As Otiz stepped outside to call the others, Licht asked, "What's the plan?"
Liebe said, "Simple — win."
Licht said, "Great plan. Mind if I ask another question?"
Liebe said, "Sure."
Licht said, "Can you tell me about the steps between the steps you mentioned?"
Liebe said, "Good question."
Licht muttered, "Good question, good question — dumbass, you'll get yourself killed. These people actually know formations and have holy relics."
Liebe said, "I have a plan. Trust me."
Licht said, "Fine."
Otiz returned. "It's about time. Liebe, your preparation time is over. Here are the 15 you will be fighting and their leader, Jared."
Liebe said, "Hello."
Jared said, "Greetings."
Liebe said, "Let's make this a clean fight."
Jared sneered, "Don't act so friendly toward me, half-breed. I, Jared Vikar, and my team will kill you here — the great Liebe, the prodigy among prodigies, and make everyone see the truth."
Licht laughed sarcastically. "Why so violent?"
Jared spat, "How can a noble of the recently founded House of Vaude bow before a half-breed? Your house has really fallen. Your parents must be disappointed."
Licht said, "I can assure you the House of Vaude is a loyal follower of the Liebe faction, and your words won't make me falter."
Liebe said, "Dude, Mr. Jared — big guy, chill. I'm not going anywhere."
Jared growled, "A filthy half breed like you claiming to be a Faust — even if that were true, how desperate must a captain be to do it with a commoner? But I suppose every woman has her needs."
Liebe drew his blade across Jared's neck. "You have three seconds to take that back or I can promise your death won't be easy."
Jared snapped, "What did you say?"
Otiz intervened, "Now that hostilities are out of the way, let's begin."
Jared said, "Good luck, Mr. Faust."
Liebe thought, For your sin of pride and rebellion against Black Rose and Captain Lilith, you deserve a trillion deaths.
Otiz said, "Everyone ready? The win conditions are simple: if Liebe is unable to continue, Jared and his team win. But if somehow Liebe beats all of you, Liebe wins."
Jared asked, "One question, sir — is it okay if someone dies?"
Otiz said, "It depends. Now begin. I wish you all luck."
Licht whispered to Liebe, "Liebe, don't do it. Killing him isn't worth it."
Liebe said, "For going against my mother he deserves it. I already killed more than seventy-five just thirty-six hours ago. Making seventy-six won't be so hard."
Licht said, "Those were behind the scenes. This will be public, and it won't slide so easily — it will make your case worse."