Later, as everyone was in the hotel, Licht said, "Well, your gut feeling was partially right."
Liebe said, "Yeah, but the question is: what is that threat?"
Licht said, "We should rest up. It's for the best. Even though Zen might have declined our help, we certainly know people with access."
Liebe said, "Of course we do. For now, we are on standby. But there is no rule that states we can't collect intel while doing so. Now, Horn. Dark Magic: Dark Castling."
As Horn teleported in, Licht said, "Well, that certainly is interesting."
Horn said, "My apologies, Liebe, for denying you."
Liebe said, "Doesn't matter. What's the issue?"
Horn stated, "An ancient monster, made for protecting, is awake. A guardian of stone and steel on a rampage. As of right now, there is nothing yet."
Licht said, "Interesting. Was it the quake that awakened it, or the tsunami?"
Horn said, "As of right now, that is still unclear. The legend states that a warrior of stained light shall awaken when coming face to face against the Ars Goetia, and can only be put down by the God of Darkness wielding the Book of Ars Goetia and the strength of every devil from the book."
Liebe said, "Interesting. So far, we have 4 devils."
Licht said, "But that won't be enough. Especially since Iris, Olivia, Lumos, and Hedin—they aren't strong enough. Having more attributes doesn't make you stronger."
Liebe said, "Yeah. And Horn, investigate the location and try looking for a Mask of Ifrit."
Horn said, "Understood. As of right now, you are on standby. And so far, Division 5 is at the site, yet the location is 2 km deep, so the investigation is taking time."
Liebe said, "Understandable. Any idea where it might have gone, or its current trajectory?"
Horn said, "South-east, near the shore. Currently, Divisions 2, 3, and 9 are on standby in the coastal regions where it might attack first. Yet its current velocity is only about 20 km an hour."
Liebe said, "Waking up after so long must have caused rust."
Licht said, "Interesting."
Meanwhile, outside the door, as Iris and Olivia were walking, they heard the talking inside.
Iris said, "Who are Licht and Liebe talking to?"
Olivia said, "Sounds like the third person is a female."
Hedin said, "Looks like it."
Lumos said, "Should we interrupt, or—"
Aoi said, "Let's barge in!"
Olivia said, "Maybe it's a threesome, and it's two guys and one girl."
Iris said, "Whaaaaaaa?!"
Lumos said, "We are not going in. It's rude."
Iris said, "So should we wait?"
As Alysa, Elizabeth, and Lichee were walking by, Alysa said, "What are you four doing here?"
Elizabeth said, "It's weird."
Olivia said, "Wait, Alysa? You are here? So wait—"
Alysa said, "What are you saying?"
Lichee said, "Wait, those two are in there with a girl? We should barge in and punch their guts out! How dare Liebe cheat on Alysa!"
Elizabeth said, "Now that's the spirit!"
Alysa said, "I don't get it. What are all of you so worked up about? Let me show you—nothing is going on."
As she opened the door, she saw Horn and immediately shut it.
Olivia said, "What happened? What did you see?"
Lichee said, "Tell us!"
Alysa said, "Nothing. Nothing at all." As she thought, I can't let them see Horn.
Seeing the door shut, Liebe said, "Horn, get out of here."
Horn said, "Understood. Dark Magic: Dark Castling." As she teleported away, and Liebe opened the door and said, "Hello. What brings you guys here?"
Iris said, "Who was the girl with you two?"
Liebe said, "What girl?"
Olivia said, "We want to hear the juicy stuff about who you two were doing it with!"
Liebe said, "Sorry, what?"
Olivia said, "Stop stalling!"
As they barged in and saw Licht sleeping and a book on the couch, Olivia said, "There is—"
Liebe said, "Exactly. Nothing. Now then, mind telling me what exactly you are searching for?"
Olivia said, "Yeah, there is nothing. You see, Iris? I told you nothing is going on here, yet you kept saying there was an affair and a threesome."
Liebe said, "Now then, besides Alysa, Lichee, and Elizabeth—start explaining. Olivia, Iris, Hedin, and Lumos."
They said, "We are sorry. We are so, so sorry."
Liebe said, "You should be. Spying on superiors without a valid reason? I should punch your lights out. Now tell me, what do you need?"
Hedin said, "Well, we came to talk."
Iris said, "We don't like how you look down upon us."
Olivia said, "Yeah."
