Flash forward, one thousand years later, the lake at Tintagel Ruins near Lastonbell, the continent of Glenwood

Late at night, Sorey stepped into the cold water of the nearby lake. Lailah released a set of papers. They levitated and formed a circle above Sorey's head. Lailah set them ablaze with a snap, and they rotated, turning into a ring of fire.

"Hate, pain, rage. Malevolence is shapeless and endless. But, the emotions that drive it are genuine indeed." Lailah recanted.

Sorey closed his eyes and focused inward.

"There are many shapes of purification, and now, I will accept all malevolence into myself and forge forgiveness."

"If you're aware of sounds, sensations, anything outside of your purpose, don't let them distract you," said Lailah.

The ring of fire accelerated. Sorey took a long, slow breath, focusing on the tint of the back of his eyelids as the light of burning ring shone on it and the refreshing feeling of the lake's air entering his nostrils as he inhaled it.

Suddenly, the ring of fire collapsed on him, but Sorey instantly pulled his sword and slashed it away at it, forcing the flying flames to retreat. He opened his eyes as the glows turned into silhouettes of two snake-looking dragons and sank into the lake. The fire serpents circularly danced around his legs.

Then, Mikleo approached Sorey from the dark shadows of the forest. "Malevolence contains contradictions, and fissures create darkness." He gestured at the lake. "Water, our mother!"

The lake's surface rumbled with activity, and a pair of water dragons soared to the sky. Lailah waved her hand. "Fire, our life."

With her command, the two fire serpents darted out of the lake and joined their counterparts in a Mobius dance.

Sorey welcomed the heat of the fire on his skin, feeling it sinking in and warming him further. At the same time, the freshness of water mixed with the warmth of the fire resulted in a responding pulse of light that started glowing from deep inside of him.

"Fire, burning inside water. Fire in water… A contradiction."

Sorey shut his eyes. The elements hung around him as if they were trying to force themselves through his skin and overpower him. He resisted their push and opened his eyes.

Cold sweat formed on Sorey's forehead as he laid eyes upon a towering, dark monstrous figure in front of him. The shadowy shape opened its claws and sent a corrupted wind at Sorey. It buffeted the Shepherd and made him flinch. The gale threw him into the water, and the elemental serpents crashed into the lake.

Near the shore, Edna, the earth Seraph, opened her umbrella cold-heartedly as the water rained down on her. "We still got a little work to do. He's not ready yet."

Water-soaked, Sorey crawled out of the water. "I'm sorry, guys..."

Lailah stared gloomily at the moon. "Don't push yourself too hard, Sorey."

"I know, but I need to get stronger, I…."

Lailah slowly turned to him. "Answer me this, Sorey: When you've sacrificed everything you had for a world you care so much and, in turn, becomes a perfect, cold, hard, logical shell of a person, and that person fails…." She fully turned to the Shepherd. "What happens then?"

Sorey slowly shook his head. But abruptly, they heard someone clapping.

"Impressive, Sir Shepherd. At least you're doing better than me."

Their eyes shifted to Rose as she applauded Sorey. In their recent battle against a seraph-turned hellion, she was knocked out unconscious. Sorey beamed. "Rose, you're awake!"

She brushed a hand on her face and smiled livelily. "Yeah, and I just woke up to a talking dog."

As she crossed her arms, a canine-looking Seraph appeared out of the woods.

"Your friend is so energetic and so eager! It was a blast talking to her." The seraph said charmingly.

Rose shot a surprised glance at him and giggled. "I'm getting a crash course, Mystic Secrets of the Seraphim!"

Lailah nodded gently. "Oysh was once was a dog named Orthie. His owner loved him and his brother so much."

Sorey and Mikleoo whirled their heads in astonishment. "Did Oysh was a dog?!"

"Yes, he had a rough life and then reborn as a Seraph after he died," Lailah answered calmly.

Oysh grinned and wiggled his tail. "Although I can't remember my past life, Lailah said I was a good boy!"

Rose stroked her chin. "How did you know his owner? And what happened to his brother? Did he reborn into a Seraph too?"

"His original owner died way before I met them, but I knew the people who rescued Orthie and Russ. His brother, Russ, passed away a thousand years ago."

Oysh let out a loud laugh. "Gahahaha! And apparently, this wasn't the first time that I was turned into a hellion!"

Sorey turned to Lailah with his wide-opened eyes. "What? How?"

Out of nowhere, Lailah began to sing, "Rappig rappig, with ears so sweet! Rapping, rappig, such tasty meat!"

Rose's forehead wrinkled. "Is this information related to Maotelus?"

Sorey shook his head. "No. We've figured there's probably a second oath."

Lailah swallowed and looked down. "I'm sorry."

Mikleo instead smiled at her. "It's okay. We're not accusing you of anything."

"We'll find out for ourselves anything we truly wish to know," Sorey said, holding his head high.

Lailah beamed with joy. "So, shall we return, now that Rose has recovered and awakened?"

Mikleo nervously stroked his chin. "What about that Dragon Corridor in the ruin?"

Rose looked back and forth from Sorey to Mikleo. "What about it?"

"We're still not sure those are statues of the Eight Serpents or not," Mikleo said with uncertainty.

"No, it can't be. The numbers don't match. And it's more like each statue represents a single head rather than a single dragon. And there's five of them, and they do look like relics of Dragonism." Sorey said, sinking deep back into his thoughts.

"Taking the year into account, it might be logical to assume that the Dragonism religion originates from legends before the era of Asgard," Mikleo added.

Rose glanced back at the ruin. "I can understand the whole deity-worship thing, I guess, but what a five-headed dragon would do for them?"

They looked at Lailah, but she was busy reading her fortune cards, or that's what it looked like to them.

Edna abruptly stood up and stared at the ancient temple. "Being of incomprehensible power. Symbol of awe-inspiring terror. In some cases, she was even called a wish-dragon. Humans hoped that praise to such an entity would help them somehow, and even some Seraph went to her for granting their wishes..." Edna suddenly stopped, and she held back a sob.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Isn't that stupid?"

Edna immediately whirled around and distanced herself from them. "I agree. Praying to a dragon is a stupid idea."

Rose raised her brow. "Did you pray to a dragon before, Edna?"

"Mind your thought," Edna replied irritatingly.

Rose sighed and turned to Sorey. "I guess we'd best keep going."

Sorey nodded and looked at the dog Seraph. "We'll find someone and bring here for worship."

Rose cocked her head and grinned. "You can leave this one to me. This place was my hideout, after all."

Oysh wiggled his tail. "You're the best! I should be sitting pretty, for the time being, thanks to all you folks. Just bring someone here whenever you can. I'll give you all blessings out the wazoo!"

They waved at the seraph and left for the road. Mikleo turned to an orb and merged with the Shepherd. "I think I've found something," Mikleo whispered.

"Hmm?"

"I hate to say this, but it is unnatural for Lailah to spend times with humans unless one of them was a Shepherd."

"Do you mean those who rescued Oysh a thousand years ago had a Shepherd among them?" asked Sorey.

"And get this: it happened exactly at the same time Maotelus gave the world his blessing."

Sorey paced to the road, looking overwhelmed. "Well, we ought to meet Mayvin at Sparrowfeather's hideout tomorrow, and I have got a lot to ask him."

Present time, Zekson Port

The squad disembarked Zaveid's scout ship hastily, but there was no sign of Van Eltia at the port. Eizen rushed to the Loegres, and the rest followed him. Near Bloodwing's tavern, they found Zaveid pacing back and forth anxiously near the fountain. He noticed Eizen and marched to him.

"You bastard!" Zaveid shouted, clenching his fists.

Eizen exhaled calmly. "Where is Van Eltia?"

Zaveid ignored his question, his eyes digging into Eizen. "Tell me: did you know that horned daemon was Aifread?"

"Yes…"

Zaveid threw his arms in the air furiously. "God damn it! Why didn't you say anything?!"

Rokurou rushed between them. "Calm down! You were passed out at that time, okay?"

Eizen yanked Rokurou to the side and stepped closer to Zaveid, eyes brewing with contained wrath. "I said: where is Van Eltia?"

Zaveid crossed his arms, letting out an annoyed grunt. "Your crew got word that Aifread was spotted in Endgand, and they sailed to Lionel Island without waiting for me."Zaveid tossed Eizen a crumpled paper. He opened it and growled in anger after his eyes skimmed the words.

Zaveid then turned to Avernus, senses cooling down a bit. "The old blacksmith gave me something. I left it with your friends back at the tavern. Go and get it." he said amicably, Contrary to his previous tone with Eizen, and then immediately dashed to the gates, disregarding the rest of the squad. "I'm going. I've got to stop him!" Zaveid bellowed as he suddenly disappeared in a gust of wind.

Eizen gritted his teeth and took off after him back to the port.

"You can't catch him," Avernus shouted, finally speaking after a long silence.

