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. The Black Bulls found themselves battling the meancing and seemingly invincible Vetto of Despair with rookies Asta and Tyrus leading the charge. However after they landed two devastating stab wounds, everyone had believed they were victorious until Tyrus went crashing into a wall and Asta was in Vetto's clutches.

Vetto: You believed yourselves to have beaten me, VETTO OF DESPAIR?! I TOOK THOSE BLOWS TO MY STOMACH NON-FATALLY SO I COULD CAPTURE THE DEMON-DWELLER SWORD FROM YOU, BRAT!

After spreading his aura to Asta, his bones to crack under the immense pressure much to Vetto's delight.

Vetto: GO ON, HUMAN BOY! SCREAM IN DESPAIR FOR ME, I SHALL JOIN IN REVELING IN YOUR PAIN!

Asta: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Noelle: ASTA!

Tyrus: HANG ON, I'M COMING ASTA!

Asta: GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Vanessa: We... fell into his trap?!

Finral: N-no!

Vetto: YES DESPAIR! DESPAIR! DESPAIR! DESPAIR!

All seemed lost when Asta had let go of the protruding blade, his green eyes glazed over as Vetto continued to taunt him.

Vetto: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW INSECT, TELL ME HOW DID THAT FEEL. I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY AND STAND NOW! YOU WILL RECOVER NEVER AGAIN!

Asta: Not... yet...

Vetto: What did you say?

After a swift boot to his gut and cartwheel kick to his chin, Vetto is pleasantly surprised to Tyrus still up and kicking around.

Tyrus: HE SAID NOT YET YOU MANGY BITCH.

Asta: I'M NOT GIVING UP YET!

Tyrus: AND MAKE THAT DOUBLE, VETTO!

Asta and Tyrus still charge forth despite their injuries taking over with their teammates backing them up the whole way.

Black Bulls: WE WON'T GIVE UP EVER, SO LONG AS WE CAN STAND AND FIGHT!

Vetto: DAMN YOU ALL, IF YOU COCKROACHES DON'T STOP DESPAIRING IMMEDIATELY!

Vanessa: Asta, I'll be your sling for that broken arm you've got going! Tyrus, I'll do the same with your ribs!

Tyrus: MUCH OBLIGED, VANESSA!

Asta: Thank you, that's exactly what I wanted to hear Miss Vanessa! You ready?

Tyrus: Hell yeah. Let's end this, Vetto!

Vetto: WHY?! WHY WON'T YOU DESPAIR ALREADY HUMANS?!

Asta: I TOLD.... YOU ALREADY! WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO DESPAIR!

They think about Yuno, who looks over a pasture with the Wind Spirit Sylph.

Tyrus: WHY DESPAIR, WHEN WE ALL HAVE DREAMS WORTH PURSUING?! THERE'S SOMEONE OUT THERE-

Asta: THAT WE CAN'T LOSE TO, NO MATTER HOW HARD IT GETS!

Tyrus: HE WON'T GIVE UP ON US, SO WHY WOULD WE DARE GIVE UP ON HIM?! HAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Asta: AND WE MADE A PROMISE TO HIM! AND YOU'RE IN THE WAY OF OUR PROMISE RAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

SO TAKE YOUR DESPAIR AND BUZZ OFF, VETTTTTTTTTOOOOOOO!

They race towards him with renewed vigor, the spirit of Yuno clearly weighing them something heavy and fierce as they blitz Vetto.

Vetto: THAT'S ENOUGH OF YOUR PESTILIENCE, WORMS!!!! IT DOES NOT MATTER, I HAVE ALREADY READ AND STUDIED YOUR MOVEMENTS AND PATTERNS-

He stops his sentence as he realizes just like at the beginning of the battle, they once again move at hyper speed.

Vetto: THEIR MOVEMENTS ARE TOO FAST FOR ME TO KEEP UP WITH!!! NO- THE DEMON DWELLER SWORD THAT LITTLE INGRATE STABBED ME WITH, IT'S STILL EMBEDDED WITHIN MY TORSO. IT'S- IT'S CANCELLING OUT MY ABILITY THOSE TWO'S PATTERNS AND WEAKENING MY PHYSICAL ABILITIES- GRRKKKK!

His thoughts are stopped when Tyrus slashes him clean across the ankle, blood oozing from his lower left leg as he flicks him off before jumping into another portal.

Vetto: I HAD INTENDED TO TAKE HIS WEAPON BUT IT IN TURN HAS BECOME MY BIGGEST FOIL! HAVE THEY STOLEN MY GREATEST WEAPON FROM ME INSTEAD?!

He takes a deep breath, summoning what massive amount of mana he has to rip the Demon Dweller's blade from out of his torso as he screams in agony defiantly.

Vetto: NO! I WON'T LOSE TO YOU ORDINARY, MISCHEVIOUS HUMANS! NOT HERE AND NOT NOW!

Tyrus: SORRY TO DISAPPOINT YOU... BUT!

Asta: YOU'VE BEEN LOSING THIS WHOLE TIME VETTO!

Flashbacks of Magna, Luck, Gio, Kahono, Kiato, Noelle, Asta, Tyrus, Vanessa, Finral, Gauche, Grey and Charmy register clear in his mind.

Tyrus: WHEN HAVE ANY OF US TRULY DESPAIRED, THINK REAL LONG AND HARD ABOUT THAT?!

Asta: YOU TRIED SO HARD TO MAKE US DESPAIR, BUT YOU FAILED HORRIBLY!

