Year After Trinity

by L-Lupin

One year after the Trinity Universe true end... Spoilers for true end game. Characters from Disgaea(1-4), Atelier Iris(1-3), Mana Khemia(1) included on future chapters.

6. Day 5 morning

Chapter 5: Eventful Crossover

Part1: Morning's Circumstances

"…" Tsubaki stirs on the clinic's bed and slowly opens her eyes; she realized that she hadn't left the Royal Clinic and that she was now feeling much better than she was yesterday. She raises her upper body and stretches, that's when she notices the Demon Dog King's absence from her bedside.

"Master Kanata must be resting because of yesterday's chaos." Tsubaki thought, she then remembers the past events that transpired, "(Ugh!) Reminiscing about him finding out my real face is almost enough to get me ill again…"

It may be late but the Fox Spirit started to put her mascara on to her face to make herself be more comfortable, but a lingering thought remains in her mind.

"I did not want to hear it at the time but…I wonder what Master Kanata thinks about my real face…" Tsubaki thought up as a knock was heard on the clinic's door, "A knock? Whoever shall it be?"

Tsubaki opens the door and the sight of a pink haired twin tail girl appears before her.

"Rizelea? Why are you here?" the Fox Spirit asked, she also notices that the girl in front of her is carrying a tray full of cups and pot of, basing from the aroma, tea.

"Disappointed, Tsubaki?" Rizelea asked with her neutral tone.

"O-Of course not! I was only surprised of your presence as the one I would meet first on this day, (uh) please, come inside." Tsubaki gestured.

"Somehow, I have a feeling that if a certain someone were here in my place, your reaction would be much more positive." The Valkyrie pointed out with a knowing smile as she sits on the chair that the Demon Dog King occupied for a day while Tsubaki sits on the patient's bed before replying.

"You imply that I do not appreciate your current attendance, have you already forgotten how we fought side by side against deities? I may not show it more frequently like Master Kanata but I do value each and every one of you as my trusted comrades and treasured friends." Tsubaki explained proudly. ..until she realized what she just said and saw her companion's lightly blushing face, "Why the heck did I just say that! ? And why are you blushing! ?"

"I didn't think that this side of you would appear after your recovery Tsubaki, in fact I didn't even think that it exists…!" Rizelea said with a smile and now lessening blush in her face, she then fills a cup with tea and hands it to her.

"If you know what's good for you then you will not speak of our earlier conversation to anyone and would immediately change the topic of our discussion." The Fox Spirit warned with her face blushing as well, she also took the offered cup and started to lightly sip on it.

"That was actually a preferable course of action, as much as I would like to comment on your hidden side, the reason for my current presence is much more essential than that." The Valkyrie said as she fills her own cup, she then looked at her with a face full of seriousness.

"That's a rather fast change of attitude…if Rizelea is acting like this then whatever she has to say must be of utmost importance." Tsubaki straightens her seat and looks at her companion directly, "Oh? What may that be?"

Rizelea takes a deep breath and then looks at the Fox Spirit as she says the words, "I found out that you haven't relayed my message to Kanata about his meeting dates, resulting with all those potential engagement partners sending me various complaints…" Rizelea started.

"…" The Fox Spirit knows where this conversation is going.

"And I also found out about you spending the last four days with him, although you were unconscious yesterday but that still counts, so…" the Valkyrie sighs, "We need to talk about your feelings for Kanata."

Demon Palace: Overseer Office (early morning)

"According to these reports, the venue for the engagement party is not prepared yet?" Suzaku asked while sitting in a chair with a table in front of it where various letters are in place, in front of the table, Lucius stands.

"Indeed, if we have followed the original schedule then adding the finishing touches would have been the only task left to be done, but because of what happened yesterday, almost half of the labor is left unfinished and the absence of the Prinnies whom are supposed to be central workers on that particular area of the overall plan for the engagement day is most certainly not helping." The TriUni Dark Hero explains, he then remembers the earlier events of that morning.

NetherUniverse: Mountain Plateau/Engagement Venue (early sunrise) [flashback]

"I usually only work this Mega hard whenever I'm catching up to my Mega schedule and that's a very rare occurrence for me." Macaroon says as she sew a dress inside of Rizelea's UFO, after a few stitches, she turns around with maid like speed, and goes to artistically arrange some flowers in a vase.

"I can relate to that statement, so is this pillar in the right place?" Lucius asked after pushing a decorated looking pillar in one part of the plateau.

"That's Mega right, Lucius!" The NetherUniverse Guide gives him a nod and a smile, "Now can you Mega pick some tables behind the UFO and place them in an infinite form in a bird's eye view? " Macaroon requested as she began doing what she ordered from one side of the plateau.

"No problem but that will be my final assistance for now, I still need to inquire the others about their own progress and report my findings to Suzaku, forgive me for leaving at such a short notice." Lucius runs behind the UFO, picks a folded table, runs back at the other side of the plateau, opens it and puts it down.

"That's Mega alright Lucius but since this task was supposed to be Rizelea's, I can only do so much as a substitute, if she's not here when I'm doing the Mega parts of the Venue then I might just design it with my own Mega style." the NetherUniverse Guide reasoned while placing the last table, she then runs towards one of the highest pillars around the plateau in order to examine the tables' placing, "The last table to the left needs to be move Mega higher, Lucius!"

"Watch out you two! Treasur' Hunter coming through!" Recit shouted as he passed by the middle of the tables while carrying a pile of table cloths, "The table cloths'r dry, anyone mind helping me set em up though?"

"I'll Mega help you with that!" Macaroon said as she gets the top of the table cloth and places it in one of the tables.

"At least it's good to know that Recit were here to aid you, even though the only thing he is really in use of in such circumstance is as a hauler of weighty objects." The TriUni Dark Hero commented as he fixes the un-aligned table.

"Well when it comes to designing and stuff, I'm not really the pers'n anyone is supposed to look at but if there's lifting to be done then I'm the man for the job." Recit proudly explained as he and Macaroon goes to the other tables and sets the table cloths, "You might want to check up on the little critters back at the Managraphic shop, see if they're doing good with me gone."

"That's just what I was about to do." Lucius was now fixing his gear, "After inspecting all the other groups and reporting our progress to Suzaku, I will come back, hopefully with a good plan in hand or a couple pair of helping hands, until then I trust that you two will be able to at least set the Venue into half of how it was supposed to be."

"Shur thing! That much shouldn't be too hard for us! But don't take your time, right Lucius?" the Treasure Hunter joked.

"Of course I wouldn't!" The TriUni Dark Hero shouted to his smirking friend, he turns to the NetherUniverse Guide, "I thank you, truly for accepting to replace Rizelea for this important duty, but I give you my word that you wouldn't be shouldering this burden alone for long."

"(tee-hee) It's not really a Mega burden but I'll hold you up on that Mega promise Lucius." Macaroon said while smiling.

"(nods) I shall take my leave now." With that, Lucuis turns around and runs away, when he was a few miles away, a fleeting thought occurred on his mind.

Demon Palace: Overseer Office (early morning)

"Following that, I made my way to the Managraphic's shop to see Miyu, Moca and Mizuki's progress." The TriUni Dark Hero explains.

"And according to these reports, they are not doing very well." Suzaku noted after reading another batch of papers.

"…No, they are not." Lucuis admitted, as he began his report, the same fleeting thought occurred to him, "I wonder how Rizelea's own work is faring".

Demon Palace: Royal Clinic (early morning)

"W-Why should we have to do that? Don't you have a more important task to accomplish today instead? As I recall from my momentary awakened consciousness yesterday, you are all trying to catch up with your delayed plans for Master Kanata's Engagement day." Tsubaki reasoned while lightly blushing.

"So you heard." Rizelea mused, "True there's much to be done and after finishing here, I intend to put everything I have to make up for lost time but your situation cannot wait any longer than necessary."

"Oh? And why is that? Surely my current dilemma is of minor-" Before the Fox Spirit could continue, she was interrupted.

"Stop thinking that it's not important!" Rizelea suddenly shouted but not too loud, only enough the stun Tsubaki silent, she then continues, "I know Kanata was supposed to be the main focus of this event but you're our friend too Tsubaki, and if your 'minor' problem is enough to get you to a clinic and be down for a day then there's no way I'm going to do anything that doesn't involve helping you."

"…" Tsubaki remains silent.

"Besides, do you think that we'll be able to do our jobs if we know that one of us is un-well? You have no idea how much convincing I had to do just to make them continue their duties in the meantime and leave your situation to us, and don't get me started on how I had to get that stupid dog out of here so that he could avoid looking like a zombie on his own engagement day." The Valkyrie explains and complains at the same time, earning a chuckle from her companion.

"I did not know of it but I guess I have been making things worse for you Rizelea, forgive me." The Fox Spirit apologized.

"If you're really sorry then perhaps you would stop beating around the bush and allow me to talk about your problem concerning your feelings for Kanata?" Rizelea suggested, leading her companion to sigh.

"If I must…then I shall." Tsubaki finally declared, making the Valkyrie smile, "But how did you know about my current circumstance anyway?" she asks while drinking her tea

"Pamela told us that she thinks you're in love with Kanata." The Valkyrie bluntly stated, causing her companion to choke on her drink.

"T-That frickin apparition…! D-Do not tell me that you believe her based on that sole statement…!" The Fox Spirit lightly shouted.

"Of course I didn't, but seeing that Lucius told me about you and his discussion a few nights back, it's actually a reasonable declaration." Rizelea reasoned.

"(tsk) That stupid Dark Hero just can't keep his mouth shut, can he?" Tsubaki muttered darkly.

"It's not that he announced it, I asked him and when he said that something did happen concerning you and the 'L' topic, I just had to make him tell me everything." The Valkyrie explained, she then drinks her tea, "Besides, if you hadn't sabotaged my simple task of you telling Kanata about his dates then I would have thought of your feelings for him as momentarily, seeing that that didn't happen though."

"Alright, I admit it, I see your point." The Fox Spirit surrendered.

"Good, now if you don't have any more questions, may we start?" Rizelea asked.

"I guess we have delayed it long-" Tsubaki started but then thought of something, "Rizelea, earlier you declared that you had a hard time to convince the others to do their duties and leave everything to 'us', which ones were you referring?"

"Oh! Right, knowing 'them', they should be making their appearance right about-" the Valkyrie was interrupted by someone opening the door of the clinic.

"We're here! Sorry for the wait~!" Etna announced when she enters followed by Flonne.

"Good Morning Miss Tsubaki!" Flonne greeted.