Lumos said, "We are your friends, and we don't want to be left behind while you guys risk your lives. It just isn't right."
Aoi said, "Basically, we want to fight to the death with you!"
Liebe said, "Okay, then. From now on, let's fight together as one."
Lumos said, "Thanks."
Aoi said, "I want to go first!"
Liebe said, "Lichee, you fight Aoi. And don't die, dumbasses. And Alysa, tell Fate we have some cargo for her."
Alysa said, "Sure."
Liebe said, "And as for you guys—stand by. We will be deployed soon on a little monster hunting."
Everyone said, "Really?!"
Liebe said, "Yeah. Now prepare and stay alert."
Everyone said, "Sir, yes, sir!"
Liebe said, "Now, dismissed."
As they went away, Liebe contacted Gelda.
Gelda said, "Yes, Lord?"
Liebe said, "Is the F91 ready yet?"
Gelda said, "Yes, Lord. It's ready in Symphonics. Alex has made sure it's ready."
Liebe said, "And the volume?"
Gelda said, "125 cubic meters. Of course, transporting is an issue."
Liebe said, "Miniaturize it and bring it here."
Gelda said, "I understand, Lord. The engineers and scientists here still require about 9 hours, Lord."
Liebe said, "Okay. Give the communicator to Alex."
Alex said, "Yooo! The grand maestro of Symphonics, Alex speaking!"
Liebe said, "Hey, Uncle. How is everything?"
Alex said, "Great! And how is your mom?"
Liebe said, "Please don't ever say that again."
Alex said, "It appears my attempts at humor are still as unsuccessful as ever. I'm good. Good to see you are still in high spirits."
Liebe said, "Yeah, yeah. What's the progress on F91?"
Alex said, "Great, great. We are about to start the final load test, and Heaven and Hell are putting on the final few details."
Liebe said, "Great."
Alex said, "We should be done in 9 hours. Even 8 hours should be enough. And we are still facing the power supply issue, but since you stated you have solved it, we installed an extra battery unit to store it."
Liebe said, "I have it covered."
As the communicator was returned to Liebe, Liebe said, "Gelda, get Fang and Titan. We will need them."
Gelda said, "Now? Do we have permission?"
Liebe said, "I have it handled. Just do it in 30 minutes, and bring Stella too, if you can."
Gelda said, "Understood."
As the call was disconnected, 30 minutes later, Liebe and Licht were outside.
Licht said, "Mia, did you do what I asked you to do?"
Mia said, "It is done, sir."
Licht said, "Thank you."
As a giant portal opened, Liebe's dragon Fang, Licht's giant sea serpent Leviathan, Titan, and Alysa's death gripper Stella came through. As Fang and Titan began to lick Mia endlessly, Liebe said, "Thank you, Gelda."
Gelda said, "Of course, Lord. F91 passed the final load test. All stats are showing positive, and synchronization with Fate is 100%. We are golden."
Liebe said, "Good."
As Gelda went away, Liebe contacted Zen, or Horn.
Horn said, "Lord?"
Liebe said, "What's the plan?"
Horn said, "Currently, no info from Division 5. They have gone silent. And Divisions 2, 3, and 9 are setting up a final line of defense against the monster. Its name or identity is still unclear."
Liebe said, "Is Division 5 alive?"
Horn said, "Unknown."
Liebe said, "Okay. What about the final line of defense?"
Horn said, "It consists of Divisions 2, 3, and 9, and a small fleet of about 5 ships. The coastal regions are being evacuated."
Liebe said, "Okay, then. And we are on standby. Fang and Titan are also here, and in a few hours we will have F91. We still need about 2 hours to prepare."
Horn said, "Understood. In the current trajectory, the monster is set to meet the defense line in approximately 9 hours."
Liebe said, "Okay. And Horn, regardless of our goals in Hazen, we have to protect the people at all costs. Is that understood?"
Horn said, "I understand. It will be done."
Liebe said, "Titan and Fang will aid the defense fleet with long-distance cover."
Horn said, "I will make preparations."
As Horn disconnected, Licht said, "What exactly is F91?"
Liebe said, "Something cool. And right now, tell M and Fate to be on standby."
Licht said, "Okay, then. So what's the plan? Cover the difference of the Ars Goetia by sheer force?"
Liebe said, "When the time comes, we will attack it from all directions and pin it down until it's dead."
Licht said, "Nice and simple. Just the way I like it."