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Flash forward one thousand years later, Emperor Dorian's Mansion, Pendrago the Blessed Capital.

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The air was tense with suspense around Sorey and Mikleo, no one batting an eye in anticipation. What felt like an exciting notion a few minutes ago was now a lump in their throat, preventing them from breathing until they knew the answer. The moment passed like an eternity.

The emperor's expression was unchanging despite the weight of his words. "That person's name was Avernus Diphda."

Sorey's mind raced as it tried to comprehend the emperor's response. He and Mikleo both had the same reaction. "Avernus… Diphda?!" Sorey released a pent-up breath, narrowing his eyes as he focused further. "As in the Hyland's royal lineage?"

The emperor let out a faint hum, closing his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again and seemingly avoiding Sorey's question. "Shepherd, in truth, all I wanted was to put an end to the conflict. It doesn't matter how many wars you win. There is always one that follows. But they are also two sides of the same coin; there is an opposite reaction for every action. A new conflict will inevitably challenge every lasting peace."

Sorey's eyes widened in confusion as he glanced at Mikleo before turning back to the emperor. "But what this has to do with the legend?"

The emperor picked up where he left, again dodging what Sorey wanted to hear. "Both war and peace situations must be dealt with when they come around, but the actions we take are going to be different each time. That's what we've learned from history." Emperor Dorian slowly rose, sighing as he shot a thoughtful glance over the window into the rainy weather.

Sorey and Mikleo's gazes followed the emperor, expecting a more relevant answer, but at the same time, they felt it would be rude to push the matter.

"I think you know the sensitivity of the subject. I'm afraid this is all I have to offer."

Sorey stood up, bowing at the Emperor. "Thank you for your hospitality, your majesty."

The emperor raised his brow slightly, turning to Sorey. "Leaving so soon?"

"Yes. We have to gain access to the church and meet with the Cardinal. The situation in Pendrago must be resolved as quickly as possible." Sorey insisted.

Emperor Dorian beckoned at the door. "Then let me offer you transportation. It is only fair that we'd provide means for cleansing malevolence for the Shepherd, especially in this weather."

Sorey and Mikleo nodded, following the emperor through the exit. Lailah, Edna, Rose, and Dezel joined them mid-way in the hallway. Sorey and Lailah exchanged a substantial and meaningful glance before resuming their walk. Lailah merged with Sorey, and he followed the emperor to the carriage.

As they got on the wagon, Rose spent a few moments probing Sorey's face. For her, staying in her ex-fiance's mansion was one thing, and watching her friends' silence was another uncomfortable feeling.

"Alright, what did the Emperor tell you?" Rose asked Sorey, breaking the stillness.

Sorey shifted his attention to her for a slight moment before returning his gaze to the window. "The emperor knew of malevolence and an old legend from a Mayvin."

"A storyteller spilled some beans?" Rose leaned back against the seat. "You know how I hated to be blind to everything. That's why I decided to be your squire. So tell me the whole story."

Sorey put up his determined face and explained what the emperor told him in full detail. After that, Rose trailed off, staring into the rainy weather. "A Diphda, huh? I don't know if I wanted to lose my emotions, but it's understandable why he chose the girl instead of the saviour." Rose grinned.

Sorey darted his brows in surprise and confusion. "What do you mean?"

"It is simple; Justice for the boy and the girl," Rose waved her hand. "Witnessing such an act would want me to put the saviour down too. He was a Shepherd after all, wasn't he? And most importantly, just look at Alisha; that's expected from a Diphda."

Mikleo shot as a blue orb from Sorey's body and materialized beside him. He looked annoyed and frowning. "How can you easily say that? Didn't you hear what Sorey said? He took the side of a Lord of Calamity. Who knows if he did the right thing or not?" Mikleo argued, uncertainty clear in his tone.

Suddenly, Lailah's fiery orb exited Sorey and appeared next to Mikleo. "Rose is right. The sense of justice moved him at first," Lailah said, prompting the rest to turn to her in shock. "Why and what he decided to do to was not easily relatable. At that time, that was the right thing to do."

"You're saying that you knew him?!" Sorey inquired, now every piece of the puzzle was falling into their place in his mind. "But I thought you swore an oath."

Lailah unexpectedly smiled. "For me, it was just a promise." The fire seraph cocked her head proudly, which was unexpected. "He wasn't going to put his sister through an oath."

Rose, Sorey, and Mikleo all jolted in their places, eyes widening in surprise.

"Sister…?!" Sorey mumbled. Seeing Lailah associating herself this close to a human was odd but seemed amazing.

Lailah nodded, wearing a kind smile and eyes beaming with joy as a flood of heartening memories washed over her mind. "Yes. Avernus was the first human I encountered, and he was the one who gave me my true name. Like you, he was also raised by a seraph."

The moody atmosphere changed drastically. Now, Sorey, Mikleo, and Rose leaned in towards the fire seraph. Sorey scratched the back of his head. "I feel like I'm kind of left out a lot of things when you put it that way, Lailah."

Lailah raised a few of her guardian cards and hid her smile behind them, cheeks turning pink. "It's nothing to worry about. Avernus and his struggle is something that belonged to a different time and place."

For a brief moment, the moon shone through a batch of clouds, flaring up old memories in Lailah and encouraging her to glance at it through the window. Her face radiated with hope as the ageless moon watched over her. "Know this, Sorey; war and conflict have existed since the world came to be." Lailah's face toned down to seriousness but still had that calm expression. "...For land, for resources, for social status, for love, and even for happiness. Doing your best to live is a fight. However, how you and others conduct conflict is all another matter, and what's left in the wake of that conflict will end up defining your legacy."

Mikleo leaned back, absorbing Lailah's sentences. "The shepherd's legacy…."

Lailah tilted her head to the side slightly and faintly giggled. "No, it wasn't purely his legacy all alone. In fact, without her, none of it was possible."

Sorey's sharp wit caught her intention. "The lord of calamity," he said confidently. "There is more to it, isn't it?"

Lailah nodded, turning to Sorey. "Yes. But before I tell you about them, you need to know a lot more, Sorey; just because you want to be a perfect Shepherd doesn't mean that's all you have to be."

Sorey remained intrigued, focusing on the Lailah as she continued. "Humans hold beliefs. There is no room for progress when you fanatically believe in something. The nature of it is black and white, rigid, sound, and unchangeable. Yet because humans learn through experience, the beliefs they hold will inevitably change as well. What was once the right thing to do doesn't always stay that way or applies to every single situation."

Sorey heaved a breath. "Laws don't always suit every scenario…."

Rose crossed her arms, closing her eyes as she dwelled on Lailah's remarks. "And what you hold to be true can mean nothing to another person who doesn't adhere or conform to your perspective. Ignoring that will make you…." Rose opened her eyes, glancing at Lailah. "... a fanatic."

"Correct." Lailah acknowledged. "You cannot solve a lot of issues if you're not willing to go far. That's the burden I told you two at first about being a shepherd. Even though you thought that you couldn't be two opposing things at once, a pacifist and a warrior." Lailah turned to Sorey once more. "Because shepherds labelled themselves as one or the other and others had confirmed these labels, the burden of upholding them became heavy for them to bear. However, many people had to make sacrifices, and the hardest part for the shepherds was realizing their turn had arrived. Ultimately, how they conduct themselves afterward would inevitably define them."

"But there is an element of choice in all things," Sorey added, which in turn, Lailah nodded in confirmation.

"It's the most important assurance in times of struggle. It is inevitable; no matter how dark things become, something good will eventually be around the corner."

Rose chuckled, seemingly eager to hear more. "Alright, I hope you have a good story after sprinkling all these philosophies around."

"Not now," Lailah said, turning into her fiery orb and melting back into Sorey. "Alisha needs to hear this too. Besides, it is a little bit soon for you, guys."

Rose scowled and rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on!"

Mikleo grunted in irritation. "Then why did you go through all that just to keep us waiting?"

They heard the disembodied voice of Lailah giggling as it echoed in their minds. "Patience. Good things are worth waiting for."

Sorey intuitively smiled. If Lailah was happy, then it was indeed a good thing.

Sorey could not wait to hear more.

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Present time - Meirchio, City of Ice and Snow

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The Swordsman

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Rokurou sipped the last of his Sake. The moon was high up, and it burned red. Like a crimson orb, it turned the night sky scarlet, earning its namesake. As the drink warmed his throat, Kurogane's hammering abruptly stopped, and a louder bang followed as something heavy fell on the ground.

Then there was total silence. Rokurou exhaled and rose on his feet, slowly turning to the smithy. His hands fumbled the knob, pushing the iron door. The forge was still burning, and he noticed a large hammer and a chisel lying on the ground. Rokurou heaved another breath, there was no sign of Kurogane, but he could sense his presence. His eyes quickly caught his prize, lying on the anvil.

Gleaming in a rufescent colour, the long sword seemingly called out to him. Rokurou marched and picked it up. He peered the blade; the inscriptions flashed, stretching a reddish reflection to the top. Rokurou squeezed the hilt and slashed widely. And another one immediately in the opposite direction.

His mouth curved into a satisfying grin; the blade sang as it tore through the air, feeling the steel alive and ready for battle. He glanced briefly at the sword before sheathing it on his back.

"We will prevail tonight. This is my promise, Kurgonane."