"Etna! Flonne!" the Fox Spirit called.

"Etna told me about your discussion with her after the one you had with Lucius, that was the final clue that I needed in order to officially declare that you need assistance in this." Rizelea revealed.

"(sigh) Why am I not surprised that you couldn't keep a simple conversation to yourself." Tsubaki annoyingly said while looking at Etna.

"Hey, in my defense, you never did tell me to keep it a secret, not that it would have stopped me from spilling the beans." Laharl's Vassal amusingly responded, "Besides, instead of looking annoyed, you should be grateful that we're here now, after all you have been awaiting our arrival, haven't you?"

"W-What! ? What kind of accusation is that! ?" The Fox Spirit shouted.

"There's no need to be embarrassed Miss Tsubaki, anyone who has ever been in love and doesn't know it, always look for someone for advice." The Fallen Angel announced, "Although it makes me wonder why you would look at Miss Etna of all people for love advice when I'm right here."

"It's a mutual thing." Etna simply replied, "Now enough about the small stuff, let's go to the blackmail material part!"

"Miss/ ETNA!" the three other girls shouted.

"Alright, Alright, geez, can't any of you take a joke?" Laharl's Vassal just had to ask.

"Remind me why are they here again?" Tsubaki asks to Rizelea.

"I figured that having an expert about love" Rizelea gestured to Flonne, "Would be a huge enhancement, as for her." She gestures to Etna, "I have no idea why she was here."

"Don't mind me; I'm just here so that I have an excuse not to work this day." Laharl's Vassal replied, causing everyone in the room to sweat drop.

"That is so like you, Miss Etna." Flonne alleged, she then turns to the occupant of the clinic bed, "Now, whenever you're ready Miss Tsubaki and don't worry, everything that you will say shall remain in this room while any evidence that is too private for any other person would be erased so there is nothing to worry about."

"There's just no escape from this, is there?" The Fox Spirit thought, but while looking at three sets of eyes, eagerly awaiting her to start and is genuinely shining with worry, she sighs, "Oh well, I did indeed needed help badly…might as well take advantage of this situation."

"So? Where should I begin?" Tsubaki asks.

NetherUniverse: Outskirts of Empyria/Managraphic Shop (early sunrise) [flashback]

Lucius stops his running when he approaches the Miyu's shop, he then slides the Japanese doors open.

"Miyu! Mizuki! Moca! It is I, Lucius!" the TriUni Dark Hero called.

"O-Oh! ? Good Morning Lucius!" Miyu greeted, even when she was running around her shop and creating various types and sizes of Managraphics at the same time.

"(huh) A pleasant day to you to." Lucius called back while looking at her do things like she has five bodies, "Any second now…"

"N-Need (huff) … more… (huff) …Mana…" the Managraphic Artist tiredly said as she measures a silk with half of it filled with Mana, she then stands up and walks towards the group of barrels that have different colored Mana items but before reaching half way, her body falls down.

Luckily, the TriUni Dark Hero stretches his arms and catches her, "Yep, it is now official that you are working too hard." He said as he lifts the small girl in his arms and places her in one of the house couch that was long enough to fit her entire body.

"S-Sorry Lucius…I'll try not to get so tired next time…" Miyu said as she tries to get up from the couch but to no avail.

"Scenes like this usually happens with the male character preventing the female from standing up but seeing that you are so fatigued that you can barely keep your eyes open, I'll skip to the part where I ask you 'what type of beverage would you like?'" Lucius asks as he opens the house fridge.

"S-Some…milk…would be…nice." The Managraphic Artist said between sighs.

"One goblet of milk, coming right up." The Dark Hero said as he pours one mug with milk from a carton, "By the way, where are Mizuki and Moca?"

"M-Moca's gone b-back to the C-Convert Shop to g-get some M-Mana items, as for M-Mizuki…s-she's been…running from…m-my house…and out…s-searching for…more M-Mana in the r-ruins…" the Managraphic Artist replied as Lucius gives her the cup of milk with a straw in it, "T-Thank-" before she could offer her gratitude, the Dark Hero was already opening her door to the outside.

"Stay there and drink your milk! Wait for Moca's return and do not even try standing up once you have re-energized yourself, I'm just going to go acquire another hard working member of our brigade." Lucius said as he closed the door.

NetherUniverse: Outskirts of Empyria/Ruins (early sunrise) [flashback]

While no monster can usually be found wondering the outskirts of the NetherUniverse or the neighboring lands of Empyria, that does not mean that it is a monster free universe. While the Drifting Dungeons are the usual place for monster fights, ever since their permanent removal, citizens of Empyria are back to the more traditional dungeon crawling if they wanted to engage themselves in combat with Monsters for their various reasons such as acquiring items, money, experience or Mana.

"The Lovely Idol…may be in a pinch." Mizuki mutters as she tiredly holds her large double ended Kunai and around her were five large dragons, "I knew fighting one more time without saving first is a bad idea, and I have totally forgotten the last time I saved!"

One dragon behind her lunged after her declaration but she quickly jumps up and strikes its neck with one end of her Kunai, "(chuckle) Don't go falling into obvious feints now."

Another dragon blasted fire at her in, she dodges by spinning in midair and counters by throwing shurikens at the dragon before she falls down, "Assassination!" she shouted as she ran at another dragon and attacks it with her double edged Kunai, "Hit!" she shouted as she delivers another blow and jumps away before she could get counter attacked.

"Slice!" she shouted as she uses wind magic on another dragon, blowing it away, "Now one more-" the fifth Dragon emerges from beneath her and almost bites her body into half if she hadn't quickly jumped away, unfortunately this leads to her crashing her back to the ground, head first and full force, "That hurts…!"

Mizuki stands up and holds her head when she sees the world spinning, "Huh...? That's...weird..." she mutters as she sees ten dragons lunging at her instead of five, "I could have sworn I assassinated four of you guys and that only one remains…so weird…"

"You're just being delusional." A familiar voice said behind her.

"Huh? Can you repeat that-" Before the Super Assassin Idol could get hit by the five dragons, all of them were blown away by individual quick sword slashes mixed with dark energy.

"Invincible Super Move!" the new comer said as he unleashed his Dim Lightning Hit skill.

"…Lucy?" Mizuki finished as she looks at the blood in her hands after removing it from her head.

"I said that you were being delusional, probably because of internal bleeding." The TriUni Dark Hero assumed as he withdrew some healing items from his pocket, "Here, apply this to your wound while I finish this battle."

"B-But Lucy…" the Super Assassin Idol tried to call but her spinning vision and aching head was enough to stop her.

"Do not worry; you have already weakened them enough, one use of my EX-Skill should be sufficient to conquer them." Lucius called as he readies his weapons, the dragons in reply, started to run towards him.

"If you say so Lucy…" Mizuki said as she applies the lotion like healing item on the wound in her head.

"Hmph, now then…" Lucuis started, "I'll show you what's behind my dark mask. Disappear into the depths of the void, the bottom of the abyss. Super...Lucius...Attack!"

NetherUniverse: Outskirts of Empyria/Managraphic Shop (early sunrise) [flashback]

"How are you feeling now, Miss Miyu?" Moca asks as she took the now empty cup of milk and stands up. The Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost arrived to Miyu's shop a few minutes after Lucius left it and seeing the current state of the shop's owner, Moca quickly tried to make Miyu's rest as comfortable as possible.

"S-Still a little d-dizzy but I'll be f-fine if I rest more…thank you f-for assisting me, M-Moca." The Managraphic Artist said in gratitude.

"It's no problem Miss Miyu, helping you and Miss Mizuki in any way was my real duty in here after all." Moca explains happily.

"M-Moca, y-you really shouldn't add a 'Miss' w-when you refer t-to me." The Managraphic Artist said while lying on the sofa.

"But of course I do, you and the other members of your group are my and Macaroon's best customers, add that all of you saved Empyria and the NetherUniverse as a whole, calling your name with respect is the least that I could in return." The Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost explained.

"B-But it's so f-formal..." the Managraphic Artist mused, "W-When your t-talking with your f-friends, y-you don't have to be f-formal, right?"

Hearing those words, Moca smiled and said, "I guess I haven't made myself clear then, Miss Miyu, I'm only formal to those whom I consider as my friends, not everyone can hear the words 'Miss' and 'Mister' so easily out of my lips, you'd have to either be really close to me, a hero or a number one customer material."

"O-Oh? Is that s-so? W-Well…thank you." The Managraphic Artist gratefully said, until she remembers a passing thought and voices it out, "B-But Moca, y-you don't call M-Macaroon with any h-honorifics…"

"(chuckle) Macaroon is an exception to that rule." The Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost vaguely answered, "I'm going to refill your cup now Miss Miyu, please try to rest until I have returned." She leaves the living room of the shop.

"…" Miyu tries to get up from the couch but only succeeds to raise her upper body and go to a sitting position, "T-There's still so much to-" she was interrupted by her shop doors opening.

"Why am I not surprised that you would not listen to my command?" Lucius asked as he enters the shop, Mizuki behind him.

"Lucuis! Mizuki!" the Managraphic Artist called, she then notices the bloody bandage wrapped in the Super Assassin Idol's head and also covers her left eye, "W-What happened to your head Mizuki! ?"

"That voice…is that you Myu-Myu? Why are you taller…and why is you hair longer?" Mizuki asks, that's when Moca came back from the kitchen room of the shop while carrying a tray with three filled mugs in it.

"Welcome back, Mister Lucius, Miss Mizuki, please have some-" the Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost then notices Mizuki's injury, "Oh my! Miss Mizuki! You are wounded! Please, follow my lead to the couch!" she puts the tray down on a wooden table and helps her injured friend to sit on the other end of the couch that the Managraphic Artist occupies.

"Mocchy? You're taller too, and I must say you're quite busty!" the Super Assassin Idol deliriously said while the target of her statement blushes.

"T-Taller…? Longer?" Miyu asks in confusion.

"It's good that you have arrived already as you did Moca, could you check if the bandage that I wrapped up Mizuki's head is properly attached? I'm a little lightheaded ever since I came here earlier." Lucius asks which was answered with a nod, he then turns to Miyu, "Don't mind whatever nonsense Mizuki is stating Miyu, she's delusional, not that that's anything new." Lucius sarcastically replies as he took away the pouch that was attached to his belt and pours its contents to one of the barrel's, Mata items started flowing out of it.

"That's a very mean thing to say to you leader Lucy! I should assassinate you for that!" the Super Assassin idol declared while pointing her hand at the opposite side of the room where the TriUni Dark Hero stood, the Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost on the other hand was analyzing the bandage on her head.

