As they were in the drainage lines, Gaia was running away as Liebe was chasing her from above. The roof collapsed on Liebe. It was Malcor, as he used his swords to pin Liebe to the ground. Liebe was stabbed through the right shoulder and left leg.
Malcor said, "What's wrong, half-breed? Not so tough without your prince?"
Liebe said, "Shut up. Dark Spike!" As spikes from Liebe's body pierced Malcor.
Malcor said, "You little—"
As Liebe tried to get up despite being pierced through, he removed the blades.
Liebe said, "Crap. It's because of asses like you that I'm behind. And for the record, I hate you." As he said, "Dark Magic: Dark Slash!" knocking Malcor back. He rushed after Gaia as she broke through a wall and reached the surface. It was the captains with Asten, excluding Lilith.
Asten said, "Everyone, eliminate that devil!"
Liebe was now in front of Gaia with his hands up as he said, "This devil is mine."
Thea said, "Liebe is in the way. Should we still fire?"
Asten said, "We can't afford to tailor to the needs of a child, even if that child is an S-Class Knight and Lilith's boy."
As everyone began attacking, Liebe said, "Dark Magic: Dark Shield!" As he barely managed to hold it, he was near his wit's end. He had fought Warner, then every captain in the nation. As Gaia was freaking out seeing such strong magic, Liebe had no choice but to sing to Gaia in an attempt to calm her down. Liebe started to sing:
At the dread of night, the stars begin to shine
Take this bright light and learn to fly
As dawn rises, stars say goodbye
Take this love and learn to see
As I will always be watching, be with you
Till the shining light is with you
Take these wings and learn to fly
Till the time...
As Liebe was taking heavy fire, Gaia was shot in the arm by Lady Mikhail.
Liebe said, "Shit. Where the hell is Master? Where the hell is she shooting from?" As he desperately tried to block her fire, Liebe said, "Absolute Dark Shield!" As he was doing his best.
Gaia said, "Liebe... Liebe..."
Meanwhile on the other end, as Licht was facing Aile and Greed:
Gelda said, "So this is where you have been hiding?"
As from behind, Vexus said, "Lightning Magic: Thunder Pillar!"
Gelda said, "Why the hell are you after Liebe?"
Aile said, "Faust cannot be allowed to awaken. It will bring about the calamity of the world."
Gelda said, "Shut up!" As she charged through with her lance.
In the middle of the attacks, Warner came through and said, "Phoenix Flame Magic: Guardian Flames!" As his flames were healing Liebe and a wall of fire was preventing the attacks.
Liebe's body gave in, being on his knees.
Warner said, "Allow me to help."
As Liebe looked at Gaia, in an instant Malcor threw a spear at Gaia, piercing her devil heart. From the attacks, even the ground collapsed.
While underground, Gaia said, "Liebe, I'm scared." With her devil heart pierced through, she couldn't regenerate and was decaying.
Gaia said, "Liebe, it's getting dark."
Liebe said, "Don't worry. It will be fine. It's alright."
As Warner flew away, knowing not what to say or anything.
Liebe said, "Gaia, save your strength. You are safe now. You are home, alright? It's OK. You will be alright."
Gaia said, "Liebe, I missed you."
Liebe said, "I missed you too."
Gaia said, "Please sing me to sleep again, Liebe. Like you and Alysa used to."
Liebe said, "I always will. Please just stay with me."
As her right arm vanished, Gaia said, "Liebe, it's going dark. I don't want to go. I want to be with you and everyone."
Liebe, amidst tears, started to sing to Gaia as Gaia vanished away.
Liebe screamed, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
As from behind, Pride started to chant:
Oh blazing dawn, glistening twilight
Oh uncharted realm, oh forbidden wall
On this day I reject the laws set forth by the divine
Oh he who lingers beyond the furthest reaches of healing
I, the one who wields the golden flames and silver tears
I who witness the flames of Faust and tears of Freyja
As a huge beam of light was seen in the spot.
Aina said, "Guilbert, what is that light?"
Guilbert said, "I don't know."
Eldrie said, "Ma'am, look at that magic. Is that another prince?"
Lilith said, "No, it's not. Its magic is verging on the divine. It's far brighter and purer than anything I know of."
As Markus got up from his bed and said, "It's pretty."
Gelda said, "Is this Liebe's power?"
Licht said, "I don't know."
In Mikill, Wrath said, "Huh. Finally decided to try it again, huh, Pride? I have a feeling it might actually work this time."
From the light, the severed World Tree's stump grew a new seed in the center.