Rokurou travelled from the lonely smithy back to the middle of the village. As he stepped down the main stairs, he noticed Eizen beckoning him to follow from afar, his eyes narrowing in caution. Rokurou nodded and raced along Eizen to the gates. As they rushed through the doors, Eizen brought up his fist, signalling Rokurou to stop. He peered through the distance and saw Magilou and Melchior having an intense chat. They marched at the Legate cautiously. Rokurou held his arm in front of Eizen. "What if it's one of his illusions?"

Eizen scanned the area carefully. "Then, there is one way to find out." Eizen continued his march. You think you can just waltz in here and expect to get away with it?" Eizen stridently said, grabbing the attention of the old legate.

Rokurou's hands went for his blades. "If you want to take him down, we're with you, Magilou."

Magilou slowly turned her head and flashed a cocky glance at them. "Why bother? Who knows that he is here and not projecting an illusion?"

Melchior gazed at them, groaning silently in annoyance. Magilou switched her glance back at Melchior, arms akimbo on her hip in confidence. "Don't you worry, I'll see you at the volcano when you breathe your last, Melchior Mayvin."

A mild irritation flitted across Melchior's eyes before turning back to its icy glare. "Very well. It will surely save me some trouble of killing you one by one."

Melchior turned on his heels, but he suddenly stopped, scrutinizing something under his feet. Melchior let out an audible groan before disappearing into thin air.

Magilou gestured at the space that Melchior was. "Told you. He's clever but not unexpected."

Rokurou checked the spot that made the legate hesitate and noticed a small flower growing out of the snow. Magilou sighed and mumbled something to herself.

They hiked back to the town. Eleanor, Laphicet, and Lailah were patiently waiting outside of the inn. Magilou rambled towards them, gazing at the tavern. "Are Velvet and Avernus still in there?"

Before Eleanor could answer, the door opened, and Velvet wandered out with Avernus following her lead.

"We're here." Velvet declared.

The team instantly sobered, turning to them. Their new, flashy outfits caught their gazes. Velvet was sporting her further refined Spirit Armor, and Avernus was a new, totally white, and shorter coat with his gold insignia adorning on his back.

Magilou grinned widely at Velvet. "My my, don't you two look stunning. Radiant. Dashing. I'm tickled pink that you dressed up for the occasion."

Rokurou shot them an approving look. "When did you have the time to make new clothes?"

Avernus turned to Eleanor, Lailah, and Medissa and sent them a grateful look. "Thanks to them, we've managed to finish Velvet's new outfit. Tia's magic bindings allow Velvet to channel Brunhild ring's magic easily into her arm, and I wanted her to have this now before the fights with the legates."

"It took you a long time for you to forgo that tattered dress," Magilou said and shuffled a deck of her guardian cards with one hand. "The legates are here anyway. I hope that outfit can help you dish some serious damage."

Magilou then moved to Avernus' side. "I've prepared an arte to test on Melchior, and I need Siegfried to do it."

Avernus pulled the gun out of its silver holster and turned the grip toward Magilou. She waved her hand over it and was charged with an illusory arte. "The Mind Killer. It's a custom-made arte by yours truly," Magilou said. A wicked smile curved on her face. "I'll tell you when to use it on Melchior."

Avernus raised a brow, twitching his lips in confusion. "Alright."

Velvet glanced at the crimsoned sky, heaving a nervous breath. "Another scarlet night."

Rokurou moved his hand over his back and gripped his sword. "You don't need to worry. Leave Shigure to me."

Velvet scanned the area around them. "Where is Kurogane?"

Rokurou pulled the sword slightly, enough for the blade to flash under the moonlight, then placed it back. "He's here with me. Kurogane and I will cut Shigure down."

After his confident reply, Velvet turned to the rest of the group. "Do what you do best and go crazy out there, but…." Velvet gazed over Avernus and Eizen. "Melchior is mine to eat, got it?"

Avernus stretched his shoulders, looking mischievous but calmer than ever. "I'm not going to steal your snack, but leave the fighting to me. He's not the type to take lightly."

Velvet stood akimbo, a mild protest flitting over her golden eyes. "I'd rather for you not to get involved in either of the fights. We need you alive to control the Empyreans."

Avernus chuckled and opened her hand. A blue light glimmered, and an azure mist began to rise, forming Caliburn. Avernus placed the sword on his shoulders, looking eager and bold. "You don't need to worry about me. As your Shadow, I have a debt to pay to Melchior. For you, for Lucian, for Edna, and for everyone whose lives he destroyed for his twisted reason." He cracked a smile for the Lord of Calamity, bowing his head slightly in respect. "Please grant me your blessing, my mistress."

Velvet returned his smile with a smirk of her own to follow his role-playing. "Permission granted. Go wild."

Eizen tossed his coin, grabbing it as he turned to Velvet and Avernus. "You two better at least let me watch him suffer."

Velvet's eyes caught Benwick stood ready behind them. "When we move to the mountain, take the rest back to the Van Eltia and await orders."

Benwick locked his hands behind him, saluting. "Aye aye!"

Avernus pulled his pendant from his pocket and opened it, glancing at the picture of his malak nursemaid, Rosa. He slowly marched to their front, raising his head to glance at the big crimson moon, his breath forming white mist from cold air. "The Abbey bent the truth, suppressed the facts, only to brought Innominat to life to take away humanity's will." He closed the lid back and returned to glance at the faces of his comrades. "Tonight, we're going to chase them to the edge of hell itself and bury their lies and pretentious utopia under a mountain of fire!"

With a praising glance from Velvet, Avernus joined her, and the rest stood beside them. "We're ready, we're stronger than we were when we fought Artorius, and we have something to fight for. Let's do this." The Shepherd proclaimed, gazing at Laphicet and Lailah as their eyes flashed momentarily with magic and in eagerness.

Velvet stepped to the front, ready to march to the battle. "Let's go. It's time to take all the pain Abbey dealt us and send it back tenfold." Velvet howled like a battle master.

Rokurou grinned in satisfaction. "Now, that's what I call a war cry."

Laphicet beamed with hope, glancing at Lailah. "I may be a light malak, but I'm getting all fired up like you!"

Lailah blushed a little, smiling confidently. "Light and fire aren't far behind. Just make sure you burn the enemies with it, Mr. light!"

A smile started to break across Avernus' face, and he nodded firmly at Velvet. The lord of calamity saw her determination reflected in all of her friend's faces. "We go to kill the exorcist legates and engulf this world in the flames of chaos!"

The team marched towards the gate with her order, with prays and support of their friends behind them.

Velvet pushed the doors open, heading off into the mountainside. The Menagerie hiked on the red snow, moving up into sets of caves. As they entered the dark corridor, Magilou's expression darkened, swirling clouds of soot twined around them, and molten magma bubbled far below as they stepped inside.

She slid closer to Velvet. "Well, it is time for you to let us in on your plan for how we escape if and when everything goes haywire and the volcano erupts."

"There is no plan."

Velvet's apathetic answer sent shivers into Magilou's spine, and she panicked. "What?! Then what you did all this time?! I thought you're going to plan the whole thing when you were enjoying your hot bath!"

Velvet rolled her eyes in annoyance. "It didn't need planning."

Magilou pulled the sides of her hat down in dismay. "Then why even bother waking them up if we're going to get toasted?!" Magilou immediately turned to Avernus. "I'm sure you at least have a plan! Could you leash the Empyreans and bend them to your will? Like a good master?"

Avernus glanced with a narrowed eye from the corner of his eye. "I don't know what I'm dealing with. Besides, if they get angry, they'll probably tear me apart and bury the rest of you under the magma." A mocking tone was all Magilou received, and it made her freak out.

Her eyes hazed by the utter sense of fear and loss, her voice beginning to shrill. "Wh-what?! You're even worse than Velvet! Why did we even bring you here for?!"

"Then we deal with it if it comes to that," Laphicet said, closing his distance to Magilou. "Besides, I think everything will be alright."

As Magilou groaned, Rokurou suddenly paced in front of the group with calm but heavy steps, eyes focusing at the end of the cave. Eizen and Avernus noticed it and increased their speed.

"Is Shigure close?" Eizen asked.

Rokurou continued upward on the path. "Yeah…"

Soon they entered a large chamber, lined with cracks and leaking lava, at the center of which sat a lone figure.

Magilou squinted at composed Shigure, who was serenely having drinks and chilling as if nothing serious was coming up. Magilou was irritated. "Really? He's just sitting there waiting for us?"

Rokurou breathed heavily to calm his nerves. "Of course. That's his style."

As the squad stopped a few good meters away from Shigure, Rokouro marched towards his brother in confidence.

Shigure took a few sips, seemingly ignoring their presence until his younger brother sat down in front of him. Shigure poured a cup of drink for him while Rokurou unclicked his new long sword along with its old holder out of its strap and presented it to his older brother. Shigure took the sword and immediately pulled it out of its sheath in haste. His eyes instantly glimmered with satisfaction and acknowledgment of a superior work of art, swinging the sword left and right in awe. "Incredible. The old bastard forged himself into a sword!"

Rokurou poured another drink for himself, his face collecting in conviction. "Definitely. That blade is the embodiment of Kurogane's centuries of experience."

Shigure nodded in approval, peering at the crimson blade with admiration. "The "Kurogane Stormquell." I like it."

"It's "Kurogane" for now. He will surpass both Stormquell and Stormhowl." Rokurou drank the last of his Sake, putting down the cup and gazing into his brother's eyes. "After that, he will earn the title of "Kurogane Stormquell."

Flames of excitement ran wild behind Shigure's golden eyes. "This is going to be fun!" He yelled as he put the sword back in its place and held the same way his brother gave it to him, and the swordsman graciously accepted it back and returned to the squad.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting." He said, and Velvet nodded back.

