The next morning, as everyone was getting ready, Liebe said, "Well, today's the big day—we're getting our licenses."
Alysa said, "I know, and you're getting the biggest ranking out of all of us."
Liebe said, "Yeah."
Licht said, "Why you guys so excited? The best Liebe is getting is about 1st Class Knight of Wind. And as his right-hand man, the best I'm getting is 2nd or 3rd Class Knight of Wind."
Alysa said, "I'm okay with any rank."
Liebe said, "Same here."
Isurugi said, "Sir, the ceremony is about to begin."
Liebe said, "Just a minute."
Isurugi said, "Of course, sir."
As Isurugi left, Liebe said, "Alysa, do I look okay?"
Alysa adjusted his collar and said, "Just perfect."
M said, "Well, the weather is sunny today. I hope the Captain is happy about my new rank."
Liebe said, "Guess so. But maybe."
Fate said, "This is quite exhilarating."
Liebe said, "I can agree."
Alysa said, "Let's go, then. No point in wasting time."
Liebe said, "Couldn't agree more."
As the stage was set, Lilith and Gelda were on top.
Lilith said, "Everyone, the time has come again—our annual promotion ceremony."
As everyone screamed, "Yeah!"
Lilith said, "Good to see the spirit hasn't died yet. Now, first of all—the leader of Team Hraesvelgr, Lara."
As Lara stepped on stage, Lilith said, "You are being promoted from Tier 1 S-Class Knight to 1-Star Vice-Captain. Congrats."
Lara said, "Of course, Ma'am."
Lilith said, "Now, leader of Team Ratatoskr, Stal."
As Stal stepped on stage, Lilith said, "You are being promoted from 2nd Tier S-Class Knight to 1-Star Vice-Captain."
Stal said, "Thank you, Ma'am."
Lilith said, "Now, the leader of Team Eikthyrnir, Eldrie."
As Eldrie stepped on stage, Lilith said, "You are being promoted from 1-Star Vice-Captain to 3-Star Vice-Captain."
Eldrie said, "Thank you, Ma'am."
As Eldrie stepped down, Lilith said, "Now for the officially joined members who are receiving their licenses—the members of Team Níðhöggr. First off is Gaia."
Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is 4th Class Knight of Water."
Alysa whispered, "She made it higher than expected."
Liebe said, "I know."
Licht said, "But it's not bad."
Lilith said, "Now, Fate."
As Fate stepped on stage, Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is 5th Class Knight of Wind."
Licht whispered, "Fate made it higher than I thought."
Liebe said, "Same here."
Lilith said, "Now, Isurugi."
As Isurugi stepped on stage, Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is 2nd Tier Knight of Wind."
Liebe said, "Looks like little Isu made us proud."
M said, "I was the one who trained him."
Lilith said, "Now, Elizabeth Briar."
As Elizabeth stepped on stage, Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is 2nd Class Knight of Wind."
Gelda said, "I object! She barely qualifies for 5th Class!"
Elizabeth said, "But, Mommy, I worked hard!"
Gelda said, "I noticed you slacking off."
Lilith said, "Gelda, continue the statement, and I'm making her 1st Class."
Gelda said, "Fine." As she hugged Elizabeth, she said, "Proud of you, kid. You don't know how much it means to me."
Elizabeth said, "Thank you, Mommy."
Lilith said, "Now, Mavia Grinberryal."
As Mavia stepped on stage, Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is 4th Class Knight of Fire. You sure have grown, Mavia."
Licht said, "That's a bit much, right?"
Liebe said, "Looks like it."
Alysa said, "But again, she is strong."
Mavia said, "Of course, Ma'am."
Lilith said, "Now for Alysa Bouduin."
As Alysa stepped on stage, Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is 5th Class Knight of Fire."
Licht said, "Looks like everyone made it higher than we thought."
Liebe said, "Looks like it."
Lilith said, "I'm proud of you. Seeing you grow up—you are the daughter I always wished I had."
Alysa said, "Thank you, Captain."
Lilith said, "Now, Licht Al Vaude."
As Licht stepped on stage, Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is 1st Class Knight of Fire."
Alysa whispered, "Licht literally skipped 20 ranks."
Liebe said, "I can see that."
Lilith said, "Your father actually came for the ceremony, and he is proud of you."
Licht said, "Thank you, Captain."
Lilith said, "Also, you have an official title: 'The One Bathed in Golden Liquid.'"
As everyone tried to hold in their laughs, Lilith said, "Sorry, I meant 'Light.' I can't talk properly—I have a cold."
Licht said, "Of course."
Lilith said, "Now for the leader of Team Níðhöggr, the Black Rose Special Forces—Liebe Al Faust."
As Liebe stepped on stage, Lilith said, "Here is your license, and your ranking is… 1st Tier S-Class Knight."
Everyone said, "What?!"
Gelda teared up and said, "We are so proud of you, Lord!"
Lilith placed her hand on Liebe's shoulder and said, "Your father and grandfather would be every bit as proud of you as I am right now." As she hugged Liebe, she said, "That's your gift."
Liebe said, "Thank you, Mother."
Lilith said, "Wanna train today after this?"
Liebe said, "Of course, Ma'am."
Gelda said, "I'm so, so proud, Lord, that you grew up to be such a man."
As Liebe stepped down, Licht said, "Proud of you, dude. Congrats on skipping 25 ranks at once."
Liebe said, "It was surprising, but not bad."
Meanwhile, from the mountain, Alex said, "Well, your son sure made it big."
Jewel said, "Looks like it. But Fate did pretty good as well."
Alex said, "Well, she's like my daughter, so of course I'm proud."
Heaven said, "Maestro, here's some freshly squeezed juice."
Alex said, "Thanks."
As Hell drank a glass, Jewel said, "Where is my glass?"
Hell said, "I'm drinking it right now."
Alex said, "Damn."
Jewel looked. "Looks like you want a glass—you have to go get it yourself."
Jewel said, "No point in that. I'm far too lazy."
Alex said, "You never change."
Jewel said, "You mind? I'm in the middle of my vacation."