As the dust settles, Himitsu gazes at Ohma's shattered helmet, revealing half of his face, and his broken leg armor is smeared with blood.
Ohma: Ughhhhh!
Kono stands behind a protective shield, blood dripping from her head.
Kono: UHHHHH!
Froog notices Akira slowly rising, casting a menacing glare in his direction.
Froog: Hmm…
Akira collapses to the ground.
Akira: A-asshole…
Froog hears movement to his right and sees Daru and Zodiac rising, blood streaming down their heads and hands.
Daru: D-does… it look like I'm DONE!
Zodiac: I'm… going to kill… you, FROOG!
Froog steps closer to them.
Froog: You guys have been quite the nuisance, haven't you…
Daru swings his fist weakly, barely making contact with Froog. Zodiac swings his sword with little force, also achieving nothing.
Froog: You were entertaining, but it's time to end this.
He turns to Himitsu, grinding his teeth.
Froog: Watch your friends die and know you can't do anything about it.
Himitsu: NO! DON'T DO IT!!
Froog lifts his tail high, preparing to slam it down when he hears a voice.
Gram: Hey, asshole.
Froog looks past Daru and Zodiac to see Gram approaching.
Himitsu: GRAM! IT'S GRAM!
Daru: What… the hell are you doing, Gram?
Zodiac: I swear, if you die, I'll kill you m-myself.
Gram: Wow, guys, thanks for the encouragement.
He walks right up to Froog and looks up, slightly intimidated.
Gram: Wow… you really are scary up close.
Froog: Have you come to die with your friends?
Gram: (Laughs) Gram the Great never comes unprepared.
Froog: Hmm…
Gram: I'm giving you one chance to stop what you're doing.
Zodiac: What the hell is he doing!?
Daru: I don't know; we're doomed anyway.
Froog: You think you can beat me!?
Gram: So is that a no?
Froog: YES! IT IS A NO!
Gram: (Sighs) Man, it could have been different, but I guess not.
Gram digs into his pocket and pulls out a snail, capturing everyone's attention.
Daru: A snail? That was your PLAN!? A SNAIL!!
Zodiac: Yeah… I'm gonna kill him.
Froog bursts out laughing.
Gram: I didn't know it was that funny.
Froog: Your plan is to use a snail against me!?
Gram: Yes.
He places the snail on the ground.
Froog: Well, are you gonn—
Gram steps on the snail, crushing it, then steps back three feet.
Froog: WH— You killed it?
Gram: Wait for it.
Daru, Himitsu, and Zodiac feel a rumbling beneath them as they look at the ground.
Himitsu: What is that?
Froog notices something underground moving toward him, stopping where the dead snail lies. Slowly, a massive snail emerges from the ground, the same one that had chased after Gram.
Zodiac: Isn't that…
Himitsu: The same snail from the first day we got here.
The snail gazes down at its deceased offspring, with Froog standing right in front of it.
Froog: Wh—! I didn't kill it!
The snail charges, and Froog struggles to push it back, unable to land a hit as its tail slips away.
Froog: GET OFF OF ME!! WE CAN WORK TOGETHER!!
Snail: WWAHWHHHHHh!
Froog: AHHHH!
Gram rushes to gather everyone.
Akira opens her eyes to see a massive snail battling Froog.
Akira: Am I dreaming, or is there a massive snail fighting Froog?
Kono: Nope, that's correct!
Ohma: Is that the same snail that attacked us the first day we got here?
Gram: Yeah, it is! You see, when Froog got mad at Daru and Akira for killing and hurting the leeches, he got angry, and that's what happened with me and that snail that day.
Daru: I see… smart thinking.
Gram: Really!?
Daru: No, because this is only buying us a little time.
Zodiac: Kono.
Kono: Yeah?
Zodiac: That rocket you made—how'd you make it? Because it caused a wound, and nothing we've been doing is working.
Kono: Umm… I used gunpowder, scissors, a metal film canister, oh, and measuring.
Zodiac: That's it?
Kono: Yeah… OH yeah, and a tiny bit of salt.
Gram: (Eyes widen) SALTTT!
Everyone jumps and turns to him.
Gram: THAT'S IT—SALT!! Guys, do you remember when I spilled salt on Cliff!?
Daru: Yeah, it hurt him badly.
Zodiac: So does anyone have salt on them?