"How are you going to do it? It doesn't surprise me if he wants to use an Armatus with that fat cat." Velvet said.

Shigure rose on his feet, raising a brow at Velvet. "Like you, It's not my style to rely on anyone's help. Although, you received it whether you desired it or not." He said with a hint of envy.

Velvet peeked over Rokurou's shoulder, eyeing Shigure. "What do you mean?"

Shigure finished his Sake and threw the cup into the lava. "I've studied you specifically." He said, moving closer, and his sword still sheathed. "You and I are the same. We are both driven by instincts to move forward and with a will to overcome whoever is stronger than us." Shigure peered at Velvet with great admiration. He studied her for a moment as though assessing Velvet's worth. "I find it a shame that Abbey has focused their intentions on villainizing you. You exactly follow Kenjutsu, although a crueller one."

Rokurou turned completely towards his brother, and they stood as a group hearing Shigure patiently. Velvet placed her bandaged hand on her hip. "What is that way of the sword you speak of?"

Shigure playfully smirked. "Life is the struggle to exist. We challenge those who claim to be strong. If they cannot protect themselves from their entitlement, then they will fall before our blades." Shigure described. "You went through hell, and you survived the harsh fate, only to challenge those who dictate your end, and I can't help but admire that." Shigure grinned as he placed his long sword on his shoulder and turned to Morgrim, his cat-like malak, which was sitting down behind him and grooming her fur. "Isn't that right, Morgrim?"

Morgrim raised her head, and her voice echoed without her lips moving. "That's true. Shigure always held you in high regard."

Velvet waved her hand dismissively, looking unaffected by his compliments. "I don't care. The only thing that I'm looking for is your soul and not your admiration, legate."

Shigure rubbed his chin in amusement. "Cold as the sword's steel. You are truly heartless."

Suddenly, Eleanor wandered between them in a hurry. "Lord Shigure, I hope you understand why we're doing this."

Shigure turned his head at Eleanor, his usual frowned brows rising in surprise. "Eleanor! Still alive and kicking?"

Eleanor firmly stood and nodded in confirmation, looking surely. "Yes, Lord Shigure. I have concluded that what Abbey is doing is wrong. They need to be stopped, along with Innominat. This is my reason to fight and mine alone."

Shigure relaxed his posture, and he nodded unexpectedly. "That's what I anticipated. It's a good thing that you've changed."

Eleanor was taken off guard by his friendly tone. "I've changed?" She was awestruck.

Shigure chuckled, inclining his head to the side. "Yeah. Your sense of honour was to uphold Abbey's ideas without a second thought. But now, you've followed your path and kept your sense of duty intact at the same time. If I have to judge, you've passed the real test to become a leader yourself." He patted his sword on his shoulder. "You've become stronger, Eleanor. You're not that girl that would cry at the mere sight of calamity anymore."

Eleanor suddenly lowered her head. His friendly remark clouded her judgment. It felt that they were going to fight an ally and not an enemy.

Rokurou placed his hands on his short blades. "If that's all, then let's start."

"Not so fast," Shigure said, and his gaze shifted to the silent Shepherd standing a few meters away, watching the scene in silence. "You have survived yet again, Shepherd. I didn't expect that. Guess you're harder to kill than anything I've ever seen." Shigure grinned widely. "And you gave me a good beating too."

Avernus remained calm, his expression firm. "If you're looking for a fight, I already told you, I'm not your opponent."

Shigure laughed loudly in response before continuing. "My whole plan was to fight and kill the head Shepherd of the Abbey." He raised his free arm and gazed at his fingers before coiling them into a fist. "But you've become more interesting than Artorius! Someone that never gives up and throws himself at the blades of death, always to move forward." He squinted his eyes at Avernus. " Like a fearless warrior that embraces fighting. I saw what you truly are when you're not straining your power. You're a perfect rival!"

Immediately, Shigure's body began to crackle with magic, waves of mana spiralling around his muscles.

Rokurou stepped forward, pulling his swords slowly, his swords rubbing against the sheaths, but he stopped midway. "Let's begin, Shigure."

Avernus moved beside Rokurou, peering at the legate. "Something is wrong." Avernus turned to Morgirm. The cat malak's eyes flashed and began to glow with magical energy. "Your guess is correct, Avernus. I was limiting his power all the time."

"This is my trump card against Artorius," Shigure said, taking a deep breath. "Morgrim, release my bindings!"

They sensed a faraway power rushing near them. The air around them vibrated, and the earth shook, magma releasing more from the cracks of the cave.

Shigure's muscles flexed, and he roared, sending a shockwave at all sides. The force hit an invisible barrier that Avernus put up right before Shigure's release, and it bounced.

Shigure swept a confident glance over them. "You know it too; with enough will, humans can do anything!"

Rokurou placed his hand on Avernus' shoulder, pulling him back as he moved in front. Admiration flitted behind his eyes. "I'm impressed!"

Velvet dashed to the front, her blade unsheathing from its holder. "You'll need all the help you can get. No way we're staying back!"

Rokurou frowned, looking annoyed. "No. Stay back. That's my fight!"

Shigure slashed in front of him, inviting all of them to fight. "Your friend is right. You need all the power you can get. There is nothing "fair" about this battle any more!"

"Still, my answer is no." Rage nearly cut across his features, his demonic eye flaring up.

Suddenly Laphicet and Lailah stepped forward beside Rokurou, arms glimmering with magic. "Then, we will support you."

Laphicet gestured his small hands at Rokurou, magical waves swirling around the swordsman. Rokurou sensed that his reflexes all dialled up to maximum, and his muscles stacked with energy.

Lailah's feet began to part from the ground, her body levitating as she opened her arms, gesturing her hands to the side. Rokurou's blades flashed with mana, heating up as flames and fire dance around the metal.

"We'll help. Go finish your fight, Rokurou." Laphicet and Lailah both said, their eyes brightening with magic.

Eizen crossed his arms over his chest. "I'll tell you what. I never looked forward to a fight more in my entire life."

Rokurou nodded, smiling in satisfaction as he turned to his brother.

Chaos broke out. Rokurou and Shigure streamed into the middle from opposite sides, swords ready to clash.

Shigure lunged forward, rising Stormhowl skyward. In an instant, he was upon Rokurou with a slashing blow. Rokurou swiped and clashed his blade just in time. Metal rang against metal. They push against each other, their swords locked and grinding.

"Round one thousand thirteen!" Rokurou said.

Shigure chuckled. "Still counting?"

"Yes, but this will be the last round!" Rokurou pushed harder. Shigure's immense power weighed on the combined power of his brother and the little malaks, forcing Rokurou to backpedal. Quickly, Shigure sprinted toward him with a deadly slash aimed at him.

"Cleave!"

Rokurou gathered his strength and parried his blade just in time. The smile widened on Shigure's face. "This is going to be so much fun!"

Rokurou seemed to be enjoying himself too, flashing a smile. "Bring it on!" He rushed Shigure. He swung his weapons, slashing down on his brother. Instead of moving into a defensive stance, Shigure pointed his long sword towards Rokurou and jolted in bright light.

"Punish!"

Rokurou leaped over the charge and landed behind him. His demonic eye burned red, and he sprinted at his brother with full haste.

Shigure whirled back, watching Rokurou slashing his swords together, crossing them in front. Lailah's magic concentrated into the blades, and Rokurou conjured an orb of fire above Shigure and immediately threw his right hand forward, detonating the ball.

"Form 1! Fire Burst!"

The fire rained down on Shigure, washing over him, and his whole body went up in flames.

However, with a wild slash, the fire disappeared, and Shigure chuckled loudly. "You need to try harder!"

His eyes glowed, conjuring the wind as a dark cloud began to form around him, lifting his sword in the air. "I don't even need to dodge!"

Noticing Shigure's familiar mystic arte, Rokurou went for his greatsword, unsheathing it in an elegant move."It will be the same every time!"

The greatswords tore through the air as their wielders came closer. In an instant, the weapons found steel and clashed against each other to impact that even mountains couldn't remain whole.

"Rangetsu Eagle!"

"Rangetsu Style, Final Judgement!"

The Kurogane Stormquell and Stomhowl vibrated as they discovered their match in combat. The sheer amount of untamed energy sent shockwaves through Shigure and Rokurou's bodies, sending them both backward. The blast reached the ceiling of the cave. Cracks began to separate the stone, and lava dripped from the fissures.

Both swordsmen shifted their stance, getting back on their feet.

"You've done it! But…" Shigure squared his shoulders, moaning faintly. However, his eager smile didn't dry.

Shigure gathered his strength, his eyes locked on to his opponent, struggling slightly to breathe. "Not bad at all. But I'm not done yet."

Shigure and Rokuoru were oblivious that the ceiling was going to come down on top of them.

The hot magma dripped around their feet, sizzling in the dirt. Laphicet and Lailah glanced back at each other, alarm clear in their eyes. A plan was telepathed easily between their minds, and the pair sprang into action. Laphicet channelled mana into a gust of wind as Lailah reached out into every particle of the burning rock and melting lava.

"Let's save them!" Laphicet said to Lailah, and she nodded firmly.

Lailah tapped into the burning earth, and rocks surged up from the ground, completely encasing the brothers. The molten lava and falling stones hit the shield and harmlessly trickled and collapsed to the ground.

Laphicet concentrated his power over the ceiling, throwing both of his hands and sent a wave of light and wind at it. The molten rocks slowly cooled into a solid foundation, and the ceiling returned to normal.