He erupts in anger as his aura oozes all over the place.

Vetto: SILENNNNNNNNCEEEEEE!

He proceeds to launch several debris projectiles at the duo in his temper tantrum, succeeding in hitting the both of them his last try as Asta and Tyrus hit the ground, rolling cruelly about.

Noelle: ASTA, TYRUS!

He snarls victorously but quickly notices he's getting weaker as indictative of his mana slowly fizzing out.

Vetto: MY MAGIC! TCH, NO MATTER. I'M STILL INFINITELY YOUR GREATER EVEN IF MY MAGIC IS CANCELED OUT AND I SHALL PLUNGE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU INTO DESPAIR, WHAT?!

He stops rambling on when he notices.... two terrifying presences standing in front of him taking the forms of a..... Dragon and Devil. The devil fixture appears to thrash violently about as it quickly retracts itself into Asta while the dragon fixture roars to the high heavens before it too rushes back into Tyrus, his hair significantly spiked up as a dust cloud surrounds them and a lone sweatbead forms on Vetto's head, dropping at the intensity as he gets unnerved.

Asta: Not.... yet.

Tyrus: We'll sleep when we.... DIE!

We're still.... NOT GIVING UP!

They look and share the same expression before they snarl at Vetto, stalking him like an alligator awaiting prey dumb enough to enter its domain as Finral and Vanessa look on perplexed. The Man Beast pays no mind to the anger radiating off of Tyrus but instead Asta, who draws most of the Third Eye member's virtually non existing fear.

Vetto: This boy.... he's just like me.... NO, HE'S WORSE THAN ME. He's no beast....

The three leaves of a clover represent intergrity, love and hope with the fourth leaf generally given over to the concept of good luck... AND WITHIN THE FIFTH LEAF...

Vetto: THIS ONE FEEDS ON DESPAIR NO MATTER WHAT! HE IS.... A DEVIL!

Asta and Tyrus blitz him from both directions as Vetto once again roars in defiance.

Vetto: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Tyrus: HERE WE GO ASTA!

Asta: YEAHHHHH, LET'S END THIS!

They bolt for portals, slashing every nook and cranny Vetto left open to exposing, frustrating the man beast.

Tyrus: YOU'RE WIDE OPEN!

SHING! CHING!

Multiple cuts open themselves up on his body upon blades and claw meeting fur and flesh, Vetto failing to catch up with the Forsaken Realmer's movements.

Noelle: Incredible, they're moving even faster than before!

Asta: HAHHHHHHHHH!

Tyrus: RAHHHHHHHHHH!

Vetto: GRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

He flings a boulder their way which Tyrus intercepts with his dragon claw, disintergrating it as he and Asta continue their frenzied rush like a couple of piranhas smelling blood in the water. They go through a portal as Asta then takes the reins of cutting up Vetto while Tyrus distracts him with covering fire. They meet up in the same portal as they bull-rush the debris Vetto keeps slinging at them, as blue, white and silver mix with black and purple in the mad dash!

Vetto: YOUR LIVES BELONG TO ME, INSECTS!

Tyrus: NEVER THAT!

Asta: KEEP DREAMING IN YOUR DESPAIR, YOU BIG, UGLY APE-MAN!

They grip their blades with as much strength their bodies and Vanessa's strings allow them as they begin to finish each other's sentences.

Tyrus: HEY DESPAIR!

Asta: THIS IS-

Charmy, Finral, Gauche, Grey, Noelle and Vanessa: ASTA, TYRUS! GOOOOOOOOO!

Asta and Tyrus: WHERE YOU LOSE!!!!!!!!!

Vetto: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

After a series of well timed kicks, punches and slinging Vetto around, he finally punches the beast in his literal third eye sending him crashing, forming a massive crater underneath his sheer weight with a massive mushroom dust cloud immediately following after. As Vetto stands, floating in and out of consciousness as he looks at the two boys largely responsible with defeating him and ending his ambition of acquiring the magic stone for Licht, then falling down. As for the two brothers, they fall flat on their asses with everyone waiting in bated breath, just anticipating Vetto getting up at any second. Noelle, looks to see his grimoire not floating or glowing anymore.

Noelle: His grimoire... it isn't glowing anymore! THEY DID IT, EVERYONE! IT'S OVER, ASTA AND TYRUS DID IT! WE WON!

Asta and Tyrus bump fists as they suddenly get yicked up and summoned through a portal!

Asta: AHHHH!

Tyrus: DAMN STRAIGHT WE DID, YIPE!

They immediately are captured by an awaiting Finral and Vanessa who make sure they don't fall on their injured limbs or bodily organs as Asta and Tyrus's impact alone knocks Vanessa's hat off.

Finral: IT'S ALRIGHT!

Vanessa: WE GOT YOU KIDDOS! THANK GOD YOU TWO ARE ALRIGHT!

Vetto: I AM TAKING YOU ALL DOWN WITH ME! AS A MATTER OF FACT, I AM GOING BLOW THIS DAMN TEMPLE APART WITH ONE EXPLOSION! NAHAHHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

Gifso: NO, HE WOULDN'T DARE!

Yami smashes the table with one clean fist, splintering it right down the middle.

Yami: DAMN IT! THERE'S NO WAY THEY'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP HIM NOW! THAT DOES IT, I'M BUSTIN YOU AND I OUT OF THIS FAKE JAIL CELL, GEEZER!