Eizen paused and whirled his head, and his face scrunched into anger.

Avernus held back the reaper gaze. "He's a wind malak. We'd best gather supplies and find another ship," he suggested placidly.

Velvet nodded. "Avernus, Phi, Lailah, and I will take care of supplies. The rest of you go and search the docks for a ship that can sail to the Endgand.

As they separated, Avernus moved into the Tavern while Velvet and the malaks went shopping. After a few minutes, he came back with something under his armpit wrapped around in a cloth. Velvet and the rest joined him. He gave Velvet a confirmation signal, and they paced about the port.

Velvet swept an assertive glance at the port and glimpsed at Eleanor while she was casually checking a lone ship at a far-away dock. They anonymously went to her side and mid-way joined by Eizen and Rokuour as they looked less successful in finding a vessel. Eleanor waved at them. "How about this one?" She tilted her head. "The hull looks sturdy, and I don't see anyone aboard."

Velvet raised a brow, gazing astonishingly. "You're surprisingly into this."

Magilou levelled an astute glance. "Maybe you've got a criminal streak in you after all."

Eleanor swallowed hard as she blushed apprehensively. "Wh-What?! No! I..!"

Avernus sighed. "Leave Eleanor, you two."

Velvet smirked and turned to Eizen. "What do you think?"

The reaper nodded. "She'll do. Let's take her."

The Menagerie entered the boat and embarked on their journey to the Endgand. Avernus began to unwrap Kurogane's gift; a small paper fell, and he picked it up.

"It's done. However, the metal and the weapon are too pure for me to name them. It wouldn't let me. I draped it with this thick cloth. Do as you please."

Avernus took a deep breath and uncovered it. The polished golden blade gleamed under the sun.

He firmly held the handle. The cloth fell on the deck as Avernus twirled it smoothly. Laphicet and Lailah sprinted to his side. His mouth curved into a grin, and he kept twirling it. His wrist was relaxed, and his grip was free. The blade spun swimmingly in the air. The malaks' eyes were concentrated and glinting with anticipation and excitement. Avernus instantly raised his sword and reversed the twirling.

Lailah pressed her hands together and blinking escaped Laphicet's astounding glance. Avernus switched his sides and twired the sword in a Mobius pattern. Velvet, Eleanor, and Magilou joined them.

Magilou leered at his movements and grinned wickedly. "We can use you and Rokurou both for sword tricks in the next Menagerie show! We're going to be rich!"

As she mentioned his name, the swordsman slid beside them and probed Avernus' movements like a master evaluating his student. "You are doing a good job." He moaned and squinted at Avernus, trying to detect a fault or a flaw in his techniques. The shepherd loosened his grip on the handle, and he passed it between his fingers and then stopped, holding it in a reverse-grip fashion as he kept it behind his back.

Rokurou clicked his tongue, pressing his lips. "That was a good show. But you can't fight efficiently with that reverse grip; you're limited to an up strike and one from the side…." Rokurou snorted sneeringly for a moment. "...And you're completely predictable."

Velvet tilted her head, checking Avernus from top to bottom. "He looks cool doing it, though."

Avernus' face fired up with adrenaline rushing through his veins. "Care to try, Rokurou?"

Joy flitted across the daemon's eyes. He went for his short blades and pulled them from their sheaths. "I hate to scratch that face, but I need to see a reverse longsword against two, proper forward grip short swords technique!" Rokurou said as he brandished his weapons.

The rest gave them space to spar. The shepherd went into his sword stance that seemed new to everyone, as Velvet would put it, "Fairly low and strong. His front left foot was forward, and his back foot was pointed ninety-degree angle. There was also a little bit of gap between his feet. His torso was leaned slightly forward, and as Avernus reversed, gripped his sword, its blade angling across his back to his left shoulder. His front was fully open, and he held his left arm out front, and magic faintly danced around his hands."

Velvet rubbed her chin. "It's a pretty balanced stance." Velvet blurted as she would've recognized the effectiveness of sword fighting stances because of her teacher, Artorius. Rokurou nodded slightly in agreement.

Then the daemon took off instantly. "You're too open, Avernus!" He hacked low as if he wanted to strike Avernus' knee first. The shepherd swung his sword forward in a powerful arched strike from his back. The force of his long sword slashed away Rokurou's short blade and clashed the swordsman's second follow-up strike. Avernus' attack parried his moves as the slashing ended in an upright position. He moved out of his reverse grip in a blink of an eye.

Rokurou grinned as he caught his breath, and his eyes widened immensely.

"Did you use magic to spun the sword? Your transition to standard grip was fast. You know, If I'm a bit quicker, you don't have time to gamble that move you just pulled." Rokurou heaved a breath, readying himself for the second round. He was sure that the next attack would leave a lasting mark on the shepherd. Avernus twirled the sword and resumed his stance. Suddenly, his proud face turned neutral as he gazed behind Rokurou.

Eizen glared at him, but it wasn't threatening as before. He just wanted some answers before tearing the world anew. The Shepherd obliged.

"I met her three years ago, near Aball. In the same ruin that you and Tia went exploring." Avernus informed him serenely.

Eizen's frowned face didn't change. Instead, the rest assumed that Avernus lit up a fuse. It was a matter of minutes before the reaper would burst into his howling dragon arte and mop the deck with Avernus' body.

"Why?" He demanded harshly.

Avernus briefly glanced at Lailah and then returned to face the reaper. "When you want to protect the people you care about, the first notion that comes to you is to leave them behind for their safety…."

Eizen's facial features twisted for a moment.

"...But you can't ignore their feelings. Edna wanted to find a cure for your curse so that she could see you again."

Eizen gritted his teeth. A stranger commenting on his family matters was the last thing he wanted to hear. Avernus narrowed his eyes. "Do you wish to put her through a soul-breaking sadness when you're turned into a dragon, and she lost her chance to see her brother?"

Eizen's anger subsided, and he exhaled, breaking his glare.

"It's not always about you," Avernus said and shot everyone a glance confidently. "...And we're all going to help."

Laphicet tossed his fist in the air. "Yeah! Let's get your sister back."

Rokurou patted Laphicet's shoulder. "You're too eager for your good!"

Laphicet blushed, shaking his head to the sides. "No! Th-That's not it!"

Velvet, Eleanor, and Magilou also exchanged glances. "You can't fight alone when someone you care about is in danger. And there's the case of Aifread too. So, we're in." As Velvet informed Eizen, she noticed Avernus whispered something in Lailah's ear, and she quickly sneaked into the deck below.

Eizen stared at his coin and suddenly coiled his fist around it. "I told her about all of you in my last letter. She replied…" He suppressed a knot in his throat. "She said you sound "appropriate" for me, and she'd love to meet you." He tossed his coin in the air and caught it again. "...when you put it that way: A girl that wants to live alongside the reaper, no matter the cost is just..." He hummed in anger.

Avernus nodded. "That's family for you. Denying her that happiness is a cruel move, you don't want to pull on your own blood, Eizen."

Velvet stood shoulder to shoulder along Avernus. "The person you care about is still alive." She said abruptly.

The reaper glanced back at Velvet and Avernus. Hopelessness and fear flitted behind his eyes as the shepherd noticed them. "We will take her back. At all costs." Avernus said stridently.

Eizen raised his closed fist. "I warn you, Avernus. Best friends or not, I don't care who that scumbag is to you. Lucian is mine."

Velvet hummed a faint chuckle. "Get in the line, Eizen."

Avernus clicked his tongue and dropped his head. Shame and guilt weighed highly upon his soul.

Laphicet moved closer to them. "She'll be alright," he assured amicably.

Eizen glanced back at him, nodding. "I like your confidence."

"Yeah. I man the wheel of my own ship," said Laphicet.

Eizen stared at the infinite line over the horizon. "Aye. As do I, and all of you…."

Magilou whirled a guardian paper on her finger.

Velvet waved her hand and marched toward the private deck. "Yeah, yeah. I'll go and make something for dinner."

After a brief moment, Velvet went inside.

In the lower section, she found Lailah, throwing her papers around the room.

"Avernus won't lose. Avernus will win. Avernus won't lose." Lailah mumbled to herself.

"What are you doing?" Velvet asked, putting her hands on her waist.

Lailah flinched and turned back nervously. "I'm fortune-telling."

Velvet glared at the paper sheets. "With these origami flower things? You left paper scraps all over the room!" she scolded her.

Lailah dropped her head. "I'm sorry. I'm…"

"Worried." Velvet finished her sentence. She then noticed some loaves of bread and sausages beside her on the table. "Did you want to make sandwiches?"

Lailah reluctantly nodded as her face flushed red. "Y-Yeah. Avernus asked me to make him some."

Velvet raised a brow in surprise. "Why?"

"Because he was hungry, and he didn't want to bother you." She confessed, playing with her card anxiously.

Velvet moaned and rolled her eyes. "Ah, that man. These sandwiches are not a very balanced diet for him."

