it sounds like you two were being used by the Eye of the Midnight Sun as well. They do have a penchant of doing this and promising things they can't keep track of. And then when you ceased being useful to them, they tried to kill you in an effort to erase any evidence they were here in the village.

Neige: I guess... but everything I said about what we did to those kids is true. We abducted them and stole their magic but I really just wanted some friends, Baro twisted my arm in all of this. And so now, I am going take all of the responsibility for the both of us.

He looks up at Noelle... a wistful smile on his face.

Neige: I'm going to turn myself into the Magic Knights as soon as they arrive to finish up their investigation.

Noelle: Wha-

Neige: Then, whenever my sentence is completed.... I can be friends with both Asta and Tyrus. They both said something to me that resonated with me before Licht attacked.

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 them, 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.

Neige: The three of us will be friends.... I'm truly sorry, Miss Magic Knight.

She balls up her fist as she slams it down on an empty table.

Noelle: There's no point in apologizing to me! Once you've paid your dues, you're going to be Asta and Tyrus's friend, right? So if I were you, I'd be on my hands and knees PRAYING that my new buddies can win their next fight, survive and make it back in one piece.

Neige: You're right.

She looks at the window as she looks out concerned not only for her captain and teammates but her mind once again helplessly wonders over Tyrus.

Noelle: Seriously Bakarus, what are you and the others even up to? Finish this already and come back... to me!

Neige: Asta, Tyrus... please for all that's humanly possible, be safe.

A hot, pink blush paints onto the Silva's cheeks as she once again reverts back to her usual tsundere antic.

Noelle: I mean... it's not like I actually care about what happens to Tyrus, he can handle himself. Insect is so full himself. I don't care! Nope, not in the slightest! GAHHHH, WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING TO ME?!

She screams at the top of her lungs raging on about her lovesickness as Rebecca wonders what exactly is going with her but she now knew for certain.

Rebecca: So she likes Tyrus too? Is that the special someone he's saving his heart for? There's no way someone like can compete with someone of her position or royal status, he'd never give me the time of day. No! I can't think about that right now. I should be getting everything set up when he, his brother, teammates and Captain come back. Everything else can wait! Right.

Back in the cave, the reinforcements which turn out be to Nozel, Charlotte and Jack stand across from the quartet of powerful mages known as Licht and the Third Eye from the Eye of the Midnight Sun. To say all seven individuals were sizing each other up was a massive understatement.

Vetto: A second course? How tasteful, it'll be even greater when I drown them in despair!

Jack: Shame on you, Yami. Hogging all the fun and strong enemies for yourself. Greedy pig didn't get enough servings of punishment, did he? KEH KEH! I've got to wonder, who'll bleed the most and who will scream the loudest? Only my blades ripping across their skin will determine that!

Yami: Pretty sure you're going to be disappointed. It's kinda like ripping up a paper bag or breaking a chicken bone. I was getting ready to finish the clowns off when you three yahoos showed up!

Jack: KEH KEH KEH! Well then, I know who I'm slicing up next after I get done with them. Look at you, broke down and bloodied like a slaughtered bear. You look more raggid than usual.

Yami: I know you're not talking about raggid, ya lanky bastard! Not to mention you're straight up a few screws loose of a lit light bulb. My sincerest apologies, fellow Captain.

Jack: KEH KEH KEH! As if I'd take advantage of your wounded state. I'd so much rather wait until you're in fighting shape before I take you out again! There's no other way to do it.

Charlotte: Must I always have to hear you two troglodytes drone on and on about fighting each other? And how many times does this make we've had to bail you out, Yami? You can't even stand up, you miserable excuse for a man.

Tyrus: Damn, this woman doesn't beat around the bush.... She's like Noelle in a sense.

Yami: What can I say? The ground just loves my ass, Prickly Princess.

Charlotte: Don't be an idiot, clown. Why would Mother Earth have any love for an uncivilized oaf such as yourself?