Meanwhile, in the Abyssal Zone: This power... this golden light... there is no mistaking it. The golden flames of Faust and the silver tears of Freyja. Oh, how bitter I have turned towards this light. May Faust arrive and show the dawn.
As Fenrir said this, he thought: Golden flames and silver tears. Faust, it appears you have found Freyja once more in this lifetime. The world will burn down soon as Faust shows the truth.
Unending tears, realm of grief
Oh twilight, the ultimate price has already been paid
Oh dawn, I pray that you forsake the unyielding past
And shine upon my foolish desires
I, the one loved by Faust and Freyja
The one who witnessed gold and silver unite
I swear I shall not look back
Dia Orpheus
As Gaia's devil heart regenerated and Gaia was alive again, her remains that were nothing turned her back. Gaia opened her eyes and said, "Liebe..."
Liebe, crying now, said, "Gaia, you are back! You are back! I was so worried. I was so goddamn worried!" As he hugged her tight.
Pride said, "How bitter I have turned towards this power. After failing to use it for a thousand years, I realized what you meant, Faust, a thousand years ago when you said in the far future you and Freyja would be there for me. In the future, I see why I failed to use it for the past millennium. It's because I lacked the catalyst to use it—the tears of a grieving hero. You were right when you said this spell can't be cast with words. You were right. I apologize for ever doubting you. You always were the best of us."
As Liebe, Gaia, and Pride went to an underground space in the drains, Mavia, Licht, Lichee, and others also joined them. As Gelda was notified:
Gelda said, "Licht, don't share your location to any other Black Rose member. Because of Lilith's judgement, our stance has changed."
Licht said, "What? What the goddamn hell?"
Gelda said, "I'm sending as much help as I can to your current location, and I have sealed off the capital with my spatial magic. No one gets in or out. Greed and that woman can't leave."
Soon, Jewel, Alex, and Warner came.
Jewel said, "How is everything?"
Licht said, "Everyone is safe."
Alex said, "How is Liebe?"
Licht said, "I don't know. He is resting up."
Alex said, "He went through so much with Lilith. You should talk to him."
Lichee said, "I will go."
Warner said, "It's best if you don't smile too much, and it's best if Licht does it."
Meanwhile, in the castle, as Lilith was beside Markus's bed, Gelda came in.
Gelda said, "Now answer me. Why did you order us to stop? We need to help Liebe."
Lilith said, "Liebe tried to kill Markus."
Gelda said, "Is that so? Alright then, let's kill him. He is asleep. An easy kill, am I right?" As Gelda got her lance.
Lilith drew her sword and said, "Stop! You don't understand."
Gelda said, "No, you are the one who doesn't understand, Lilith."
Lilith said, "I saw it with my own two eyes."
Gelda said, "Then either he has a reason to do it, or you failed to read the situation, or this child isn't Markus at all, or what if there was an attack?"
Lilith said, "Liebe tried to kill Markus, and that's it."
Gelda said, "OK. And did you ask why?"
Lilith said, "I don't know, and I don't care to know. He is a mistake. Nothing else. A disgrace."
Gelda said, "Disgrace? Disgrace? Oh, a disgrace, huh? When he becomes a hero, you want to be his mother again. And now you see him killing someone, and he is a goddamn disgrace. What the hell did you expect to happen when you abandoned him for his whole life?"
Lilith said, "I regret that. I always have. But you failed to raise him."
Gelda said, "I failed? You are saying I goddamn failed, huh? Is that what you are saying? Says the failure. Yeah, you are right. I was never the best or even ideal mother for the four of them. After you abandoned Liebe, do you have any idea what the hell happened? How broken he was? How the hell was I supposed to explain that Tenebris and Domr were gone? How the goddamn hell was I supposed to explain to a 7-year-old why his mother wasn't talking to him while you were busy with your self-pity, huh? Do you have any idea how broken Liebe really was? He was picking fights with every goddamn person in sight. Do you have any idea how many child psychologists I had to take him to? He was fighting whoever the hell annoyed him. Do you have any idea how many times he almost killed someone or a teacher in school because they said something wrong? How many times he almost killed someone? I had to be there physically to stop him every day for years, alright. Every time he would ask why Mom wasn't there, I couldn't answer him. Who do you think stopped him?"
Lilith said, "Licht and Alysa did."
Gelda said, "They were goddamn 7 years old. They are his friends, not his babysitter. Because of you, he was diagnosed with Glass Child Syndrome, alright. And it was harsh. And it's my fault as well that he is like this, because when he asked why you didn't want to talk to him, he thought it was his fault. Because if it was his fault, he could fix it. And he tried to for years. But I had to tell him it wasn't, and he wouldn't listen to me because for him that meant giving up. Finally, in the end, I had to lie to him. I had no choice. I lied. When he became strong enough, things would go back to normal. Do you have any idea how scary it was when a psychologist asked him why he was such a good tactician at 7, and he replied with, 'When you are lonely, you learn to see faults'?"