She marched to the table and picked up a knife. But suddenly, she hissed in pain and stretched her shoulders. Lailah went to her side. "Your shoulders are stiff, Velvet-san. Might be from all that cooking and cleaning."

She groaned feebly. "Maybe."

Lailah glanced at her hands and paused. "I don't think I have many redeeming qualities, but I can give you a good shoulder massage!"

Lailah slid closer to her, but she immediately noticed dark mists of malevolence oozing from Velvet's body. Velvet snickered. "Do you see? It's not safe for you to approach me, let alone giving me a shoulder massage."

Lailah closed her eyes and then opened them with more determination. "You don't need to worry about turning me into a dragon. Avernus is a strong vessel; it will take a lot to faze him."

Velvet turned to her silently. Lailah nodded pleadingly. "Sit, and I will give you a perfect massage you'll never forget, Velvet-san!"

The Lord of Calamity seated unsurely, and Lailah proceeded to rub and knead her shoulders.

"Tell me, what type of food Avernus likes?" Velvet asked.

"Um… He loves meat a lot, but I've never cooked for him." She moaned shyly. "I don't know how to cook…."

Velvet scowled slightly. "As I suspected, he didn't have a healthy diet. From now on, things will be very different; less meat, more vegetables."

Lailah giggled at Velvet's reaction and her tone of voice. She noticed that Velvet contained her malevolence levels as she talked about the shepherd.

"Lailah, what Avernus feels when he's in contact with a huge amount of malevolence?"

The out-of-place question made the young malak pause momentarily, and her face saddened. But then Lailah thought Velvet had to know, for his sake. "People like shepherds feel like that their chest is tight and their every sense are on fire, and then, all their insides are all twisted up. The worst thing is: they can't do anything about it."

Velvet gasped, and her eyes widened. "So, that's why he passed out before. That's why when they're together, he winces and breathless than usual."

"What happens when he kills somebody?" Velvet asked again.

Lailah stopped instantly, letting out a hasty hum. "Did he kill someone?!"

"A praetor and some abbey's exorcists." Velvet informed her, but Lailah didn't speak. "Why? Is it that bad?"

"I-I don't know. I heard he had to kill some humans back in the far-continent, but Tia-san was his malak at that time." Lailah answered. "I just know it is not something you can get over easily. His purpose is to defend all, purify malevolence, and to give life, not to take it."

"I see…" Velvet felt a pang of mild guilt. But there was another thought that flickered in her mind. "You remind me a lot of my sister."

Lailah's eyes widened. "Me?"

"Yes. Your tone of voice, your eyes, your kindness. It all screams, 'Celica.' You even share some quirks with her, like the way you stand or hold your hands. She also loved puns. Except she was the best cook I've ever seen." Velvet explained

"Oh, are you talking about your sister that was reborn into a malak?"

"Seres." Velvet added. "You're too, a fire malak like her. Seres told me that because of Avernus, she regained some of her memories back. If I judge between you two, you're more Celica than Seres ever was."

Lailah shook her head sheepishly. "I'm sorry if I make you uncomfortable, Velvet-san."

"No, Lailah. It's actually the opposite. I like to have your company around. More than that scheming woman." Velvet reassured.

Lailah's eyes gleamed and turned calmer. "I like you too, Velvet-san. At first, I was unsure of how to judge you. But Avernus always praised you, and I've seen your soft and kinder side. "

"Praise? Hah, he's the worst judge of a character. What did he say about me?" Velvet asked, eyes flickering with anticipation.

"He said: Velvet is deep down, strong like fire, vivacious like water, steadfast like earth, free like the wind, and beautiful like the moon."

A pleasant shock rushed through her nervous system. She tried to contain that excitement as her cheeks turned pink for a moment before she could revert to her usual self. "...Nevermind that, tell me; how did you two meet each other?" Velvet asked hastily, trying to change the topic.

Laillah's face gleamed with joy. "A month after I was born into an earthpulse, I came across a group of daemons entering my domain. I was able to take a few of them down, but the rest nearly overwhelmed me. Until Avernus intervened, and with his help, we both managed to drive them away."

Velvet chuckled. "What he was doing there of all places?"

Lailah giggled in return. "He was lost. Apparently, Avernus misread his map. He was such an airhead back then. Young and inexperienced, but with a heart of gold."

Velvet's lips curved into a smile. "He's still the same guy...What happened after that?" Velvet asked rousingly.

"I helped him navigate the earthpulse portals for three days. He offered to take me in. I never knew other living souls even existed. I went with him to the capital, but their shepherd scolded him that I was too weak to be his malak. It would cost him an entire year to reach that level of training they wanted for him." She smiled intuitively. "But he disobeyed him and gave me my true name, making me his first malak against the shepherd's wish. That was the best day of my life!"

Velvet beamed. "Yeah, he's such a softie. But tell me more about it later. I want to know every detail."

Lailah nodded happily. "Of course! I'd love to! Um… Velvet-san, I have a question," her voice stuttered. "A-Are you two together? I mean... "

Velvet lowered her head and stared into the floor. "Are you bothered..."

Suddenly Lailah stopped the rubdown. A breath escaped Velvet. She sensed that her body radiated malevolence, and it affected the malak as Lailah slightly twitched and winced, her cheering voice turning to a whimpering moan.

Velvet abruptly stood up, leaving Lailah baffled. "I think that's enough. You can go back outside. Give me fifteen minutes, and I'll make food for everyone."

"But…" Lailah tried to protest, but Velvet cut her off calmly.

"Go and talk to Laphicet. He needs someone to befriend him close to his age, and I'm sure he likes to have your company."

Lailah swallowed as her cheeks turned a shade pinker. "O-Okay."

As Lailah left the room, Velvet leaned on the counter. Phi, Avernus, Eleanor, and now Lailah. These people unknowingly brought the best in her. Again Velvet was feeling...

Dependable.

At midnight, when everyone was asleep, Avernus wandered back onto the deck. His eyes caught Velvet on the other side of the ship, sitting on the railing and gazing at the ocean.

"There you are," Avernus said.

Velvet whipped her head at him, but she turned her head away as soon as he approached. "Go get some sleep. We have got a battle ahead of us, and you need to be at your full strength."

Avernus crossed his arms. "First, you make a great dinner and then escape unnoticeably. Is something wrong?"

"No, I just needed some fresh air." Velvet answered flatly.

Avernus dropped his head, letting out a sigh. "Lailah told me that you asked her about malevolence…."

Velvet gasped, but her lips were sealed. Avernus grinned mischievously and leaned beside her. Their shoulders touched. She winced and groaned, pretending that she was annoyed by his moves.

"You know malevolence isn't contagious like a disease that you have to turn your head away from me," Avernus informed. "It doesn't affect your breath, Velvet."

His voice quaked in her ears. Those words lured the Lord of Calamity to turn to him. Avernus trapped velvet's gaze as they held their glances for a few seconds.

"You don't need to worry about me. I got used to the malevolence. Those pains, and insides twisting, are for the newcomers and not for someone like me." Avernus said gently and took Velvet's bandaged hand, sliding his fingers among hers. She gasped mildly at his touch. Avernus' pure energy tingled Velvet's nerves on her demonic arm. "Besides, it's too late to go back. Do you understand now? Lailah doesn't know everything."

Velvet's fiery eyes brightened. "What if I tell you that you can't bring back that Velvet from three years ago. Does this one is still like fire, earth, wind, and the moon?" Velvet asked sincerely.

Avernus let out a sigh. "Kids… They can never hold a secret, do they? Truthfully, I dig this Lord of Calamity right now. Here you go, I spilled my guts again. Happy now?" he smirked, shaking his head. "Sheesh, I don't think a man ever worked this hard to get his woman."

Velvet's face quickly became softer. "You never change, Avernus."

Avernus rested his head on the wooden mast, mirroring Velvet and looking up at the night sky. "I'm just your everyday, normal, self-centred man who happens to have a very particular taste. Nothing less, nothing more."

Velvet grinned, glaring mischievously at the moon. "You're trying so hard to sell yourself as selfish and stingy, but you're still that softhearted, compassionate man at your core." Her tone of voice turned sinister. "Watch out; when you traverse under the moon, there are prowling wolves ready to take you."

Their fingers interlocked, and they both felt a goosebump. "I can handle them. But not all of those wolves want to devour the Shepherd." Avernus expressed cluelessly to her lure.

Velvet squeezed his hand slightly. "Oh, then you have no idea. Leaving yourself lining up to be exploited…." She purred and turned on her backside as she felt a rush of new and delightful force in her left arm. It surged all over her body with butterflies and rainbows, urging her to follow her hidden desire; a small nibble of his jaw from the Alpha wolf was to correct 'him,' but Avernus instantly lost his balance and stumbled forward. Velvet eyes widened worryingly. She held his hand tighter to keep him stable. "What happened? Are you alright?"