Yami: EEEEEE, Ouch. There it is! The world famous mouth of the Prickly Princess. I wonder how you'll EVER land a husband. And now she's angry.

To his point, several thorny braids wrap albeit do not puncture his skin as she continues to look on at the Third Eye.

Charlotte: I DO NOT REQUIRE ANY MAN FOR HAPPINESS! The battlefield is my partner.

Yami: I get you're a warrior princess and that's fine for a shtick but seriously? The battlefield is your partner, that is just fucking sad, Prickly Princess.

He doesn't see it but Charlotte's face twitches while her face is completely flushed. What Yami Sukehiro doesn't know or is oblivious to, is that Charlotte Roselei. His peer, his fellow Magic Knight Captain and rival? Has the biggest crush on the foreigner and she, like the certain sister of a fellow Magic Knight Captain had troubles expressing herself.

Charlotte: DOES HE HAVE NO REGARD FOR MY FEELINGS?! WHY, WHY LADY FATE, DID YOU MAKE ME FALL FOR AN IDIOT LIKE THIS? THIS IS A CRUEL JOKE! AS DESPERATELY AS I TRY, I CAN'T GET YAMI OUT OF MY HEAD! No, not the time to feel pity for myself.

Nozel: So the Eye of the Midnight Sun in all of their glory? Its leader and no doubt heaviest hitters.... The top brass of the soon to be executed traitors that set up the attack of our home. Perfect... I won't waste this opportunity given to me to exact my revenge for those whose lives you've affected with your egregious actions. I'LL BURY YOU WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS IF ITS THE LAST THING I DO!

Yami: Oh Sir Nozel, you're soooooo cool!

Nozel: You keep talking and I'll make it five graves, foreigner. You and your Black Bulls can just stay out of trouble.

Yami: Your concern is so touching for me, O' Great Fellow Magic Knight Captain! Hey, how do you figure he gets his hair like that?

Asta: Well he's royalty so I would imagine he has to have a barber right?

Tyrus: Yeah, but the one thing I noticed... how is it that he and his other siblings have braids but Noelle doesn't? It's an enigma, truly.

Finral: Honestly, now that you think about it... I'm sure Captain Nozel has his own stylist, it wouldn't even surprise me at this point.

Yami: Haha, yeah and that would possibly qualify as the worst job in the Clover Kingdom. Well that or being a servant to the King.

Tyrus: Hold up, you think he does his braid on his own accord?

Yami: Haha, I can see it now. One, two, three and cross! BAHAHAHAH!

Nozel gets an image of whatever drivel Yami and his posse were yakking about and he goes deadly silent as he growls.

Nozel: Maybe you clowns wish to be buried first instead of them?

Yami: Oh you don't want to do that.... imagine a royal of the famed House Silva getting his hands dirty because a foreigner got him pressed about his braid.

Nozel despite his conscience begging to end Yami right then and there but he looks at the Eye of the Midnight Sun with a look of determination but one of contempt as well.

Nozel: Jack, Charlotte. Show no mercy!

Asta shouts at the top of his lungs, swords ablaze ready to kill all who stood in his way in becoming the Wizard King as only he could.

Asta: AHHHHHHH YEAH, I'M SO PUMPED UP YOU GUYS! I CAN STILL FIGHT, LET'S GO-

Nozel: You will not be joining this fight.

Asta: WHAAHHHAHAHAT?!

Nozel: Look around you, commoner. Three Magic Knight Captains have taken to the battlefield, you may not like to hear it but anyone who chooses to interfere on our behalf would only slow us down. Especially a pathetic no magic insect peasant such as yourself.

Asta simply swallows while he glares at Noelle's older brother as Vetto grins toothily now seeing new prey dumb enough to step to him.

Vetto: EXCELLENT! What better way to find despair than in the throes of an endless battle?! Nothing is more appealing or delicious when a mighty foe despairs at the end of his or hers lives!

