After Licht returned, Alysa said, "Licht, where were you?"
Licht said, "Talking down a dumbass."
Alysa said, "Ok."
Licht said, "So, what are you cooking right now? It smells amazing."
Alysa said, "Something I found in a random recipe book."
Licht said, "By that, do you mean heard the name in a random erotic novel and actually cooked it?"
Alysa said, "Exactly."
Licht said, "Why are you all such degenerates?"
Alysa said, "Good question, but mostly because I like it."
Licht said, "I figured that out, at least the last part."
Alysa said, "Good."
Licht said, "By the way, it really does smell good. Can I have a bite?"
Alysa said, "Sorry, no. I'm making this for Eosian, Mey, and his girlfriend or something."
Licht said, "Oh, the little dumbass?"
Alysa said, "Yeah. Thought since we're all locked down, I can make something and he would get the taste of a bit of a home-cooked meal, since he is my brother and all. That's the least sisterly thing I can do."
Licht said, "But then, I'm your future brother-in-law."
Alysa said, "Fine. If you accompany me."
Licht said, "Sure. It's probably best not to be out alone, especially with that serial killer around."
Alysa said, "Thanks for worrying, I guess."
Licht said, "Sure. Can't let what happened to Isurugi and Fate happen to you. Otherwise, who will cook and help us wake up on time?"
Alysa said, "The waking up thing is just for you. Liebe kinda lied about that."
Licht said, "Yeah, should have kept my mouth shut. Now that hurts a bit."
Alysa said, "Don't worry."
As they went out and were talking towards the other dorm, Alysa said, "What's the plan now?"
Licht said, "After M gets back, I can use her power to see the next victim."
Alysa said, "How?"
Licht said, "By using our greatest weapon—something the killer possibly can't know we have."
Alysa said, "I didn't know we had something like that."
Licht said, "We do. We have the power of luck on our side, so we will just guess."
Alysa said, "You're sober, right?"
Licht said, "I'm as sober as a nun right now."
Alysa said, "As much as I hate to say it, but right now your sense of humor isn't in the best state."
Licht said, "I said that because it isn't meant to be humorous. Think about it: did you ever beat Liebe or M in a game of rock-paper-scissors in the last ten years?"
Alysa said, "Even though we only knew M for barely three years, yeah, it's true. But still, assassins don't fall from the sky—"
As someone crashed on the ground in front of them, it was the assassin. As he stated, "Subordinates of Faust, I will eliminate you!"
Licht said, "Told you the luck thing was true. This guy literally fell from the sky."
Alysa said, "Now I'm actually starting to believe it."
As they drew their weapons, Licht said, "Now, let the game begin."
The assassin said, "I will ensure Faust dies in the worst possible way, starting with you two."
Meanwhile, in the coastal islands of Imuri, as Liebe entered the command center, Lilith said, "Glad you could make it."
Liebe said, "It was required. Now, Andre, show me the map."
As Andre opened the map, Lilith said, "So, what's the plan, tactician?"
Liebe said, "Let me see. Andre, how many islands are in this group?"
Andre said, "23."
Liebe said, "And what are the assumed positions of the pirates and the Leviathan? Also, what does the princess look like? And any words from the scout?"
Andre said, "One second, sir." And after confirming a few informations, Andre said, "After the Leviathan awakened, the pirates used it to capture the princess. It appears pirates are known as the Silver Chin pirate group. Rough estimate of forces is five ships with over 250 members."
Liebe said, "And the position of the Leviathan?"
Andre said, "After it took down the convoy, it had taken some damage from local forces as well as our Captain, Captain Thia. But she was injured and is recovering."
Liebe said, "And exactly how much do you know about the terrain?"
Andre said, "Almost everything."
Liebe said, "Ok, show me the points."
Andre said, "As of right now, we confirmed the Silver Chin pirates are located here on the western ends of the Imuri Islands, more specifically this small island, Hibari Island. And for the Leviathan, it escaped after sensing the threat of Captain Thia and is currently healing itself in the warm waters near the coast of Izuma Island on the eastern end of the map."
Liebe said, "On two opposite ends, huh? Ok, give me a moment." Liebe said, "Exactly how many pirates are near the Leviathan?"
Andre said, "From the scouts, about 25. As they also threatened to use it and kill the people on the coastal islands as well as in the mainlands if we don't fulfill their demands."
Liebe said, "What, exactly? What did they say and ask for?"
Andre said, "The transmission came in about seven hours ago. He stated they have the princess alive and well, and the Leviathan is under their control. So they are asking for five battleships with 50,000 gold coins, as well as safe passage for their ships to international waters. And in order to fulfill these demands, they have given us exactly 96 hours, or four days. And if not done so, they will turn the Leviathan on us and destroy the coastal region and kill the princess."
Liebe said, "Any evidence the princess is actually alive?"