Avernus chuckled breathly and sat down on the deck, still clinging to her hand. "Your power is so strong, Velvet. You've easily sapped my energy with just a touch from your left hand." He rubbed his forehead. "You're practically an ultimate Shepherd killer. Not me and not Artorius can match you right now."

Velvet let out devoured a lot of mana and energy from him. Velvet glanced at her bandaged hand and frowned, turning serious again. "From now on, you mustn't kill anyone," she said calmly but firmly at the same time. "Remember: You're a Shepherd. Your job is to give life. I'm the Lord of Calamity; mine is to take it." Velvet narrowed her eyes, staring directly at him. "Got it?"

Avernus' gaze shifted back and forth between her serious ambers, but he chuckled. Glancing cheekily, that pretty much mimicked Zaveid's naughty glares. "I don't know about giving life because that's your role. I want to be a proud dad someday."

Velvet blinked faster, grunting mildly at him with a red face. "What… That's not what I meant!… Oh, you're impossible! Stop messing with my head!"

Avernus grinned widely and glanced at the moon behind her. It wasn't full, but it was shining behind Velvet as it framed beautifully around her. The shepherd eyed the Lord of Calamity for a brief moment in that position.

Velvet pulled her left leg toward her chest, resting her arm on her knee. "Just as you know, when we meet Lucian, I'm going to kill him."

Avernus shook his head as Velvet's comment woke him up from his sweet reverie. "That's what everybody wants right now, and I'm not surprised."

"He was supposed to be your friend after all. No hard feelings, I hope. " Velvet said, staring coldly into the ocean.

Avernus smiled bitterly. "Maybe, but that was a long time ago. However, I need to talk to him."

Velvet gazed at Avernus. He bowed his head slightly. "Please…"

Suddenly, they heard a girly giggle. "Even after the things he had done?"

Both of them whirled their heads toward the sound. Magilou was watching them from the shadows.

Avernus narrowed his eyes. "Yes… I have that right."

Magilou moved out of the darkness and stretched her body. "I hope you're quick, though. A lot of people want his head on a pike."

Another voice pierced the darkness. "I'm with Avernus. We don't need to be rash. If he wants to talk with Lord Astor, I'm with him." Eleanor moved closer. Now, her firm gesture was visible to them.

Velvet darted a surprise glance. "You couldn't sleep, too, it seems."

"Yeah, I can't get my head out of Eizen's situation. Lord Astor is holding his sister as a hostage. It is… unforgivable." Eleanor expressed her concern, wrapping her arms around herself.

Avernus shifted his glance between Eleanor and Magilou. "How long have you two being eavesdropping on us?"

Eleanor swallowed and gasped. Magilou sneered instead. "What's the big deal? Your flirting was harmless. It was going nowhere. And besides, there's no secret between accomplices, am I right?" she winked.

Avernus conjured his sword and used it as a cane to stand up, still feeling weak. "Creep." He exhaled.

The four of them stared into the night, suppressing the feeling of uneasiness in their hearts.

The Menagerie stood alarmed and ready on the deck in the morning, their eyes locked on the Lionel Island as their boat sailed closer and closer. Eizen swept a gaze at the docks and saw Van Eltia. He heaved a heavy breath and jumped to the pier as soon as they came close enough. The rest followed him hastily.

Eizen gestured at the camp near the shore. "There!" He shouted and gritted his teeth; they noticed the unconscious bodies of Van Eltia's crew were scattered around the area. The Menagerie rushed at them. Avernus checked Benwick's pulse, "He's still alive."

Rokurou nodded at him as he examined Dyle for life signs. "They're alive… but barely."

Avernus grunted in a fury, checking the area for Kamoana. His eyes caught her as soon as she came out of her hiding spot. Behind her, Medissa was limping, holding on to her waist as if she was injured.

"Avernus! Eleanor!" Kamoana cried and hurried toward them, burying her face in Eleanor's skirt. "A horned daemon attacked us out of nowhere!" she cried.

Eleanor hugged Kamonana and stroked her hair. "Everything's alright, sweetie. We're here."

Grimorih sneaked out of a bush, breathing in short intervals. "Zaveid rushed here to save us. Had he not come when he did, we'd all be dead."

Eizen shook his head furiously. "It's all because of that legate!"

"Where are they now?" asked Avernus.

Grimoirh pointed to the north, towards a narrow path. "Zaveid lured the beast away, towards the interior."

With a nod from Eizen, the squad took off instantly. Laphicet and Lailah increased their speed, running side by side with Avernus and Rokurou. "We've to hurry! Zaveid's all alone!"

"Well, he's not exactly an ally. He's got his own creed. Remember Theodora? He might want to protect Aifread." Rokuoro replied, but Avernus stayed silent.

Laphicet darted glances between the shepherd and the swordsman. "So Eizen might too, right? This is Aifread we're talking about, so…."

Rokurou cut him off. "He's a daemon now. He's not Eizen's old buddy anymore."

Laphicet turned pleadingly at Avernus. "We both can do it, right? There has to be something we can do to make him himself again."

"Worth a shot, Phi." Avernus acknowledged. "I have got a plan that might work with your help."

Laphicet nodded excitingly. "Anything."

Rokurou sighed hopelessly. "If he's a daemon, he'll never be himself again."

Avernus' mouth arched into a grin. "Leave that to me. I'm the Shepherd here."

Velvet's geoboard buzzed beside him. Avernus grabbed Laphicet and Lailah and threw them to Velvet. They managed to levitate and land on the geoboard, whirling their head back to Avernus. "Aren't you coming with us?"

"You guys can reach them faster. If you encounter the daemon, Velvet can handle it until we get there. She's a one-girl army. Just go before it's too late. We'll catch up."

Velvet nodded, and with Magilou and Eleanor on an enlarged paper, they flew to the middle of the Island, avoiding the hazards and the hills.

Eizen turned to Avernus. "You have a plan. I take it?"

"Do you remember punching my conjured orb at Melchior?" He conjured a smaller silver orb in his hand. "When the time comes, I need you to shove-slam it into Aifread's belly."

Eizen took the ball and reluctantly absorbed it. "I hope you know what you're doing."

Avernus sighed. "Worth a try."

After a few minutes, the men heard the rumble of magic artes and Velvet battle cries. The scene came into their view; Velvet dodged the horned daemon's punches as Magilou bombarded it with her artes. Lailah, Laphicet, and Eleanor were tending to Zaveid away from the battle.

Velvet glanced over her shoulders at Eizen. "Zaveid isn't fighting back!" She shouted, evading an incoming slam from the daemon.

Eizen scowled deathly at the wind malak. "Why?"

Zaveid stood up, flinching in pain. "I know these fists. This is Airfread…" He winced and moaned in pain. "I owe him. This time, I'll bring him back. Like he did for me."

"What if you can't bring him back?" Eizen asked.

Zaveid hobbled forward, arming Siegfried. "So, what? That supposed to make me change my creed? What do you think, Aifread?"

The daemon threw a massive arm and dashed. Velvet backflipped out of its way, but the target wasn't her as his fist slammed into Zaveid's chest, tossing him to the other side. He struggled to get up, but his body crumpled. Zaveid slumped to the ground, unconscious.

Laphicet screamed his name and rushed him. The daemon noticed the malak. Narrowing his eyes, he pounced in a frenzied move and flailed its arm wildly.

The rest of the squad was too far from Laphicet. He shut his eyes and braced himself, but the daemon's fist was stopped in mid-air: Eizen had grabbed it firmly, holding the monster in its place. "Going after kids now?"

The reaper wrist locked him. Eizen began to twist and bend its fist as it flinched and recoiled in pain. "Benwick and your crew risked their lives by your side." Eizen rotated its wrist with a bone-crunching sound. "Zaveid's an idiot, but he stands by his beliefs. I won't let anyone tramble their creeds." He darted a glare and pushed him back. "Even you!"

As the daemon crashed into the ground, the ex-captain realized that he had landed beside Siegfried. The monster quickly rose on its feet, gun in hand. It flashed a malicious smile for them and shot a powered-up round into his temple.

Avernus narrowed his eyes and grinned. "Fool."

Rokurou whipped his head at him. "Of course! Now we have to fight that thing times two!"

"He might've powered himself up with it, but the gun also weakened its leash," Avernus informed them, conjuring his sword and reverse gripping it.

Eizen nodded and turned to Aifread. "I owe you everything, Aifread. And now it's time to pay it back!"

The daemon roared. Eizen strode across the ground, arm pulled and glowing with magic. Avernus whirled his sword at the daemon, sending a bright light. The monster shielded its eyes with his arms. Eizen managed to land a heavy blow into its stomach. It stumbled back. The daemon roared again and took a massive leap forward, heading right for Avernus. He rolled away. The daemon slammed into the ground where Avernus once was, its head whipping around to find him.

