Later that night, after Liebe was done reading to Alysa, he said, "This will all be over soon. A new reality will be born—one where you can smile. You will be safe." As he said, "You will be happy. The future is bright." As he teared up, he said, "I don't know why I'm crying. I know it hurts. It hurts me. But I know you are in far more pain than me. I will end it soon. Then you won't have to be sad anymore. And maybe, just maybe, we can look up at the moon together. No, that isn't possible. The time zones at the Empire and Eldoria are different. So maybe we can't look up at the moon together."
As Alysa said, "Liebe... Liebe... I... I'm sorry. I failed... failed you."
Liebe said, "It's alright, you idiot. Why didn't you just tell them sooner? My secrets are never more valuable than you guys. I can make more. But without you—it's all my fault. I should have been there fighting, stopping it all. I regret all of it. Maybe in the far ahead future, if I get a chance, maybe I can be forgiven. But till then, I will atone."
Alysa said, "Li... Liebe... I want to see you always. I... I want to be with you."
Liebe said, "We will be together. Maybe... maybe in the next life. I want to spend what little time I have with you reading. Even if you hate me physically, I want to be with you more than anything."
In the next 2 days before the final round, Álfrinn came to Liebe and said, "Faust, I'm truly disgusted by you. But I can't bring myself to hate you, as you were always her Odr, her champion. And I'm here today to give you these new blades."
Liebe said, "Thank you, Master."
Álfrinn said, "Think nothing of it. But answer me—are you sure this is the way?"
Liebe said, "Yeah, it is. The contract is made."
Álfrinn said, "Your methods disgust me. Yet if this is your decision, I won't oppose it." As he went away.
Far away in Mikill, as Alem was chained to the World Tree:
Alem said, "Just do it. Just kill me."
Álfrinn said, "You need to live and be punished for your crimes of failing our Empress. She suffered because of you. And now you will live in the Crimson until the day she herself is ready to forgive you. Until that day arrives, you will remain here chained to the remains of the World Tree. Fortunately for you, this reality is about to change."
Soon it was time for the final round. Liebe, Lichee, Elizabeth, Mavia, Isurugi, and Fate were at the stadium as the final round was being broadcasted to the world.
Meanwhile, in Lichita's house:
Mia said, "Sir, come quick! It's about to begin!"
Licht was sleeping.
Lichita said, "Get him quick!"
As Mia dragged him, Licht said, "Huh? What? What happened?"
Mia said, "Sir, the final round!"
Licht said, "Oh hell." As he was about to run out, Lichita said, "Where are you going?"
As Licht realized he wasn't part of the team anymore, Licht said, "Nowhere." As he sat down, Licht said, "Mom, can we get some popcorn, candy, and soda?"
Lichita said, "Got it. But why are you watching it on broadcast with us? You should be in the team or watching with your dad at the stadium."
Licht said, "Well, didn't feel like it. Going down there seemed like a lot of work."
Meanwhile, at the stadium, as Lilith and Gelda came to sit down:
Lilith said, "So glad I could make it."
Gelda said, "I know, right? That spoiled brat was annoying."
Eldrie said, "These VIP seats are nice."
Lara said, "Well, it is the public battle of our future leader."
Stal said, "And we are here to witness it."
As Alex came and said, "And that's why we are here too. Soon Symphonics will fly the Liebe flag as well."
Jewel said, "Like House Vaude already does."
Alex said, "Hello, Grandpa Mr. Jewel."
Jewel said, "Why does retirement seem so bad?"
Lilith said, "We are just saying you may need a walking cane."
Gelda said, "And a coffin. Old age really does hurt when you are sleeping."
Heaven said, "Greetings."
Hell said, "Hello, how you doin'?"
Lilith said, "This is exciting."
Gelda said, "Of course it will. And I already have the control room on the communicator. We need to make sure the words 'Team Liebe claims victory' be heard throughout the capital properly."
Eldrie said, "I even spoke to the commentator."
Jewel said, "You seem too relaxed based on who Liebe will be facing off."
Lilith said, "It's Warner, right?"
Gelda said, "Yeah, that guy. He is strong, but Liebe will win. I already got the cake ready and everything."
Markus said, "Mama, I'm hungry."
Lilith said, "Oh, umm, the match is about to start, so umm—"
Gelda said, "Just let me handle it." As she grabbed Markus by the head and made a spatial portal.
Gelda said, "Let's just get rid of it."
Lilith said, "Wait—"
Eldrie said, "For God's sake." As he pointed towards a random Black Rose member, Eldrie said, "Do whatever this child asks and don't bother us till the match starts. Today is a great day."
The man said, "Understood, Lord Eldrie."
Lilith said, "Will this be OK?"
Gelda said, "Of course it will. Better than wasting time on work."
As the announcer began talking: "Everyone, please remain quiet as the battle is about to begin shortly. And for the safety of you, a mana barrier is present."
As the barrier went active:
Alex said, "Hey, Jewel, how long do you think it will take you to shatter this barrier?"