"Please try not to make too much action, Miss Mizuki, I still need to make sure that your bandage is accurately applied so that we can be assured that you wouldn't pass out because of blood loss." Moca explains as she does her work.

"Well my fans certainly wouldn't want to see their idol passed out and covered with her own blood, that honor only goes to her assassination victims~!" Mizuki happily (or as the TriUni Dark Hero proved, delusionaly) stated,

"See what I mean?" Lucuis said as he points at Mizuki while looking at Miyu.

"You're lucky that adult looking Mocchy is busy with me, otherwise that comment would have been the cause for your sudden assassination, Lucy." The Super Assassin Idol threatened without her usual shouting.

"You can assassinate me all you want when you are better but presently, try not to make too much movement so that Moca can analyze your bandage properly." Lucius suggests as he takes a sit on one chair opposite of the couch, he also took the coffee filled mug from the tray and drinks it.

"(oh) Alright, I'll just lay my head here in your comfy sofa if that's okay with you, adult looking Myu-Myu while you continue whatever it is that you're doing, Adult looking Mocchy." Mizuki said as she lays her neck to the couch's top rail.

"Please do so Miss Mizuki so that I could examine your injury properly." Moca agreed.

The Managraphic Artist looks at the two and when she sees her injured companions soft breathes, she sighs, she then turns her head to the TriUni Dark Hero, "What happened to her, Lucius?"

"Similarly to your predicament, she worked too hard and beyond her limits, leading to injury, luckily I was able to arrive just in time to prevent a worse fate to befall her, still, the damage had been done." Lucius explained as he sips his coffee.

"I see…" Miyu said as she looks at her injured companion with worry.

"There! Your bandage is more attached now, Miss Mizuki, now to prevent the swelling..." the Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost stood up and walks toward the kitchen and back again with a plastic full of ice, "Here Miss Mizuki, applying this on your head should stop the swelling of your injury."

"Thanks Adult Mocchy, I'll be sure to add you as an honorary member of our group because of your kindness and consideration to its leader." The Super Assassin Idol promised as she puts the ice filled plastic on the bandage wrapped at her head, "(Brr) That's cold…but soothing at the same time…"

"It's nothing Miss Mizuki." Moca said as she took one cup from the tray and places it to the un occupied hand of Super Assassin idol, "Please drink this too to revitalize yourself, Miss Mizuki, it's your favorite, lemon flavored juice made from 100% lemon."

"(Ohh) Not only is your body the best type there is but your personality is also the best, Adult looking Mocchy!" Mizuki exclaims while applying ice on her injury with one hand while her other hand holds the glass of juice; she drinks through its straw. Moca only blushes at her statement and then proceed to get the remaining cup from the tray.

"Here you are, Miss Miyu, drink up so you could get more of your strength back." The Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost said as she hands the mug to the Managraphic Artist.

"T-Thank you, Moca…" Miyu said as she took the offered cup of milk.

"It's nothing, Miss Miyu." Moca turns to the only male visitor of the shop, "How about you, Mister Lucius? Do you have any wounds yourself?"

"I'm quite alright; this coffee is all that I need in order to calm my tensions." The TriUni Dark Hero replied.

"Alright but if there's anything more that I could do for you, don't hesitate to ask, Mister Lucius." The Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost reminded.

Seeing that his companions are fully concentrated on relaxing, Lucius sighs, "Well, now that everything's calmed down, the weight of the situation finally approached my thoughts." He started and the other tree immediately understands what he means.

"D-Don't worry Lucius! I-I'll try to w-work harder!" the Managraphic Artist said with full force.

"Me too, Lucy! This is just a short break after all! Me and Myu-Myu and Mocchy will surely make it to our schedule!" Mizuki joined in while still holding the ice on her head.

"If both of you are still thinking that then clearly you both haven't learned the consequences of such actions." The TriUni Dark Hero remarked, leading the two girls to silently think about the past event, he then pointedly looks at the other girl in the shop.

"I'm going to have to agree with Mister Lucius." Moca said as she now looks at the Managrahic Artist and Super Assasin Idol, "Miss Miyu, Miss Mizuki, at the state of your body now, I'm afraid that overworking even for under five minutes would be enough to make you both collapse again."

"I guess working too hard isn't all good (huh)? But what else can we do, Lucy? Mocchy? This is our duty and if we don't do it then no one will." The Super Assassin Idol explained.

"I know of that fact but have both of you not think that if in the smallest chance of success that you both did caught up with our scheduled agenda but ended up being severely injured in the process, none of us would truly be pleased with your accomplishments if it came with such dire repercussions." Lucius explained to the two.

"B-but Lucius…w-we just want to do our part p-perfectly so that Kanata's engagement day would the b-best." Miyu tried to justify.

"Miss Miyu, do you think that Mister Kanata would be happy on his engagement day if two of his best of friends is not present in it? The same to Miss Rizelea, Miss Tsubaki and the others, Macaroon and I included, we couldn't possibly find it in ourselves to be happy if both of you are not there with us." the Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost rationalized, seeing that the other two were thinking about her words, she summarized that she got her point across.

"Well, I guess as the life of the party, the Super Assassin Idol better be attending it huh? Otherwise, Doggy's best day ever wouldn't be the best there is!" hyperly shouted by the wounded Mizuki.

"I-I guess I w-wouldn't push myself t-too much s-so I could a-attend the E-Engagement Day, I w-wouldn't want t-to be the reason that Kanata d-doesn't enjoy that d-day." The Managraphic Artist mused, but she glanced at the only male visitor of her shop when a thought occurred to her, "B-But Lucius, if we don't d-do our job p-past our l-limits, I don't t-think that we'll be able t-to finish it in time."

"True, choosing this path, while safer, still offers loss at the end." Lucius started.

"Well that's very disappointing! And annoying!" Mizuki complained without moving from her spot in the couch.

"I for one think that it's till better than both of you getting injuries, then again…" Moca said as she thinks about their predicament.

"Do not grieve!" the TriUni Dark Hero called to his companions, "True right now all seems bleak, but remember, as sad as it seems, none of us here are participants of the 'Thinking Type' of our group."

"Oh, y-you mean the smartest m-members of our group: Rizelea, Suzaku, Violet and Tsubaki." Miyu voiced.

"Hey you left me out of that roll call, Myu-Myu!" the Super Assassin Idol complained.

"(chuckle)" Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost chuckled, thinking about a certain scene about a certain chapter.

"…Knowing her, with or without her wound, she would have said that obviously false statement." Lucius commented while looking tiredly at his injured companion.

"T-That's a little impolite Lucius…but I a-agree…" the Managraphic Artist added while also looking at her female friend.

"Why did you chuckle that way, Moca! ? What's that supposed to mean, Lucy! ? And Myu-Myu! ? You were supposed to take my side!" Mizuki further complained but not exerting too much effort as to strain herself.

"Now-Now Miss Mizuki, you wouldn't want your wound reopening." Moca warned.

"It means precisely what you assumed it to be." The TriUni Dark Hero answered to Mizuki's direct question on him, he then shifts his gaze to the Managraphic Artist, "Going back on track. As the three of you know, my new role into our overall plan is to evaluate the current progress of each members of our group, provide help if needed but then go back to the Demon Palace and report the current standing of each of you to Suzaku as the others are as you know, currently doing their own task."

"O-Oh, so that's why you l-left early today with M-Macaroon and Recit, y-you already started y-your job with t-their group?" Miyu guessed.

"Indeed, and after helping to the best of my abilities, I left them with knowledge about what they are currently doing, the same as to what I was about to do here." Lucius explains.

"(groans) Your leaving already, Lucy? Can you find it in your heart to leave your leader in her state like this?" dramatically asked by Mizuki.

"I still have to examine Violet's dual duty of preparing the banquet for the Engagement Day as well as supervising Etna with rejuvenating the Prinny Squads so that they at least make up for their foolishness so as much as I would like to stay and assist, I really could not." The TriUni Dark Hero clarifies.

"I see how important that is, if the Prinny's would offer their assistance as they should have then there might still be a way of getting the schedule back on track." Moca analyzed, Miyu on the other hand notes the Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost's miss-use of formality when referring to the Prinny's.

"(uhm) M-Moca…a-are you in a-any case…m-mad? I-In the P-Prinny's…s-specifically?" the Managraphic Artist asks while lightly sweat-dropping.

"(Ohoho) Whatever made you think that, Miss Miyu? I'm not mad at anyone, especially not the Prinny's who are the reason that you and Miss Mizuki are currently fatigued and injured respectively, and are the reason that Mister Lucius and the others are working harder than necessary, added to that they may be the reason that Mister Kanata's engagement party is in trouble, there's no way that I am just mad at them. (chuckle)" Moca explained in complete detail while smiling but Miyu was sure that there were flames in the Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost's background as she was stating this monologue.

"I'm dizzy but even I could say that it would be best if adult looking Mocchy doesn't see any Prinny for a while." Mizuki says as she too was looking at the Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost as she tells her inner most feelings.

"Concluding my explanation!" Lucius called so as to make him the focus of the other three again, "After performing my final analysis to Violet's group's progress, I will then make my report to Suzaku who shall provide, hopefully, a solution to each of the individual group's predicament, and result with the preparations for the Demon Dog King's engagement day proceeding on schedule." The TriUni Dark Hero finished.

"Hopefully, that is." Moca emphasized.

"Still better than the alternative, right Lucy?" Mizuki asks as she finishes her drink.

"Indeed." Lucius approved as he empty's his own cup and set's it down while standing up, "I had planned on helping you three with your task but I ended up spending most of that time resting due to unthinkable circumstances, but now my time here is over, I need to proceed to the examination of the next group's progress."

"D-Don't worry, L-Lucius, w-we'll do our b-best once w-we got our energy t-to work b-back." Miyu promises.

"I don't doubt it but until then, make sure that you both only focus on getting better." Lucius expected as he was near the shop's doors.

"Your being a little too prideful Lucy, giving your leader an order like that, you better watch out, my threat about assassinating you isn't cancelled yet." The Super Assassin idol warns but with a smile on her face.

"(Hmph) Get well first and I might just think that my life may be in danger." Lucius countered with a smile on his own face, he turns to the last girl, "Make sure that the both of them have regained their full strength before doing any task, Moca."

"You can count on me, Mister Lucius." The Universe Wandering Romantic Ghost replies.

The TriUni Dark Hero nods his head, "I'm off then." And with that, Lucius left the shop.