The rock shield broke and crumbled into dust, revealing both of the brothers were gazing approvingly at the young malaks.

Shigure raised his hand in appreciation. "Thanks! You guys are something." He turned to Rokurou, giving him a half-smile. "It feels good when you have some friends that you can depend on. Isn't it?"

"It is." Rokurou agreed.

"It sucks to be alone," Shigure said, heaving a heavy breath. "And you're not bad either. You've come a long way, little brother."

Rokurou moved into his battle stance. "Don't act like you're impressed. I haven't even shown you anything."

Shigure clang into his brother's reddish gaze. "Well then, no time for me to take a break."

Rokurou raised his blades, pointing them in the direction of Shigure. "Let's finish this dance."

Shigure peered at the short swords. "Still insisting on fighting with them? Are you sure?"

"Why don't you come and find out? It's our lives on the line!" Rokurou said, brandishing his blades.

With a faint smile, Shigure disappeared into thin air.

Anticipating his attack, Roukorou dodged instantly to his right as Stormhowl scythed down from behind, impacting the ground and shaking the earth. Rokurou whipped his head back at the scene, catching his brother slowly striding at him.

There was no time to catch their breaths. The two lunged at each other at an immense speed. To others, their movements were invisible, only flashes and sparks like lightning, brazing the cave, and the sounds of swords clashing, singing their song of rivalry. The team witnessed their dance in awe, watching the culmination of a thousand years of pure Rangetsu swordplay.

It was pure skill, no more magic involved. Just sheer will and constant clashing of blades were at work. Their swords endured endless punishment. Their wielders showed no mercy. Lailah and Laphicet's eyes were fixed on the arching trails of the swords, tearing the air.

Then, both of the Rangetsu brothers paused until the dust settled. The two of them smiled at each other. Their grins faded as quickly as they appeared. Shigure lunged high, Stormhowl raised above his head, ready to bring it down on his brother. Instead of dodging, Rokurou pressed his feet on the ground firmly, gathering all the energy that he could muster and crossed his blades above his head.

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Shigure's greatsword landed between his weapons, and a loud bang resonated, piercing everyone's ears. For a moment, it appeared that Shigure's absolute strength would tear through Rokuour's defences as his blades continuously began to shake under it.

Amid an uncertain outcome, Velvet readied herself to charge forward, and Eizen gripped his fist in preparation. Suddenly, Rokurou's demonic eyes flared up in power, and he slid the right sword behind Stormhow in a smooth and quick move, trapping Shigure's blade between them.

In an instant, Rokurou hurled Stormhowl along his blades away in a blink of an eye.

Shigure's shocked gaze followed the swords as they sailed away far from their reach. Then he instantly shifted to his brother. Rokurou's mouth curved into a victorious grin as his hand went for the crimson greatsword.

It was all clear to Shigure; The secret blade was his three as one.

Rokuoro slashed his blade in a blink of an eye. Shigure's body flinched as a worthy sword finally found him. He glanced at his brother calmly. "This was your secret blade…" he mumbled and faintly grinned, his massive body falling on its back with a loud thud. At the same time, Stormhowl reached back to and rested on the ground beside his head.

The struggle came to an end. The commotion gave its place back to the bubbling sound of burning lava. None dared to break the silence.

"You and Kurogane have… earned it," Shigure said, beckoned to his sword. "Take it." A trickle of blood ran through his mouth and to his side.

Rokurou stepped forward toward the Stormhowl and pulled it off the ground, eyes lingering on the blade. His expression was mixed. Not happy, not sad. Something clogged his mind. Something that he needed to say to his brother. "Shigure, you were ordered to be executed because I spread the rumour that you want to kill our Lord."

Shigure disrupted him. "I know. I wanted to leave anyway. That wasn't my kind of life. Living like a chained dog."

Morgirm moved beside his head. Even at the doors of death, Shigure's eyes beamed, and he smiled at his malak and companion. "One last thing, Shepherd…." He called Avernus.

The son of Claudin heaved a breath and came forward. "Anything, Shigure."

"I know you're good with malaks. Please, take care of this fat cat."

Avernus raised his hand, and it shone with magic. "Let me ease your pain." he offered.

Shigure spotted a kind flash behind Avernus' serious face and chuckled. "I thought all the Shepherds were the same; cold and unfeeling. But you…" He struggled to breathe. "...You are still soft, even when you're in the middle of all this calamity. If Artorius were like you, he would be much happier."

Suddenly, Eleanor began to sob. With all her will, she couldn't hold back her tears. Shigure noticed and let out a chuckle. "Don't worry about it, Eleanor. I was always prepared. There is no need for you to grieve."

Eleanor wiped the tears with her sleeves, reverting to her true self. "I know… I'm sorry."

"I understand now…." Shigure whispered, looking at Rokurou. "You have lived and prevailed by seeing through death. Fighting alongside irreplaceable friends, you've seen the line between life and death."

Rokurou turned to his friends for a moment through a gaze that acknowledged his brother's claim.

"The only one I can call a friend was this… cat." Shigure barely managed to shift his head and smile at Morgrim.

Rokurou turned his head away from his brother and others, hiding his face until he can recollect his true feelings.

Shigure turned his attention back to Rokurou. "Show me the face of the man who defeated me."

Rokurou glanced back, and their gaze locked into another. Rokurou's saddened expression melted into joy, the same as Shigure. "That was impressive, my little brother."

Shigure laid his head back, shutting his eyes and smiling contently. "Farewell, Rokurou." Velvet marched towards him, releasing her demonic arm from her bandages. Rokurou moved aside, holding the Stormhowl downward, ready to mark the ground.

"I have not a single regret in my entire life."

With Shigure's final words, Velvet scythed down her clawed hand, and with that, the long-time rivalry between the brothers was over.

----------------------------------------

The Shepherd

----------------------------------------

Avernus crouched beside Morgrim as she was grieving silently. "We'll move up whenever you're ready."

Morgrim raised his head to meet his eyes. "I'll follow you, but please, let me stay here a little longer."

Avernus glanced back at the empty spot, where Shigure's body was before Velvet consumed him. A faint sense of gloom shadowed his mind. "Just don't wait too long. We need to move fast while the scarlet moon is in effect."

Morgrim beckoned to the exit. "He is near the center of the volcano, waiting for you."

Avernus rose, eyes fixated at the end of the corridor in anticipation. "Very well."

He turned to Velvet as her arm reverted, hiding underneath the white bandages. Avernus walked to her side. "How do you feel?"

Velvet gripped her fist and then relaxed her hand on her hip. "I'm fine. But I don't know about Rokurou."

They looked at the swordsman and surprisingly found him cheering with Eleanor. Curious, they decided to join them.

"...It is settled then. When this is all over, I'll take you out for some yozakura anmitsu," Rokurou said to Eleanor, and her face brightened up.

"I look forward to that."

Avernus poked Velvet's side. "Did Eleanor agreed to go on a date with Rokurou?"

Velvet raised a brow. Grinning slightly. "Uhum."

"Then how about going for some Mizu Manju ourselves?" Avernus asked, leaning closer to Velvet's ear, whispering. "I know a new Caffe in Yseult. Its desserts are legendary."

"I'd rather not let you eat those in there." Velvet said.

Avernus' proud face faded instantly. "Huh? Why?"

"First of all, I can't taste it. Second, Manju's ingredients need to be fresh, and you can't trust everyone to make it authentically translucent." Velvet said, arms akimbo on her hips, smiling confidently at Avernus. "And I'd rather we go for a picnic. I don't want to spend my time in a busy place." Her burning eyes softened invitingly. "I need some peace and seclusion."

It was usually Avernus' job to flirt and heat things, but this time, it was different. He was taken back by her new attitude. Avernus liked this new "Velvet."

"When you put it like that… how can I refuse you?"

"Then it's settled for us too." Velvet then swept a glance over the Menagerie. "Our first target is down. Let's move forward and put an end to the legates!"

With her signal, the team entered the center of the volcano in caution, eyes probing the area for their final mark.

"He isn't here," Eizen said, head turning side to side, searching among the rising flames of the mountain.

Instantly, Melchior's voice boomed from the top of the peak.

"Have you devoured Shigure, Lord of Calamity?"

They whipped their heads, looking above. They couldn't make his figure among those dense smoke, but his voice was clear.

"Remember, three souls won't be enough to seal Innominat's domain, even with your Shadow's power! Miss one, and you'll doom yourself to die in this inferno! But I'm here. Come with your pathetic entourage and try to take my soul from me!" Melchior's voice echoed, challenging the Lord of Calamity.

Magilou groaned and snorted. "It's a trap…." Her attention shifted to the river of lava close to their position. " Melchior's power is over ice. I only wish we could lure him down here."

Immediately, Avernus' eyes flashed. He turned to Magiou with a grin. "Good thing that I have, Lailah."

Lailah nodded confidently. "I'm ready."

"Magilou, can you use one of your guardian papers to travel to the top?" Avernus asked.

"With this much heat?" Magilou shook her head dismissively. "Of course not. Flying is based on the wind, and heat burns it. So no can do, tiger."

Lailah shifted into an orb and entered Avernus' body. "You can't teleport either." He sighed.

Velvet raised a brow, sensing one of his stunts coming up. "What are you planning?"