Gram: Wait, I think I saw something in my spell book about salt.
He flips through the pages until he finds the right one.
Gram: Found it! It says this spell grants you the power of a salt spear that will kill foes, but…
Ohma: What's wrong, Gram?
Gram: It says it's a one-time use, and you have to wait two hours for the spell to reset.
Himitsu: Damn!
Akira: Then we can't miss.
Zodiac: I'll take the shot; I have my bow.
Daru: Okay, now we have a plan.
At that moment, the snail bites Froog on the back, causing him to yell.
Froog: THAT'S IT!!
He throws the snail into a nearby house, causing it to crash to the ground.
Froog: WE COULD HAVE WORKED TOGETHER (TAIL WHIPS IT), BUT YOU'D RATHER FIGHT ME (TAIL WHIPS IT).
Froog wraps his tail around the snail's shell, tightening his grip as it begins to crack, the snail screaming in pain.
Froog: NO, DIE, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
He shatters the shell, causing the snail to scream in agony and fall to the ground. As Froog turns around, he sees everyone except Himitsu approaching him.
Froog: You guys just never give up, do you?
Daru: You're right, we won't. My team may struggle with teamwork, but the one thing we all share is our determination to never give up.
Froog: Oh really? Well then, I'll make sure to be the first to take you down too.
Gram: (smiling) That'll be tough for you because Gram the Great never gives up!
Froog: (with an evil grin) You guys are really annoying, and it's time to finish you off.
Kono: I agree. It's time to end this fight once and for all.
Everyone assumes their fighting stances one last time as night approaches, with the sun slowly rising.
Ohma: Let's do this!
Akira: It's time to put this fool in the ground!
Zodiac: Just keep him distracted until Gram and I are prepared for the shot.
Kono: You got it!
Froog becomes enraged and charges at them, while Daru, Ohma, Akira, and Kono rush forward. A wave of leeches bursts from the ground, heading straight for them. Daru slams his fists together as his veins pulse rapidly, while Akira ignites her hands in flames. As the wave closes in, they both throw simultaneous punches, obliterating the wave of leeches.
Froog: CURSE YOU!
Ohma observes Froog attempting to swallow him and skillfully combines his nunchucks into a staff. He swiftly maneuvers to the side, leaps, and delivers a decisive strike to Froog's face, forcing him backward. Simultaneously, Daru and Akira ascend into the air together, executing a follow-up uppercut to Froog's head, pushing him back even further. In the background, Zodiac and Gram prepare, with Gram casting a spell to conjure a salt spear.
Zodiac: Can you hurry up? We don't have all day!
Gram: (eyes closed) Hold on! I'm almost done!
He moves his hands in a circular motion.
Gram: SAMSUON SKAI!
As Gram completes the spell, a large salt spear materializes in his hands.
Gram: (smiling and laughing) There we go!
Zodiac: About time!
Zodiac shapes his blades into a light bow and takes the salt spear from Gram.
Gram: H-hey!
Zodiac: Let's get into position.
Zodiac begins to run, with Gram following closely. Meanwhile, Himitsu observes the battle, feeling increasingly frustrated.
Himitsu: (to himself) I can't just sit here! I have to help!
Himitsu reveals the potion Gram provided and consumes it, slightly replenishing his energy. Struggling to stand, he clenches his fist and rushes toward the conflict.
Himitsu: (talking to himself) I've got to help them!
The scene shifts back to the battle, where Daru punches Froog in the head while Akira strikes from behind. Ohma slides underneath Froog's tail, jumps, and slices his neck as Froog collapses to the ground, with Daru, Akira, and Ohma holding his head down. Kono shoots three strings from her bracelets to help restrain him.
Kono: DAMN, HE'S STRONG!
Daru: (struggling) HOLD HIM DOWN!
Akira: (struggling) WHERE ARE THEY?!
Kono scans the area and spots Zodiac preparing to take the shot, positioning the spear on his bow.
Kono: Zodiac… I see him! He's about to take the shot!
Ohma: (struggling) OKAY!!
Daru: Come on, Zodiac… hurry up!
Froog: (attempting to break free) GET OFF ME! I'LL KILL YOU ALL! YOU HEAR ME? I'LL KILL YOU ALL!!
Gram: (looking at Zodiac) Are you sure you got this?