His dark aura surrounds him as his secured grimoire threatens to destroy its bag, Abari looking on in paled horror still puts on a taunting brave face.

Abari: Why even bother, I've told you again and again. There's no stopping my barrier, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Vetto's mana continues to swell, being mere minutes from detonating. Grey hugs Charmy for dear life who begins screaming in turn as Finral looks on in horror, realizing that he's seen this type of fuckery before.

Finral: This is NOT GOOD, WE'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE! NOT EVEN THE MAGIC KNIGHT CAPTAINS WERE STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP THIS POWER! IT'S LIKE THEIR LEADER'S POWER, ONLY THIS ONE'S MORE OVERWHELMING AND MENACING THAN EVEN HIM!

Vanessa: Is he going to self implode?! My threads are being erased one by one and the pulses are growing stronger.

Tyrus: Finral's not lying! When these idiots have no clear way out after they've been beaten, they turn in literal walking, talking bombs!

Gauche: Damn, I can't get any closer. If I did, the pressure alone would crush me!

Asta: Listen guys, this doesn't change a thing. Send Ty and I back at him!

Tyrus: Normally, that'd be a great plan Asta...

Finral: NO NO, nevermind ignore my mouth! I almost chickened out again. It felt like you were gonna say something.

Tyrus: Asta's thinking straight but Gauche is also right, if any one of us tried to stop Vetto from exploding, the pressure would squish and crush us to death. But... I would rather die a warrior than die a coward!

Vanessa smirks.

Vanessa: Tell you what, Finral. If we all manage to survive this little stunt he's pulling, and I'll let you take me out on a date!

Finral: A DATE REALLY?! ERROR, ERROR, DOES NOT COMPUTE! YOU'RE NOT HELPING, VANESSA!

Noelle: There's gotta be something we haven't done before that'll put him down!

Gauche: I'm with you, Noelle. NO ONE IS STOPPING ME FROM SEEING MY LITTLE SISTER AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!

Charmy: I am GOING TO DESTROY HIM! THERE ARE STILL SO MANY YUMMY SEAFOODS I HAVEN'T TRIED YET!

Grey: I'm basically scared out of my mind, but I'll give it my best!

Tyrus: Well... those are some very compelling arguments guys.... SO WHAT'RE WE WAITING FOR?!

Asta: ALRIGHT EVERYONE, LET'S PUT OUR ALL INTO THIS ONE! COME AND GET-

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Yami: Hey! Did I miss anything, my favorite idiots?

They all turn and see-

Tyrus: CAPTAIN?!

Yami: Hey there, you jackasses. Are you alright?

Finral: YOU- YOU REALLY CAME FOR US!

Noelle: How though, we thought you were trapped!

Tyrus: She's right, you said specifically you and the High Priest were being held hostage by Midnight Sun Mage. Where is the clown anyway?

Yami: Was telling the truth.... mmmmm! Some spatial mage trapped me and the geezer while beastie was wreaking havoc and catching bodies down on the surface level. But as you all can see, I finally broke out and came to bail you all from certain death.

We get a look at a bloodied Abari whose nose is broken with blood gushing from the source as well as a few scratch marks and lost teeth, breathing raggedly.

Yami: I might have been a tad too forceful, but I warned the idiot what I was going to do if he didn't let me out.

Noelle: What do you mean by forceful?

Tyrus: I'm getting a mental picture, but it's best if I don't actually tell you what I think Captain did, Noelle.

Asta: It would've helped if you got here sooner Captain!

Yami: Oi, shut up kid. I have my reasons, I can leave and let the furball nuke us all to hell if you want.

Asta, Finral, Noelle, Tyrus and Vanessa recoil in horror as they witness their rough around the edges Captain.... throwing a temper tantrum.

Tyrus: Is he...

Asta: Captain Yami.... sulking?!

Asta: ALRIGHT NOW THAT CAPTAIN YAMI'S HERE WE CAN TURN THAT APE MAN INTO A FUR COAT! WE'RE AT LEAST A HUNDRED TIMES- NO A BILLION TIMES STRONGER, OH YEAH, LET'S GOOOOOO! GAHA!

Yami: Where do you get off talking like that and better yet who are you talking to? Don't tell me you're getting a big head just because you and your brother could actually beat that guy, yeah?

Asta: Ow! Ow! Ow! NO, NO CAPTAIN PLEASE STOP SQUEEZING! COCKINESS-?

Yami: I'm saying I can put him down here and now, kid. Slow your role, you did more than enough.

Tyrus: Wait, what?

Yami: You all risked your hides and then some fighting this big freaky bastard. Each and every single one of you surpassed limits I thought you never had. Don't you think it's time for your captain to go all-out himself? Tyrus. Finral. Vanessa. Noelle. Gauche. Charmy. And who're you supposed to be?

Grey: Oh it's me, the real Grey, Captain!

He finishes patting them on their respective heads as he walks past the sleeping Luck and Magna.

Yami: Don't think I forgot about you two. Damn good work in a desperate situation, Luck and Magna.

Vanessa continues to rub her head as she blushes madly as Finral is about ready to pass out.

Finral: YAMI.... ACTUALLY COMPLIMENTED ME!

Yami: You all kick your feet back and let me handle the cleanup..... In other words? I'm taking all the glory for myself bahahahaha! No but seriously you guys, way to step up. Not bad for being the Worst Magic Knight Squad there is. You may be a bunch of pain in the ass knuckleheads, but... you're my knuckleheads and the reason I was able to surpass my limits as well.

