Mey signed to Liebe, I don't understand what's going on. I don't understand anything.
Liebe removed the guards and handles from his dual swords as he stated, "This place is a forbidden library. All these books contain information on forbidden magic — more specifically, the second-tier forbidden magic: the Devil Binding Ritual."
Mey signed, What's that?
Liebe said, "Attribute — steel magic, iron," and used a lot of magic power to create an anvil and a furnace."Do you also have phoenix flame magic like Warner?" Liebe asked.
Mey nodded yes.
"Great," Liebe said. "Help me fire up the furnace. But because of the Z-jammer, it'll cost a lot more magic."
As Mey started the flames, Liebe continued, "The Devil Binding Ritual is a forbidden magic where you artificially summon a devil from the underworld and either offer something or challenge them to a fight for their power. But if you fail the challenge, they take possession of your body."
As Liebe created silver ingots, he melted them in the furnace.
Mey signed, You have a second attribute?Liebe said, "Yeah."Mey signed, Okay… how did you get it?
Liebe said, "I have a contract with a different devil."
Mey looked horrified and signed, Is that why you know so much?Liebe nodded. "Yes."
As the silver melted, Liebe poured in two drops of the tears and five drops of the blood into the mixture, then began forming two swords.
Mey signed, If you needed swords, why not just melt the ones you have instead of creating new metals to make new ones?
Liebe said, "Because the ones I have were gifts from my grandfather back when I was seven, so I can't alter them. And these—these are holy swords. Because of the tears and blood, they deal more damage against devils or unholy creatures.
"And yes, it's true I also practice forbidden magic, but I do it to help others — not harm them. But this place… it's just sick. Here, devils are summoned only to be tortured and researched. This library is everything I stand against.
"Some idiot must have summoned a supreme devil and asked for more than he could handle. Now that devil is trying to break the seal on the underworld. If that happens, uncountable devils will pour out — even if it's just from one floor. We can't let him complete it."
As he fixed the guard and handle onto the new sword, Liebe said, "Don't worry. Take this sword, and here's my communicator. Unfortunately, because of the Z-jammer, it doesn't work — but if you pour enough magic into it, it might. Use it to call for help from Licht and the others. It's okay if you can't talk — just use Morse code. This page here lists how to use it."
He handed her a small folded page. "Now that my main blade is ready, you can take the bottle of tears — only about 44 ml left — and two of these bottles of blood. They'll help. After you tell Licht your coordinates, he'll come to help.
"I'll stop that devil, no matter what — even if it takes my life. And if I die, tell my mother and Alysa I loved them."
Then he took several knives from his uniform. "Now for the last part — time to melt all these and add holy water."
Mey signed, How did you hide that many knives in your clothes?
Liebe said, "Easy. I thought, if I can't use magic, I'll use blades — and the more I have, the better."
As he turned all his knives into holy blades, Liebe prepared himself. He put on his gloves and said, "Time to say goodbye, I guess. Follow my plan. Don't worry — the devils can't attack you here. The cave has drops of holy water; dark beings can't pass it without burning to a crisp.
"And don't worry — Licht is my best friend. He'll save you if you can use the communicator."
As Liebe was about to leave, he drank a vial of blue liquid.
Mey signed to Liebe, What is that?
Liebe said, "Mana recovery potion. Thought I'd keep it just in case."
As the morning light reached into the cave, Liebe said, "Good luck — and tell Licht thanks for being a bro."
As he turned to leave, Mey grabbed his wrist and signed, Please don't go! If you die, I won't have anyone to talk to. You're the only person in the world who ever bothered to talk to me. I can't bear being alone.
Liebe said softly, "Keep on living. I can promise that in the near future, you'll find someone — someone who will fight for your happiness and cheer you on, no matter what. Someone who will believe in you and love you for who you are. They'll always be the one to champion you — your champion.
"So live on, no matter what — for them."
He gently patted Mey's head. Tears streamed down her face as she thought to herself, Why does everyone I care about leave me at one point or another?