Demon Palace: Overseer Office (early morning)

"And that's my report regarding Miyu's group." Lucius finishes his flashback explanation.

"I see…" Suzaku mutters as he reads the report, "I had assumed that the group must be overworking in order to make up for lost time but getting injured in the progress…things must be worse than we initially thought."

"I agree." The TriUni Dark Hero approves, "So I hope that you do have a proper solution for this?"

"Let me hear about your last report, then I will weigh the options that I could give you." The Castle Overseer suggested, Lucius sighs.

"Alright then, Violet's group…" the TriUni Dark hero started, elsewhere at the present time…

Demon Palace: Royal Clinic (early morning)

"You could start on when you realized your love for Sir Kanata…" Flonne suggested as a starting point.

"I'm not really sure if I would call it 'Love' but I do know that whatever this is that I'm feeling whenever Master Kanata is near is something very new for me." Tsubaki mused while lightly blushing, she may be cooperative but that doesn't mean that she wasn't embarrassed to talk about her feelings.

"(Hmm) Not really surprised with this revelation." Etna remarked, earning her a glare from the Fox Spirit.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Tsubaki asks while irritated.

"You don't really look like your one of those types that ever had a boyfriend before." Laharl's Vassal stated while eating some of the sweets that came with the tea.

"I'm not sure if I should feel offended or praised with that statement of yours Etna." The Fox Spirit says while still looking at the Beauty Queen.

"Maybe you're supposed to feel both?" Etna suggested.

"Thank you for your commentary Etna but we'll be going back on track now." Rizelea said before Tsubaki could reply to Etna's suggestion, "Perhaps we could define love for Tsubaki? She could compare this alien feeling of hers to love's description." She said to the Fallen Angel.

"What a great idea, Miss Rizelea!" the Fallen Angel proclaimed, she then turns to the Fox Spirit, "Well then Miss Tsubaki, I'm going to recite the basic feelings of love and you're going to tell us if those are the same as to what you feel whenever you see Sir Kanata."

"I see, simple enough I guess." Tsubaki agreed as she prepares herself to listen.

"Okay then! I'll start: Love- can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that ranges from interpersonal affection to pleasure, it is also an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment.." The Fallen Angel started, "Well?" she prompted.

"I know very well what 'Love's definition in english scrolls is Flonne." The Fox Spirit lightly complained, Etna in reply formed a fist with her right hand, raised the point finger, and sways it from left to right in a 'chastisement' way.

"(Uh-uh-uh) Tsubaki, you were supposed to answer if your weird feelings were the same as Flonne's definition, not complain about it." Laharl's Vassal reprimanded with her cheeky stare, knowing its effect on the Fox Spirit.

"Is this for real?" Tsubaki asks while turning to Rizelea for confirmation.

"It is…?" the Valkyrie replied while trying to lower her volume towards the end tone for her answer, Tsubaki still hears it though.

"Why is it that your hesitant answer dissatisfies me?" Tsubaki wonders in irritation while Rizelea suddenly focuses much more on drinking her tea.

"I'm still waiting for your answer, Miss Tsubaki." the Fallen Angel reminded, "We're not going to the second step if you don't answer truthfully, or should I state the most basic explanation about 'Love' again?"

Seeing that there was no other alternative, the Fox Spirit sighs, "Alright but i warn you, if the only thing that transpires here are humiliating confessions on my part, prepare to face the wrath of the fox clan's infernal magic." She threatened before taking a big breath and exhales it as quickly.

"…" her three companions waited eagerly for her answer without any worry to her threat since the three of them know that they are much more powerful in terms of combat powers compared to Tsubaki and she herself know this.

"…That definition of 'Love' does not equate to my mysterious feeling for Master Kanata specifically but is what I feel whenever I am near the presence of you, who are members of Master Kanata's group." The Fox Spirit admitted while looking down at her palms on her thighs while blushing.

Etna pitifully looks at the Fox Spirit, "Wow, I didn't think that you would actually go through with it, you must be so embarrassed right now that even I wouldn't want to be in your shoes."

"Etna!" Rizelea reprimanded to avoid any further confrontation between the two, when Laharl's Vassal complied and didn't say anything further, she looks at Tsubaki, "Now it's good that you're getting along with our discussion but if you're going to continue referring to our group under Kanata's sole leadership then we're going to talk about another point entirely."

"I wouldn't mind, care to start now?" Tsubaki challenged.

"Miss Rizelea! Miss Tsubaki!" Flonne chastised the two women, which resulted with the two of them looking at her guiltily while Etna amusingly continues to watch the show.

"Sorry Flonne, please continue and I wouldn't interfere again...I hope." The Valkyrie semi promised but the Fallen Angel did resume nonetheless.

"I wasn't actually expecting you to say that the basic definition of 'Love' would be what you were feeling for Sir Kanata, but the real purpose of our first session is to make you admit, truthfully, to us that you do 'Love' us in a friendship sort of way, which I am also very thankful for." Happily stated by the Fallen Angel.

"(Uhm) Y-You're...welcome?" Tsubaki uneasily replied.

"(chuckle) And as a reward, I want to tell you how much I love you too, Miss Tsubaki!" offered by the Fallen Angel.

"T-Thank you…F-Flonne." As long as she had known her, she's still feeling unease hearing such honest words of 'Love' from the Fallen Angel, especially now that those words were directed at her.

"I'm sure if our other companions we're here, they would have said the same thing and when they don't I'm sure deep down inside their hearts, they do feel the same way, they're just embarrassed saying it out loud, like Miss Etna here." Flonne points at her while saying this, causing Laharl's Vassal to choke on her sweets.

"E-Etna! ? Here, drink this!" Rizelea instructed while handing her choking companion a cup full of tea.

"(Gag's-Swallows) F-Flonne! ? What the heck was that about! ?" exclaimed by Etna after taking a few drinks from her teacup.

"That much reaction proves my point." Happily stated by the Fallen Angel.

"So it would seem." The now finally amused Fox Spirit, said while hiding her chuckle with her hands, interestingly, instead of making a comeback, Etna instead sighs and calmly continues eating her sweets.

"Hope you're having as much fun as I'm going to be in a few more minutes, Tsubaki." Laharl's Vassal stated with her mischievously laced tone, making the Fox Spirit questioned.

"What do you mean?" Tsubaki asks but it was Flonne who answers her.

"Miss Etna probably meant how much fun we're going to be feeling as each session progress." The Fallen Angel started, "Since the first session was about the most basic and platonic explanation of 'Love', we'll take one step deeper as a description of 'Love' every next session until we reached the lowest, most physical description for it."

It took Tsubaki a few minutes to process this information, she then exclaims, "WHAT! ?"

"Sounds fun, right? I am so looking forward to your expressions." Etna sarcastically stated.

"Me too!" Flonne innocently said.

"(Sigh) This is going to take a long while…" Rizelea says as she refills her cup, seeing that the Fox Spirit would definitely try to talk her way out of this…again.

NetherUniverse: Demon Palace/Palace Kitchen (early morning) [flashback]

Lucius can be seen running towards the now trap-less corridors of the Demon Palace, because of the sufficient break time that he head back in Miyu's Managraphic Shop, he is not as fatigue as he thought he would have been at this time of the day back when he woke up and got his orders earlier this morning.

"I hope the same could be said later when I'm through here." The TriUni Dark Hero thought as he approaches the double doors leading to the Demon Palace Kitchen.

Entering it, Lucius saw the usually clean kitchen was filled with various carrot themed foods all over the place, such as a 'Carrot Soup' plastered on the wall, some 'Chopped Carrot' lying in the floor, forgotten, and even some 'Mashed Carrot' in the counters.

"You'd think a volcano erupted and as a substitute of lava, carrot's exploded out of it." Lucius said to no-one in particular, and when he inhales, he had to cover his nose because of the incredible carrot smell that covers the whole kitchen, "This takes her carrot fetishes to a whole new level."

Seeing that visibility is poor because of the orange smoke around the room, Lucius walks further inside the humongous palace kitchen, trying not to slip over some carrots on the floor, all the while covering his mouth.

"Violet! It is Lucius! I cannot see you because of this auburn fog around, can you hear me! ?" the TriUni Dark Hero called.

"O-Oh! Lucius! I'm over here!" the voice of the TriUni Alchemist called, coming from right in front of Lucius.

When the TriUni Dark Hero finally sees her, his eyes widened in surprise to what he saw, "A-Are those…foods and beverages made ENTIRELY out of carrots! ?"

"Yep! Don't they just look so appetizing?" the TriUni Alchemist asks as she stirs her cauldron, synthesizing foods made out of carrots.

Lucius had to sigh, "Violet, there are so many things that I want to tell you right now but I'll start with the least personal, where is Etna? Aren't the both of you supposed to be invigorating the Prinnys into helping you to prepare the banquet?"

"Etna said that she'll 'try' to handle the Prinnys herself, she told me to just focus on preparing my side of the dishes for the Engagement Day." Violet explained without stopping from her cooking.

"I don't think it's wise to leave such an important task to Etna alone and unsupervised, considering how much humor she finds in tormenting us but that's another point entirely." The TriUni Dark Hero commented before going back on track, "Violet, where are the other chefs of the Demon Palace that are supposed to be cooking for other source of sustenance that excludes carrots?"

Without missing a beat from stirring, the TriUni Alchemist answers the question, "I just found out that suddenly, all the supposed cooks in the Demon Palace disappeared, whether they suddenly took an off-screen vacation between today and last five days or their presence based from my earlier comment was completely ret-conned out of existence is unknown."

Hearing her explanation, Lucius had to massage his temples, "Just what we need, more complications…damn the author for these added difficulties just because of his unplanned typing for future chapters." he mutters.

"What was that, Lucius?" Violet asks as she weakens the fire of her cauldron and places its lid on it.

"Nothing of import." The TriUni Dark Hero shrugged, "Do you require any assistance with that?" he offers as he points to her cauldron.

"Oh I don't need any lifting, my 'Carrot Soup' just need to continue being warm as I go prepare on making my 'Carrot Engagement Cake'." The TriUni Alchemist announces with pride, which unknown to her, was an announcement of dread and despair for the TriUni Dark Hero.

"Somehow, I have a feeling that I should try to stop her, even if I see no harm on having a bash with carrots as the only source of nutrition…" Lucius thought, he then remembers his companion's statement about making a cake made out of, presumably (judging by all the orange surrounding him), carrots, "…true she's our friend, and having some healthy food for the festivity is definitely a positive thing but even I know that making a cake out of carrots in an important day is definitely crossing the line, fetish or no fetish!"