Lilith said, "What am I supposed to do about it?"
Gelda said, "Goddamn take responsibility!"
Lilith said, "I tried, and I failed. Nothing to do."
Gelda said, "Capture him?" As Gelda slammed her fist against the wall, she said, "Shut the hell up, you worthless excuse of a human being, much less a mother. If you want to do it so bad, goddamn do it yourself. I don't arrest my children. Don't goddamn ever waste my time with BS like this." As Gelda went out.
Lilith sat down crying, thinking where she went wrong.
As Malcor entered:
Malcor said, "I hope I'm not intruding."
Lilith said, "No, you aren't. What is it?"
Malcor said, "How is he doing?"
Lilith said, "OK. Better than before."
Malcor said, "I'm quite glad. I'm rather fond of children, and it hurts my soul to see such innocent lives be put in harm's way."
Lilith said, "Yes."
Malcor said, "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Gelda."
Lilith said, "What about it?"
Malcor said, "Gelda was right, you know. You are partially responsible for this."
Lilith said, "I'm well aware."
Malcor said, "I'm rather hurt seeing how far Liebe is willing to go."
Lilith said, "What are you trying to say?"
Malcor said, "I have clashed quite a few times with Liebe today, and he seemed rather capable. And considering the fact he is a tactician who is considered as good as or even better than Gelda, I'm quite impressed. Are you certain it was Liebe who attempted to kill your child?"
Lilith said, "I am."
Malcor said, "It's tragic, isn't it? Liebe really has fallen. Of course, you may be partly to blame, but Liebe is an adult and an S-Class Knight. And considering how masterfully he planned all this, having a devil kill your child, I fear perhaps next time the story may be quite different."
Lilith said, "I know. As a tactician, he is beyond me."
Malcor said, "As you are the one responsible, you should have to be the one to put him down."
Lilith said, "What are you saying?"
Malcor said, "I'm saying if a man like Liebe—one who used actual devils, burned down our capital just to kill one child—if he can go this far, there is no telling what he is capable of. It's best if you end him. Put him down for good. That will be your salvation. All this isn't because we hate Liebe. It's to ensure a bright future for your son. No, to ensure a bright future for every child in the world. The rest is up to you." As Malcor left.
Meanwhile, in the hallway:
Eldrie said, "You done manipulating our leader?"
Malcor said, "I only told the truth."
Eldrie said, "And I promise, by the time we are through, you will be dead." As Malcor left.
Eldrie said, "Lara, we have to do something."
Lara said, "Like what?"
Eldrie said, "We can't just let the captain do as she pleases. She is far too naive in her current state. She is no different than an addict. And right now, Malcor and Gelda are the friends she wants vs the friends she needs. We have to stop her no matter what. I won't allow history to repeat itself."
Lara said, "I will help as well."
Meanwhile, in the drainage:
Licht said, "Liebe, I'm sorry I left."
Liebe said, "It's OK. Good that you are back." As he was on the ground, not looking up.
Licht said, "If you want to talk about anything, I'm available."
Liebe said, "Maybe later."
Licht said, "Sure." As Licht left.
While Liebe was sitting with everyone:
Laz said, "Here, some water."
Liebe said, "Don't need it."
Laz said, "Umm, Mr. Liebe, you are bleeding heavily."
Liebe said, "It's alright. Just—please."
Pride said, "Faust, all the devils are safe because of you. Aren't you glad?"
Liebe said, "Guess so. It's just... I have been a fool all along, thinking family was possible. No matter what I do or say or try, my heart just wants to forgive, yet my head hurts right now. I'm hurting inside far more than any wound."
Pride said, "Faust, you are a kind soul. You possess some qualities that are the sign of a hero. If it means being a fool to maintain those, then be a fool, Faust."
Liebe said, "I see."
Licht said, "Everyone, please leave. I want to have a word with Liebe."
Pride said, "Alright." As they went to a different room.
Licht said, "Liebe, let's talk. And Liebe, I'm sorry. I didn't know Alysa was running out of time."
Liebe said, "It's OK." As Licht also sat down.
Licht said, "I need to talk to you, and I know—"
Liebe said, "Please just stop. I don't want to talk."
Licht said, "Either way, we will. Now what happened after I left?"