Avernus flashed a confident glance at Velvet. "Need to prepare your meal. See you at the top, Lord of Calamity." He abruptly disappeared, warping toward the top. Velvet clicked her tongue and grunted, rubbing her forehead. "Tsk. I should've guessed that he's not going to make it easy." Her eyes caught another cave on the other side. "Everyone! To the top!"

The team vaulted over the lava, sprinting at breakneck speed, hoping that they could reach in time to help the Shepherd.

Melchior was waiting patiently amidst fire and smoke at the peak of the volcano until the air behind him distorted, creating a tear. Avernus appeared from thin air, jumping down and landing with ease. The old legate turned to him, one hand locking behind his waist. His calm expression disappeared and melted into mild anger and disappointment. "Avernus…" He growled his name in utter hate.

Avernus stepped forward, shifting into his battle stance. "Melchior…" He snorted. "Man of lies and deception."

The legate snarled. "The pretender and the failure." Melchior's hand crackled with magic. "The most traitorous being that ever walked this earth."

Avernus jerked his chin at him, taunting him. "Look who's talking; a cold, scheming coward who always hides behind the cape of Claudin Asgard, preaching about things he never meant."

Melchior frowned, rage cutting across his features. "How dare you? You weren't even born when he started all of it. His dream, his desire… you have no right to question his ideal! "

Melchior squared off against Avernus, moving a bit closer, standing a few feet away from him. Avernus crossed his arms, examining his fingernails relaxingly as if Melchior wasn't even a threat. "Claudin didn't want to shackle humanity. He didn't want to tear their emotions away from them. Instead, he wanted to plant seeds of hope, hope for a better future. But you and the Abbey perverted his words into something cold and rotten. Even I read his book a few times, and I know he didn't mean to ruin people's lives!"

Melchior exhaled slowly, locking his gaze with him. "Do you even know the real purpose of The four elemental Empyreans? They are the beings that maintain the balance and harmony between earth, water, wind, and fire. But you haven't stopped and think about why they sleep? Or what waking them will do to this world's order?" Magic swirled around his arm, charging up his fingertips with power. "They sleep because of arrogant, insolent wretches like that girl and her band of misfit that corrupt the soil where ever they go."

Suddenly, Avernus' instincts flared up to an imminent threat, and he quickly whirled on his heels. Avernus slashed a massive shard of ice in a blink of an eye, disintegrating with his sword. Melchior's eyes caught the flash of Caliburn as it cleaved his ambush arte. Melchior was even angrier than before, howling. "That is his sword... it was broken!"

Avernus hummed in satisfaction to annoy the old man and turned Caliburn around, probing and praising it. "It is a flexible and strong sword. My blacksmith friend reforged it for me, and it is mine now."

Melchior opened his arms and clawed his fists around a magic orb forming in front of him. "Then you must know Claudin used that sword to save Artorius. His death shattered the blade, and Artorius sank it beneath the lake near Aball." The white orb formed waves of electricity dancing around it. The lighting from them illuminated Melchior's face. "Your transgression will not be unanswered, false Shepherd!"

Avernus pointed Caliburn at Melchior's face. "Shadow." he corrected him.

"What?" Melchior mumbled.

"I'm no longer a Shepherd, an oracle, or a monk. People are not sheep to be herded, nor do they need someone to force them into submission. They have their own free will, and everyone, whether they're human, malak or daemon, has an equal right to this land to live however they see fit." Caliburn began to heat up with Lailah's power, appearing as a fiery arrow. "Right now, I'm their shadow. The shadow that they cast on villains like you before they meet their end."

Melchior's eyes burned with anger. "And you think I will let you control the four Empyreans? So you can do as you please? Under the order of that vile woman?!"

Avernus began to nod, smiling wickedly and provocatively at the legate. "Yeah. I think I'll just do that."

"How dare you threaten your father's dream?!" Melchior clapped his hand, summoning a whipping wind around himself, and before Avernus' eyes, he disappeared into thin air.

Avernus turned his head around, eyes sharp to any sudden movement. "Claudin was nothing to me. He didn't even know that I existed. Stop playing mind games and step out and fight, you coward!"

Melchior's voice echoed around Avernus, vast and disorienting. "If it were my decision, I would let myself die naturally a long time ago. But I can't rest until this cycle comes to an end. Innominat will cleanse the slate clean, and humanity will be reborn!"

Suddenly a violent gust of wind and ice flew straight at Avernus from behind, but he turned instantly and blasted apart the spell with Caliburn.

"Come out and face me!" Avernus shouted, eyes scanning the area for any clue of his position.

Lailah's calm voice resonated within his mind. "I can help you pinpoint his whereabouts if he uses another attack!"

Immediately, the ground beneath him shook, and thick crystalline stalagmites shot up. Avernus backflipped and dodged the art in the last second. Lailah quickly boosted Avernus' senses. His vision blurred before coming into sharp focus. Avernus scanned the area and spotted a strange rippling in the air on a distant ledge."

A satisfying grin formed on his face. "Found you!"

"Blazing Whip!" Avernus slashed his hand out, creating a hot and robust whip out of the fire. It lashed out into the ripple, slamming and twirling around something substantial. Melchior's illusion faded as Avernus pulled him out and launched him into the air. Avernus yanked his whip in a downward motion, causing Melchior to crash into the ground.

"Ughh!"

Avernus whipped out Siegfried and fired a shot at Melchior. The legate quickly darted out of harm's way, and the bullet impacted the empty ground, obliterating the soil.

Avernus' eyes tracked him, moving away in a flash. Avernus tapped his foot on the ground as he channelled mana, feeling his body speed up. "You don't take the hint, do you?" Avernus charged after him, his speed matching the legate. Avernus aimed a second shot, firing Siegfried.

Abruptly, Melchior's body was enveloped in a bright white shield, and the shot hit the bubble, dispersing into waves of magic around it. Then, the orb washed away, and Melchior wearing a bright blue and white outfit jumped down with solid mana orbs orbiting around him.

Avernus recognized his armatus form. In turn, he raised Caliburn, and it burned with a red flame. "Fethmus Mioma!"

Fire swirled around Avernus, Caliburn transforming into a great majestic sword, his eyes turning into crimson-like lava, and he levitated above ground.

Melchior sized him up, eyes examining Avernus' features in detail. "So, the reports were true. You do know how to Armatize." He said in an alarming tone. "That's why I cannot let you take command of the Empyreans!" Melchior rose into the air, white orbs arranging around him burning up in a blue flame. He squinted at Avernus with murderous intent. "Perish… Distressing Glamor!"

Magic burst off of the orbs, sailing through the air. Avernus threw a massive swing of his sword, sending a large wave of fire and heat that burned away Melchior's arte with ease.

The legate grunted in fury and exhaustion. "You are a mistake! You should never have existed!"

Avernus gently flew back to the ground. With a calm expression, he shot a glare at Melchior. "I didn't know Claudin, but after reading his journal, I know that he had a heart. A heart that could love another person." He pointed an accusing finger at Melchior. "You messed with his student, destroyed his life, turning him into an unfeeling creature." Avernus' voice began to rise. You messed with Lucian and used his desperation to further your goals." Avernus closed his hand and gripped it. "Tonight, all of your ruses will end, trickster."

Melchior, agitated by Avernus' taunts, charged his hand with more magic, his battle orbs forming behind him, spinning rapidly. He began to move his arm in a series of sophisticated gestures. "Imprisoned by the coldest cold…."

As Melchior began to chant, Avernus felt the ground and air beneath and around him, tensing up with chilling magic.

"He is using water and earth to freeze us!" Lailah alarmingly said.

Suddenly, a large ice crystal enveloped Avernus in an instant, surrounded by a howling, frosty air.

"In there, you shall perish! Absolute Prison!" Before Melchior could finish his arte, the crystal heated up and melted away, steaming away like water on hot iron.

"Calamity Flare!" Avernus slashed his firey sword, conjuring a massive wall of fire. It rushed through the battlefield, raging at Melchior with terrifying might and exploding against him. The force sent the legate crashing into the ground.

Melchior quickly levitated back to his feet and fired a ray of concentrated ice beam out of his battle orbs. Melchior's magic screamed through the air at Avernus. Before he could guard, a shield appeared in front of him, defending Avernus against the blast. Avernus turned his head to see Magilou surfing the air on one of her enlarged sheets, flying straight to him. "Can't let you have all the fun," Magilou said, jumping down on the ground and smirking maliciously.

"Where are Velvet and the rest?" Avernus asked.

"They're clearing the way. I decided to break off and come as fast as I can before you suck out all the fun from tonight." Magilou informed, snapping her finger and conjuring a red, flaming sphere that mirrored the crimson moon in the sky near Avernus. "Would you kindly lend me a hand, Shadow of Calamity?"

Avernus grinned wickedly and whipped his sword, throwing a fiery rope that wrapped around the sphere.

Magilou waved her hand and whirled on her feet. "Paint the town red! Blood Moon!"

Avernus lashed out his sword, throwing the crimson sphere with great might at Melchior. The fusion of Avernus and Magilou's magic smashed Melchior into a rock. He crumpled, but his air magic lifted him back up instantly. He pinned a murderous gaze on them.

"Rebellious fools. You've fallen so far, Magilanica!"

Avernus chuckled, taunting him. "It's good to have friends, Melchior. Your loss, our gain."

Magilou stepped beside Avernus. Her magic flared, but her tone was calm and assured, as always. "Your friend, huh?" her cold face beamed slightly with pride for a second, shifting her attention back to Melchior. "I'm Magilanica no more. I'm the evil witch, Magilou!"