Yami: Man, what in the blue hell is he yapping about?

Tyrus: I wish I knew.... every other word coming out of his mouth has to do with despair though.

Vetto: We've got some rat catching to do!

Rhya: You are way too amped for this.... Well it can't helped with someone like you Vetto. What a pain... oh whatever, let's get to it then shall we? Just know. I'll put in a little effort for you Licht. BY THE WAY, THE PRETTY LADY IS ALL MINE! You two can rock, paper, scissors for Snake-Man and Sparkle-Braids! Hey cutie, just know when I win, I'll take you out for a drink and patch you up when this is all over!

Charlotte: So bold of you to assume I'm that easy to defeat! That's one instance where glasses will NEVER clink! Briar Creation Magic, CORPSE HUNTING BRIAR TREES!

She immediately puts the Copy-Cat Mage on the defensive, Rhya swiftly and expertly dodging every thorned briar as he fires back with a Lightless Slash which in turn destroys her magic in an instant. Vetto and Jack begin to make moves against one another as they grin wildly.

Jack: SEVERING MAGIC, DEATH SCYTHE!

Vetto just BARELY gets out of the way as an earth slicing attack passes by him, Jack taking pride in his destruction.

Jack: KEH KEH KEH! Alright big guy, if you're looking for a life and death battle, then you've found a partner in crime. LET'S DANCE!

Vetto: HA! The Praying Mantis eh? Then I'll squash you like the slender bug you represent!

Jack: HA! You think so? Well, keep up with me and come back in ten minutes to see if you succeed!

He fires off another Death Scythe.

Vetto: You're quite confident for someone that wears an insect proudly on their chest! FINE THEN, KEEP THAT SAME BLUSTER WHEN I RIP YOUR ARMS FROM THEIR SOCKETS! GO NOW, BEAR CLAW!

Nozel while maintains that calm and collected look on his face, shows disdain as he locks eyes with Licht.

Nozel: I have been waiting a long time for this, finally! I SHALL AVENGE MY GREATEST RIVAL AND FRIEND! MERCURY MAGIC, SILVER SPEARS!

Licht gasps as the creation magic races towards him, only for Salamander to intercept it completely as Fana stands eye to eye with the oldest Silva child.

Fana: Yet another foolish and brazen challenger wishes to hurt Licht? I shall kill you slowly and painfully.

Jack mocks Nozel playfully.

Jack: KEH KEH! Looks like the Salamander brat's flames are melting your Mercury Magic! Want to switch places Silva Boy?

Nozel: I don't think I remember asking for your assistance, Bean-Stalk. Focus on your own opponent. Besides, those flames are mere child's play, they hardly make me even sweat. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I HAD TO GO THROUGH TO GET TO THIS POINT!

Each of the captains and Third Eye launch destructive and hellacious attacks. But true to what Licht and the Black Bulls are seeing, no one was gaining a true advantage over the other side.

Tyrus: GODS!

Finral: ALL THIS MAGIC POWER AND MANA FLYING AROUND, IT COULD CAUSE A NATURAL DISASTER!

Tyrus: PLEASE TELL ME YOU'RE KIDDING!

Gauche: I can't see anything through all this dust!

Yami: Geez, they're really giving it their all huh? And here I am, sitting on my ass. Jack talks a big game, but he's cutting it way too close for my liking. Prickly Princess, she's doing well but we expect that out of her, while Nozel's braid and the girl haven't budged at all.

Asta: You saw all of that?!

Yami: Remember, I can sense ki?

Asta: Yeah.

Yami: Finral, you ready?

Finral: I know that look anywhere... what exactly are you planning?

Yami: You've been resting for a while, yeah? You ought to have mana to launch a spatial spell.

Finral breathes a sigh of relief as he begins summoning a spell.

Finral: We're leaving? Why didn't you just say so, Captain. I can have one-

He stops talking, hell he even gulps when he sees Yami get a devious glint in his eyes.