"Now to get my carrot flavored flour…" Violet said as she opens some cabinets which for Lucius, is a warning sign.

"Knowing the Demon Dog King, he would definitely appreciate Violet's work for his Engagement Day, all foods made with carrots with a carrot cake or some foods made out of carrots without a carrot cake, the difficult part is that the same could not be said for his chosen partner and their guests, us included, if the former were to ever transpire…" the TriUni Dark Hero thought, and forging his resolve, called out his friend's attention, "Violet!"

"Yes, Lucius?" The TriUni Alchemist was just about to take out a sack of flour from the cabinet but was halted by her friend's call.

"I have been running around Empyria for the last hour, and presumably, you have been cooking for a while now since you are my last stop before submitting my report to Suzaku." Lucius started as he looks at the various assortments of carrot foods for effect, "And seeing as unlike the others, you are pacing on an acceptable haste, maybe I could suggest you and I to have a short break?"

"Hmmm…" Violet considers the offer, "Well as much as I would like to continue making carrot foods, I must say that being the lone chef in this very large kitchen can be very lonesome, usually I could go on cooking for a whole day but it was usually because my friends are very hungry, (chuckle) I guess taking a short break wouldn't hurt anyone."

The TriUni Dark Hero's stomach lightly grumbles, "(Uhh) Actually, I wouldn't mind some light breakfast right about now."

"(Oh!) Of course, Lucius! I'll prepare some of my carrot food for you, maybe then you could taste test some of them for me." Happily stated by the TriUni Alchemist as she starts to gather parts of the foods she already cooked on a plate.

"(Sigh) That should keep her distracted…" Lucius thought as he sits on one of the wooden chairs on the cleaner and less foggy part of the kitchen.

Violet places the plate full of foods in the table in front of him, "Here you go Lucius, Rice with Carrot seasoning, steamed carrot and fried carrot on the side, I'll prepare your 100% carrot juice now." She happily said while unaware of a certain look that her friend is giving her.

"…Violet?" the TriUni Dark hero called.

"Yes, Lucius?" the TriUni Alchemist was pouring said 100% pure carrot juice in a cup when she asks this question.

"…Care to join me in this task?" Lucius asks as he motions his spoon on the food in front of him.

"You mean eat with you? I would love to but I'm not really that hungry yet." Violet declined, "Besides, if I'm going to take a break on cooking, I might as well clean the kitchen, (chuckle) concentrating too much on cooking can really make me ignore all the mess I end up making in process."

"That's an understatement." The TriUni thought as he stands up from his chair, walks around the table, pulls the wooden chair from beneath said table and stares at his friend's questioned look, "I was not taking no for an answer, be seated and let me prepare your food."

"(Uhmm) Okay…" the TriUni Alchemist complied but not without removing her weird stare, she sits down at the offered chair, "This is so very gentle man like of you Lucius, not that it's a bad thing but it's certainly something very new to me."

"(chuckle) No need to carefully pronounce your surprise, I myself would never have thought that I would be acting like this if you were to ask the me in a few days past." Lucius explains as he copy Violet's earlier movement of putting food on another platter.

"Is that so? Did something good happen?" Violet curiously asks as her food was placed in front of her, "Thank you, Lucius."

"You are quite welcome." The TriUni Dark Hero walks around to his own wooden chair and re-occupies it, "As an answer to your question, yes, something good happened, although I cannot indulge you in the details myself." He takes a spoonful of carroty colored food and puts it on his mouth, he's surprised that even if it's entirely made of carrots, Violet's cooking actually made it edible but still lacking other flavors besides the obvious taste of carrots.

"Oh? Then who will tell me?" the TriUni Alchemist asks as she consumes her own food, pausing only to savor the taste of her creation before continuing to eat.

"I have yet to find another individual that savors a food made up with 100% carrots and find it as a savory experience" Lucius thought as he took another mouthful of food from his plate before replying, "You will know soon enough, be patient until then."

"If you say so, Lucius." Violet was now drinking her healthy drink with much enjoyment on her face.

When the TriUni Dark Hero mimicked the act, the carrot flavored juice multiplied the carrot taste on his mouth in a bad way, making him cough and strike his chest.

"Lucius!" the TriUni Alchemist exclaimed as she stands up from her chair, run around the table to Lucius's side and pat his back, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, just startled by the constant taste of the food, it's nothing to worry about." Lucius answered after regaining his poise, he was about to resume eating but his friend's unchanging stance caught his attention, "Violet?"

"(Sigh) I overdid it, did I?" seeing the TriUni Dark hero's questioned look, Violet continues, "I've gone overboard and created so many carrot dishes but I didn't even think if other people would like them the way I do, and seeing your reaction just now, I guess too much carrot isn't good (huh)."

"…"the TriUni Dark Hero couldn't find it in himself to negate what she said since he really does think that he couldn't match even half of Violet's enthusiasm when it comes to eating foods made entirely out of carrots, even the drinks, "(Sigh) I guess there's only one option available."

Seeing this, the TriUni Alchemist sighs, and puts up a smile, "Don't worry Lucius, I could easily synthesize some carrot less food, I'll just get this out of your way." Before she could get the plate in front of him, Lucius took action.

He ate everything in his plate in top speed and when nothing was left to consume, he drank his carrot juice to forcefully push all of the food down his throat and covered his mouth to prevent himself from vomiting, when he was sure that the food would remain on his stomach, Lucius gave Violet a nod, "Forgive me but I would not be asking for seconds."

"W-Why did you do that, Lucius? You don't like eating too much carrot, right?" Violet asks in shock since Lucius' earlier action still stunned her.

"Regretfully, it is true that I do not find eating carrots constantly as affectionately as you do." The TriUni Dark Hero admitted, "But you had already served me the food that you created with your hard work, now if I would continue calling myself as your friend then I have no right of letting the result of your hard labor go to waste, especially on my account."

The TriUni Alchemist's shock was replaced with appreciation as she offers her friend a warm true smile, "It's really kind of you to consider my feelings, Lucius, but you know that I wouldn't hold it against you if you didn't finish the meal I prepared for you."

"It may be so but taking that action would have surely made you sad, and I do not find joy on making my friends feel that emotion." Lucius stated in his cool way but his stomach rumbling interrupted his moment, "On second thought, forcing all that food down my stomach probably wasn't the greatest idea I ever acted upon."

"Lucius!" Violet quickly refilled the TriUni Dark Hero's mug with clear water and hands it to him, "Here, drink this."

Doing just that, the TriUni Dark Hero gulped all the water that the small container held and sighs, "You have my gratitude, Violet, you just saved yourself from seeing an unsightly scene."

"(Chuckle) Your so dramatic Lucius." Seeing that he was fine, the TriUni Alchemist straightens up, "Well, now that your fine and don't want any seconds, I'll go finish my meal now." She walks around the table and back to her chair.

"You do that." Lucius said as he refills his mug with water and drinks it again.

For a while, the scenario of one eating and the other drinking whenever he wasn't feeling good was all that happened, until Violet consumed almost half of the food in her plate did the conversation started again.

"I guess I should also cook non-carrot related foods for the Engagement Day (huh)?" Violet stated as she put her eating utensils down.

"What do you mean?" the TriUni Dark Hero asked after drinking his sixth mug of water.

"What I mean is that I love cooking and eating carrots…but that's only me, and since I'm the only cook here, it wouldn't be good for the Engagement Day if all available foods were made with carrots, right?" the TriUni Alchemist explained.

If it was earlier that she made that statement, Lucius would have whole heartedly agreed but eating her food and having a taste of her hard work, especially saying that she loves cooking carrots, his opinion already changed, so after drinking another mug of water, he asks "Would you be happy doing that?"

"Cooking non-carrot related foods? …sure, it's not a big deal (chuckle)." Violet answers after a few seconds of doubt, she then finishes her meal.

"(Huh) I guess that few seconds of doubt answers that question." The TriUni Dark Hero thought as he stands up from his chair, "Don't bother yourself about doing such a tedious task, just do what you love and if it is cooking carrots then so be it."

"But wouldn't it jeopardize the Engagement Day? I mean, the people attending it might get sick with unchanging flavor of the food presented…" the TriUni Alchemist theorized.

"Let Suzaku contemplate the answer for that predicament, after all, initially I couldn't find any problem in your part of the plan compared to the other groups that I have already examined." Lucius said as he gathers his used plate/utensils, walks towards the kitchen sink and puts it down.

"That sounds like a good idea!" excitedly said by Violet as she copies his actions regarding the kitchen items, "But would it be alright with Suzaku?"

Hearing the eager tone of her voice in her first statement assured the TriUni Dark Hero that he's doing the right thing, "Leave the minor details to me, just focus more on doing what you enjoy, I'm sure that's what the Demon Dog King, Rizelea and the others would have preferred." With that, he walks towards the entrance of the kitchen wherein he entered earlier, "(Oh) And for whatever it's worth, your food is unique in its own way."

"(Chuckle) I appreciate the compliment." The TriUni Alchemist said as she waves her hand, "See you later, Lucius."

"Same to you." With that, Lucius left the Kitchen of the Demon Palace, unknown to him though, moments after he left, another scene occurred.

Violet was back on cooking her dishes until a voice called her after passing through the kitchen walls.

"Good Morning Violet~!" Pamela announced.

"Oh! Good Morning to you too, Pamela, what brings you here?" the TriUni Alchemist asks after pausing from chopping some more carrots.

"(tee-hee) I brought them here since they woke up a little early, they wanted to cook something for the others that are hungry and still sleeping and I think it's as good as any time for you to meet them first." The Ghastly Inn Mascot explained, she turns her eyes around and looks at the door of the kitchen.

"Oh? Are they who I think they are?" Violet asks as she wipes her hands with cloth from the table, she walks towards the front of the still closed door which Pamela opens telepathically, making her see just who the people behind the door are, "I see. (chuckle) Good Morning, everyone, my name is Violet Platane, you must be Pamela's friends from other worlds, pleased to meet you all."

Demon Palace: Overseer Office (morning)

"You just had to make things harder by making a promise like that to Violet did you, Lucius?" Suzaku complained after reading the report about Violet's side on the mission.

"I consider that what I did earlier as the best course of action, I regret none of it." Lucius answers, making Suzaku sigh.

"If only you could do that without giving me another problem to deal with." The Castle Overseer wished, a thought then came to him, "What of the Prinny's? You didn't include what happened to them on your report."