Melchior's gaze jumped between Avernus and Magilou in rage. Then he slashed his hands upward, and the battle orbs spun rapidly. Suddenly, the area blackened, and they found themselves in a dim-lit arena.

Avernus identified the trick, sneering at the scene. "Hilarious, Melchior. How about you quit hiding behind your illusions?"

Immediately, Avernus spotted a figure wearing heavy armour rushing at them from the darkness with high speed. Avernus pushed Magilou out of the way and raised his sword on guard. The blades clashed a wave of sundered force that washed the battlefield. Avernus' eyes narrowed in recognition. "Lucian…"

The visage of his dead friend maliciously chuckled. "It's just as I imagined. No matter what we do, this is how we end."

Avernus collected his scrambled mind, preventing his emotions from succumbing to the illusion. "I know. We all signed up for it."

The cheering voice of the impersonator went away and shifted to hate and ire. "Know this, Avernus; I'd rather go to hell than live in a world shaped by you!"

Avernus overcame the illusion, tossed him away, clawed his right hand, and pulled it away, channelling lightning magic into it. "Lion's Howl!"

Avernus slammed his fist into the imposter's stomach. The sheer force of his punch disintegrated the doppelganger as they hurled away. Avernus's senses tingled, and he turned immediately toward his back, preparing for another confrontation, raising his sword.

Then he paused. Avernus' tense features loosened as soon as he laid eyes on a woman with long red hair standing there.

"Rosa…" He recognized.

The elegant woman walked serenely toward him. "You did all you could, son. It's time to let go." She opened her arms in welcome. "Come to me."

Avernus smiled and pressed his lips, shaking his head and lowering his weapon."Ever since my mother died, I've been running away from the truth. I worried that I wasn't going to like what I found. That maybe I was responsible for her death, and as a Shepherd, I didn't do enough to protect her. But…" He clanged to Rosa's gaze and stepped towards her. "My mother would never want me to back down. Not when I'm this close to finishing it."

Rosa frowned, dropping her arms in dissatisfaction. "But that girl is not human!"

"You're wrong. I don't know anyone who is as human as Velvet. She hates because she loves, and she feels hurt because she cares. That's what is called being human." He raised his tone, scowling at the malak. "And that's what Abbey's ideals lack! The humanity!"

Suddenly he raised his right arm and snatched something, with a quick reflection, out of the air, a sharp shard of crystal that was meant for his head. The chilling cold was still radiating out of its transparent surface. Avernus clutched his hand, crushing it into tiny pieces. Fear and dread flitted across the malak imposter, and she shifted into an orb, darting into darkness.

Avernus slowly turned back, eyes burning with fire. "That was the last mistake you just made. I will enjoy seeing you die, Melchior..."

As he turned his head, he spotted Velvet sprinting at him. "Well, it seems the cavalry's here-"

Out of the blue, Velvet's chest ripped open, and the blade of a long sword ran through her chest, blood dripping from the hilt. Avernus' eyes widened in dread and shock for a moment as a pair of icy and distant eyes appeared behind her.

"Artorius!" Avernus shouted, recognizing Shepherd's stony face.

Velvet crumpled, writhing in pain as she fell on her knees. Her eyes met his desperately as her body lit up in flame and then charred into a crisp. "Avernus, I love you-"

Avernus quickly reverted to his usual sense. "You haven't fooled me, Melchior. I'm done with this illusion!"

Avernus' eyes caught a glimpse of ice magic shining in the darkness way behind Artorius' figure. He gestured his sword towards the sky, and a circular sigil formed above. A rush of mana and adrenaline surged through his body, and he sensed the world was bending to his will. "This is the sword that cuts forward; to the future!"

His voice gave motion to the burning sigil above, and it rotated wildly, magical inscription glowing around it. "Taste its will! Fall before my…." Avernus slashed his sword downward in a massive swing. "Final Blade!"

With an uncanny buckling and iron-breaking sound, a massive blade of pure blaze shaped from his magic plunged from inside of the sigil, diving down towards the other side. The elemental sword crashed into the ground and sent waves of tremors across the field.

Instantly, the illusion faded into nothing, leaving them back on the volcano. Avernus spotted Melchior amidst the aftermath of his arte's impact, his robe burning, and his battle spheres showing signs of damage.

Magilou turned to him. "How did you know Velvet was an illusion? What gave her away?"

"Aside from being very careful not to get ambushed by anyone, Velvet would never say that she loves me." He casually answered.

Magilou smiled bitterly. "Touche'...Sad but true."

As Avernus shifted into his battle stance, real Velvet's angry voice came from behind as she was sprinting to him. "You and I are going to have a serious talk after this!"

Avernus surprisingly nodded at her, looking content and happy. "I can't wait."

Finally, the team had managed to catch up. Velvet shot a scolding glare at Avernus, stopping at his side. "Flirting with the Lord of Calamity in the middle of fire and brimstone?" Velvet asked.

"Yes, that's me. I'll never change." Avernus said to her, shifting his attention back to the wounded legate.

Eizen and Rokurou smiled approvingly. "Wow, You did a number on him."

Melchior's groaned and whimpered. His healing arte was barely holding him up. "Arrrgh! If I was only a hundred years younger…."

"Just a hundred?" Avernus mockingly wondered.

Magilou nodded at her comrades. "He used an oath to add a century or two to his life."

Melchior struggled to get back on his feet, his wound healed. However, he seemed to be trailing off. "But did he not say; Man can turn reason into disorder, but also can we surpass it. Our true power is in transcending the possible to achieve the ideal."

Avernus stepped forward. "Then what about the rest of it?"

Melchior narrowed his eyes, humming in silence.

Avernus cocked his head, mimicking something he didn't even hear once, but it began sending shivers to Melchior as he preached it excellently like Claudin himself. "My people, you must always live with great vigour and hold hope for the world and our future. Man can turn reason into disorder, but also can we surpass it. Our true power is in transcending the possible to achieve the ideal. My people, you must live without hesitation. Hold hope in your hearts. Hold hope for tomorrow."

The cold and unfeeling face of Melchior accumulated enough anger to wrinkle. "You insolent little brat! I'll show you the true meaning of his words!"

Magilou slid beside Avernus, whispering in a low voice. "Let's link our powers again. I've got a surprise for the old man."

Avernus nodded, and Magilou thrust an arte into Siegfried, and it throbbed with magical energy, arming it with an illusory arte. Avernus recognized the magic.

Magilou pointed her finger at Melchior. "Shoot him!"

Avernus raised Siegfried and quickly pulled the trigger, whispering the arte. "Drown in your misery… Mind Killer." The gun roared in a strange, metallic sound, like hammering, and a beam of rippling energy came shooting out the barrel and struck Melchior as he was charging his spell. The arte enveloped the legate in a flash, and the whole area shifted again into an illusion.

Melchior stumbled backward, his eyes wide, and the colour slowly drained from his face. He looked around wildly, not seeing the rest of the team. "No… no! This can't be!"

Avernus probed the area and found out they were now in a castle. To be specific, in the throne room.

A voice instantly caught their attention, echoing around the room.

"Melchior, what have you done?" A man with a long, blue cape with adored fur around the neck said. He turned around. The Menagerie gazed in shock. Avernus blinked rapidly and then squinted at him. He looked like a much older Avernus, with a beard and blue eyes instead of bright green.

"Claudin Asgard," Avernus said, eyes clinging into a father he never met in person before.

Claudin levelled a contemplating gaze at Melchior. His voice came out echoing again. "You've failed the Abbey, and you've failed me. I can't forgive what you did to the people. Never."

Sweat dripped down the side of Melchior's face, his eyes widening in fear. "But I did all of it for you! For your ideals!"

Claudin ignored his pleas and turned his face away from him. The area suddenly darkened, with only Melchior trembling in the middle. After a few moments, their vision came flooding back, and they saw Melchior across them. He was dropped to his knees and gasping in agony.

"What did you do? What did you do?!" He yelled as the last bit of illusion faded, leaving everyone back on the volcano.

Magilou twirled a guardian paper on her index finger. "Emotions are a pain, isn't that right, master?"

"That was a taste of your own medicine." Avernus turned to Magilou, grinning. "Look at him. Maybe he's not all he's hyped up to be."

Melchior snarled, and a wave of ice magic rushed right at them. With a full swing from his blade, Avernus dispelled them quickly, but Melchior was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, the area near the edge beamed with light, and they turned only to see Melchior conjuring a ball of pure untamed mana above the volcano.

Laphicet ran to their front. "He's trying to set off the volcano!"

The battle orbs created an enormous shield around him. Velvet pounced and slashed her claw at it, and it immediately bounced off of it. Eizen and Laphicet formed blades of razor-sharp air in their hands and let them loose at the ward. They ground the dome, but they dispersed in flickers of mana as the dome expanded, obliterating their artes. Magilou threw another gigantic air blade at the ward, which shuddered, but it shattered in a massive surge of magick. Eleanor darted and plunged her spear into the barrier. Avernus followed her move and pierced the shield with his greatsword. They both pushed their weapons as the surface flickered and began to crack, but Melchior shoot sparks of magic towards them, and they passed through the ward, hitting Eleanor. She screamed in pain but gripped her spear tighter. Before the second wave hit her square in the chest, Rokuour pulled her back and raised a guard with Stormhowl, absorbing all mana.

Velvet shifted to Avernus as he was still resisting and pushing against the shield. Suddenly, a shard of crystalized ice cut across his cheek, slicing it open. She whipped her hand, shouting."Get back, or those artes will rip you apart!"