Licht: These other Magic Knight Squad Captains are as fearsome as I thought they were.

He analyzes each battle respectively from Vetto and Jack's soulful clash, Charlotte's briars trying to hit a hellacious blow on Rhya and the beam struggles between Fana and Nozel.

Licht: But even so... they are no match for the Third Eye. They unlike these Magic Knight posers were extremely loved by the mana! So there has to be some sort of mistake...

His mind goes right onto Asta.

Licht: How does an ordinary kid- no an unordinary kid with no magic such as himself, shunned by the mana clearly wields the FIVE LEAF CLOVER GRIMOIRE! I must retrieve it from him. His unworthy hands do not deserve to sully it!

Suddenly, like a wrestler off the top rope, Yami emerges from Finral's portal ready to deliver a killing blow.

Licht: I expected as much from you!

Finral: Not good, get out of there sir, he's countering!

Rhya: OH DEAR, you seemed to underestimate our friend and boss, I see!

Licht: I'll end you this time, Yami Sukehiro! FAREWELL!

The others continue to clash when Yami picks up on two more ki's as in his mind, he smiles like a snake in a cage full of rats.

Yami: SO.... that's where you two went, huh? Well then, Asta! Tyrus! BRING IT!

True enough through the dust, Asta and Tyrus emerge, their blades drawn as they come from opposite directions.

Tyrus: HEY LICHT! THIS IS A RECEIPT FOR THE HOLE IN MY SHOULDER, YOU FUCKER! NOW, ASTA!

Everyone begins to wonder the same thing.... just how the hell in all the chaos, did the two foster brothers even get near Licht where they couldn't?

Nozel: It shouldn't have been possible through all this dust and confusion!

Yami: That's the point and what can happens when you read ki.... and when you've got a massive amount off hidden power you don't even know about!

Licht trains his eyes on Asta, now realizing Yami's attack was a mere feint as to get his rookies in a feasible position to take the leader of the Midnight Sun.

Licht: No one noticed! I could sense the young ice mage coming from a mile away but this other boy! None of us could sense him.... BECAUSE HE HAS NO MAGIC, THAT'S HIS ADVANTAGE!

Asta rares back like a cobra ready to spit its toxic venom while Tyrus providing a back attack, rares his own blade back as he calls out a new spell.

Asta: WE'RE GONNA GET YOU THIS TIME!

Tyrus: IT'S TIME TO REST IN BRUTAL COLD! GO ICE MAGIC, AVALANCHE BUSTER!

Yami: Thanks for trusting me to take one last hack on you while I had the chance! And when you got distracted, I put all the trust in our magicless freak and our personified Frost Bite Human Being!

Tyrus: LEARN THIS WELL!

Asta: MY MAGIC.... IS NEVER GIVING UP!

Their blades connect with each side of Licht, with Asta doing most of the damage off pure strength alone as Tyrus's spell, an ice storm which unleases punishing force provides the distance which Licht gets sent back a considerable as multiple icicles stick from out of his robe. Yami delivers the knockout blow as Licht was driven up in the air and then right back into the harsh cavern ground, nothing cushioning his fall. Asta, Tyrus and their captain all fall down, catching themselves on the descent as they take a look at the dust mushroom cloud caused by the impact.

Asta: HAHAHA! I got you now, so what did you think of magic-free smash attack?!

Tyrus: Oh please, we all know my Avalanche Buster did the heavy lifting, GUHU!

Yami: Are you two seriously trying to take advantage and credit for my plan?! For shame, kiddies!

Asta: Uh, sorry Captain!

Tyrus: Ow, ow!

He ruffles both of their heads as Yami smiles proudly as if they were his own sons.

Yami: Not too shabby, you two! Way to show Line-Face how the Black Bulls get down. And you pushed past your limits, that's a real man's job!

Charlotte blushes as she realizes Yami is quite literally behind but quickly turns focus on Rhya when she realizes the Third Eye aren't fighting back.