Jewel said, "This barrier is made of the magic of more than 300 mages just to ensure the people's safety. For me, it might take 5 seconds—6 at most."
Gelda said, "My lance needs less than 2."
Lilith said, "1 instant."
Gelda said, "Control room, what is the status of security?"
The voice stated, "Perfectly safe."
Gelda said, "In case of any accident, keep the emergency exits open."
The voice said, "Understood."
As the announcer's voice said, "Everyone, attention please. Please welcome the team from Aldina and its leader, Warner Crimson Makito!"
As Warner and his team came from one side, the crowd cheered.
The announcer said, "Now our home team, the rising stars—Team Liebe, with Liebe Faust as its leader!"
As everyone cheered, while Lilith and everyone were cheering, someone came and said, "Oh, Lilith, so here you are."
Lilith said, "Professor Obsidian, how are you, sir?"
Obsidian said, "Good. Swimming around the world was a bit tough."
Serena said, "Yeah, we were almost eaten 50 times."
Otiz said, "But we made it just in time."
The announcer said, "Now the final round of the World Battle Championships is here! The final round is a 1v1 where the team leaders will be facing off against one another!"
As May also sat besides the Black Rose members:
Gelda said, "You are May, right? Warner's sister?"
May said, "Uhh, yes."
As the leaders stood in the center of the stadium, 20 meters apart:
Liebe said, "No holding back, alright?"
Warner said, "I will give it my all."
As the battle began, Liebe and Warner clashed. Liebe's new swords clashed with Warner's partizan. Warner's wings gave him greater speed, making the partizan's movement equal to Liebe's dual swords.
As they were watching:
Mia said, "Sir, what's happening? Why is the Fleet Admiral in an equal clash? He should be faster."
Licht said, "A partizan is considerably slower than almost any dual blades, and Liebe's attribute gives his attacks higher stealth and speed. But his enemy is Warner. He is a bird demi-human. Whatever speed Liebe has from skill vanishes because of Warner's wings, which make him faster physically than any human. And his flames are sadly far too good at wiping away all of Liebe's stealth."
Mia said, "Are you saying it's a draw?"
Licht said, "No, it's not. Liebe's attribute is stronger than flame magic, but Warner has experience. Now the question becomes if Liebe can keep his head in the game despite all. He can win. But if he uses his Demonics, he will win easily, but the cost will be far too great as people will see his horns and wings."
Lichita said, "His attribute is unique—gaining wings and horns like a devil. Nothing I have seen. But again, Lilith exists."
Licht said, "Either way, Liebe should—if he can't even beat top warriors of any nation, he can't possibly stand as the strongest."
As Liebe and Warner clashed:
Liebe said, "Dark Magic: Endless Execution!" As his precision rose higher, Warner now had to use his Phoenix Flame Magic to counter Liebe. Liebe's attacks were sending him back. Liebe was able to use every opening as Warner was knocked back. Warner was bleeding from the face.
He said, "I see now. You really meant it. I was foolish to think I can stand beside you without my all."
Mia said, "Sir, what's happening?"
Licht said, "This bastard—he has way too much speed and reaction speed. And whatever strength he lacks, the partizan makes up for it. And so far, Liebe has only used magic to improve his reaction. This man has been using a chant."
Mia said, "A chant? How? He hasn't been speaking."
Licht said, "Some high-tier chants don't require speaking, like Liebe's Demonics."
As Warner said, "This is my true power now! Phoenix Flame Magic: Luxicx!" As his skin began to change to a slightly paler shade and he grew an additional pair of wings.
Liebe said, "No, it can't be... this power."
Mia said, "Sir, what is this? His wings were red. What are these white ones? No demi-human I know has white wings."
Licht said, "This man—he is beyond what was thought to be possible."
Mia said, "Sorry, sir?"
Licht said, "There is no doubt about it. This is Angelic Magic."
Mia said, "Angels? They exist?"
Licht said, "I don't know. But he wields their power."
As Liebe saw Warner's new form, Liebe said, "So this is your true power."
As Liebe clashed with Warner, he was blown back by the explosive magic power and the speed of the extra wings. Liebe was on the receiving end, and soon with one of Warner's strikes, Liebe was knocked back. As Liebe stood up, he was on his knees.
Mia said, "Sir, the Fleet Admiral is on his knees."
Licht said, "With his holy powers and his Phoenix Flames, Liebe's regeneration might as well be useless. Each of those strikes might as well burn like hell. Now in this battle, Warner was the worst possible person Liebe could face."
Liebe said, "Fine then. No holding back, even if it means using it in public. Demonics: 70%!" As Liebe's skin changed, he grew horns and black wings.
Liebe said, "Warner, I won't lose to you no matter what!" As he clashed with Warner.
Mia said, "Sir, the Fleet Admiral is doing it! There is hope!"
Licht said, "This battle is decided. Liebe will win. But in that form, each holy attack will hurt a lot worse. Not to mention how Warner is using his magic to power his weapon and wings. His defence is low, but he isn't giving any opening. Instead of using his sword to try and go around the partizan, Liebe is facing it directly."