Avernus groaned and stopped his struggle, jumping away from the ward. Melchior swept a glance at the Menagerie. "Tonight, I will take the Lord of Calamity and her Shadow with me. And tomorrow, the world will breathe a new era!"

Avernus scanned the shield for a weakness. Suddenly, Lailah's voice resonated in his mind. "Observe, big brother!"

His eyes caught the flow of energy rising from beneath Melchior's feet. A swarm of mana along with souls blazed and trailed upward. "Are they... malaks?!" Avernus asked.

"Yes. All the souls and emotions Innominat suppressed are being released. This is the peak hour!" Lailah informed."Any souls that his domain suppressed are freed momentarily!"

The bright shades whirled aimlessly above their heads. The rest followed his gaze and noticed the lights dancing and whistling around them. Melchior turned his head around as the density of mana began to rise.

Avernus' eyes glittered with a plan. He pushed his feet to the ground and shot himself up. He opened his arms. "I'll lend my body to all of you!"

With his call, the wandering souls instantly flow to his position. They rest gazed at the river of souls streaming to Avernus. The raw emotions of lost souls entered his body in force. All that Innominat suppressed and lost were flowing to him like moths to the flame. Avernus' body surged up with power, and burning emotions raged within him.

Melchior gasped, sweat trickling along his forehead. "You…! What are you doing?!" As Melchior yelled, the shepherd's body burned brightly like the sun in the sky. "Is that a new arte I don't know about?"

Feeling all that "will to live" that was taken away by Innominat, shifting into a desire to put an end to Abbey's tyranny, broke the limit on Avernus' abilities.

Avernus opened his eyes, flames roaring inside them that made distinguishing his pupil impossible. It was all red, and his voice dialled up in tone, becoming more strident. "You use people and malakhim as tools, Melchior. You wouldn't understand the power flowing through me!"

Melchior narrowed his eyes in doubt. "The power?" He sneered, "You've become nothing but another berserk!"

Avernus raised his flaming sword. "That's right!" He jolted at the ward and smashed it into the barrier with a loud war cry. The surface flickered and cracked as he brought the sword down. With a blast of energy, the ward shattered entirely. In desperation, Melchior sent one of his orbs to block Avernus' path, but he cut it easily, batting the melting pieces aside. Melchior raised his arms, channelling more mana into his arte to accelerate the eruption.

But his face stilled as a woman's voice echoed coming from behind. "All I see is a lone man that can't accept the reality." A pair of burning and a gentle hand grabbed his shoulder, fixing him in his place. "Seres?!" He groaned her name as he felt those hands burning his shoulders. "I can't stand this frozen world, where happiness is cast away easily because of reason."

Melchior struggled to move a muscle, but he was frozen in his place. He couldn't even blink. Seres moved her head near his ear. "This is for the pain that you caused and the happiness you took from Velvet's family." She whispered. Melchior's eyes gazed in dread as Avernus advanced relentlessly to his position, watching in slow motion. "Go. I will release you to your "reason."

With her words over, Avernus let out a loud yell and slashed widely at the legate. His burning sword cut across Melchior's chest, splattering blood over his clothing and burning his flesh. He bellowed in agony as the smell of charred flesh filled the air.

"Go to the place where the rest of you are!" Avernus screamed and dashed away. Melchior's eyes widened; behind Avernus, Velvet rushed at him, arm already transforming into demonic claws.

In a flash, the piercing fangs dug deep into his skin, and he was carried off of his feet. The wolf finished her hunt, and she snatched her prey triumphantly.

Agonizing pain enveloped his withered body. Finally, all the suffering he inflicted came biting him back. His eyes widened in fear. The dread of failing his mission was a devastating blow. "How dare you insult Claudin's ideals-"

The insatiable hunger couldn't distinguish. Human, malak, or daemon, it didn't matter. He was just another snack. The blackness yawned and sank Melchior beneath its infinite darkness.

Velvet's hand devoured Melchior's body to the last of its atoms. She raised her head to glance at the crimson moon, and her body glittered with supernatural power. She clawed her demonic hand and dived into the mouth of the volcano. Her soulfire bubbled with the spirits of four dead legates as they were getting ready to funnel out of her hand. Avernus sensed the lifespring at its peak, mana flowing freely around them. He saw Velvet inside the frame of the moon, like a wolf lunging over a cliff. "Velvet! Send them all! Now!"

Velvet aimed at the volcano's mouth, eyes fixated on the ocean of lava beneath. "Hey, Empyreans! The Lord of Calamity is here! Wake the hell up!"

With all her inhuman might, she pulled her arm and threw her hand, firing the surge of souls as they screamed directly into the core of the mountain. A column of rainbow light smashed into the lifespring, forcing the souls into the earth's veins and pushing against the current of mana. The mount Killarus rumbled with violent activity as Velvet landed on her feet near her team.

Velvet whirled her head at Avernus. "My job is done. What's next?"

Avernus shut his eyes and tapped into the flow of the earthpulse beneath them. But nothing came through. He struggled to follow the souls that Velvet sent plummeting down the earth, but they were all gone and disappeared into the flood of mana. A violent shaking pulled him out of his focus as he tried to keep his balance. The land beneath them cracked.

"What about the Empyreans?" Eizen asked, shouting amidst the commotion and explosion around them.

Doubt washed over him for a second; the big moment they all went for was seemingly out of reach. After all, they went through, and not getting results was devastating.

Velvet yanked his arm, and he turned to her. Faint disbelief hazed his glance, and Velvet sensed his despair. "We'll get burned alive if we stay here. Let's go. We'll come up with something."

It was strange for Avernus; the Lord of Calamity usually went mad at not getting what she wanted, but at that moment, she was giving the Shepherd hope. It was always the other way around. But his heart could not easily accept it, not when they come this close. Suddenly a strange sound chimed near the edge of the peak, and a portal tore through the area, widening from sides. The volcano began to erupt, Sending fire and burning everything all around them. Avernus gestured toward the opening. "To the portal! Now!"

The team sprinted with haste. Avernus stayed back to ensure everyone left the peak. The last remaining people were him and Velvet. She wrapped her fingers around his wrist and tugged him through the portal. Avernus squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself.

As they entered the portal, they felt their bodies accelerated, and the sinking feeling in their stomach kicked in. Then a doorway blazed beneath them. When the light faded from the portal, Avernus saw a view of a garden.

They emerged in a lush garden. Contrary to the turmoil and rush of adrenaline, the atmosphere was serene and quiet, where cobwebs glinted between the trees, and motes of sparkling pollen danced above furled night-blooming flowers.

Avernus quickly scanned the area around them. "Where are we?"

Magilou sneered at the scene. "It's just like the fairytale books."

Laphicet breathed slowly, taking the clean air in. "A fairyland," he observed, but a vast lake grabbed his attention. "Look!"

Behind the trees, the blood moon lit up the sky and underneath it was a calm lake. As their eyes skimmed the surface, the air around them seemed to heat up, and a bright light bloomed above the water near them, growing brighter and brighter.

As they covered their eyes, the light slowly waned, and the air thick with a strange power.

They raised their head; Hovering before them, looking down on all with strange, flickering eyes, they saw an elegant woman descending, her long red hair levitating around her.

"Who's… she?" Laphicet asked, eyes clinging to her radiant features.

The woman glanced unfavourably at Avernus as if she already knew him. "I'm Brunhild, and you must be Claudin Asgard's son."

Avernus frowned in response. "Yes. And you must be Claudin's malak and the Lady of the Lake."

Brunhild's gaze remained cold. "Correct. It has been my duty and my life and to protect the power of the pact. For years beyond counting, have I been here, and shall I remain until my task is done?" She said, opening her arms. " You are here, in Avalon, the sacred land and the world between worlds." She swept a contemptuous glance over the rest. "And I take that you've managed to wake all four Empyreans, son of Claudin?" Her gaze landed on Velvet, and she scowled at the Lord of Calamity, sensing the immense malevolence within her.

Velvet stepped forward. "Yes. I want to-"

Brunhild disrupted Velvet, her ancient voice rising with anger. "Had I desired to hear from you, cursed creature, I would not have addressed the Shepherd. You will hold your tongue, lest you lose it forever, in your unseemly haste to speak!"

Fury flared behind velvet's eyes, malevolence spewing from between her bandages. She was ready to lung and cut the malak down. But immediately, Avernus held his arm over Velvet's chest, nodding to calm her down. She heaved a heavy breath and stayed silent.

Brunhild turned to Avernus. "You, son of Asgard. This appeal shall issue from your lips alone."

"I want to make a pact with the four Empyreans and take Innominat's domain away from him." Avernus requested.

"Do you have your father's sword?" Brunhild asked.

Avernus coiled his fingers over an invisible handle, and it slowly formed out of thin air beneath them. He slowly pulled it off out of nothingness and raised it, showing it to the ancient malak.

In a surprise move, Brunhild waved her hand away, and an unseen force pulled Caliburn from Avernus' hand and threw it into the lake.

Anger and shock twisted Avernus's features, and he dashed into the lake, but his feet hit a solid ward above water. He dropped to his knees and slammed the shield with his Lion's Howl arte. But it did not affect the ward. He watched helplessly as his sword sank beneath the darkness. He turned toward Brunhild and whipped out Siegfried, pointing it at the malak. "Give it back before I obliterate you."

Brunhild bitterly grinned, her eyes narrowing. "You are the first Shepherd in several thousand years that threatened me."