Black smoke emanates from his katana as the pressure of his immense magic power hits his subordinates in waves.

Yami: Being cooped up in that sphere and my back against the wall was well worth it let's just say. This spell I'm about to use, it reminds me of a certain stretched out goofball. Can't say I'm a fan of his but-

Vetto: DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE, YAMI SUKEHIRO! YOU HUMANS WILL TASTE DESPAIR, JUST AS I HAVE! YES, YES, YES! DESPAIR, DESPAIR, DESPAIR, DESPAIR!

Yami: Like a certain ice mage under my supervision would say, just can it already. Despair this, Despair that. How about despair my blade down your throat! However strong your magic may be, it doesn't matter to me. Because this spell I'm about to use? Yeah, it cuts through dimensions buddy.

His muscles bulge and he calls out the incantation.

Yami: Dark Magic, Dark Cloaked Dimension Slash!

The last thing Vetto sees is half of one side of the temple and the other half.... just as his body slides down cruelly from one end as he breathes one last desperate breath with Yami taking some time to talk to the fallen beast.

Yami: Consider that a reward for looking after my squad.... and toughening them up. And sorry, you wanted us to despair. But we just didn't really feel like it. See you down the road, Mr. Despair.

Vetto(Past): Watch closely from the sidelines, Yami Sukehiro. You're going to be my main dish once I've killed everyone that stands in my way. Once you've been steeped and drizzled in despair at the bloodied broken bodies of your friends, only then shall I kill you!

Yami: Looks like I'll be the only one feasting there, you Despair Cuddler. Rest in Peace, Vetto.

He watches as Vetto cruelly hits the ground, body splitting in half beyond impact

Yami: Sorry to tell you also... But I didn't despair either. Forgot about that part.

The fallout and recovery from Vetto's rampage.... NOW!

Back on Raquey's surface level, backup had finally dispatched to help deal with Magic Knight casualities and injured with Sekke and his "friends" pitching in.

Kid 1: God, this guy is just as heavy as the last person we helped out.

Kid 2: No- Kidding! Easy there Magic Knight we've got you, we're going to get you right to the hospital sir!

They place him on Sekke's Shooting Star just as the bronze comes in tow with another injured Magic Knight, now noting Vetto's enormous mana had rapidly died down not knowing the beast had finally been fatally tamed.

Sekke: I-I don't feel that overwhelming source of mana anymore.... just as the sun's beginning to rise as well?

True enough down in the strong magic zone, the Underwater Sea Temple and its patrons had witnessed in its merciful and prayer-filled glory the last blow that had brought to an end Vetto of Despair, legionnaire of Licht's Eye of the Midnight Sun anti-human terrorist group. The reactions are clearly mixed, they were in obvious shock, some were silently soaking in the final moments of the battle with the rare cheer thrown in. Yami looks on in acknowledgment at the devastating power now quelled before him, taking a long moment just as Asta goes flying.

Asta: CAPTAIN YAMMMMMI, OOF!

Yami: Hm? Hey, careful there.

Tyrus: Nice shot Captain, where you'd learn that- HEY!

Noelle shoves her injured crush out of the way and onto Asta as she semi-interrogates Yami.

Noelle: Just know, I didn't ask for your help.... But I suppose I should thank you for being such a big help, you could've shown up a lot sooner.

Yami: Who in the fresh hell do you think you're talking to right now, better yet what's with the attitude, Little Royal?

Noelle soon gets a taste of her own medicine as Vanessa shoves on top of her fellow rookies.

Noelle: AHHH!

Vanessa: Oh Captain, it seems I've fallen head over heels in love with you again! What girl could resist those manly alpha vibes, ALRIGHTY! Down the hatch.

Yami: Later- Finral?

Finral breaks down immediately in his Captain's arms.

Finral: I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO DIE! I SAW MY LIFE FLASH BEFORE MY EYES, SIR!!!

Yami: Um... there there? You were actually useful once Finral, so nice work.

Finral: Thank you sir!

Grey shoves him out of the way, still completely red in the face now that her true form was exposed.

Grey: U-Um, that was amazing, Captain! Scary, but terrifying! Wow, I actually talked to him?!

Yami: And who were you again?

Charmy: Wahhh! You were too amazing Captain!

Yami: Hey there, fluffy sheep. Been taking care of my favorite glutton, I see.

Gauche: Captain.... It's over now and Beastie is dead. Can I go see Marie now?

Yami: Read the room, this is the part where you praise me for my badassery Adlai. Not your addiction to your sister.

Everyone gathers around the foreign-born Captain as Asta and Tyrus praise Yami.

Asta: I can't believe you took him down with just one shot, Captain Yami!

Tyrus: Even our best didn't put the furball down, that's some serious power you've been holding out on us- huh?!

Inexplicably, Yami whips out his katana still rich with dark magic.

Yami: THAT'S IT, I HAD ENOUGH! MOVE UNLESS YOU WANNA END UP LIKE THE DESPAIR MASCOT!

Asta: RUN, GUYS!

Noelle: GAHHH!

Tyrus: YO, CHILLLLLL CAPTAIN! CHILLLLL!

Everyone except Gauche, yes sheep included scatter at the sight as he gets to muttering.

Yami: Damn leeches.

A few minutes pass by as Gifso stands in front of the Black Bulls, tears still escaping his eyes having seen his son and grandchildren in such devastating fashion, feverishly and not delaying in his many thank you.

Yami: What's up, Old Man?