Rhya: WHERE'S LICHT?!

Vetto and Fana: OH NO!

Jack: As if you can afford to look away, Beastie Boy! KEH KEH KEH! Those little runts left us Captains in the dust! Shameful on my part, so much for getting all the glory!

Nozel looks intensely over at the duo who were nothing more than mere blights just a couple of days ago during the banquet when they defended his failure of a younger sister in Noelle. For them to leave him in the dust like that, two Black Bulls? It was downright inconceivable.

Charlotte: WE ARE MAGIC KNIGHT CAPTAINS! WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FALL BEHIND TWO ROOKIES, NO MATTER HOW HARD WORKING THEY ARE! IT'S ON US TO TAKE CARE OF THE REST!

Finral: Captain Yami!

Yami: I wonder if more of these clowns' friends are gonna show up-

Asta: THAT WOULD BE SO COOL!

Tyrus: NO IT WOULDN'T, SHUT UP SHUTTING UP ASTA!

Finral: Now would be a great time to try and finish the extremely dangerous light mage while the other Magic Knight Captains are dealing with the Third Eye!

Yami: Yeah, yeah. I know, I can't get a breather-

Just then Licht's body begins to radiate, pulsate and thrash about violently as red spheres appear then rapidly burst out as a white light then surround the Midnight Sun's leader body.

Tyrus: GREAT, NOW WHAT?!

Asta: He's glowing!

Gauche: What in the hell?

Vetto: NO! When that maggot hit Licht with his anti-magic sword, it also broke the sealing spell that was cast on him long ago!

Rhya: Oh, that is so not good. That power had been set aside for a day yet to come when he would really need it.

Licht raises his head up and there's a deadly calm about it, the same sort that Nozel had when he had threatened the Black Bulls about his braid.

Licht: THIS CANNOT BE! WHY DO YOU HAVE THAT GRIMOIRE?! WHY DO YOU WIELD THEM?!

Asta knows that Licht is referring to him and he could have sworn he saw tears threatening to escape as the dreadhead continues to rant.

Licht: THE DEMON SLAYER SWORD! AND THE DEMON DWELLER SWORD!

Finral: What's he saying?

Tyrus: I don't know but he kept going on and on about how he was going to take Asta's grimoire long before you guys got here.

Licht: THOSE SWORDS.... BELONG TO THE MASTER!

Nozel: The Master? So if he's not the leader... then who exactly is in charge of this terrorist group? According to all relevant and necessary intel, the leader was the one running the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Does this possibly mean.... we were wrong about this individual.. is there someone even more powerful behind the scenes pulling the strings?!

Asta: You keep on spouting this same crap, and I'm getting really tired of it! It doesn't matter who this Master guy is, I will put him in the dirt just like I did you! These swords and this grimoire are mine and you'll have to pry them from my cold, dead hands! NOW STOP WITH ALL THESE BASELESS ACCUSATIONS!

Licht: They don't belong with the likes of you! Give them back now!

Asta: TCH!

Licht: THEY COULD NEVER BELONG TO SOMEONE LIKE YOU! THE MASTER'S GRIMOIRE COULD NEVER BELONG TO FILTH LIKE YOU, HUMAN!

Gauche: What now, Captain?!

Tyrus: I'm with Sister Complex, Captain Yami! We weren't expecting this guy to turn into a doomsday weapon on us!

Yami: Things aren't looking so good, now are they?

Jack: KEH KEH KEH! Now this should be fun, this puts a smile on my face! DEATH SCYTHE!

However his attack is absorbed into the glowing ball of furious light.

Jack: N-No way! It ate through my Severing Magic like it was nothing!

Charlotte: It's an enormous amount of magical power and it just keeps on swelling up like a hot air balloon! If he even thinks of releasing it, we are all dead! It'll destroy this cave, the mountainside, the whole village is within radius! WHAT DO WE DO?! If we couldn't break through the Third Eye, the hell of a chance do we have with him?