Zodiac: Of course! Just shut up and watch.
Zodiac raises the bow and aims at the wound on Froog's head.
Zodiac: (yelling) HOLD IT STILL!
Daru & Akira: WHAT DO YOU THINK WE'RE DOING, ASSHOLE!!
Froog: NO, NO, NOOO!
Froog notices Zodiac with the bow and the salt spear.
Froog: S-SALT!! NOOOOO!!
Froog writhes violently as the others struggle to hold him down.
Daru: UGHHH!
Akira: STAY STILL, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
Kono: DO IT, ZODIAC!
Gram: SHOOT!!
Zodiac: Your finish…
Zodiac releases the spear from his bow, propelling it toward Froog. As Froog notices the projectile, he spins and shifts his head, resulting in the spear grazing his face and leaving a slash wound.
Zodiac: Damnit!
Gram: We were so close!
Froog: MY FACE!! AUGHHAHAHAHHH!
Froog exerts all his strength to push Daru, Akira, and Ohma off him, collapsing to the ground.
Daru: AGH, YOU BASTARD!
Akira: You just have to keep moving!
Froog: (laughing) Better luck next time. Actually, there won't be a next time since you're all going to die!
Himitsu: Not on my watch.
Froog and the others hear Himitsu's voice. When Froog turns around, he sees Himitsu holding the spear, blood covering his hands and the weapon.
Gram: Himitsu!?
Kono: How did you?
Himitsu's veins bulge as he makes three more cuts on his arm.
Himitsu: I'll kill you, and I'll make sure I do it right this time.
Froog: (angry) Not if I can help it!
As Froog charges at Himitsu, Zodiac uses his spectral hand to seize Froog by the neck.
Froog: Wh- AHHHH!
Zodiac restrains him as the others hold his head in place.
Froog: NOO, GET OFF MEE!
Everyone looks at Himitsu, urging him to throw the spear.
Everyone: THROW IT, HIMITSU!
Himitsu takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and assumes a javelin stance.
Himitsu: This is for Kana. Now die.
Himitsu opens his eyes and hurls the spear with all his strength, cracking the ground beneath him. The spear speeds toward Froog's head.
Froog: (yelling) NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
The spear pierces Froog's head at the wound, eliciting a loud scream.
Daru: IT NEEDS TO GO DEEPER!!
Himitsu approaches Froog and places his hand on the spear.
Himitsu: This is for Kana, you so-called leech king.
He grips the spear with both hands, presses it deeper into Froog's head, and screams in pain.
Himitsu: DIEEEE!!!!! DIE!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!
Himitsu's veins bulge as blood pours from his head and hands. Froog's eyes roll back, and he slowly collapses to the ground, lifeless. The controlled Gliffs fall motionless, while the normal Gliffs stand in shock. Everyone is out of breath as they finally see Froog lying dead.
Kono: Is it over?
Daru: I think so.
Gram: We did it, guys! WE DID IT!
Akira: That bastard is finally dead.
Himitsu collapses to his knees.
Gram: Himitsu! Are you okay?
Himitsu: Yeah… I'm good.
Gram embraces Himitsu. Moments later, the remaining Gliffs rush to the center of Froog's domain to find him lifeless on the ground.
Gliff 1: You guys did it!
Gliff 2: You killed him!
Gliff 3: Everyone, give it up for them!
The Gliffs cheer in excitement, eliciting smiles from Kono and the others. Ohma takes a deep breath and yells.
Ohma: AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Himitsu gazes at the crowd and smiles.
Himitsu: (standing up) I did it. We did it. The battle is finally over.
Himitsu attempts to walk toward everyone, limping and fatigued. He takes another step before nearly collapsing, but Daru supports him.
Himitsu: (looking up) Daru?
Daru: You can rest now. You did a great job, Himitsu.
Himitsu smiles and closes his eyes as the rest of the crew rushes to him and Daru.
Kono: Himitsu!
Himitsu opens his eyes and sees everyone.
Himitsu: Guys…
Gram: You finally did it!
Akira: It's all thanks to you.
Ohma: You definitely can throw!
Himitsu: (laughing) Thank you, guys. But it was all of us who finished Froog.
Himitsu notices Zodiac, who quickly averts his gaze.
Zodiac: Good work.