The shepherd dashed immediately and threw upward slashes one after another. Its armoured skin sparkled, and the daemon recoiled, leaping back with a pained grunt. Laphicet and Lailah launched beams of light at the creature. Their artes combined in midair and twined into a single ray of light. The daemon dodged their attack. Eizen and Rokurou paced at him from both sides while he was distracted, and each landed a strike of their own, pushing the daemon further away.

However, it quickly recovered and took off toward Laphicet once more. Velvet broke into a sprint, heading straight for the daemon. As soon as she was close to it, Velvet leaped at him, her arm transforming into its demonic form. She rose her massive claw and slashed it down on the daemon. The monster defended itself at the last second, but the tremendous force disrupted its guard, and it retreated.

Velvet whipped her arm threateningly. "End of the line." she declared.

Rage flashed between the daemon's eyes, and it hastily resumed its assault. Velvet swung her hand, but it dodged the attack, passing her. Eizen and Rokurou scrambled to cut the daemon off, but it evaded them, side-stepping left and right. Its hand lurched and snatched Laphicet off the ground. The daemon raised the kid and coiled its claws around his neck.

Laphicet choked and struggled. "I'm sorry… Just forget about me! I'm… I'm prepared for whatever happens!"

Velvet gritted her teeth and was ready to tear the daemon a new, but Avernus held her arm and nodded. Velvet noticed his sword was shining brightly as he hid it behind his back.

Eizen tossed his coin and grabbed it calmly. "Alright. You've grown. You're a man now." He marched towards the daemon, sighing. "Family, friends… Everything I ever tried to hold onto. All of it trickled away, fell from my grasp." He shot a glare at them. "But a particular idiot once told me, "If you can't hold something in your hand, then make a fist and take it by force!" He raised his palm, gripping it firmly. "This fist will take everything back." Eizen raged at the daemon, pulling his arm in a terrifying might. "Just like you told me to!"

Velvet sensed that Avernus' touch is gone. She turned her head and found she was alone. Her hunter glare quickly scanned the area and found Avernus teleported behind the monster.

As Eizen approached him, Avernus dashed at the same time. The shepherd slammed the pommel of his sword into the daemon's back. Howling in pain, the monster arched his back and dropped Laphicet to the ground in time for Eizen to land his heavy blow to its chest. His fist glowed, and magical sparks and glitters erupted from the daemon's mouth. Avernus turned to Laphicet.

"Now!"

The malak closed his eyes and mustered all his power as they crackled all around him. The fusion of their magic veiled the area in a blinding flash. The Menagerie covered their eyes.

The light subsided. Eizen's eyes widened. He found his lost captain, Aifread, instead of a horned monster, leaning against his fist. Aifread broke into a heavy cough. Laphicet and Lailah rushed to his side as his body collapsed on the ground. Their soothing magic quickly enveloped his body.

The pirate captain chuckled harshly. "I caused you a lot of trouble, didn't I?"

He opened his eyes. Shock and hope soared behind Eizen's deathly glare, calming it down. Aifread groaned painfully. "Damn it, Eizen. Your fists are still vigorous, if not better!"

Laphicet glanced at his small hands bafflingly. "I-I think I did it." He turned to Lailah, and she nodded serenely in response. Rokurou and Eizen pulled him off the ground. The pirate captain glanced at Laphicet, continuously laughing. "I guess I owe you one, kid."

Eizen softly patted Aifread's shoulder. "He's not a kid anymore."

Zaveid jerked off from his sleep and laid eyes on Aifread. He rose on his feet instantly and strode to them. "...Aifread?!" He exhaled and scratched his head nervously. Aifread coughed and gave him a friendly glance. "I troubled everyone, I see." Aifread extended his hand feebly. "It's good to see you again."

Zaveid, stunned and overwhelmed, shook his hand in return. "I just can't… believe it."

Avernus slid away from them and went to Velvet's side. Hands-on her waist, she looked at his proud face. "Don't you want to greet him?"

"No, I've done nothing. It's all because of Laphicet. I want him to take all the glory…."

Avernus abruptly stopped as everyone turned to him. Velvet raised a brow. "Apparently, your modesty didn't quite work."

Aifread took a deep breath and looked at him. His gaze was steely and determined. He marched at him.

"Avernus Diphda, I'd never thought we see each other again. You cost my crew and me so much three years ago." He twitched his jaw. "I can still feel your burning magic on my face when you cast that spell on my face back in Aball."

Velvet whipped her left arm, frowning. Aifread spotted her defensive stance. "Velvet Crowe; The number one most wanted enemy of the Abbey."

"Damn straight," said Velvet.

Aifread grinned mildly. "I have to say. You are the strangest couple that I've ever laid eyes on."

Avernus nodded with a smug face. "Damn right,"

Aifread's severe expression broke into a burst of laughter. "Haha! I couldn't ask for a better crew! You made me proud!"

Avernus massaged his scalp. "Um… thanks, I guess?"

Eizen bolted to Aifread's side. "Do you know where are they holding Edna?"

Aifread slowly turned to him, guilt cutting across his features. "That legate has her. She's on her ship."

"Where?!" Eizen asked grimly.

Aifread gestured with his head toward the south. "His boat is hidden in an illusory curtain south of here."

Avernus stroked his chin. Velvet noticed the discomfort in his eyes. "What is Lucian's plan? Why they led us here and let you face us alone?"

"He planned to break you," Aifread said, his mien turning severe. "Either I was going to kill the kid and break Velvet Crowe, plunging you into disarray, or I would leave you weak enough for him to finish the job himself. He didn't like me, and what's the better plan to force you to kill me?"

Zaveid slammed his fists together, grunting. "I have enough of that madman!"

Laphicet offered Aifread his hat, and he accepted it. He put it on, signalling at Eizen that was beside him. "Time to raise some hell!"

With a firm nodding from everyone, they marched to the shore. The pirate crew was already recovering. Upon spotting their long-lost captain, they all scrambled on their feet. Joy and cheer flashed behind their eyes. Benwick paced to their side. His eyes filled with tears, which he held back. He saluted. "Captain is back! All hail the captain!"

The crew raised their swords and rapiers, screaming into the sky. Smiles bloomed on Laphicet and Lailah's faces upon seeing the scene. They all gathered near the dock. Aifread ran to a crate and climbed it.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Van Eltia, the Abbey wanted us dead, and the empire wanted us in shackles. They see us as criminals, bloodthirsty monsters who prey on the weak. They want us to submit to their laws while they rob the people of their free will. We plundered their army under the protection of our courage. They tried to turn us on one another. I've seen their ways; cowards hiding behind the mask of reason. Now, their ships are waiting for us. You may ask, what will we fight for? What will we die for? Men! Listen to me! We will fight for ourselves! We will die for ourselves!"

The cries of pirates rumbled through the docks. Everyone tossed their fists into the air.

"Damnation if I let them take our liberty from us! We will tear off their masks of so-called reason and take our freedom by force! Let's jump on board and cut them to pieces!"

The crew flooded into the ship. Each and one of the pirates staffed their position precisely like a cog in a machine. Aifread walked to the bow of the boat, and Eizen handed him a Binocular. After surveying the open waters, he gestured at the horizon. "Damn that sneaky puppy. There. His ship is cloaked over there."

Avernus moved to his side. He squared his shoulders and looked at Laphicet and Lailah as if he wanted to tell them something. "Illusion artes are based on fire and the wind. They alter the images that appear in the air to whatever the caster intended." The shepherd cupped both of his hands over something invisible in front of him. "I'll weave a little fire with a little wind, braiding them all together, nice and neat." He folded the wind and fire into each other. A ripple formed in the space between Van Eltia and the line on the horizon. It warped as though something is trying to take form.

"To cast away an illusion, envision what it hides and channel the arte into its physical tether." He told them. Gasping heavily, Avernus groaned. "Shed that veil I beseech thee! Clear Skies!"

Avernus' magic screamed into the sea, and a hazy wind washed away three large silhouettes in the distance.

Abbey's Flagship Myrmidon

Onboard the enormous vessel stood the far-continent legate, Lucian Astor, dressed in his heavy white suit of armour. His trick faded away. Feeling Avernus' magic washing his own away, he grinned bristly. Beside him, a small blond girl was sitting on her knees, looking pale and motionlessly staring into the horizon as if she was bewitched.

A glass-looking orb shook violently in Lucian's left hand. He brought up near his face; A small orange Normin struggled to free himself from its glass prison. "Free me if you dare, and I'll show you a world of hurt, human!"

Lucian grimly chuckled. "Pathetic creature." He gripped the orb harder, and it suddenly flashed. As the light faded, the Normin was laid inside, unmoving. A few seconds passed, and he slowly rose. "I-I can't die here."

Lucian scrutinized Phoenix. "Interesting blessing you got there, common spirit. When I finished with you, the firebird blessing will be ours, and you'll be free to die."