Finral: How much mana is he exactly channeling?! He's been holding back this entire time and toying with all of us!

Tyrus: It's like.... an ocean's worth. And what he's gathering is a mere rippple in the angry waves!

Finral: He could've easily obliterated all of us whenever he felt like it.... GAHHHHHHH, WHY WAS I THE ONLY ONE WOKE WITH CAPTAIN YAMI?! IN FACT I SHOULD NEVER JOINED THIS CRAZY ASS SQUAD TO BEGIN WITH!

Yami: Stop your bellyaching, Finral! No one here wants to hear all of that. BESIDES.... THIS IS OUR MOMENT BOYS! JUST THINK OF ALL THE LIMITS WE COULD PUSH AND BREAK!

Asta: YEAH, LET'S DO IT!

Tyrus: You don't get to become the Wizard King by just sitting on your ass! LET'S KICK THIS INTO OVERDRIVE!

Finral: NO, NO, NO! ARE YOU THREE COMPLETELY INSANE?!

Gauche grabs his teammate and superior by the collar, shaking him silly.

Gauche: Shut up and pull it together, Finral.

Finral: I AM STILL YOUR SUPERIOR!

Gauche: Damn it... my magic power isn't nearly as replenished as I'd like! Could I possibly reflect his attack with whatever magic power I have left in the tank?

Rhya: That's too bad.... I really wanted that drink, you know? I'll always take a rain check for a rematch and that date.

Vetto races towards the glowing Licht, Fana fast on her compatriot's tail.

Vetto: His body won't hold out for much longer! RHYA, FANA, WE MUST ACT WITH HASTE!

They cast a knowing look at each other as their respective auras burst outright when the trio cast a fielding spell, surrounding their friend and leader. They struggle for about twenty seconds but the Magic Knights are shocked that they are able to seal away the ticking time that was Licht.

Rhya: You pushed yourself just a little bit over the edge. It's okay Licht, we've got you get some rest now.

Fana: It will be alright. Please reconsider, Dear Friend.

Vetto: For now....

Rhya blitzes as he picks up the still unconscious Valtos.

Rhya: Don't think we forgot about you, Valty. You're just as beat up as Licht, pal.... our boss is feeling a little bit under the weather as you humans would say. So we're going to call it a day.

Vetto: We may have lost to you disgusting humans for now, but just know and wait. I PROMISE YOU ALL, I WILL NOT LEAVE UNTIL YOU ALL HAVE TASTED TRUE DESPAIR! We carnivores live to feast on the bottom feeding urchins like you.

Fana: The next time we meet will the be the day you draw your last putrid and meaningless breath.

Vetto: REMEMBER, WHEREVER YOU GO! THE EYE OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN SHALL FOLLOW YOU AND WE WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING!

They disappear through another portal leaving the Magic Knights all in shock.

Charlotte: All that magic power and they were able to seal it with one spell? So then.... they were just toying with us, they easily could've done away with us at any moment but chose not to.

Jack: Third Eye, huh? Not only gifted a tremendous amount of power and mana but singularly skilled in wielding it too. Extremely blessed by the mana is putting it mildly. Keh, keh, keh! I'd like another chance to throw down with those three, especially that man-beast!

Nozel however, was on a different plane of thinking.

Nozel: We let them get away.... Mother if only you could see my failure, this will not happen again. And you, Fuegoleon... my rival, I will avenge you, even if it costs me my life.

Asta: So... did we win?

Finral: I said it's more like we all survived than we won.

Tyrus: Yeah.

Yami: Heh... A win is win, plus they ran away to save their pal from imploding... plus you heard that giant furball, he said it himself that they lost.

Asta: Yeeeeeeeahhhhhhhh! Finral, Gauche you two were so awesome! And did you hear the Captain, we won!

Tyrus: I guess I can mark surviving a major terrorist group's strongest warriors as a win!