Andre said, "Unfortunately, yes. She was given the communicator, stated she was alive, and said how kind they were to let her live."
Liebe said, "And Gelda, have you been to those islands?"
Gelda said, "Sadly, no."
Liebe said, "So portals are out of the question for now. We still have 89 hours, so far more than enough time."
Andre said, "Unfortunately, not. There is a lot of pressure from Aldonia, and they want to send a platinum warrior named Warner Crimson Makido to ensure the Princess Anna's safety."
Liebe said, "Interesting. Do it. Let Mr. Warner through."
Andre said, "Pardon, sir?"
Liebe said, "Yeah, I know the guy, and he will be help."
Andre said, "But, sir—"
Liebe said, "We are the Black Rose Special Forces. I can assure you we weren't called down here for nothing."
Lilith said, "Do it."
Andre said, "Understood, ma'am."
As Liebe was connected to the Aldian fleet in international waters, the call was connected. Warner said, "I'm Warner Crimson Makido, one of the eight platinum warriors of Aldina, and I'm deployed here to ensure the safety of our princess, Princess Anna Liz Europhia. Please understand we don't harbor any ill towards Eldoria. We simply request it for the safety of our ruler. We simply want to oversee the negotiations for the princess. If needed, we will pay the ransom of 50,000 gold and the battleships."
Liebe said, "Yooo, Warner! How you doing, man?"
Warner said, "Please state your name and rank, as well as your affiliation."
Gelda said, "We are the Black Rose Special Forces, and we are the ones who are overseeing this operation. Currently, I'm the Vice Captain of Black Rose."
Warner said, "Please allow me to talk to the one who was speaking to me before, if he really is the tactician for this mission."
Gelda looked at Lilith and said, "We are doomed."
Lilith said, "Well, it can't possibly get any worse."
Gelda said, "It will."
Liebe said, "Yeah, sorry about that. It's me, dude. Liebe."
Warner said, "Sorry, Liebe who?"
Liebe said, "It's me, dude. Liebe Al Faust. You know, we met twice, or a few more times. We even shared a drink on Valtia a few years ago."
Warner said, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, Liebe! It's you! How have you been? Are you the one running the operations? Better question, how is Mey doing in classes? She isn't too much trouble, is she? Sorry I couldn't come sooner to check on her and you guys. I'm definitely due for a visit."
Liebe said, "Yeah, it's unfortunately me who is running the operation. And yeah, she is doing great in classes, and sadly better than me when it comes to theoretical class. And it's ok, dude. I know you are busy."
Warner said, "That's good to know. Ok then, I will withdraw our forces. We thought you might need our help, etc., etc., but since I know it's you, I'm sure the princess is safe."
Gelda just looked at Lilith and said, "Why is he like that?"
Lilith said, "Told you it couldn't get any worse."
Gelda said, "Sorry I didn't believe you."
Lilith said, "It's alright."
Liebe said, "Oh, is that so? I mean, we might have actually needed your help."
Warner said, "Is that so? Ok then, we currently have 30 battleships here, and well, don't worry, I know it might be less than you expect, but I'm calling for reinforcements, and we should have about 500 ships here ready to help."
As someone beside Warner said, "Sir, we can't promise that."
Warner said, "Why, dude? I'm leading the mission here, so don't disturb me and let me do my job."
The man said, "Mr. Crimson, sir, please, we can't just say those things and be that casual with a representative."
Warner said, "Don't annoy me, or I will throw you overboard for a few hours."
The man said, "Sorry, sir."
Liebe said, "That's a bit much. But I meant we needed your help more specifically, like just you and not any ships, I guess."
Warner said, "Of course, Liebe. Give me a second. And by the way, do I have permission to enter your HQ?"
Liebe said, "Sure. We're pals."
Warner said, "See you in ten seconds," as the call was disconnected.
Gelda said, "Umm, Lord, what was that? 'We're pals'? I'm confused."
Lilith just laughed as tears formed. As she wipes the tears, she said, "Do that again. And how come I don't get to do that?"
Gelda said, "Because I'm here to stop you, but Licht isn't here to stop your son."
Eldrie said, "That's our Lord for you."
Andre said, "I see. In the past decade, nothing has changed. You Fausts really are as unhinged as ever."
As Warner entered the room, Warner said, "Apologies, it took me eleven seconds."
Liebe said, "Umm, calm down a bit. We still have time."
Warner said, "It isn't that. If the God of Darkness comes and I don't show up, then what kind of a man would I be?"
Liebe said, "Dude, I'm not a god. Just a lazy dude."
Warner said, "Oh, you are Lilith Faust, the one who birthed the God of Darkness. And you are Gelda Briar, the protector of the God of Darkness. You don't know how highly you are regarded in Aldina. Please visit our nation; we have to build monuments of you two."
Gelda said, "Sorry." Liebe signed to Lilith and Gelda, He has a screw loose.
Gelda said, "Of course, of course, the God of Darkness."