Gifso: Captain Yami Sukehiro and members of the Black Bulls. By defeating Vetto and his group of Midnight Sun mages, you have indisputably won the game I put you all through! And-

He then bows before the Worst Magic Knight Squad which many found ironic considering his haughty position.

Gifso: From the bottom of my heart- on behalf of all the native folk of the ocean, we thank you all for saving our precious Underwater Temple, I am not only your debt but you all have my sincerest gratitude! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

They all smile and acknowledge his gratitude.

Gifso: As the High Priest, it's only right that I now grant you your wish! Anything in my power, I shall grant it to each and everyone of you.

Yami: That's an extremely tempting offer, but the only thing we're here for is that magic stone that was located in the Temple, so if you can just cough that up. That'd be nice.

Gifso: What... what in the world is a magic stone?

They all double back in surprise as Yami once again presses Gifso.

Yami: Come on now, don't play dumb with us Geezer. I thought you said you had info on the magic stone and it was located somewhere in here.

Gifso looks at Manga and Tyrus inquistively with that ever so creepy smile on his face.

Gifso: You all came here looking for the magic stone, right? If you want it, how about you all play a little game with me beforehand!

Tyrus: Yeah that's exactly what you said, High Priest.

Yami: Don't tell me you're going senile right now? Not a good look for such a hot blooded royal.

Gifso: I'm sorry, I only said all that because I heard how much you guys had been seeking for it. And I needed competitors for my game, honestly. You really went through all of this for that? What exactly does it do--- EEEE?!

Yami: You.... OLD, DUSTY SON OF A BITCH!

Gifso: WHOA, WHOA, WHOA! You wouldn't hurt an innocent priest, now would you?!

Noelle and Tyrus: He definitely would.

Asta: GAHHHHHAHHAHAHAH! WHY YOU IT'S BEEN SO LONG.... wait a minute-

Tyrus: Nero..... what's in your mouth?

Nero relents as it drops the blue magic stone in Yami's hands.

Asta: I tell you, I haven't felt that pain since Sosshi Village! Hey there Nero, I guess you went searching for the Magic Stone while we dealt with all the leg work, I was wondering where you ran off to.

Gifso: Ah... so that's a magic stone! Listen you all could take that with you, if you'd like. Go on, don't be shy, really!

Yami: Nice work little birdie, and trust me there's no shyness here. And with that.... Our mission is complete.

Gifso breathes a sigh of relief as Yami off-handedly speaks to his crew as he continues to eyeball Vetto's corpse.

Yami: Listen up gang.

They all hang on his words, as he exhales the smoke from his cigarette.

Yami: Nice work.

Tyrus: Uh.....

Noelle: Umm.....

Asta begins chuckling as he salutes Yami followed by his brother and the rest of their squadmates.

SIR!

Asta: Geez, the moment I put my all into relaxing, all my strength just...

Tyrus: Dude.... Ohhhh. Now that he mentions it, that ass whooping definitely had a little kick to it. Body registering all that pain finally.

They both fall down on their backs.

Noelle: Asta, Tyrus!

Gauche: I don't have even a drop of magic power left in me. Ugh.....

Soon everyone follows Asta, Tyrus and Gauche in falling over in exhaustion.

Charmy: Me too, I'm so hungry. Laaaaaaa.

Gifso: Oh no, you're all dropping like flies! This won't do at all, let's tend to your wounds everyone while our top of the line medical remedies recover your magic and stamina.

Meanwhile in an underground bunker, Licht is seen resting in an liquid recovery chamber as bubbles continues to rise up. He appears to be in great condition despite being unconscious yet there was not a single wound on his personal being. He was being watched Rades, Fana, Rhya and a newly recovered Sally and Valtos as they have been caught up to speed with the latest details since awaking from their slumber.

Valtos: To think someone as intimidating and formidable as Vetto could be slain. It's truly unfathomable.

Fana: This cannot stand, I won't forgive them ever. I can never forgive those who killed Vetto and made Licht sad. This will cause him even more grief than before.

Valtos turns his head slightly as he makes a motion at the stone tablet.

Valtos: Our mission is clear then, we must recover the magic stones in the Black Bulls' possession so that the Eye of the Midnight Sun can live and fulfill its dream.

A couple days pass after Vetto's death and the Black Bulls find themselves laid up in the hospital wing of the Underwater Temple. Charmy groans as everyone else just lays about while their IV's do all the work replenishing their mana and stamina.

Gauche: How RIDICULOUS. We have to wait to Finral's magic to recover so we can get out of here and back on the surface. Stupid good
for nothing.

Finral: I'm right here, and again I am your superior!

Gauche: TCH!

Finral: Seriously though, I can't believe you were a girl this whole time Grey! And a super cute one at that, not that big creepy guy.

Grey: I can't do this! I'm so embarrassed stop looking at me!

Vanessa: Stop it Finral, if your eyes get any more lecherous I might just sew them shut, you damn skeeze.

She playfully but oh so seriously threatens her friend as she looks at the hiding Grey.

Vanessa: And as it pertains to you Grey, if you keep acting that embarrassed? You'll never make it out here in the world, open up sometimes girlie!

Grey: Yes Ma'am!

Magna: OI, I KNOW YOU'RE NOT TELLING HER ABOUT EXPRESSIONS, WINE-O! YOU YOURSELF CAN ALWAYS STAND TO BE A LITTLE MORE HUMBLE! COVER YOURSELF UP, YOU SHAMELESS WITCH!