He tossed the orb to a nearby exorcist and slammed his shield to the deck. Hugin and Munin appeared from his body. Lucian gestured his hand at them; sparks of magic dance around the avian malaks and lifted them in the air. His hand rose as they climbed higher. Their rattling sounds resonated in the air until the two malaks became nothing but shining dots in the sky, and then an explosion boomed inside the clouds.

Lucian pulled his hand and whipped it towards Van Eltia.

"Go forth, Heresvalger! And send those evils to the bottom of the sea!"

A high-pitched scream emitted from inside the clouds, parroting above the sea.

On Van Eltia, the crew passed swords and weapons to everyone. Zaveid came up to Aifread and pulled Siegfried from its holster. Glancing it for the last time, he twirled it and held it towards the captain. "Here. I took good care of it."

Magilou cleared her throat. Zaveid groaned, scowling. "Except, well, when Melchior managed to scan it for Armatus."

Aifread accepted the gun and patted Zaveid on his shoulder. "You did well. I can use someone like you on the ship."

Zaveid hooked his finger in his pockets, grinning. "I hate to say it, but I've to decline. Although I'll stay around until that maniac get what he deserves."

Aifread bowed his head slightly and turned to Avernus. "Hey, Shepherd." He called and shot a glance at Velvet that was staying beside him before shifting back to him. "I salute you, despite how things were between us."

Avernus raised his brows in confusion, looking eager to hear the rest of his sentence.

Aifread coiled his fist. "A man does come on strong sometimes because it's his nature. And you've let the man overpowered you for once."

Velvet frowned, predicting what he wanted to say. Aifread raised his fist.

"You wanted the girl, and you took her by force. I know she had to run you into insurmountable difficulties, but in the end, you rid yourself of the bitter taste of defeat and came victorious!"

Velvet let out an audible grunt, glaring threateningly at the pirate captain. "Don't force me to do something that I'll regret later."

Aifread unfailingly turned to her. "I know most of Midgand fear you more than me right now, but you can be a girl for a change once in a while. This man deserves it."

Velvet turned away uncaringly, but Benwick's yelling caught their attention.

"There's s-something in high altitude, above the horizon!"

The dark clouds above Abbey's fleet circulated and twirled unnaturally. They squinted their eyes only to find a pair of bright eyes gazing from deep inside the clouds, and soon, a gigantic eagle-looking titan flew out of the shadows, soaring at them with murderous intent.

Eizen clenched his fists. "Is this one of Lucian's new surprises?!"

"He fused his malaks into that thing," Avernus observed.

Aifread marched to the rudder and held it tightly. Now at the helm of the ship, he looked at Avernus. "I can take care of the ships, Shepherd. But I have no idea how to fight that monster."

Avernus shot a glance at Lailah then switched back to Aifread. "We'll take care of it."

Aifread chuckled loudly. "Splendid! Gentlemen, hoist the flag!"

Avernus raised his sword, pointing it to the sky.

"Fethmus Mioma!"

Lailah disappeared, and the deck of Van Eltia blazed with light. Everyone felt a soothing heat as Avernus emerged out of the glow, twirling his sword around. His green eyes burned crimson red, sweeping a final glance at Menagerie before taking off to meet the beast. He pressed his boots and launched himself towards the sky.

The giant malak opened its beak, and smoke billowed out of its mouth, sending a giant black orb as it barreled towards Avernus. He dodged out of the way, but the monster lunged at him with its sharps claws ready to rake him.

Avernus pointed his sword. "Rain of Fire!" He slashed the air and sent a fiery bullet at his giant adversary.

The magic hit and engulfed the malak in a burning flame. It screeched painfully and rolled around to get rid of the burning.

"Fire against the wind. It has no chance of…."

Avernus stopped suddenly, seeing that malak raised a massive claw, and a swirling ball of wind energy appeared in it, kicking up whirlwinds and twisters at Van Eltia. Avernus broke into a fast dive, gaining speed after the monster.

Down back on Van Eltia, Eizen sensed the coming whirlwinds. He and Laphicet moved closer to the ship's bow. Heresvalger's twisters combined into a massive tornado that tore through the ocean as it whirled toward the pirate vessel.

"Phi! On me!" Eizen shouted. Their hands glowed with magic, and they both shot their artes. Eizen and Laphicet's spells blended in midair. They twined into a beam of green and red light that blasted the tornado apart, silencing it before it got any closer.

The malak's arte already started a massive storm. Shouts filled the air as the pirate crew rushed about the deck. Eizen braced himself against the railing and raised his hands. "I'll be damned if I die here!"

Laphicet joined him again, and they cast their artes together to calm the waves.

The churning sea grew still for a second, but it didn't last. The whole boat lurched on the choppy waters. Aifread was seemingly unconcerned by the coming storm.

"The rougher the seas, the smoother we sail. Ahoy!" He shouted and led the ship for the nearest Abbey's vessel. Eizen held Laphicet tightly, and the rest grabbed onto the railings. The wind grew fiercer, and they rammed into Abbey's boat, battering the ship. Several exorcists were lifted by the effects of the enormous impact and were thrown into the ocean.

Pirates released ropes from the tip of the ship's yards. Eizen, Velvet, and Rokurou pounced higher while the other pirates followed them, swinging from their positions from the top of the mast. Abbey's exorcists fired their artes at the boarding party. Rokurou parried each arte, smiling wickedly as he advanced and slashed the exorcists. Velvet transformed her arm and bared her teeth in a feral grin. "Here comes the Lord of Calamity!"

Velvet grabbed a nearby exorcist with her demonic arm. She lunged at the group attacking the pirates using magic, and tossed his body as he screamed into the group. His body hit them with a loud thud, and they dispersed on the deck like dominos. Eizen jumped through bolts of magic spells and slammed his fist into an exorcist, flatting him on the floor. Another one lunged at him with a spear. Suddenly, a bullet hit the exorcist mask, and it flies off of his head. Eizen whipped his head at the source; Aifread and Zaveid had joined them. Sword in one hand and Siegfried in another, he shot two more rounds, dropping two exorcists. Another tried to sneak up on him, but he quickly sidestepped like a feather and kicking him in the gut, tossing him to the side as the exorcist their head on the railing, knocking them unconscious. The few remaining exorcists dropped their weapons, holding up their hands in a surrounding manner.

The pirates roared in victory. Velvet quickly scanned the cloudy sky for Avernus. A giant dark shadow passed through the mist as something meteor-like darted around, hitting it from all sides. Suddenly the whole ship shook, and it began to capsize. Velvet whirled her head, watching as armatized exorcists bombarded the wrecked ship with spells and magic. Aifread waved his sword, and the pirates, alongside the remaining surviving exorcists, ran back to Van Eltia.

In the sky, the malak flexed its clawed talons and dived to attack Avernus. Heresvalger charged straight for the Shepherd. He barely rolled away in time. He raised his fiery sword and cut the monster's belly, leaving a nasty, burning gash. The malak screeched in pain. Bits of torched feather showered down and clattered on the ships below. Avernus whirled instantly as Hervesleger gained his balance, spreading its wing to stop the fall.

"It's taking too long. We need to finish that thing now!"

Avernus' body flared up in a magnificent blaze of fire, and he dove down onto the malak like a comet. His battle cry echoed through the sky, plunging his sword into the malak's chest.

Down on Van Eltia, the crew raised their heads toward the sky. An ear-piercing and otherworldly scream parroted down to the seas. Velvet watched the giant bird fell from the cloud, blazing like a fireball. The eyeballed the creature until it landed on top of the second escort ship, and a massive orb of explosion flashed in the distance, wrapping the vessel in a curtain of roaring flames. After a few seconds, the rumble of outbursts reached Van Eltia, shaking the boat to the sides. With the sonic waves, a red orb landed on the deck and morphed into Lailah. She stumbled, but Laphicet scrambled and grabbed her arm as she fell into his embrace. Velvet raced to her, rubbing a hand on her silver hair. "Are you alright?"

Lailah gasped for air and nodded.

"Where is Avernus?" Velvet asked. Lailah shook her head silently.

The Lord of Calamity groaned in annoyance, clicking her tongue and nervously scanning the sea.

"He's fine," Aifread said, walking closer to her in a calm mood. "He probably wants to have a one on one conversation with his old friend before we can get to him."

Eizen pointed at the golden ship in the distance. "My sister is still on that…."

Abruptly, a cannonball hissed over the boat, missing its mark as they docked down. Aifread ran to the helm and rolled it to the right, making a hard turn. "We can't sink it yet. Not until we can get your sister out of there." The pirate captain heaved a long breath. "Bow cannons!" he ordered, lining up the ship forward.

On Myrmidon, Lucian took the ship's helm. "Fire!" He yelled. A barrage of cannon fire and malak artes was hurled at Van Eltia. Laphicet and Lailah rushed to the bow and released their papers, making layers upon layers of fire and water shields. The ammunitions hit and exploded safely against their defences, and the artes absorbed into the veil.

