As everyone withdrew from the battlefield, Liebe was taken to the camp. Lara used her strings to heal him. After a while, Liebe was healed.
Licht said, "Yo, dude, you okay?"
Liebe said, "Yeah, I'm fine."
Licht said, "You sure? You sure your brain is okay and not messed up? I mean, like, you know—"
Liebe said, "What are you saying, exactly?"
Licht said, "Well, after that attack—I mean, we—Alysa and I—think it messed up your head or something."
Liebe said, "And why?"
Alysa said, "Well, you did lose a lot of blood, and well… you started laughing like some maniac and saying something like 'a finish line' that we couldn't understand. So we might be worried that, well—"
Licht said, "We're worried if that battle messed up your brain and now you can't think straight."
Liebe said, "I'm fine. It's just that my mind feels clear. At that moment, I saw it—the pinnacle of strength."
Licht said, "And, um, mind explaining what that is?"
Liebe said, "When I saw the clash between the Captain and Wrath, I saw the limit of their strongest attacks. And when I clashed with Hǫfuðbjǫrn, I felt it—their strength. Till now, we never got the chance to fight at her full strength because there aren't many who can take it. When I saw their strongest attack, I could realize the difference. I saw exactly how much I had to catch up to. And that's why I said what I said."
Licht said, "Somehow, that makes sense."
Alysa said, "I know."
Licht said, "By the way, happy birthday. I know it's a week early, but happy birthday. Congrats on being 18, dumbass."
Liebe said, "Thanks. Wait, that means—"
Alysa said, "Guess so."
Liebe said, "Only a month and 17 days till December 27th. Happy birthday, Alysa."
Alysa said, "Thanks."
Liebe said, "Well, we can't join the world tournament yet. I'll just tell Professor Obsidian and leave a bit late."
Alysa said, "We don't have to do that."
Liebe said, "Even though we don't have to, let's do it. So, what do you want to do for yours?"
Alysa said, "It's a personal secret."
Licht said, "Somehow, I know what it will be—either erotic novels, or manga, or you two doing a new level of weird."
Alysa said, "It isn't like that."
Watching from afar, Álfrinn said, "Understood, my lady. Your dream will become a reality."
Meanwhile, inside the chamber, Gelda said, "Well, Lilith, this is your chance. I'll get—"
Lilith said, "Why do I have to talk to him? It's not like he will even talk or anything."
Gelda said, "Do it, or else."
Lilith said, "Okay, then."
As Gelda left the chamber, Lilith sat down on the altar and said, "Well, Tenebris, I know you aren't here anymore, and I doubt your spirit can forgive me after what I did. And I'm still sorry. Even if I died, I doubt I could see you in heaven. And why the hell am I being so depressing about it?"
As she took one of her antidepressants, she said, "Sorry about that. After you left, Gelda and these have been the only constants in my life. On the brighter side, Liebe is well on his path to becoming a hero. At this rate, he will surpass me in no time. He even went head-to-head against Hǫfuðbjǫrn. Oh, you don't know who that is? He wasn't such a big deal back when you were alive. Just know that's a big name. I never got the chance to know how hard the path of a hero was, despite being the hero of our generation, because whenever I looked back, unlike Liebe, I had you. While Liebe can see the blood—which you were there for. I want to see the future where Liebe becomes the last hero the world is waiting for, but I doubt I have that long left to see that future. At least I will be with you soon. But there is something that's been by my side—there is a part of me that's forcing me to live. I have a second child. Even though I care, I always feel distant. Maybe it's my maternal instinct to survive and care for my young. I'm sorry, I just don't know at this point. Hate me if you want."
A voice behind her said, "I could never hate you, Lilith. I'm your champion, right? Whatever happened back then wasn't your fault. I was always there for you because, no matter how great of a hero one must be, a hero always needs a home to return to. But I guess you lost that. I'm sorry about that."
As tears began to cover Lilith's cheeks, Lilith said, "I'm sorry. What happened… it's all my fault. I couldn't even fulfill your last wish. If I had the chance, I would just take all that back that day. And now I'm no longer a hero. Even if people revere me as one, I can't think of myself as one."
Tenebris said, "Don't blame yourself. Even though I could feel my soul shatter to pieces seeing Liebe waiting for us every day, even though we wouldn't return… but time heals—except time just hurt you more."
Lilith said, "You wouldn't know."
Tenebris said, "I will always be looking over you two. And even if your second child becomes the heir, I'm not worried because I saw Liebe's growth—growth into the hero he is. He has taken after you. I just wish I was there to let him know I'm there."
Lilith said, "Please, we can't. Not anymore .He has taken after you more. He has a more heroic personality than me."
Tenebris said, "Seeing the truth hurts."
As another voice stated, "How have you been, my beautiful daughter?"
Lilith said, "Father… I'm sorry. I failed you. Please forgive me. I have nothing left—nothing but strength. We lost it all. So many died. I lost whatever family I had left. And now, even our greatest treasure—the Mask of Ifrit, mythical model Alföðr—has deemed me unworthy of its power."
Domr nodded and said, "No. Its power is not lost. Do you know why it isn't responding to you?"
Lilith said, "Why? Would it choose me after everything? I didn't… I don't deserve—"
Domr said, "No, my child. Those who are deemed worthy by the spirits of every Einherjar in this chamber can wield the power of the mask. But on that day ten years ago, it isn't that the power found you unworthy. It's just that it had found a master more suited—the one who will be the final hero the world is waiting for, and the heir to the power of Hvíldarráð: Liebe Faust. Even if you chose someone else as the new captain, the mask has chosen Liebe as its master."
As Tenebris hugged Lilith from behind and said, "It will be alright. I promise. Liebe still has you to save him if things get too hard."
Domr said, "My magic is always by his side."
As Tenebris and Domr began to vanish, Lilith said, "Please… please don't leave me again. Please."
Tenebris said, "We will always be there for you, my beautiful wife. The days I spent with you are my fondest memories, and that can never be taken away."
Lilith said, "Please, Tenebris… I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
Tenebris said, "How can I forgive you if I was never mad in the first place? It's time to say bye now. Maybe a future exists where we can be united. Goodbye, Lilith. I will always be your warmth."
Lilith said, "You will always be my Odr. I love you more than anything."
Tenebris said, "Not as much as me."
As they vanished, Lilith said, "I understand now."
As she began to run toward the camp.