Himitsu's smile broadens. Moments later, all their Jump Watches vibrate as an AI begins to speak.
Jump Watch AI: Congratulations, Maivelance Crew! You have successfully completed your Rift Mission. Please return to Sampostis to submit your mission report.
Gram: (relieved) Finally! We can go home! I'm so tired!
Daru: For once, I agree with you, Gram. I'm exhausted.
Gram: Hey, Daru, what was that power of yours back there?
Daru: It was my Zatarian ability.
Gram: What are you going to call it?
Daru: Hmm… maybe Energize?
Gram: That's a silly name.
Daru: Shut up!
Ohma: (laughing) I love this team!
Kono: Okay, guys, let's head back, shall we?
Kid Gliff: (looking at Daru) Sir.
Daru turns around, notices a child, and kneels down.
Kid Gliff: Thank you…
The child hands him a bracelet, which Daru accepts.
Daru: Glad you didn't die. Keep training; you'll be as strong as me in no time.
Kid Gliff: Really!?
Daru: No.
The child laughs as the other Gliffs express their gratitude to the crew and present them all with necklaces.
Gram: Wh—thank you.
Ohma: Guys, look! I'm a Gliff now! (dancing)
Laughter fills the air as the Maivelance Crew heads back to the ship to pack up. While preparing for lift-off, Gram gazes out the window.
Gram: This might sound weird, but I'm going to miss the people here.
Kono: Me too, Gram.
Zodiac: Not me. This place was disgusting.
As Gram continues to gaze out the window, he notices the surviving Gliffs waving them off and observes a large snail retreating into the forest.
Gram: (astonished, smiling) You're one tough snail, aren't you?
Kono lifts off the ground.
Kono: Alright, let's go home.
She pushes the lever forward, and the ship dimension-jumps back to Sampostis. The following day, Zorren wakes up, rubs his eyes, and sees Duviri sitting on his bed with a cup of coffee.
Zorren: Duviri?
Duviri: Good morning, Mr. President.
Zorren rises and walks to the kitchen.
Zorren: Duviri, where is my coffee?
Duviri: (taking a sip) It's right in front of you, Mr. President.
Zorren looks down and sees it there.
Zorren: Oh (chuckles) there you are.
Duviri: I have some news, Mrs. President.
Zorren: And what would that be?
Zorren begins drinking his coffee.
Duviri: The guards said the Maivelance Crew has finished their Rift Mission.
Without a word, Zorren drops his coffee, shattering it on the ground.
Duviri: (sighs) Here we go…
Zorren: WHAT?!
Moments later, the scene shifts to Fin at a desk inside the Order Association, eating a sub. A few minutes later, Kono's crew enters.
Kono: Hey, Fin!
Fin: (spitting out food) What the!? Kono!?
Kono: (approaching the desk) We're back from our Rift Mission!
Fin: B-but how!? It's only been a week since you guys left! How did you finish it so fast!?
Kono: Really, it's only been a week? I thought it was longer.
Zodiac: Well, that Froog guy was an idiot for revealing himself so early.
Daru: That's true.
Fin: (muttering to himself) But that was a rank 3 Rift Mission! It should have taken them much longer! Did Zorren give it to them because he knew they could handle it?
Gram: So what now? What do we receive? (to himself) I hope it's MONEY!
Fin: I want to congratulate you all on completing your first Rift Mission! That means you're now eligible for promotion to rank 2.
Himitsu: (excited) Wonderful! Is it happening right now?
Fin: (laughs) No, no. When crews finish their Rift Missions, there's a special ceremony every three weeks. Luckily for you, one starts next week, so you can join that.
Kono: That's perfect! We'll just join that one!
Fin: Great! I'll sign you up. Once again, congrats on the Rift Mission!
Gram: (chest puffed out) Why, thank you. It was all thanks to—
Akira strikes Gram on the head.
Gram: Oww! What the heck! I was going to say all of us.
Akira: Sure you were. Just shut up!
Everyone laughs. A week later, Kono's crew and the other crews stand on a podium with Zorren, dressed in formal attire, at the ceremony in front of a large audience. Zodek, Cindy, Zenshi, and Mizuda sit and observe.
Becan: YEAH, DUDE!!! THEY DID IT!!! THAT'S SO COOL, DUDE!!!
Kora: Hmm… I guess it's good for them.