Van Eltia shelled the Myrmidon in response. Lailah gestured her hands over the cannons, and each ordinance was engulfed in a fiery blaze. Laphicet waved his hand, adding more speed to their trajectory. The cannonballs hit the sails and the mast of Myrmidon, burning them. Lucian whipped his arm, and all the burning vanished instantly.

The impact point of the monster made a massive vortex in the water. Lucian guided Myrmidon to the outer rim of the whirlpool, escaping Van Eltia.

"Prepare to broadside!" Aifread shouted, making a hard left and as it moved on the other side. Benwick jumped into the lower deck. "Stand your guns!" the crew corrected the aiming, the rest opening the hatches on the main battery. "Midship cannoneers, sight the mast!" Eizen ran to the railing, strong winds buffeting his face. "Hold! Wait till we're board and board!"

They all held their breaths, waiting patiently until Myrmidon moved slowly into the range.

Aifread exhaled. "Fire!"

Eizen followed afterward, screaming from the bottom of his lung. "Fire! Fire all!"

Laphicet and Lailah covered their ears. Van Eltia's broadside flashed, and all cannons rumbled, sending hot and flaming ordinance at Myrmidon.

The Abbey's flagship fired back. Laphicet, Lailah, and Magilou rushed to the broadside, creating an instant shield to cover Van Eltia. Both ship's crew reloaded their guns and continuously laid off shots. On Myrmidon, the ship's main mast was crushed by a cannonball and fell on its side. At the same time, the rudder was abruptly locked in Lucian's hand, and suddenly, an underwater explosion sent the back of the ship upward slightly. Avernus jumped out of water amidst the blast and landed swiftly on his feet on the deck. The remaining exorcists pointed their spears and wands at him. Avernus disregarded their presence, marching toward the legate. "Let the girl go." He demanded in a calm tone.

Lucian opened his arms in welcome. "Avernus! I knew you couldn't resist being a white knight." He gestured his hand at Edna, "White knighting for malaks." And then at Van Eltia as it was approaching them fast, now Myrmidon was dead in the water. "...white knighting for daemon girls,"

Avernus narrowed his eyes. "Why? Was this madness worth it? Turning innocent girls into daemons, sacrificing lives for nothing? Is this what you hoped for?"

Lucian broke into a burst of laughter. "Not me. This is what the people dreamed of! What the people hoped for!"

Avernus squeezed the grip of his sword. "Get real, Lucian. People have died. Lives have been lost! When did they wish for these atrocities?"

Lucian's expression turned serious. "They wished to be stronger than others! To go farther than others! To go higher than others! Then, they get jealous, they hate each other, and they produce malevolence in their hearts, ending up destroying everything!" He gasped for air, looking at the sky. "After a thousand years, we finally have the option to end it all, and you, the one who should be leading us, are instead fighting against us."

The pirates shot hooks from Van Eltia. The pirates readied themselves to board Myrmidon. Fire from the burning mast started to engulf the deck.

Avernus pressed his lip, collecting his mind and swallowing his anger. "Surrender, and I promise that you will not be killed."

The remaining exorcists rushed to repel the pirates. Suddenly, a shard of solid mana hissed through the air toward Lucian. The legate destroyed it effortlessly with his sword. Magilou instantly appeared on the other side of the ship, twirling a guardian paper on her index finger. "I'm underwhelmed, Lucian, but I can't let the Melchior's protegee slip away easily." She waved her arm horizontally. "Hear me! I'm the great sorceress, Mazhigigika Miludin do Din Nolurun Dou! In short, it's Magilou! Remember that name when I blast your smug face into oblivion!"

Lucian glared at Magilou. The side of his mouth twitched into a sneer. "Oh, the weak one. You better return to your circus. I'm not as gentle as Melchior."

Avernus heard footsteps coming from his back. The rest of Menagerie reached them, having defeated the remaining exorcist. Laphicet and Lailah race to the shepherd's side. Laphicet's eyes widened as he glanced upon Edna's motionless body.

"Is that… Eizen's sister?" He frowned. "Let her go!" Laphicet yelled.

Aifread marched to the front. "Your ships are gone. Your exorcists are no more. You've lost, legate. Release the girl this instant and surrender."

Avernus could sense Eizen's boiling point. Lucian abruptly chuckled, his shield lighting up.

Lailah whirled her head in a panicked manner. "It's still alive!"

Avernus turned to her, eyes narrowing. "What? Who?"

A column of light burst from the vortex and travelled in a blink of an eye to Lucian. His body gleamed and transformed into his Armatus form, long blade wings with a much bigger shield and an enormous sword.

Rokurou brandished his short blades. "Who said it was going to be an easy fight?"

Lucian smiled and picked Edna up, lifting her. "Did you want me to release the girl?" He flew up with the little malak in his arm. He flashed a manic smile for them.

"Here she goes…."

Lucian released her over the ocean. "Catch!"

Everything was in slow motion. Laphicet and Lailah were glued to their spots, and Eizen launched himself after her, shouting her name. They both hit the water and disappeared beneath the waves. Aifread and Benwick quickly dived into the sea. Frenzied, Avernus scrambled towards Lucian. "Fethmus Mioma!" He shouted, becoming one with Lailah. He slashed widely at the legate as his features were transforming. Their swords clashed, and a brilliant explosion emitted from their blades. "What have you done?! Just why?!"

Lucian glared dementedly. "I know her brother is an earth malak. He can't swim. Besides, his reaper curse will make sure that both of them perish for good."

Avernus bared his teeth. His red eyes burned in a fury. "You've lost your god damn mind!"

Lucian chuckled hysterically. "Malaks are tools to be used, nothing more. The lesson that you never learned. And I'm going to teach you before I purge the world from your useless existence!"

Suddenly, several orbs exited his backside and landed on the deck. Each one morphed into a copy of Lucian.

Velvet transformed her arm. "Doppelgangers!" she shouted.

Lucian tipped his head to the side. "Now, all of you can fight all of me."

Avernus roared and pushed him away. He swang his sword wildly, catching up the legate in its fiery trail. Lucian darted upward like a bat out of hell, and Avernus flew in pursuit.

The Menagerie and the pirates battled dozens of his doppelgangers on the deck. Four of them converged on Velvet, and each fired an elemental whip from their swords, catching both her legs and arms. The doppelgangers positioned themselves around Velvet, smirking at the same time as they pulled the ropes. "Time to go, Lupus!" They mocked her.

Velvet grunted. She dropped down on the ground and her hands. She rotated her body and her legs in a whirlwind movement. Velvet's legs carried the doppelgangers, and they all revolved around her like a carousel. She paced her breakdance and threw them with tremendous force into the fire. Before they could resume their balance, she lounged at them like a crazed wolf and scythed her claw on each and one of them, tearing their bodies apart one by one into glitters of magic.

Eleanor and Magilou were both fighting two more until Velvet rushed to their help, plunging her arm into the backside of one of the copies. The second one was distracted by her ambush, giving enough time for Eleanor to pierce it through the belly with her spear. Magilou sent sharp blades of mana, and they disintegrated the final doppelganger.

Catching their breath, the girls noticed Benwich and Aifread were climbing out of the water, each carrying the brother and the sister on their backs and then laying their water-soaked and unconscious bodies on the deck. Laphicet and Rokurou scrambled to their side, with Laphicet pouring his energy into both of them desperately. Aifread slammed his fist into Eizen's chest. "Come on!" He punched it hard the second time, and immediately, the reaper coughed a tremendous amount of water out of his mouth. Eyes widened, he turned to the small body of Edna and started to give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation followed by Laphicet's healing arte. "Breath, Breath!" he pleaded with her.

Magilou joined the process and sent a blue-coloured arte into her throat like a trickled mana. Instantly, she coughed the water away. Eizen glanced thankfully and silently at Magilou as he and Edna embraced each other. She winked at them. "You're welcome!"

As the crew sighed in relief, they heard a rough but muffled voice coming from somewhere close.

"Let me out of this prison!"

Edna stood up and scanned around the debris and clutters of the wood that scattered around the deck. Her eyes caught the reflection of something shiny among the charred wreckage. She ran to it and picked it up, breaking the magical crystal with her arte. Phoenix shook his body of dust and looked up to Edna. "Point me to that tyrant, and I'll grind his bones into dust!"

All of a sudden, everyone looked up to the sky as a grand battle was raging on:

Lucian's sword glittered and whipped it away at Avernus, launching several wind blades. Avernus twirled his sword and burned them away, pushing on towards his primary target. Lucian flew even higher, still wearing his crazy smile on his face. "This is a day of revelation for everyone!" Lucian whipped his sword and hurled more wind blades at him. "For the sake of this world, which will be reborn!"

Avernus' body crackled with fire magic, and heat rose all around him. He raised his sword and slashed downward. The extension of the hilt cut Lucian's armour on his left side, melting it away entirely. The legate gritted his teeth in a pained movement.