Vanessa: AWWWW... is the little virgin deliquent embarrassed?

Magna: I AM NOT A DELIQUENT, YOU BAG!

Vanessa: I'm only six years older than you, little man! Don't think me being laid up won't get you hurt, Magna.

Luck continues to punch the air, not wanting his recovery to be an excuse to get rusty.

Luck: I can't wait to get back out and fight again!

Charmy: I'm so hungry, I can't or won't move a single muscle, laaaaa.

Magna: You can't be serious right now! We're all laid up and you're worried about eating Charmy?!

Charmy: What's that.... moreover is it delicious and seasoned?

Magna falls back down, pissed off he and Luck were decimated early on in the fight.

Magna: I can't believe I was taken out of the fighting so early! Is that all I'm good for, getting my ass kicked without getting a moment to shine?

Luck: There's no sense in beating on it. We gave it our all, guess that's just the extent of our abilities right now.

The Bulls suddenly hear cheering. Loud cheering that wouldn't subside anytime soon.

Charmy: A banquet?

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH! HOORAYYYYYYYY!

Charmy reverts to her adult form, as the others struggle to stand up at the raucous noise. The citizens of the sea stand below their room.

THANK YOU BLACK BULLS! YOU WERE ALL INCREDIBLE IN THERE! YOU'RE THE SAVIORS OF THE UNDERWATER SEA TEMPLE, WE CAN'T PAY YOU ENOUGH! THAT WAS SO AMAZING!

Finral: I really can't believe it.... we, THE WORST MAGIC KNIGHT SQUAD, ARE BEING CHEERED?!

Magna: Huh, I guess it's must really be a full moon if we've got people cheering us on. I won't refuse the admiration though!

He wipes his eyes as Luck remarks after him.

Luck: Yeah, but all this makes me do is want to get stronger!

Magna: Is that so? Well, I'm gonna outpace you every step of the way, Lightning Boy Wonder.

Gauche: I'd like to see Marie more often... but I guess this Magic Knight shtick isn't a horrible thing either.

Grey: I want to work... on being less shy.

Finral: Oh WOW, SHE IS STUNNING! BUT SHE'S AS BEAUTIFUL AS A MOON FLOWER!

Gauche: Well, looks like someone's finally recovered.

Vanessa smirks while puffing out some air.

Vanessa: It really is nice... having someone thank you.

Noelle and Tyrus stand in Kahono and Kiato's room as they hover over the siblings. Tyrus is still wearing the headband had Vanessa made for him and he sported during the final confrontation with Vetto while he also has his arm in a sling and ribs wrapped up with a protective tape and lining.

Noelle: I'm so sorry, Kahono. I couldn't stop him.

Tyrus: We couldn't stop Vetto... but she's right. Us not being strong enough got you two laid up in the worst way, I don't know if I can ever forgive myself.

Noelle: You're our friend.... and I couldn't stop him or save your voice. Can you ever forgive me?

Tyrus looks on absolutely devastated for Noelle, though his face was neutral appearing. She once again had put too much pressure and fault on herself as the tears were full on breaking out. It all stops when Kahono begins to shake her head and wave her hand as she signals both of them to come to her bedside. Once they do, she places their heads together and begins speaking to them telepathically.

Kahono: Will you two stop being so silly? Really you guys! Voice or not Noelle, Tyrus you two saved Kiato and I while also defeating that mangy beast. Those are two severely difficult tasks in of themselves. Thank you.

Noelle: But I-

Tyrus: Seriously?

Kahono: Your magic was amazing Noelle!

Noelle: B-but, that was only because I had help from you!

Kahono: Well, sure. I did play a part, so feel free to thank me now.

She also begins to chuckle to herself.... but defianty points at her two Magic Knight friends.

Kahono: This doesn't mean I haven't given up on my dream, you two! I will recover soon enough and I will go to the surface again to sing my heart out. So you better not give up on your dreams either! No matter how long it takes me to do so, I will be back at it, you might even hear a song in your honor. Kiato and I will become idols and dancers someday. This just happens to be a little snag in our roads. And when we do recover, you two along with Asta better be in the front row to watch me. Okay?

Noelle: Kahono-

Tyrus: HAHA! I like your spirit Kahono, don't worry I'll be there. And I'll be sure to be the loudest cheering for ya. Never give up!

Noelle: You better believe I'll be right there with him! And I expect you to save me a good seat, Kahono, promise me?

Kahono: I will!

They seal their promise with a pinky swear just as Tyrus put his hand on the both of their hands, Magic Knights warmly smiling at Underwater royalty just as Kiato begins to wake up and sees Noelle with a clear view for the first time.

Tyrus: Well we should probably leave you both to get some rest, you've been through enough hell as is. And Kiato? You and I will throw down once we find a way to get you healthy and moving around. I wasn't satisfied by the way our first match ended.

Kiato: I look forward to it, and bring Asta along with you!

Noelle: But don't worry you two, we'll be back to check on you!

Kahono: Mhm.... thanks for stopping by you two, and do get better Tyrus. You and Asta took quite the beating.

Tyrus: Trust me, I'm taking all the time to recover. Though it'll probably the worst time of my life.

Noelle: Let's go Tyrus. Bye you two!

Tyrus: Right.

They turn on a dime as she realizes after a few seconds her brother is awake.

Kahono: OH! I had no idea you were awake, Kiato. What's up with that goofy face, I don't think I've ever seen it before.