Liebe said, "I want to know. What did I do? What was my sin as the blood son to be treated so harshly? I'm the bloodthirsty son. What the hell is wrong? I'm the blood son, and I'm discarded without a second thought. And he is allowed it all because he is a noble? No, that ugly ass of a child is only here because of me. And I will end him myself."
Licht said, "What happened, Liebe? I need you to tell me."
Liebe said, "After you left chasing Greed, I tried to heal Markus. And for a moment, my body gave out and my chains were undone. Gaia was loose. She tried to attack Markus, yet Mother was there in time. She didn't ask. She didn't want to know. She saw the injured Markus, saw my hand, saw Gaia, and I was guilty. I was the one who apparently tried to kill the asshole. I hate it. Why the hell is it—I did it all. I almost died. And I get this? When a billion people call me a disgrace, a shame, a half-breed, I can smile through it. It's alright. But when my mother looks at me with disgust and calls me a disgrace to my father, a half-breed... it hurts. I have lost it all. I lost Gaia so far. Alysa is harmed. Olivia died. And now we have Gaia back, but at what cost? Alysa only has 24 hours, then she will be a stranger. And I can't even go to the hospital and say goodbye."
Licht said, "Why?"
Liebe said, "If a fugitive associates with her, it will raise trouble. And even if I wanted to, I can't. Gelda has sealed off the capital. Teleportation doesn't work. Dark Magic: Dark Castling!" As nothing happened. Liebe was full-on crying. He said, "I couldn't do anything. Not save Alysa, not Gaia. And I hate it all. Why? I hate everyone—every human in this nation, in the world."
Licht said, "Hey, Liebe, you know what the problem is? You always make it about you. Because if it was your fault, you can blame yourself. That's your problem. None of it is your fault. What happened tonight is Aunt Lilith's fault. But in every case, you went far and beyond for us. Even when I failed to keep everyone safe, you came to help. It's my fault. Don't blame yourself."
Liebe said, "I just don't know. What did I do to deserve this? Licht, please tell me. I tried it all. I hate that kid more than anything, yet I was hurt saving him. And the thanks I got was the harsh reality that my mom can let me in her office but never her heart. I'm just a monster who shouldn't be near kids. I just—it hurts every moment. No single wound hurts as much as Mother's words. Why the hell couldn't I just be the favourite son once? I should just go and kill myself. I'm already guilty of the crime. Might as well end it."
Licht said, "If you wish, alright. Tell me a plan, and I will do it for you. But take a moment to think. You aren't in the state of mind to decide anything right now. Please, just—"
Liebe said, "Licht, I'm cold. I want to know why. Why is it I'm bleeding, but I'm alone? But he was hurt, and Mom is coddling him. I hate every moment of it. No matter what the hell I do, the world keeps reminding me I'm an orphan. My mother died with my dad. The one who came back wasn't my mother. But that face... it reminds me."
Licht said, "That's the sad truth. You can be doing everything right, yet you are treated the worst. But the question is: will you move forward, or will you let it define you?"
Liebe said, "I see now. This world needs to change. No matter what, my flames of hatred will change it. I will burn it down to the ground."
Licht said, "OK, OK, calm down, my dead psycho friend. But you need to grieve before thinking."
As Isurugi rushed in, saying, "Sir, there is news! Come quick!"
It was on the civilian line from the Grandmaster, stating a response to last night's attack by devils will not be taken lightly, and every knighthood in the nation has joined forces to form a coalition led by Black Rose. "Now I would like to ask Mrs. Lilith Faust to please say a few words."
As Lilith stepped on stage, she stated, "Last night's attack will not be taken lightly. We have already sealed off the capital. No devil shall escape. Currently, we are planning an operation to end all devils and preserve our beautiful—"
As someone asked, "Ma'am, what about Liebe Faust? Is he really guilty?"
Lilith said, "Liebe Faust? No. Anyone who sides with devils and threatens peace will receive my blade without exceptions. None shall escape. I will end them all. Everyone who threatens peace, even if they are my flesh and blood—no mercy for those who threaten peace."
As Liebe heard this, he clenched his fists hard, bleeding.
Liebe said, "I see how things really are. There really should be limits to how many lies a person can say. We will end all of this tonight. Take the XENIZ from the capital and beat Mother. If she said no mercy, same for me."
Licht said, "Are you sure?"
Liebe said, "Yes. I'm not fighting my mother—just the illusion that survived for the past 10 years. I will end her myself. I will be the one to carry the burden."
Lichee said, "Liebe, please let me fight her with my magic."
Liebe said, "No. It must be done with my hands. This madness has to end once and for all."