Avernus pulled his sword towards his back. "Tell me why? Why did you do it?! Was such power something you truly wanted?!"

Lucian glared back with hate. But his expression turned less sinister. "You can never understand. We failed in our purpose. You, me, and even Artorius...You cannot escape from yourself, and what you cannot take back - is your past!" Lucian raised his sword. "That's why We'll bring an end to everything! Only then will they return to their correct state. Both humans and malakhim!"

"But that's wrong!" Avernus shouted, clenching his left hand. "Everything has only one life! That's why everyone's destiny is their own, and no one else's!"

Lucian recoiled in anger. "Why would a person like you meddle in the last hope for the world?!"

"Because, unlike you, I'm not trapped in my past!" Avernus replied stridently.

Lucian's eyelids fluttered in anger. "Why you…"

Avernus glared back like a hawk. "I know doing something like this won't bring anyone back. But I won't let you destroy these people's futures. This is what I'll protect."

Lucian gasped. His psyche began to push down under the weight of Avernus' gaze. He violently shook his head and charged his sword with magic. Avernus bolted like a bullet at him. Lucian kept firing mana shards at him, but they all missed their mark badly, buzzing all around the shepherd. Lucian flew backward and swung his sword, but Avernus was quicker and slashed with his own. The blade was carved straight through Lucian's weapon, slicing it in half. He retreated further back, but Avernus advanced relentlessly.

Desperately, Lucian began to discharge magic bolts from his hands, firing them in quick successions at the shepherd. Avernus maneuvered left and right and shotting himself straightly forward. His flaming wings trailed blazingly through the sky.

Avernus let out a loud war cry and thrust his sword. In a flash, his blade ate through Lucian's armour and exited through his back.

The shepherd raised his head, meeting the legate's dreaded eyes. Lucian put his hand on his shoulder. "I tried to be a hero too…." Blood trickled from the corner of Lucian's mouth. "...Believe me… I really tried." He mumbled faintly and lost his balance. The wings on his back disappeared, and his body plummeted towards the ocean. The swirling waves swallowed his body a whole before he hit the water.

Avernus approached the burning ship and landed gently among his friends. His gaze flew between the Menagerie; everyone was alright. His eyes fell upon Edna. He sought to fake a smile for her, but he couldn't, shaking his head instead. Aifread moved closer and patted his arm. "Well done, sailor."

Out of the blue, Aifread's brows knotted, eyes glaring at someone behind him. He pushed Avernus away fiercely, pulling out Siegfried in the process. Avernus turned his head in time to see diamond-shaped crystallized mana passed over him and drilled into the captain's chest.

Avernus whirled his head at the source and saw Lucian, still but barely alive, had gestured his arms toward him and glaring

frustratingly. Eizen took off instantly, eyes bulging with rage. He pulled his coiled fist and punched the legate in the jaw. Blood and teeth spewed from his mouth with a bone-breaking crunch. The second slam in his rib doubled him over, and he bent over as air and blood escaped his lungs.

Eizen pulled his arm one last time, channelling his malak power into one last empowered punch. Lucian stumbled back, his eyes rolling over and shaking like a drunken monkey. Eizen let loos of his fist and delivered an uppercut to his chin.

The sound of Lucian's upper and lower rows of teeth making unplanned contact parroted in their ears, and his body was thrown on the ground, landing with a loud thud.

Laphicet and Lailah poured their energy into Aifread's body. Eizen returned to his side, raising his captain's head. Aifread moaned in pain and managed to smile for the reaper. "You really did a number on him…."

"Stop talking. We'll get you back to Van Eltia," said Eizen.

Avernus crouched over him and held his healing hand above his wound. "Why did you do it?"

Aifread chuckled. "Because I look after my crew."

Avernus pressed his lips and nodded. Aifread slowly turned to Laphceit. "Boy, I'll let you on a secret; You already know that your power comes from being a part of Innominat. If you can seal off his domain, you got a chance of putting up a good fight." His eyes moved back to Avernus, barely breathing. "The four elemental Empyreans, sleeping in the earthpulses… if you can rouse them from their slumber and make pacts with them…." Aifread flinched, face twisting in pain.

Suddenly, a roar of laughter escaped Lucian's mouth. They all turned to him as he tried to rise on his feet. His body pulsed with magic as his bond with his malaks reached critical levels. His self-destruction was imminent. "No matter what happens, I've won!" He heaved a harsh breath. "When I die, my malaks will self-destruct, and the ensuing release of mana will vaporize you all. There is no way to stop it! You'll all burn, and your ensuing tears and screams will pave the way for the ideal world!"

Velvet slid to Avernus' side. "What are the options?" she silently whispered.

"I can make a dome shield to contain the blast, but I'll doubt he'll sit there and…." Before he could finish, Aifread dashed at Lucian and tackled him. They rolled away to the other side of the ship. Wrapping his arms around his neck and pinning him to the deck. Aifread raised his head and glanced at Avernus. "I'll hold him. Take my people and go!"

The shepherd shook his head, "What? No!"

Laphicet gestured his hands over an orb he conjured, but suddenly Eizen grabbed both of them by collars forcefully but stayed silent as the words failed him. The ship started to break off from the middle, leaving a long gap between them as it began to capsize.

Zaveid twirled his pendulums. "We're not going to leave Aifread! There's just no way…." As he protested, Aifread threw Siegfried at him, and it landed near his feet. The wind malak's gaze shifted to the gun and then back to Aifread in shock.

The pirate captain grinned. "It was a pleasure, Zaveid. Take good care of it."

Lucian's body glowed brightly, signalling that they were running out of time. The stern started to drift away from the hull. Lucian struggled desperately, grunting and whimpering futilely, but he couldn't overcome Aifread's secure grip. The pirate shot a final glance at Laphicet and Avernus. "Hurry… While Artorius and Innominat are occupied. They're getting ready for some "Ceremony of Suppression" It's now or never."

Eizen turned one last time to gaze at him captain and met with a warm smile. "I'm just sad I can't go with you… It sounds like a goddamn blast..."

"It sure is," Eizen said.

"You shouldn't. I'm grateful. You always kept things from getting dull. If we ever meet again… let's raise some more hell, Eizen."

Aifread gazed over Benwick and the rest of his over the soaring flames as the hull parted ways. "It was an honour, gentlemen!"

Benwick held back his tears as most of his crew swallowed their hidden grief, "Aye, aye, captain…" he saluted.

With a loud shriek, Abbey's flagship capsized. The crew ran back to the Van Eltia. Avernus spread his arms and gestured his hand over the sinking ship. Mana raced through his fingers. Laphicet and Lailah joined him, following his example. Large circular sigils formed on top of the Myrmidon, and a sphere shield poped around it.

On the burning deck of Abbey's ship, Lucian extended his arm towards the Van Eltia and yelled madly. "No! I can't lose!"

Aifread tightened the grip, and Lucian choked. "Do you see, legate? My people survived…." He smiled in victory, sweeping the last glance at his ship. "You've failed, and I've... won."

Lucian let out a final desperate scream as his facial features started to disintegrate, and his body was engulfed in a blinding flash.

The ship exploded in white light. The immense force of mana pushed on the inside of the shield sphere. Avernus gritted his teeth. His body discharged mana at a fast pace. Laphicet and Lailah turned to him as blood dripped from his nose. The young malaks felt that most of the pressure had lifted from them. "Let us help!" they protested.

Avernus frowned, eyes still locked on the contained explosion as it raged under the bubble and illuminated the sea like a sun. "I can't… you two are still not ready!"

Lailah felt that Avernus cut their stream of mana, carrying the weight of the explosion without their assistance. She yanked his coat. "Stop! You'll die!"

"I… have… to… do this!" Avernus mumbled. "Just a few more seconds!"

He twitched his clawed hand over the gigantic orb of light, and suddenly, the light flashed over the ocean. Avernus felt his vigour and stamina escaped his body.

The rumble grew fainter and fainter. A gray, buzzing static subsumed Avernus' vision like an angry swarm. He fell insensibly towards the sea.

He floated in darkness, numbing to the passage of time and drifting aimlessly through the silent void. All of a sudden, he landed on a soft mattress. A buried memory glittered in his mind, and a familiar hand stroked his long hair. He smiled faintly to himself. "Did you know that a pirate saved me?"

The disembodied voice giggled. "I know."

"Is it possible for humans and malaks to coexist?" Avernus faintly asked.

"I don't know." The womanly voice answered.

"But… Why am I fighting? Is it for me? The future? If I must kill to protect the future of those I love and myself… What sort of future is it? What am I?" Avernus opened his eye. He saw the face of a familiar woman above him. "There is no future for those who have been killed, but what about those who have killed?" He asked as his hazy sight became clearer.

Tia smiled kindly at him. "Let me show you, my little brother."