When they went to the Abyssal Zone, Liebe said, "Well, Mia, show us what you've got—besides the Disney princess-level personality. And what's your attribute?"
Mia said, "Flame magic."
Liebe said, "Why don't you show us? Try fighting Hedin and Iris at once."
Mia said, "At once, sir?"
Liebe said, "I'm more than sure. Don't worry about it. You know what, fight Elizabeth."
Elizabeth said, "Why me, brother?"
Liebe said, "Because you've been slacking off, kiddo. And as your brother, I say do it. Win."
Elizabeth said, "Okay."
When the fight was about to begin, Licht said, "Why Elizabeth? She's pretty okay, I guess, in terms of prowess. But why fight Mia? Elizabeth can't lose."
Liebe said, "Don't be so sure."
Licht said, "Why is that?"
Liebe said, "Don't forget—Mia entered the Abyssal Zone, and she didn't feel any different and didn't almost die like five times. She's obviously strong, a bit at least."
After the hour-long match, Elizabeth won.
Licht said, "Somehow you are right."
As Liebe extended his hand and helped Mia up, Liebe said, "Hedin and Iris, you two try. Mia and Lumos, heal her."
Lumos said, "Sure."
Mia got up and beat Hedin and Iris.
While others were training, Mia and Licht sat down.
Licht said, "Well, that was something. You are strong, alright."
Mia said, "Yeah, it was rough."
Licht said, "I know. Liebe may seem a bit rough, and well, you may feel out of place, but congrats on beating Iris and Hedin."
Mia said, "I'm out of place?"
Licht said, "Same here. Pretty sure Alyssa, Elizabeth, M, Lumos, Hedin, Iris, Olivia, Fate, Isurugi, and even Gaia feel the same way. Think about it—normally, who would want a second-in-command like me?"
Mia said, "Sorry, sir."
Licht said, "Just Licht for now is okay."
Mia said, "Okay, Licht."
Licht said, "Think about it. Who would want a second-in-command who sleeps 18 hours a day, and the leader has to do almost all the work? Or a girl who can't even talk—that was Alyssa before she met Liebe. Or even an idiot who doesn't feel emotions, like M. Maybe Alyssa would qualify for a trophy wife since she can't talk and looks beautiful, but who would make her an admiral or a direct subordinate? That was Liebe. That's why we are all here—because Liebe was there. If he wasn't there, I doubt I'd do anything, Alyssa would be nothing, M would probably be an assassin or something, Isurugi would be a slave, Fate would be waiting, and Gaia would be who knows where. So just because you feel out of place doesn't mean we dislike you. It's because you think too highly of us and not as friends. Try that."
Mia said, "Is that really so?"
Licht said, "That is my idea. Again, but that is my idea."
Mia said, "I see now. But, sir, why is it that you and the Fleet Admiral aren't training?"
Licht said, "That's because if we do here, then… we can't give it our all, or your safety wouldn't be ensured. We only train 1,500 meters deep into the Abyssal Zone. That's how we train."
Mia said, "Is that so?"
Liebe said, "Licht, time to go."
Gelda said, "Of course, Lord," as Gelda made a portal.
Licht and Liebe went through. After they went through, Licht said, "Shall we begin?"
Liebe said, "One second, let me stretch a bit."
As Liebe was stretching, Licht drew his sword on Liebe and said, "Who are you?"
Liebe said, "Umm, dude, it's me, Liebe. You know, your best friend. We've been together since the day you were born."
Licht said, "Good try, but you are not Liebe. Not in hell. Liebe always gets bored watching battles—he hates it. Today you watched Mia fight and didn't yell 'Fight me!' And you were a bit too rough on Mia. Liebe isn't like that."
As the person transformed, it was a female with silver and black ombre hair.
The woman said, "I'm Horn."
Licht said, "Frick. Let me guess—Liebe slept with you, and it's gotten to the point where you are someone strong, and now you want revenge, so you killed him or something?"
Horn said, "No, he is alive, and he is busy. And we have a deal."
Licht said, "Answer me this: where is Liebe, and what do you want?"
Horn said, "He is in Baledia. And for what I want… the same thing as him: to ensure no child in the world has to lose anyone they love."
Licht said, "Sounds so generous that you are so graciously helping us out of the kindness of your heart."
Horn said, "I'm not. I'm helping him in exchange for making it a reality. We have a deal."
Licht said, "Oh, great. And what the hell is Liebe doing in Baledia?"
Horn said, "I can't answer that. But have you heard the names Leo Conquista of Baledia, Joseph Strong of Draken, Zen from Hezen?"
Licht said, "Yes."
Horn said, "Do you recall when their names started to pop up on world lists?"
Licht said, "About 3 or 4 years ago."
Horn said, "Those individuals never existed in the pages of history."
Licht said, "What?"
Horn continued, "I'm offering my full support for the sole purpose of Liebe growing stronger. He needs to become stronger; otherwise, our contract can't be fulfilled."
Licht said, "How strong?"
Horn said, "Inorder to fulfill his end of the bargain he needs to grow Stronger than the 25 Princes of Hell. Power that rivals the Knights of the Round. And in order for that to happen, I will do whatever is necessary."
Licht said, "Huhhhhh… I need to sit down for this one. And since when have you been covering for him?"
Horn said, "I have known him for the past 12 years, and we made our pact 9 years ago. And it allows me to do what is required."
Licht said, "What the hell is your deal? Did he sell his soul or something?"
Horn said, "Unfortunately, negative. He exchanged it for your testicles."
Licht said, "Sorry, what?"
Horn said, "That was my attempt at a joke. Unfortunately, I'm not at the liberty of informing you about the terms and conditions of our deal."
As Horn pointed towards her right eye, she chanted, "Dark Magic: Dark Castling." Horn was teleported, and Liebe was teleported to Liebe's spot.
Licht said, "Good to have you back. Now then, answer me: what the hell is this? Who is Horn, and what is this deal?"
Liebe said, "When did you figure it out?"
Licht said, "About 3 months ago. Some things didn't match up, especially when you once in a while kept eating fish in our meals when we were outside, despite the fact you hate it and never eat it because of the bones. Or when you kept talking to yourself, etc., etc."
Liebe told Licht the details of his contract with Horn.
Licht said, "Wow. Great. It's comforting to know there's a chance a girl saw my balls before marriage. My life is ruined."
Liebe said, "If it's of any comfort, she said yours is smaller than average, and hopefully your speed can make up for it."
Licht said, "Frick. But why did you?"
Liebe said, "Simple: time."
Licht said, "And who exactly is Horn?"
Liebe said, "Tough question, but I guess you could call her my little guardian angel."