"I tried to find Etna's whereabouts in order to ask that very same question but since I did not saw hide nor hair of her after a while of searching, I decided to not waste time and report back here instead." The TriUni Dark Hero answered while looking irritated, clearly upset because of a certain missing redhead, meanwhile…

Demon Palace: Royal Clinic (morning)

"(Achoo!)" Etna sneezed, "(Huh) Somebody must be talking about me."

"I didn't think that like Lucius, you also believe in that ridiculous statement." Rizelea reprimanded while writing something on a piece of paper.

"That wasn't ridiculous, it's true that when you sneeze without having any fever then someone's talking about you, it's a universal truth, right Flonne?" Laharl's Vassal turns to the Fallen Angel.

"If that we're true then I hope that whenever I sneeze, it would mean that someone remembers their love for me. (chuckle)" Flonne answers while thinking about a certain Overlord.

"Why do I feel like you were thinking about a certain Overlord when you say that?" Laharl's Vassal asked which in turn made Flonne blush.

"I have no idea why you would think that, Miss Etna." The Fallen Angel tried to deny.

"Besides the fact that the writer of this fanfiction types the words 'Flonne answers while thinking about a certain Overlord.', I have no idea." Etna reasoned looking at the other girl mischievously.

"…" Tsubaki wasn't listening to Flonne's excuse or Etna's counters as she remains seated on her bed while having the sleeves of her kimono in front of her face, hiding it's crimson tint because of the earlier unseen events of her admitting the 'Type of Love' she feels for her comrades as long as her 'unknown' feelings for Kanata remains anonymous.

Noticing the Fox Spirits state, Laharl's Vassal turns her attention to her, "No need to be so over dramatic about what happened earlier Tsubaki, I mean sure it's embarrassing as hell to talk openly about your loving feeling for us, and it's absolutely going to haunt your dreams for some time and some of the things you reacted are definitely-"

"Miss / Etna !" both Flonne and Rizelea shouted before Etna could continue.

"What? I was trying to help." Laharl's Vassal defended herself.

"I don't know which part of that declaration can be called helping." The Valkyrie sweat dropped as she returns to focusing on her writing, "I know that you're bored Etna, what with you finally having the decency to stop yourself from laughing madly after Tsubaki's last answer…" in this, both herself and Flonne lightly blushed after being reminded while Tsubaki further covers her face in shame, "Just behave yourself for a minute while I compile Tsuabaki's answers, please."

"(Chuckle) You just had to remind me about that, I feel like laughing again." Etna said as she points to the readers, "Too bad you guys wasn't here to hear about it, you would have fallen down laughing like me, guess it would be right to call it 'Off-screen Moment of Humiliation' for Tsubaki."

"…She's still mocking me, isn't she?" Fox Spirit mutters but while still covering her face.

"Actually, she's literally talking to the people through the 4th wall." Flonne explains to the Fox Spirit.

"Is that not worse…?" Tsubaki questions.

"It's done!" Rizelea announced before the Fallen Angel could answer the Fox Spirit or before Laharl's Vassal was able to further enjoy herself.

"...So? What does it indicate…?" Tsubaki asks after a moment of silence.

"See for yourself." The Valkyrie said as she hands the paperwork to Tsubaki.

"…" The Fox Spirit took it and began reading the words written on it.

Tsubaki's 'Feelings of Love'

-Does not want to admit it but treats the whole team as a family.

-Wants to be a good 'elder-sister' for Mizuki, Miyu and Mocca.

-Very grateful for having Demon God Gem Shuten for assigning her as a personal Vassal for Kanata.

-Has a sibling rivalry with Suzaku as to who would be a better Vassal for Kanata.

-Trust's Recit with her back in dangerous situations.

-Is secretly cheering for Mizuki's career as a elder sister.

-Wants to help Miyu in any way or form, like a true elder sister.

-Willing to eat any carrot related dishes that Violet cooks so as to not upset her.

-Doesn't want Pamela to 'pass-on' ahead of her.

-Is very grateful for the Prinny's work when they are not being lazy.

-Thinks that Etna and her are 'two of a kind' in terms of personality but not in physique.

-Very fond of Flonne's antics, likely something to do with her similar attitude to Kanata.

-Looks up to Macaroon's 'Mega' hardworking attitude.

-Grateful to Mocca's assistance and even relates to her being an assistant to such a 'hyper' boss.

-Is thankful to have Lucius at her side as a trusty companion in arms and as a friend/brother in general.

-Respect's Rizela's leadership skills and sees her as her elder sister.

Most of the individual 'Love' relationships written were platonic while in general are familiar, some of those, Tsubaki was surprised that she feels for the selected persons ("I'm actually cheering for Mizuki, grateful for the Prinny's, thinks that Lucius is dependable and has a sibling rivalry with Suzaku? …strange.") the Fox Spirit thought, she then read the last line after taking a deep breath.

-See's Kanata as more than a friend or a family member.

"…" Tsubaki re-read the line for some time, she hadn't notice that Etna was now behind her, looking at words written on the paper.

"(Huh) Why didn't you just write that she 'Definitely sickeningly loves Kanata', Rizelea?" Etna asked the Valkyrie.

"I'm not known to make such forward words now am I, Etna?" Rizelea asked as she turns her next words to the Fox Spirit, "Tsubaki? Is it clear now?"

"A-Are you positive-" Tsubaki started but was interrupted by her companions.

"First, you would have been mildly irritated by Kanata's antics, especially if he gets on your nerves but would never be truly mad at him, you would even accept and treasure that part of his personality while any of us who do anything you don't like would immediately be lashed out, familiar feeling of love or not." Flonne explains.

"Y-You know that there are times that I lash out even to Master Kanata." The Fox Spirit reminded.

"And surely you must have seen how happy that dog acts whenever your 'true' self appears." Laharl's Vassal counter reminded as she continues her explanation, "Now for reason number two: whenever Flonne would even hint about Kanata being with any other girl, you would snap your answer about how you would 'burn that damnation to crisp if she gets one feet near Master Kanata', also according to Rizelea's compilation notes, your 'Jealousy' and 'Possession' regarding anything related to Kanata is off the charts, do I need to be more specific?" Etna backed up.

"…" Tsubaki looks at the Valkyrie, assuming that she would also add another point.

"If you're thinking that my third reason would be the last then you are mistaken." Rizelea started, "We could use up all of the day's time and we still wouldn't run out of reasons why that final statement on that note is true."

"…I see." Tsubaki said after a moment of silence, she then took a deep breath and releases it, "I guess it's true then…I am in 'love' with…Master Kanata." The Fallen Angel suddenly squeals after this confession.

"Hooray! True love has once again blossomed!" Flonne shouted.

"(Hmph) Like that wasn't obvious since the first chapter." Etna said, referring to Tsubaki's feelings, "Well nothing we could do about it now, might as well just go with the flow."

"But I am not sure what I was supposed to do now." Tsubaki said, confused.

"As your and Kanata's friend, I would advise you to go to him and tell him what you just admit to us." The Valkyrie offered.

"But what if he does not feel the same way?" the Fox Spirit questioned, Etna suddenly took hold of her shoulders and gives her 'the look'.

"You don't want any regrets, right?" Laharl's Vassal asks her, this made Tsubaki to remember her friend's words a few days ago.

"Because the same thing happened to me to my last boss and because I couldn't admit my feelings then, it all turned haywire, he got married with the woman he loves, got a child, died peacefully while I live the rest of my life regretting that I didn't admit my feelings." Etna said with her back turned.

Remembering this, Tsubaki's hesitation dispersed, "I do not." She answers while looking at Etna straight in the eyes.

Laharl's Vassal smirked after hearing her answer, she let's go of her shoulder as she says "Good answer and I can't give you any promises but I have a feeling that it would turn out alright so long as you make your move."

"I see…thank you, Etna." The Fox Spirit said while the other two girls look in understanding.

"Something definitely happened with just the two of them, I guess we aren't really that far off when we say that Etna and Tsubaki are 'two of a kind." Rizelea stated.

"(Chuckle) That is so true." Flonne joined after she was done squealing and shouting, good thing that the room they are in is only occupied by themselves.

"And I am also grateful to you two, Rizelea and Flonne for helping me with this." Tsubaki said to the two.

"Anything for love." Happily replied by Flonne.

"It's nothing really, just be sure that if you ever have any more problem, no matter what it is, you can count on us." Rizelea promised.

"I will." The Fox Spirit smiled.

The Valkyrie returned the action before assuming her leadership role, "Now that we're done here, we should go back to our duties in preparation for the Demon Dog King's engagement day."

"Under stood Miss Rizelea, I will do my best!" the Fallen Angel replied with vigor, "And I think I might get Sir Aramis, Miss Hanako, Sir Taro and Sir Axel to help! And if there's any need for force, Sir Laharl would definitely agree to lend his assistance!"

"You could say that again." Laharl's Vassal agreed, "I'll just wait for Valvatorez to arrive before doing anything."

Rizelea looks away from the sight of Flonne arguing with Etna about her laziness to the view of Tsubaki burning the notes with her fire magic.

"Flonne already said that any evidence would be destroyed but it will make me feel better if I personally erase them from existence." The Fox Spirit answers the Valkyrie's unasked question.

"Okay, as long as you remember the words written on them." Rizelea accepted, "You do know what your true part should be for this engagement day, right?"

Tsubaki lightly blush at the implication before answering, "Prepare sake and edible mushroom buns." She said, her favorite drink and food (since she and Kanata had a history with the latter while the former would definitely give her any push she needs.)

"(Chuckle) Alright, I'll prepare those immediately, for now we should look for Suzaku and tell him that we're prepared to take our charge of our roles again…well, most of us." The Valkyrie looks at Laharl's Vassal.

Etna shrugs before standing up and walking towards the door leading to the hallways, "You know me."

"Wait up, Miss Etna!" Flonne said as she too walks toward the doors, together with Rizelea and Tsubaki. Before passing through it, the Fox Spirit has a thought.

"…I don't know what's going to happen but this feeling…this love that I have for Master Kanata…I am glad it exists." With that, the four walks out of the clinic and heads to the Overseer Office which was through the hallway that was also connected to the Visitor's Chamber…

Demon Palace: Overseer Office (morning)

"So? What do you propose?" Lucius asks after a while of contemplating, "You do have a solution, correct?" he asks again out of uncertainty.

"But of course, it irritates me that you doubt my chosen role for this improvisation plan." Suzaku reprimanded.

The TriUni Dark Hero raises his palms in a surrendering manner, "I did not mean to offend you, it's just to make things clear, still I apologize for being so forward."