Finral: Yeah, we totally did!

Gauche: You didn't do a damn thing.

Finral: Hey, chill out for once.

Asta screams like an idiot as everyone laughs while Jack steps to his rival.

Jack: Yami... is there something you'd like to say?

Yami: Actually, Slithers... yeah. I'm fucking hungry, anyone else want something to eat?

Jack: As if I care about your damn stomach, I thought a thank you would be in order. What would you and your kids have done if the other Captains and I hadn't shown up?

Yami: You can bet your scythes I wouldn't had let them get away, that's for sure Jack. Would've taken them ALL down if not for your divine intervention.

Jack: Keh, keh, keh... I'll just let you have your delusions, Yami. Not even you can believe what just came out of your mouth!

Charlotte: You foolish man. Fighting enemies that strong all at once would be nothing short of suicidal.

Yami: Geez, would it kill you to be nice every once in a while, Prickly Princess?

Charlotte: Still, the thought of him taking all three of them on his own.... I- I didn't fall in love with him for nothing...

Yami: Seriously gotta watch that tongue of yours, if not... well you're going to die old and alone Charlotte.

Charlotte: I TOLD YOU, I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT! The battlefield is my spouse! Worry about finding your own damn partner and leave me be!

Yami: HAHAHA, Let's make deal... if we're both still single when we're wrinkly and old, we can look after each other Charlotte!

Charlotte: WHA, WHAT?! You're joking, who would ever want to put up with your antics! OH, why can't I just be honest around Yami?!

Tyrus: Wow, talk about an off day.... my battery is officially on... dead.

As if on cue and on some sort of twin telepathy, Asta and Tyrus pass out.

Finral: And Asta and Tyrus are down, Captain.

Yami: Huh, are they now? The crazy bastards pushed past their limits and then some! Alright, get Shrimpsta and Iceberg all healed up, take them to the village, I guess.

Finral: Who, me?!

Yami: You're the only Spatial Magic user here, so make yourself useful Finral!

Finral: Like I've been doing the past couple hours?

Yami: Tch.

Finral: Oh eat it, Yami!

Nozel looks at the sleeping foster siblings. He still wasn't all too happy what had transpired shortly before the Capital was attacked and what had occurred with his brother Solid, Tyrus and Asta when making sure Noelle didn't leave that fateful day. His gaze is intense but holds some form of acknowledgement for them.

Nozel: I will remember this one... Asta and Tyrus, was it?

Back at the Midnight Sun's hideout, the Third Eye look over the tube housing Licht, Sally and Valtos as they continue their recovery process.

Rhya: They really got the best out of you, didn't they? Sorry, Licht. You three get all the rest you need, we'll take the wheel until you're back in fighting shape.

Fana: I detest them... I loathe all Magic Knights.

Rades looks on at his boss as he decides to make fun of the Third Eye.

Rades: Well now. That was a pathetic showing, and YOU'RE the best and strongest we've got? WHAT UTTER RUBBISH!

Vetto takes exception as he gets in the eyepatched human's face.

Vetto: What did you just say?

Rades: N-Nothing but we need to plan our next steps. The Wizard King most certainly is going to have a report on what happened and deep intel about Licht. He's going to start pushing harder, surely you can see that! On top of that, George and Catherine are still in the Clover Kingdom's custody, they're bound to slip up or something! They'll find this place, they might even find out Licht's true identi-

The man beast growls lowly and dangerously, scaring the Corpse mage but Rhya is able to settle him down.

Rhya: Easy there, big guy. Rades makes a great point. It's too soon to make any major moves but we also don't want to place all our cards on the table. Not yet at least. Let's see what to do, what to do? I really don't want to go, but we have no other alternatives.... man what a pain.

Final Word Count: 11,017 Words.

End of Chapter Twenty Six! Conclusion of The Nean Village Mini Arc! Up Next a Traitor is revealed and a Day at the Beach?!