After Lara healed him, she said, "Captain, what happened? How did you get this messed up? Who did this? I can't imagine there are many people who can hurt you this badly."
Liebe said, "Yeah… that fight hurt like hell."
Lara replied, "Unfortunately, I can see that, Captain. Well, you've got class tomorrow—you've already skipped too much as it is, so… well."
Then she added, "Captain, listen. Please tell us what you fought. If it can harm you to this level, then it's a threat we have to consider."
Liebe said, "Don't worry. I dealt with it—it won't bother us anymore. I guess I've just gotten a bit lazy. Licht, Alysa—my office, after this."
Licht and Alysa said, "Understood."
Lara said, "Captain, you're going nowhere until you tell us what the hell attacked you."
Liebe said, "It's something I can't say, and it's best if you don't know. It's something I can't share… even if I wanted to."
Lara sighed. "I understand, Captain."
Gelda looked serious. "Captain… don't tell me it was—"
Liebe interrupted, "Yes. It was. And it was something that had to be done."
Gelda nodded. "Understood, Captain."
As he entered his office, Licht and Alysa followed behind him. Liebe said, "Take a seat. It's best if you two know my secret."
Licht said, "What secret? Did you forget we already know you have a second attribute—from the 17th devil?"
Liebe said, "That's not it."
Then he pressed a button under his desk. All the doors and windows sealed shut with a heavy clang.
Licht raised an eyebrow. "Well… that's new."
Liebe said, "Here's my secret now—Dark X Attribute: Steel Magic — Demonics."
As he said that, Liebe's form began to change. His arms grew claws, a tail extended behind him, horns sprouted from his head, and his skin darkened. All the wounds on his body started to heal right before their eyes.
Liebe said, "This is my new power."
Licht's eyes widened. "What the hell is this…" he thought. This monstrous magic power… it's enough to send chills down my spine. It's similar to the devil we fought before—just leagues ahead. It's not just his magic power but his aura, his presence, his scent, even his look—nothing is the same.
Alysa, on the other hand, just stared in awe and said, "Cool! Are those horns real?"
Liebe said, "Kinda."
Alysa said, "Let me try and touch them."
Liebe sighed. "Fine… but they're a bit sensitive."
Alysa reached out and touched them gently.
Licht crossed his arms. "So why the heavy iron doors and windows? Planning to kill us now that we know your secret?"
Liebe smirked. "No. These doors are made from an alloy that contains a mixture of Fe and As. It prevents others from detecting magic and also makes the room soundproof."
Licht said, "Okay, that's… reassuring."
Alysa smiled. "Wow, they really are real."
Liebe said, "Told you."
Licht asked, "So what's the point of showing us this form?"
Liebe looked down for a moment before saying, "You guys are the only family I have left that actually cares. The only constant in my life."
Alysa said softly, "Don't worry, we'll always be there for you."
Licht nodded. "Yeah. This form doesn't make a difference—not for us anyway."
Liebe returned to his normal form and said, "This form gives me strength—makes me stronger—but it feels different. You know, my mind feels like a clear pond where the only things that matter are winning and killing. And I feel like… if I had more control over my bloodlust form, I could transcend even the Knights of the Round."
Licht replied, "Yeah, except you can't control your bloodlust form. You end up losing your mind, getting covered in those black markings. Remember last time? You almost killed me for a drop of blood."
Liebe sighed. "Sorry about that."
Then he opened the doors and windows again.
Lara looked over and asked, "Captain, what happened?"
Liebe smiled faintly. "Nothing much. Just a private conversation."
Lara said, "Okay then."