Siegfried flared up with magic, and Avernus' thumb pulled the hammer down. "I don't have time to play games, malak. Give me the sword."

"I have spied you in the eye of roiling storms, raging seas, and screaming earthpulses, child." Brunhild scowled. "And you point your weapon at me? What a dreadfully misguided display of mortal pluck. I suggest you weigh your next words well and think twice before you test my favour again."

Laphicet instantly ran towards them. "We just want to save the world. We mean no harm!"

His voice grabbed Brunhild's attention, and she turned to him. "A newborn, pure malak." She scrutinized Laphicet. "... and a powerful one too. You must be the one who tapped into earthpulses before. Your domain has potential, child." She fully turned to him. "Tell me, what do you see in your companions?" She let her contemplating gaze flitted towards Velvet. "And take their side?"

Laphicet's eyes flashed with the will to protect and the light that Brunhild recognized as family. "Everything that makes the world and everything that gives me joy and hope! Even the one that you call a "cursed creature" gave me my life! She freed me! I can't think of anyone better than her to live with."

Brunhild raised her brows. "But your journey led to nothing but death and misery…."

Laphicet gripped his fist. "No, it didn't. All of it, cries, laughter, and struggles, all were part of life!"

Avernus' body shone, and Lailah flew from it, landing and appearing near Laphicet. "He's right! I would never, ever exchange the time I had with them with anything." Lailah's emerald eyes filled with fire and emotions. "Give us the means to save the world, or I will take it and give it back to Avernus myself!"

Lailah's claims amused Brunhild. "You're a fire malak." She giggled, her face softening up. "And you let that emotion fuel your conviction, young one." Brunhild beckoned to the lake. "If you can, go and take it."

Lailah stuck her chest out and breathed, gazing confidently at Brunhild. "I will." She declared and ran towards the lake, jumping. To their surprise, she passed the ward and dived into the blackness. Avernus took off to follow her, but the surface was still shielded for him. He desperately turned to Brunhild. "If something happens to her…."

"You will kill more as you did for Rosa?" Brunhild asked.

Avernus' eyes widened. "How do you…."

"Rosa and I were Claudin's malaks. You could call us… sisters." Brunhild said, the corner of her mouth curving into a smile. "She was left behind in case Claudin's son was born. But because of her love for you, instead of sending you back to Midgand, she decided to give you to the distant continent's royal family and keep you away from all of it." She shook her head slightly. "Ironically, you've still returned to us, albeit a little too late." She waved her hand dismissively. "I grow tired of this tarrying. Speak now, and divulge your oh-so-pressing mortal woes of why I would give that power to someone unpredictable?"

Avernus stepped closer to her. "We want to stop Artorius and Innominat and put an end to this stillness and cold prison they call the ideal world."

"And put chaos instead of it?" She asked.

"Maybe," Avernus muttered. "That's how the world is, am I right?"

"Before anything, there is something I must ask. I see that the path that led each of you here was not easy. There is suffering in your past and the suffering of others." Brunhild turned to the group and fixed her gaze on Velvet. "The shepherd follows your every whim, cursed creature. Tell me, what would you ask of him if I grant the power he seeks?"

"Tell him to bury Innominat and Artorius with it," Velvet answered, keeping her calm despite Brunhild's insults.

"And?" the malak asked.

Velvet crossed her arms, fingers drumming her elbows. "And nothing. I don't care about anything else. All I want is to take back the world that we all live in."

"Interesting," Brunhild mumbled, shifting to Eleanor. "And what of you, young exorcist? You once held Abbey's ideals in high places, pinning your life on them, and now you want all of it to fall apart?"

Eleanor put her hand on her chest. "There is no sense in hiding, is there? I still have doubts at times. Only the fool is completely certain of herself. I will do the same. Seeing people's free will taken from them in the hope of living in a cold and freezing hell is unforgivable!"

Seemed satisfied, Brunhild turned to Eizen as he was passing his coin through his fingers. "You, the earth malak, who sailed seas for hundreds of years, what is it that you seek? Revenge like the girl for your fallen comrade?"

Eizen tossed his coin and grabbed it out of the air. "Yes, but it's also about people's creed. Innominat is taking it all away. He's suppressing all nations for the sake of stealing humanity and malakhims rudder, and I will not rest until I put an end to him and that idea with my fists!"

Brunhild slowly turned to Rokurou. "And what of swordsman? What else do you seek after killing your brother? Is there more?"

Rokurou cocked his head proudly and playfully. "Of course, there is more! Artorius is a capable opponent, and I want to fight him. As long as fighters out there to challenge me, I will not back down."

Brunhild's eyes shifted to Magilou. The witch raised her arms and jumped in joy. "Is it my turn now? Hurrah! I'm so excited!"

"Yes. Do you not regret killing your only family-"

Magilou laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "Listen, dear. I'm just here for the fun of it. Seeing these people kicking ass gives me joy that I can't go until I don't see the end."

Finally, Brunhild returned her attention to Avernus. "Wasn't your heart all alone and full of sadness before? What makes you think that they can offer something different than Artorius? Those who think only about themselves?"

Avernus bobbed his head and gazed firmly at the malak. "You're wrong, Brunhild. My heart was never alone. Within it, feeling for my mother, who sacrificed everything for me, lives on. For Lailah, who always stood by my side, lives on. For Velvet, who looked after me and accepted me for what I'm lives on. Nothing can shatter these feelings." He turned to his friends. "With Velvet at my side, I've ignited the flames of conviction and found my lost soul within her. With Eleanor, I searched for the right way forward and learned to never stray from what I believed. Along Magilou, we made fun of the whole world. Laphicet gave me hope for a better future and a partner to share this adventure with. Rokurou taught me how to walk the path to self-perfection. And Eizen showed me to follow my creed."

Avernus turned to Brunhild again. "My strength comes from differences between Artorius, who abandoned love and Velvet, who embraced love into her heart!"

The malak remained silent, thinking about a new perspective that she never encountered before.

Suddenly, a piece of ward broke, and they saw Lailah's hand holding Caliburn, raised out of the water. Avernus streaked at her and grabbed Lailah's hand instead of the sword, pulling her up. He crouched, tucking her silver strands of hair behind her ears. "Thank you, Lailah."

Brunhild witnessed the scene in silence. Her doubt had gone away, and hesitation dried out of her face. "Take the sword." She said and conjured something out of the air; an adorned scabbard began to materialize above her hand. "This is the artifact that you need."

The sheath began to levitate toward Avernus, and he accepted it.

Brunhild glanced at Lailah, gazing at her soaked body. "Your will is adamant, and your fire burns bright, malak. What is your name?"

Lailah locked her glance into Brunhild. "Lailah, the Pure."

"I have seen your journey from the faraway land to reunite with your shepherd and risking your life without a second thought to take back his weapon." A faint tone of sadness waved in her voice. "The world has changed, and I'm no longer fit for this task." Brunhild's eyes flashed. "Will you take the oath and mantle of the Lady of the Lake, guiding him in these dark times?"

Avernus looked at Lailah. Her conviction matched Velvet. There was no doubt in her eyes. "I will!" she declared.

Brunhild opened her arms, and a column of light began to envelop Lailah. Avernus stepped back in uncertainty and watched her as she rose higher. Sparks of magic swirled around her body, her features gleaming.

"You will bear the ever-burning fire, Lailah. Be the beacon for lost souls and those who seek the truth! From now on, you are the Lady of the Lake!" Brunhild's voice echoed, and her body disappeared in a blinding flash. The lake suddenly flared with light. Avernus desperately searched for Lailah in the middle of the illumination. The concern in his eyes began to disappear as Lailah started to descent.

Brunhild's disembodied voice echoed around them. "I entrust it to you, Lailah, the pure, that which you believe you have to do."

Avernus instantly kneeled before her.

Lailah placed her hand on his shoulder. "She gave me their true names.."

Avernus rose to his feet and turned to their friend, watching, standing a few meters away from them. "You guys might want to stand back a bit."

As they stepped back, Caliburn's scabbard lit up, its golden inscription flashing. Lailah opened her arm, raising them to the sky. A swarm of the memories entered Avernus' mind, and his thoughts filled with ancient muttering and whispers. He began to control his breath, the weight seemed unbearable, but Avernus didn't falter. He sent his psyche directly at them and pulled the glowing Caliburn out, and raised it skyward. "Arise and go forth! Push Innominat to beyond!"

An otherworldly power hummed inside Averns intensified, thrumming like an electric storm, then a blinding blast of light sore out of the sword and shot to the skies.

They felt a strange but potent shift in the earth itself.

Four new domains grow out of the earthpulse, like a raging flood looking for the still water to wash it away. Innominat's stranglehold on wills and souls were loosened. The balance started to shatter, and four Empyreans homed in onto Innominat's domain, grinding it into submission. The emptiness quickly succumbed to the torrent of fire, wind, water, and earth. The eight-headed dragon raised his wings and soared to the skies, nesting above the horizon in a majestic castle of glass.

The Menagerie was lifted off their feet, and they disappeared into light, only to reappear on the calm volcano once again. As they landed, they watched Avernus lost his balance as his consciousness went away. Velvet lunged at him and managed to catch the Shepherd before his body hit the ground.

"Idiot..."

They rushed to him. Velvet gently placing Avernus' head on her lap. "Is he alright?" Velvet asked, watching him peacefully sleeping.

The Lady of the Lake nodded in assurance. "Yes. His body is adjusting to his new pact." She looked up to the sky, gazing over the four columns of light surrounding the sky.