Kora glances at Himitsu, who has visibly gained muscle.
Kora: Is that Himitsu… (flirty expression) He looks kinda good.
Koda: Good job, Zodiac… My father would be proud of you.
Lance: Look at these idiots. They think that because they beat their Rift Mission in a week, they're hot stuff.
Lance notices Iris, who is focused on something. He turns to see it is Zodiac.
Lance: Iris?
Iris: Huh! What?
Lance: You okay?
Iris: Uhh! Yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking we could have done it faster.
Lance: (laughs) Hell yeah, we could have.
Sai: A week, huh? I guess that's pretty good.
Reiji: That's amazing.
Yoshi strikes Reiji on the head.
Reiji: OUCH!
Yoshi: Shut up.
Lith: (to herself) Good job, Kono… You might actually be my greatest rival.
Lith smirks as Souta admires Daru.
Souta: He's so hot!
Junko: If you say that any louder, Lith will kill you.
Souta: W-what!? I said that out loud!?
Junko: Yes, so keep it to yourself. I don't even know what you see in him.
Souta: I see everything in him.
Zodek: I can't believe they completed their Rift Mission!
Cindy: I'm so happy for them!
Mizuda: I'm proud of them too. They've come a long way.
Zenshi: Daru… you've grown so much it makes me want to cry. I know if Rito were here, he'd congratulate you.
As she speaks, a shadowy figure appears atop a tall tower; it is Rito, arms crossed and leaning against the structure.
Rito: Good job, kid. I'm proud of you.
Rito then vanishes. The scene transitions to Zorren approaching the microphone, his fist clenched. He glances at the Maivelance crew, grunting slightly, while Kono, Ohma, Himitsu, and Gram smile, and Zodiac, Daru, and Akira observe him intently. Zorren forces a smile and begins to address the crowd.
Zorren: Hello, everyone! I hope you're all doing well! We have a special day today because one crew is ranking up, and that crew is the Maivelance Crew…
The audience erupts in cheers and applause.
Becan: THAT'S MY BOY, DARU!!! HELL YEAH!!
Zorren: I'd like to congratulate you and thank you for your hard work and for being part of the Order of Triumph.
The crowd cheers and claps once more.
Zorren: What I'm about to give you is a special pendant, representing everyone's appreciation.
He approaches Kono and distributes rank 2 pendants to each member.
Himitsu: Wow, look at this!
Ohma: It's so shiny!
Gram: That's right! We're no longer newbies!
Akira: You're definitely still a newbie.
Gram: What!? No!
Zorren looks at Zodiac and Daru with a forced smile as he hands them their pendants.
Zorren: Thank you for your hard work.
Zodiac: Sure.
Daru: Mhmm…
Zorren smiles once more and steps away as Kono and the others gather around Daru and Zodiac.
Kono: (laughing) We finally did it, guys. We are now rank 2s.
Himitsu: We are, but it's only going to get tougher from here.
Ohma: I can't believe it! I joined this crew, and I'm already rank 2!
Gram: Hey! It's a good thing you guys had me.
Akira: Do you ever just shut up?
Gram: What? What did I say?
Himitsu: I'm happy to be with this crew and no one else.
Kono: I feel the same way, Himitsu.
Gram: So what do we do now?
Daru begins cracking his knuckles.
Daru: We train! That's the only way to get stronger!
April: Not so fast, you guys.
Everyone turns to see April.
Gram: April! I haven't seen you in so long!
Ohma: Oh yeah, she helped with my clothes even though I didn't take any.
April: Hey, guys! I wanted to tell you that you're doing a great job!
Kono: Thank you.
April: You're welcome! And I also got this.
April extends a key, which Gram accepts.
Gram: Umm, a key?
Zodiac: What does it open?
April: Hmm… a new house in District 2.
Gram's eyes widen in excitement.
Ohma: A NEW HOUSE!
Kono: Aww, but I like my house.
Akira: Hopefully, I can actually sleep in this one.
Himitsu: Kono, I'm sorry, but there's really only half a house left back there.
Zodiac: When do we move in?
April: Whenever.
Gram: YES! YES!
Gram begins running toward District 2.
Daru: You idiot, wait!
Gram: WE HAVE A NEW HOUSE!!! YESSS!
As another chapter of The Maivelance Crew concludes, a new journey begins. To be continued…