"That's more like it." The Castle Overseer stopped his annoyed stare as he stands up from the chair he was sitting on, "Seeing your reports, it's obvious as to what it is that we are lacking for us to face such hardships in the time available for us."

"And that is?" Lucius asks.

"Manpower." Suzaku answers, "There are many things to do and we only have little time to do them, so in order to make our efforts remain in high quality, as well as make up for the lost time, we will need to meet the required quantity of manpower."

"I see…but I think we already have everyone in our game's cast helping, where do we search for more?" Lucius asks as the he follows Suzaku out of the office.

"We have guests from other games, do we not? We'll just have to convince them to help us, even if it would makes us bad hosts but as dire as the situation is, we have no other choice." The Castle Overseer says as the two of them are walking in the Castle's hallways.

"Would they even agree to help us?" Lucius wondered.

"I'm not sure, but I guess having the young master already making his move might improve our chances." Suzaku ambiguously replied, leaving Lucius questioned.

"The Demon Dog King's move?" the TriUni Dark Hero asks.

"Yes, it was earlier today that he came up with the idea…" the Castle Overseer reminisced.

Demon Palace: Overseer Office (early sunrise) [flashback]

"A pleasant morning to you, Master Kanata." Suzaku greeted when the main character entered his office.

"Good day to you too, Suzaku." Kanata greeted back. He sits at a chair opposite of one that the Castle Overseer occupies, with the latter also having a table in front of him where various notes are stacked, "Well, everyone's not in the castle once again and Tsubaki was recruited with Rizelea's secret cause that only women may partake so…You want to hang out with me?"

"Forgive me Master Kanata, there's simply too much that I have to do that I cannot be your companion for the day." Suzaku apologized, making the usually happy face of Kanata turn into a frown.

"I see, I was afraid to hear you say that…" the Demon Dog King mused; a thought suddenly occurred to him, "Why is everyone so busy anyways? Did something come up that I wasn't aware of?"

Suzaku remembers that Kanata does not know of the dilemma that happened later in the earlier chapter of this fanfic and since he does not want to worry the main character of their planned event, he improvises his answer, "There's just much more improvement that could be done for your engagement day and we want only the best for that very special day of yours, Master Kanata."

The Demon Dog King obviously believed that statement, "(Oh!) You guys are doing so much for me! I really hope that I could repay the favor sometime in the future!"

The Castle Overseer is very thankful that his boss is so gullible, "It is quite alright, my Lord, you have done much more for us ever since you lead our group in the defeat of Ashura."

"(chuckle) Don't let Riz hear you say that though, she's is still under the belief that it was under her leadership when we partake in that last battle." Kanata warned and at the same time, reminiscence.

"(Huh) And I thought she was the mature one between you two, is it not enough for her that the player character started the 'Trinity Universe' on her path first? And that it was under her leadership when the defeat of the Lantern Dragon happened?" Suzaku pondered.

"You could say that again, it's even because of that that the player was unable to see my path's ending, no matter how somber it is, and instead we all got through the 'True Ending' path at the second playthrough, under my leadership of course." the Demon Dog King complained, and at the same time, boasted.

"(chuckle) Sometimes, I find it hard to know if you are upset or proud of the whole ordeal, Master Kanata." The Castle Overseer mused in an amused sort of way.

The Demon Dog King folds his hands on his chest and ponders the same thing, "Well one thing cannot be all positive, I just try to be more cheerful when it does happen while am more irate when the opposite occurs, I guess I just know how to perfectly act and divide my sentiments on such things. Do you think that's peculiar of me to do?"

"Of course not, Master Kanata, everything about you is what makes you you, and believe me when I say that we would not have it otherwise." Suzaku answers with sincerity.

Obviously pleased with the answer he heard, Kanata replies "I am glad to hear you say that, knowing that eases some insecurity that I sometimes possess." His thought then veered to his earlier dilemma, "But now what am I supposed to do to pass the day?"

Before the Castle Overseer could offer some options that he thought of, a certain ghost passed through the wall, "Good Morning Suzaku! I just stopped by to tell you that if you need me, I'll just be in the giant room we have for guests in the Demon Palace." Pamela stated in advance.

"Once again, an idea struck me!" the Demon Dog King shouted as he jumps from his sit and looks at the Ghastly Inn Mascot, "Pamela!" he called.

"Oh? You are here as well, Kanata? Good morning to you too." As soon as she finishes this statement, Kanata already has already passed her by and out of the door, "Hmm? Where is he going? And did he just gestured his arm like he would have took hold of mine and take me off with him?"

"Knowing Master Kanata, he might have forgotten that you are intangible because of his excitement with whatever idea might have hit him; he'll be back once he realized that you were not on his side which would probably right about…" the Castle Overseer didn't have to finish his sentence since as if on cue, Kanata was already back to the office.

"(huff-huff) I forgot that you are incorporeal, Pamela, I was already halfway from here when I realized that I was not dragging you. (huff-huff)" the Demon Dog King said, after regaining some breath, he continues, "Now let's go, I'll help you welcome your friends, Pamela!"

"Oh? That sounds wonderful! But is it alright? I mean, you seem to be discussing something important with Suzaku." The Ghastly Inn Mascot uncharacteristically asked in worry, probably because of the time…

"There is nothing to worry about, in fact your appearance was right on time, you just presented a splendid solution to Master Kanata's dilemma, go on then before he hurts himself with all those excitement coming out of him." Suzaku instructed from his seat, already going back to reading notes scattered on his table.

"Alright then, we'll be going now, Suzaku, you know where to find us." Pamela reminded, she then floats toward the now shaking with excitement Demon Dog King, "Let's go Kanata."

"It's about time! Now, to the guest room!" Kanata commanded as the duo left the Castle Overseer's Office.

Demon Palace: Hallway from the Overseer Office (morning)

"I see, if the Demon Dog King were able to befriend all those characters then it would definitely make our request for their help much more conceivable." Lucius noted.

"True, and of course this is Master Kanata we're talking about, there is simply no way that he had not yet acquired their 'interest' in the very least, what with his personality and all, if we are lucky, he may have already made them his friends." Suzaku proudly stated. Elsewhere…

Demon Palace: Hallway from the Kitchen (morning)

"Thank you so much for helping me cook all these foods, I'm glad that to know that in case they don't like my carrot cooking, they could have the ones you cooked instead." Violet said as she carries in her hands a hot pot filled with carrots with her hands equipped with cooking mitts.

"You're putting your cooking down Violet! That's not a nice thing to do! I'm sure the others would love your carrot cooked foods!" Iris said while holding another hot pot with various meat and vegetables with her hands also covered in cooking mitts.

"But you have to admit that making anyone eat cooked foods filled with carrots, drinks flavored with carrots and bread with carrots as cheese at one serving will make that anyone fed up with it very quickly." Veola said in a matter of fact way while carrying a tray of water pitchers with different flavors, one of which is carrot flavored.

"Veola! You're being mean again! I'm so sorry for her attitude, Violet." Blair apologized, herself carrying a basket with various breads.

"It's alright, Blair, Veola's just stating her opinion and is also telling the truth; maybe hearing it is what I need, after all I have been abusing everyone's generosity with making them eat only carrot foods for so long." The TriUni Alchemist clarified, remembering the previous scene with Lucius which she have told her current companions while cooking earlier.

"(tee-hee) I still think that it was very funny when Lucius almost threw up because of your cooking, Vio, and that it's also very kind of him to consider your feelings, maybe Flonne is right about him all along." Pamela guessed as she floats with the others while making various other foods drift beside her as well as Iris' Staff and Edge's MechBlade with the use of her telepathy.

"I guess I could sympathize with what this Lucius guy did, I mean I'm not really a big fan of vegetables but I won't let it be a reason to waste foods made with such effort like yours, Vio." Nikki said while pushing Jessica's wheelchair.

"(chuckle) I can see you doing just that, Nikki, and don't worry, Vio, I can promise you that with our friends like Vain and Flay, all of our efforts on making all these foods won't be wasted." The Ill Alchemist supported.

"Oh, you have big eaters on your group too? Then adding Marietta and Norn to that equation, I think that all these foods we cooked won't be enough." The Baker considered.

"That's a good thing right? Nothing says a good meal like clean platters, besides if it comes to seconds or more then that means we'll just have to cook more, right?" the Grand Alchemist offered.

"(tee-hee) I'm sure you agree to that, right, Vio?" the Ghastly Inn Mascot asked her friend.

"Of course! Nothing will make me happier than having my carrot foods eaten!" Violet declared with passion.

"…Our morning just got longer, hasn't it?" the Vendor asked no one in particular.

"And also livelier, just how every minute of our lives should be." Jessica reminded while thinking about her limited time remaining.

"Still, I gotta admit, we've done so much ever since we woke up this morning; I just hope the rest of the day won't be this tiring." The Singing Alchemist hoped, elsewhere…

Demon Palace: Hallway from the Clinic (morning)

"So how does it feel to be in love, Miss Tsubaki? It's the best, isn't it?" Flonne asked while they were walking in the hallways.

"It's a very weird feeling…for as long as I can remember, this is the first time that I ever experienced this feeling of love." The Fox Spirit reminisced.

"Doesn't sound very weird if you ask me, it took me almost a thousand years before I felt the same thing." Etna revealed while thinking about her last boss, "And Flonne here also just recently felt the same type of 'Love', that is when she met the prince."

"Miss Etna!" a blushing Fallen Angel called.

"Oh? What interesting information, I had thought that with Flonne always talking about love, she had already felt this feeling way back when she was just a toddler." Tsubaki mused.

"But it's true! I already love everyone before I even knew what love is!" The Fallen Angel tried to protest.

"But not this type of love you have for the prince." Laharl's Vassal teased.

Since she knows that denying now is futile and that making a bad example in front of Tsubaki after making her admit her true feelings is a tad bit hypocritical, the Fallen Angel just tried to diverse their attention, "What about you, Miss Rizelea? How are you and Sir Lucius's relationship?"

The Valkyrie was just fine with walking and letting the others have the conversation to themselves since this would allow her to mentally prepare herself for the busy day coming but when she hears Flonne's question, she couldn't stop her face from blushing.

"D-Do you all still think that there is something going on between me and him! ?" Rizelea semi shouted.

"Well, with that kind of reaction, sure, why not?" Etna replied and true to her word, all three of them are now looking at the Valkyrie.

"Oh! Something did happen! It's when we were gone, right?" Flonne inquired, referring to her and Etna's trip to the Netherworld.

"O-Of course not! There's-!" the Valkyrie tried to deny but was interrupted.