Kiato: She looked so serene and beautiful when she cried..... and even more so when smiling. Is that who everyone has been talking about- Is she the Sea Goddess, Kahono? I'M IN LOVE, LITTLE SISTER!

Kahono looks at her brother in concern, maybe assuming the loss of limb was making him a tad delirious.

Kiato: Alright, it's settled then! My leg has to heal so I can conjure up a courtship dance for her... so you'll introduce me to her won't you, my adorable baby sister? Come on, help me out here Kahono, I can feel myself getting back in the groove, yeah!

Kahono: Sorry big brother.... but I think Noelle's off the market. I just got a gut feeling about her and Tyrus.

Meanwhile, Asta ventures through the many layers and crevices of the temple as he thinks to himself.... back to the battle with Vetto alongside his teammates and brother, not to mention Kiato and Kahono lending their aid before they got seriously injured. He breaks his train of thought as he lets his boots rest in the grassy moss as Nero stays nestled in his hair.

Asta: So many... crazy things happened on this mission yet, at least we got the magic stone in the end. Nero- where are... you goin'? Wait up, stupid bird! If you get lost, don't come trying to poke me on the head repeatedly.

It flies off landing on a rock as it then extends its wing to show Yami seemingly mourning over Vetto.

Yami: What's up kid?

Asta: GAHA! I should've know you'd guess it was me behind you..... Guess my ki gave me away huh?

Yami: I asked you a question... now give me a damn answer. Or I'll murderize you.

Asta: WHAT?! Well u-um it's just that, well since we're leaving tomorrow I just wanted to check the place out a bit.

Yami: Ya some sort of explorer, now. Find anything of worth yet?

Asta: Oh you bet! I found a fossil that looked like a shell, nearly got swallowed by this sea anemone, got swarmed by these sea roaches.

Yami: Gross!

Asta: I also found these...

He shows off a trio of blue, pink and purple flowers to his rugged captain as he then places them on the makeshift tomb.

Asta: Ya know, Captain? I can't forgive these guys and all the pain they continue to spread... still I don't what it really was... but maybe something unforgiveable happened to them. Still, I can't figure out what it is, and maybe I never will but now.... they hate humans with every fiber of their being.

Vetto: Dreams? Bonds?! WHAT DO HUMANS KNOW ABOUT THEM, DO NOT SPEAK SUCH WORDS TO ME GIRL! OH YOU'VE DONE IT NOW TINY HUMANS! YOU MAY THINK THERE IS STRENGTH IN YOUR NUMBERS BUT ALL YOU HAVE DONE IS LED MORE OF YOUR KIND TO DESPAIR! I WON'T LOSE TO YOU ORDINARY AND MISCHEVIOUS HUMANS! YOUR LIVES BELONG TO ME!!!!

Asta: Maybe... in the end, he was feeling more despair than any of us.

Yami pauses and thinks over his stubborn rookie's words, taking a puff of his cigarette and exhaling.

Yami: Hey kid... you're an idiot, aren't you?

Asta: Huh?

Yami: I asked are you an idiot didn't I? Answer the question or I'll send you flying into a wall.

Asta: YES I'M AN IDIOT, CAPTAIN!

Yami: Yeah, well an idiot wouldn't think so hard about shit like this.

He puts his hand out as Asta grits at the possibly of having his head squeezed but it never comes. Yami insteads ruffles his hair.

Yami: You just focus on chasing that dream of yours.

Asta: My... dream.

Yami: Well at least for now.

Yami yanks his headband down.

Asta: HEY, I CAN'T SEE! WHAT WAS THAT FOR, CAPTAIN?! I HAVE TWO BROKEN ARMS HERE!

More time passes on as Asta looks at the barrier connecting the sea.

Asta: I just have to focus on my dream, huh? My dream, no OUR dream is-

He's taken back to the day he saved Tyrus and Yuno from the ex-Purple Orca Revchi just as he's taken away and they reinforced their promise to one another with a solitary fist bump.

Asta: CHECK IT OUT YOU GUYS, I GOT MY VERY OWN GRIMOIRE! Ok, so it maybe a little dirty and tattered but it's still my very own!

Asta: Check it out you guys, I finally got my grimoire!

Tyrus: Why's it all beat up? I kid, you did a great job and you saved our behinds man. I think this is like the third time you saved us.

Yuno: Looks like I owe you both again, moreso Asta. But hear it now, I will repay my debt back one day.

He stopped walking away as he shouted their names.

Yuno: Tyrus. Asta. We three made a promise back then, do any of you remember what it was?

Flashback.

Asta: So you want to be the Wizard King too, Yuno?

Tyrus: I wonder what brought this on.

Asta: Does it really matter? I know what this means?

Asta, Yuno and Tyrus publicly declared each other rivals that day. A friendly race between brothers to see who would become the Wizard King when all was said and done.

Asta: I actually can't believe you remembered after all these years. The way you've been acting towards Ty and I, I wasn't so sure if you had forgotten or not.

The shortest of the three joined them as they stared at the Demon Skull.

Yuno: As if I'd be friendly with two individuals I consider my rivals. Asta, you showed me it was possible. It wasn't just a fever pitch. That even though the three of us are just poor orphans, mere commoners. Someone like us could still make something out of nothing in this world. And to prove it....

Asta: To make Sister Lily and everyone else proud and happy.

Tyrus: To finally break this stigma and prove that commoners can indeed be something more!

The three of them, Grimoires in their other respective hands, bumped fists and solidified their vows from when they were meager kids.

