As their ship almost reached Baladian waters, Liebe was in front of the deck.
Licht said, "Looks like the semi-finals are starting."
Liebe said, "Yeah, but that isn't the issue."
Licht said, "Yeah, we are entering enemy territory."
Licht said, "Yeah, our fight is at the enemy kingdom. Not to mention you are the one who killed one of their top generals."
Liebe said, "Yeah. I had Horn take initiative in case anyone is planning anything. We can be prepared."
Licht said, "Wow, planning so far ahead."
Liebe said, "Yeah, but even being one of the highest military members, there are limits to what can be done."
Licht said, "Yeah, each military has their own factors. It's hard knowing what the other faction may be intending."
Liebe said, "That's the issue. Currently, Horn is like the 3rd highest ranking individual under their 5-star general, but that's about it. All I can guess is their general is planning a face-off against Mother and all of Black Rose."
Licht said, "Laughable. Aunt Lilith alone can turn this nation to dust."
Liebe said, "That isn't the issue. It appears they are confident they can win. Someone or something is leading them on. Horn doesn't know what."
Licht said, "I see. But I have a question. Did Horn—or should I say Zen—know that?"
Liebe said, "No. Every citizen of Hazen is a monster. It is from birth. But they wear disguises to join the human alliance of the Empire. And since every citizen uses disguise since birth for tourism purposes, it was impossible for Horn to know, as it was expected she was one from birth as well."
Licht said, "So despite being human, Horn wasn't noticed. It's weird to think about it now."
Liebe said, "Being a human, yes."
Licht said, "It's best to stay on guard."
As Alysa joined them, she said, "What are you two doing?"
Liebe said, "Nothing."
Alysa said, "Since we are on the ship, want to do that thing we have always wanted to do?"
Liebe said, "You mean the thing on the other side of the ship's railings?"
Alysa said, "Yeah, that."
Licht said, "Now I'm confused."
As Liebe grabbed Alysa and held her above the railing in the Lion King position, Alysa said, "This is not what I was expecting."
Licht said, "This might be the coolest thing I saw all day."
Liebe said, "I know, right."
Alysa said, "Never mind, this is actually cool."
As an egg fell on Licht's face, Licht said, "Son of a—" The egg was about 25 inches in diameter and it didn't crack.
Liebe said, "A giant egg? Interesting."
Licht said, "I swear I will fry that thing." As Licht grabbed the egg, Licht said, "Alysa, fry it for me."
Alysa said, "Wait, is the egg still alive?"
Liebe said, "Let me see." After checking with a bit of his dark magic, Liebe said, "Yeah, it's alive. I don't know what it will hatch into, but it's alive. Let's hatch it."
Licht said, "How? Fang and Titan are males. They don't know how to hatch stuff."
Liebe said, "Let's give it to Stella."
Alysa said, "Can't. Remember, Stella's whole body is covered in toxins. It doesn't affect her kind because Death Gripper eggs are made resistant to acids and toxins so they can be born. And I doubt that egg is strong enough."
Liebe said, "Plan B. We ask our bird."
Licht said, "We have a bird?"
Liebe said, "Yes, we do. We have a bird. A very, very, very feathery owly bird."
Licht said, "We do?"
In a few minutes, Iris in her own demonic form was sitting over the egg.
Iris said, "Liebe, I don't think this is going to work."
Liebe said, "Shut up and do what birds do. Sit there."
Licht said, "Great. We are raising a bird now."
Gaia said, "It's so exciting! But Liebe, where do eggs come from?"
Liebe said, "You don't need to know. So how is the egg doing, Lumos?"
Lumos said, "Good. It's healthy. And thanks to Iris, it's definitely incubating."
Iris said, "And exactly how long do I have to sit like this?"
Lumos said, "If my calculations are correct, anything between 5 minutes to 2 millennia."
Iris said, "What?! Just tell me to die and use my corpse to incubate this thing."
Lumos said, "The issue is we can't be sure since this egg doesn't match the description of any living animal we know. And Tyrant Dragons—Fang's species—needs to be incubated in lava for at least 5 years before they are ready to hatch. And Titan's species takes more around 10 years. By that time, their mothers are dead. So we don't even know how old the egg is."
Lichee said, "I just hope it's strong and I can fight it."
As the egg began to move, Liebe said, "Umm, Lumos, I think there is a hole in your theory. Pretty sure it hasn't been 5 minutes yet."
As the egg hatched, it was some kind of baby owl.
Liebe said, "Wow, it's adorable."
As the baby bird said, "Mama. Papa."
Lichee said, "What was that? This little shit is trying to claim my parents?"
Licht said, "Fire up the grill. I will fry this turkey alive."
Licht said, "Somehow I agree."
As Lichee clenched her knuckles, Liebe said, "Now that's a bit much. And Iris, since it's some kind of owl, do your own thing and find worms or mice. We need to feed it."
Iris said, "From a noble to searching for mice. This is what I have become."
Olivia said, "Don't worry, it can be worse."
Liebe said, "Well, let's name her. How about Octavia? Or Oct or Via for short?"
Alysa said, "I like it."
Gaia said, "This owl thing is adorable. Can I keep it?"
Liebe said, "I don't see why not. First, let Lumos have a general look."
Lumos said, "Give me a few minutes." After checking, Lumos said, "Yeah, it looks good. Definitely healthy."
As the baby owl stood on two feet, Liebe said, "That will take a bit of getting used to."
As Isurugi arrived, he said, "Fleet Admiral, we are making landfall in Baledia."
Liebe said, "I got it."
Isurugi said, "What is this? It's adorable."
Gaia said, "I know!"
Liebe said, "We can keep it. Want to help me raise it?"
Isurugi said, "It's adorable. I want to help you in your little raising project."