Lilith said, "You sure you are not fucked in the head, Mr. Warner?"
Gelda said, "You can't say that, Lilith, not to a representative."
Warner said, "Of course not, at least not the last time I was checked, which was six hours ago before this mission. And also, you are to be worshipped as a goddess in our nation. Please grant me your blessing."
Lilith said, "Uhhhh, thank you. You are quite the charmer. To think I'm a goddess for my beauty... I might be beautiful, but I'm far past my prime."
Warner said, "Don't get me wrong, you are beautiful, but you aren't regarded as a goddess because of your beauty. Even though you look very beautiful, you are revered as one as you are the one who gave birth to the God of Darkness. Or are you like a stepmom, and his biological mom isn't in the picture?"
As Lilith's veins started to pop in her forehead, Gelda laughed and said, "There, there, Lilith, calm down."
Lilith said, "I will murder this guy."
Gelda said, "You can't say that."
Warner said, "The mother of the God of Darkness killing me? I couldn't have asked for a greater honor. Please do so; I will be able to rest in peace knowing I died by the most sacred hands in the world."
Gelda laughed. "Yeah, you might be a bit much."
Liebe said, "Umm, Warner, here is the plan."
Warner said, "Ohhh, sorry."
Liebe said, "It's simple. We will do a blitz screen operation that will last exactly 300 seconds, and in this time, we will end it all."
Warner said, "Understood. I will help whatever I can. We still have 32 hours for the operation."
Liebe said, "Of course."
And later at 7 PM, Liebe called Alysa.
Liebe said, "Yo, how you doing?"
Alysa said, "Good. Also, why didn't you call me sooner?"
Liebe said, "Had reason, but I'm more confused than anything."
Alysa said, "Missions having you confused? That's rare."
Liebe said, "Well, that's because from Aldina is Warner."
Alysa said, "Warner? What?"
Liebe said, "Warner Crimson."
Alysa said, "Is that the same one?"
Liebe said, "Yes, it is."
Alysa just laughed for a few minutes, and when she seemed like she was stopping, Liebe said, "You done yet?"
Alysa said, "One more minute. It's just that funny. So what happened? Did he kill everyone and give their heads to you as a sacrificial tribute or something?"
Liebe said, "No, but he did call the captain a goddess for giving birth to me and asked them to visit Aldina so that he could, quote, 'build monuments of us,' etc., etc. And when the captain said, 'Is it because of my beauty?' the dude literally said, 'No, it's because you are his mother, unless you are not the one who gave birth to him.' And when Mother got angry and was like, 'I will murder him,' he literally said, and I quote, 'The mother of the God of Darkness is planning to kill me. I'm honored. Being killed by the most sacred hands in the world, I couldn't ask for a greater honor. If you wish, please do so.'"
Alysa just laughed more for a good ten minutes and said, "I'm sorry, it's just so funny."
Liebe said, "You done laughing yet?"
Alysa said, "Give me a minute. Sounds like, well, sounds like things were smooth. Maybe a bit too smooth. And Liebe, be careful. Based on what I know of him, I wouldn't be surprised if he comes to your room at 3 AM with lube." And laughed.
Liebe said, "I swear, when I get back, I will pull your cheeks."
Alysa said, "Fine."
Liebe said, "Anyways, how was your day?"
Alysa said, "Nothing much. We just messed around, and Licht closed off the dorm so that Abel can't throw your info."
Liebe said, "Good to know."
Alysa said, "Yeah. Also, the funny thing is, we got the assassin."
Liebe said, "Sorry, what?"
Alysa said, "Yeah, the dude literally came to attack us in the wide open, and it was me and Licht. And since Licht was in a good mood, he killed the guy. And sadly, he didn't die in one piece; his hands and legs are in different places. And the fight took like 40 minutes max, since I helped. And the dude is in a better place since, you know how Licht is—the no-bullshit type in a fight. And yeah."
Liebe said, "Who was the assassin?"
Alysa said, "I mean, it's obvious. It was Rayleigh. Who else did you think? And he was using a few Masks of Ifrit to keep his magic a secret. And since he was using more than three masks at once, he went dry quick. No wonder he was able to keep up with you but ran away, since all those masks keep his sortie time less than an hour."
Liebe said, "I'm sorry I asked."
Alysa said, "It's ok. And so we have been celebrating all day. And the other good news is we have seized the three masks, so we can either sell them or use them. It was a two-in-one win."
Liebe said, "I see. And how is Abel?"
Alysa said, "He is safe and all, but mentally and unofficially, he is under house arrest since he isn't leaving his room. Lumos and Hedin are trying to talk to him, but it isn't working."
Liebe said, "Ok. If you can, send him some of your cooking, since some home-cooked meals might help."
Alysa said, "I will get to that right now."
Liebe said, "Not right now, like tomorrow, you know."
Alysa said, "Ok."