Asta, Yuno and Tyrus: We'll fight.... to see who will become the Wizard King! Whatever it takes!

Asta: Not... yet! Not even close, I'm nowhere near strong as I want to be, Tyrus and Yuno still have the lead on me! Captain Yami was totally right, I'm just gonna focus on my dream! YEAH, my arms are gonna get stronger and healed, then I'll catch up with you both.... YOU HEAR ME TYRUS AND YUNO?! I'LL BE THE WIZARD KING WATCH AND SEE!

He roars with a hyped attitude. The next day comes around as even more sea native show up at the hospital to thank the Black Bulls.

THANK YOU BLACK BULLS! YOU SAVED ALL OF OUR LIVES! YOU'RE SO AMAZING EVERYONE!

Charmy began devouring a whole fish, no matter how many bones resided in it.

Magna: Geez, how long are they gonna keep thanking us?

Luck: Sure are energetic-

Gauche: Maybe a tad too much?

Vanessa: Nothing wrong with a little praise after what we all have been through boys, soak it all in. I have a feeling they're not gonna leave anytime soon.

Finral: And look at the ladies.... Oh how I wouldn't mind any of them feeding me, straight up.

He looks lazily at Grey as she remarks how good the food was.

Grey: So... good.

Charmy: EAT UP EVERYONE! OR I'M GONNA STEAL IT!

Hours pass by as the Magic Knights are now fully healed and replenished of mana and stamina respectively as they stood in front of the population in its entirety.

Yami: Well, see ya. Been one hella a trip that's for certain.

Asta: And thank you for everything!

Gifso: Please come back anytime you wish to, Black Bulls. Consider this holy place and our land a second home to you, we would certainly welcome you with open arms!

Tyrus: Heh, I might just take you up on that, Old Man. This place is way too beautiful to ignore.

Civilian: Yeah, come back soon. Capisce?

Gio, on the other hand was in a less the celebratory mood.

Gio: I'm the strongest in the entire Underwater Temple Mages core, and I didn't even get to show off my full arsenal.....

Vanessa: So Charmy, how are those Eye of the Midnight Sun creeps you, Gauche and I captured doing?

She looks at tiny cotton balls which serve as prisons for the mages Abari, Toike, Zarick and Zuta are complaining, crying and spewing obscenities.

Charmy: Well.... they're screaming about a whole lot of nothing. But they're trapped, so they can't do anything. We'll be fine!

Magna: That's one freaky binding spell you got there, Charm.

Charmy: Huh... I guess it never crossed my mind to use it until now.

Tyrus: Hey, Kahono and Kiato!

Asta: Keep working hard, you guys! I know your dreams will come true eventually.

Tyrus: And when they do, you two save us and the squad a lot of seats. You hear me?

Asta: We just know there's a spell that can heal your throat and your leg. I'll work my ass off to fix both of my arms-

Tyrus: And I with my shoulder and ribs.

Kiato nods in respect, now on crutches his severed wound now bandaged with a prosthetic attached to the joint.

Kiato: I'll be back to dancing on this leg in no time, don't you two worry!

He winks at Noelle, who doesn't understand who exactly he's winking at as she looks around when Kahono telepathically communicates with Asta.

Kahono: Asta... thank you. Thanks to you three, I'll never give up. No matter how difficult it gets!

Noelle and Tyrus nod their heads as they prepare to bid the brother and sister tandem goodbye.

Yami: Alright, I think that's our cue to get out of here. Finral.

Finral: Yes, Sir!

He summons a portal as the Black Bulls speak their thoughts on the mission, ranging from Gauche's pessimissm and wanting to see Marie, Grey blushing madly as she hopped through the portal and so on.

Vanessa: See ya all later!

Luck: Bye-bye!

Magna: Later, everyone. Stay cool.

Charmy: Yeah! Thanks for the yummy meals and treats!

Take care! Please come back soon! Thanks again!

Yami goes without saying a word, simply acknowledging them as Asta, Noelle and Tyrus stay behind. The trio prepare to leave but they hear Kahono raggedly but pushing through to belt out a few notes. She tries to sing her signature song but of course struggles but her trying is an inspiration in of itself as everyone stares at her in wonderment. Soon Kiato, their father, grandfather and eventually joins in what turns out being a beautiful and unified chorus. Asta, Noelle and Tyrus look on but smile at the scene as the ice mage looks at the royal and his brother, nodding with each other as she helps Tyrus.

Noelle: Ready to go?

Tyrus: Yeah, let's go. Asta, Finral.

Asta: Yeah.

Finral: Don't worry, I'll bring up the rear.

They enter the portal just before Noelle stops and waves goodbye to everyone as she returns to being her crush's other cane of sorts. Finral would then bring up the rear as stated, smiling at the makeshift choir as he goes through the portal, it along with its owner dissappearing, finally bringing an end to the Underwater Temple mission.

(This ending video recaps everything about their mission- scenes include the Birth of Sea Dragon's Cradle, Asta, Tyrus and Noelle meeting Kahono, the Black Bulls traveling to the Underwater Temple, Asta and Tyrus saving Noelle from Vetto, Kahono and Kiato fighting Vetto, the Birth of Sea Dragon's Roar, and the moment Noelle gained the newest spells in her arsenal to Tyrus saving Noelle from plunging to her death, lastly the Black Bulls cheering her on.)

Final Word Count: 7,562 Words.

End of Chapter Thirty-Nine. This concludes the Underwater Sea Temple/Vetto of Despair Arcs.