"If you remember earlier, I already tried that tactic and it did not produce the result I, and right now you, wanted, so I suggest that you just skip that routine, besides, is it not a tad bit hypocritical of you to avoid doing something you forced me to do?" the Fox Spirit argued while behind her, Flonne was having a sweat drop for thinking about this type of situation she avoided earlier, word for word even.

"T-That's not fair, Tsubaki! We did to help you after all!" Rizelea still tried to fight back.

"…Seriously? That's the best you could come back with?" Laharl's Vassal asked.

"My feelings were already out in the open, it wouldn't be fair if our other leader couldn't do the same for her companions, correct?" Tsubaki wondered.

"I'm afraid they have a point, Miss Rizelea. And you have been hearing Miss Etna's teases of me, so I'm going to have to side to them." The Fallen Angel stated.

"Not you too, Flonne…" the Valkyrie whined.

"(heh-heh) Guess it's decided, well what are we waiting for, (oh) fearless and 'secret-less' 'sometimes' leader of our group?" Laharl's Vassal probed.

Seeing that she's outnumbered and that it would definitely be unfair for her friends and Lucius if she keeps on denying their relationship, Rizelea relents.

"Oh alright, I give up but you better keep this conversation a secret, understood?" the Valkyrie demanded while blushing.

"Of course" "Sure thing" "Understood" was the collective response.

"(sigh) I sure hope that this day doesn't get any more tiring than it is right now and it will be later." Rizelea wishes before starting her 'story'.

Before she does that though, Etna whispered something to Flonne.

"(Hey Flonne.)" Laharl's Vassal called.

"(Yes, Miss Etna?)" The Fallen Angel whispered back.

"(You finally didn't deny that you 'Love' the prince, you better watch out because I definitely want more info.)" Etna teased before re-assuming her attention the Valkyrie.

Her statement made Flonne blush again and also worried, "Miss Etna…you're such a bully…" she thought.

Demon Palace: Hallway from the Demon Palace: Overseer Office/ Kitchen/ Clinic (morning)

While the individual group events are still transpiring, something happened which caught all of the characters attention even when they are clearly separated, that is, a large explosion. It was enough to make the Demon Palace shake but it disappears as quickly as it came.

"!" Veola was surprised by the sudden tremor of her surroundings that she falls backwards, also accidentally letting go of the tray she carries.

"Veola!" Blair and Iris shouted in alarm, luckily, Pamela was quick with her telepathy; she was able to stop the Vendor from falling as well as halting the fall of the pitcher's by stopping/freezing them in mid-air.

"Are you alright, Veola?" Jessica asked from her wheelchair.

"I'm fine, Pamela caught me just in time, but I would really appreciate it if you would let me down now." Veola said to Pamela since she was still being held in mid-air with the ghost's telepathy.

"Okay!" the Ghastly Inn Mascot lower's her friend to the ground and motions the pitchers and tray back the Vendor's awaiting hands, again with her telepathy.

"It's a good thing that you caught her in the nick of time, Pamela!" Nikki praised the ghost, "But what was with that explosion? It sounded very close by!" she asked everyone in general.

"Based on the direction of the sound, it looks like it came from the Guests Room of the Demon Palace." Violet summarized after making sure that her cohorts are fine.

"B-But that's where Klein and the others are!" the Baker worriedly shouted.

"(Oh) man, I hope that whatever caused that explosion wouldn't result with Roxis telling us his 'I told you so's!' when we get back, but we have to make sure they're alright!" the Singing Alchemist declared, worried for her friends and her husband.

"I want to go to but wouldn't it be dangerous for you two, Nikki and Jess? Your pregnant." The Grand Alchemist pointed to Nikki, "And you're ill." She pointed to Jessica.

"I'm sorry but I won't just wait here and do nothing! My friends might be in trouble!" the Ill Alchemist argued.

"She won't back down, Iris." Pamela stated, she turns to the TriUni Alchemist, "If it's not too dangerous then I think we should let them come with us."

"Well the explosion wasn't that strong and while there is some smoke coming from that direction, it's more like a fog of dust than a smoke from a fire so I think that while it may be dangerous, they could still come with us but you and I will watch over them carefully, as well as with Blair and Veola since they are not fighters." Violet explains while the Ghastly Inn Mascot nods her head to this plan.

"Then we should go, now." Veola recommended, obviously trying to hide her worry for her friends. With that, Violet's group proceeded to the Guests Room of the Demon Palace.

In another place at the same time…

The Valkyrie's group was also affected by the tremor, individual experience are as follows: Rizelea was stunned but was able to quickly regain her balance; Tsubaki took hold on one of the hallway's wall, Etna used her wings to fly and Flonne falls face first on the ground.

"Flonne!" The Valkyrie quickly crouches down and helps her friend to stand up.

"(Owwie!) My head hurts…!" the Fallen Angel grumbled while holding her sore forehead.

"You're so gullible, Flonne, you know you could have used your wings to fly, right?" Laharl's Vassal asked as she gets back to the ground.

"Well, the ground suddenly moving surprised me…" Flonne excused as the pain from her forehead dissipated.

"But where did that explosion came form in the first place?" the Fox Spirit asked when they were all standing straight.

"It looks like it came right ahead, probably at the Guests Room of the Demon Palace." Rizelea summarized.

"(Gasp!) That's where Miss Pamela's friends are currently staying! And Sir Laharl and the others' room are right next door! We have to check if they're alright!" the Fallen Angel declared.

"I agree, my situation can wait, first we must make sure that visitors from another world are unharmed, it would ruin Master Kanata's reputation if something bad happened to them right here on the Demon Palace." Tsubaki clarified.

"It always has to involve the dog, huh? Then again you might just be trying to hide your more genuinely concerned and worried side by making him the excuse, but if that's true then try showing that to him the next time you meet, that's definitely a plus." Etna advised and before the Fox Spirit could retort, the Fallen Angel interrupted them.

"This is not the time for that, we have to hurry to the Guests Room, some of the people inside might be hurt!" Flonne complained.

"Flonne's right, we need to focus on the current task at hand." Rizelea agreed and when she got the others' complete attention, she continues, "Alright, let's go to the Guests Room!"

"Understood" "Roger, that!" Got it." Was the collective response, they now headed to the Guests Room of the Demon Palace.

In another place but still at the same time

"W-What the-! ?" Lucius shouted as he felt the vibration of his surroundings.

"An explosion! ?" Suzaku exclaimed, as fast as it appeared the tremor disappeared just as quickly, "It seems to have subsided."

"Fortunate for us but if that came from where I think it did…!" the TriUni Dark Hero worriedly stated.

"Come, Lucius! We haven't the time to waste!" With that, the Castle Overseer sprinted.

"W-Wait for me!" Lucius shouted as he follows sure, as soon as he catches up, he ask, "So, who or what do you think caused the explosion?"

"We will know as soon as we arrived at the Guests Room." Suzaku replied without decreasing his running speed.

"So you think it came from that location too." The TriUni Dark Hero noted, "I guess we really do need to hurry." With that, he focused more on his running.

"I hope nobody is injured, especially Master Kanata." The Castle Overseer wished.

In another other place but at still the same time…

"What fool dares awaken me, the great Overlord Laharl?" Laharl askes as he sits up on his futon and rubs his eyes.

"There seems to be some racket going on at the room next to us, your highness." Aramis reported in a slightly sleepy tone, himself also awakened by the explosion.

"Are they having a party this time in the morning? I thought you are the only one who does that, Overlord Laharl." Hanako said, also newly awakened and also very sleepy.

"They're having a party without inviting me? And after all my effort to come here? I'll make them pay if that's the case…" the Overlord threatened after he finishes rubbing his eyes, he then looks at his companions and was so shocked at what he saw that his antennae raised.

Taro coughs and mumbles something, "Good Morning everyone…" he looks at Laharl first and seeing his shocked stare, turns to the direction he was looking at, to his sister and Aramis, and was also shocked at what he saw.

"Great morning to everyone! Man, I feel like a million HL this morning! Today's start is starting out great!" Axel said in his superior tone, he still hadn't look at the others.

"What's with that look, Overlord Laharl? Taro? Is something on my face?" Adell's Sister asks, making Aramis look at her.

Laharl's Servant was also shocked at what he has seen, "H-Hanako! ? Is that really you? Why do you look like…?"

"Look like who?" the Disgaea Dark Hero asks, he turns and finally sees what's going on.

Adell's Brother was looking at one of the mirrors on the cabinet of their room and saw that his face has change too, "We all look like-!"

Laharl couldn't take it anymore and he himself 'exploded', "What is going on here! ? Why have all of my Vassal's turned into Axel look alikes! ?"

Demon Palace: Guests Room (morning)

As the smoke from the earlier explosion clear out, all of the occupants of the Guests Room could be seen with a particular focus on the following characters: Edge Vanhite panting as well as holding a MechSword that is not his own (he was holding it with both of his hands since it was clearly bigger than his own weapon), on the other side of the room stands Vayne Aurelius, currently on his battle form (Vain and Sulpher are merged with him, forming his weapons) looking panicked and has his eyes colored dull, in the opposite side of the room and in front of the two respectively was Kanata, the Demon Dog King, holding his own sword while having a worried smirk on his face, beside him was Klein Kiesling, holding his Cane in a defensive stance.

Behind both Kanata and Klein are the other invited characters of Pamela, all ready for battle are Lita Blanchimont and her claws, Arlin with his sword, Marietta Lixiss with her blade, Delsus crouching near the still sleeping Norn, and Klein's Manas, either floating or standing.

Behind Vayne, backed into another wall was his Companions, also readying their weapons are Roxis Rosenkrantz and his cards, Anna Lemouri and her katana, and Flay Gunnar, weaponless (it was his MechSword that Edge was currently using), curiously they seem to be pointing their weapons at Vayne's back.

"That was a close one!" Kanata exclaimed, "If we had not interrupted your respective attacks, all of us would have been in danger!"

NetherUniverse: Demon Palace/Guests Room (early morning) [flashback]

"A pleasant morning to all of you!" Kanata shouted as he and Pamela enters the Guests Room. Only eight of the seventeen persons, eight Mana's and one cat occupying the room glanced at him, the others are still sleeping and the eight who are sitting in a circular position occupy themselves by telling each other stories. (Since most of them are alchemists, alchemic things are the topic)

"What a shining entrance! He is definitely a hero material!" Flay exclaimed as he stands up from his futon and walks towards the Demon Dog King, "A great morning to you too! Oh, nameless hero!"

"Flay, don't do that, you might creep him out with your weirdness!" Anna reprimanded and after doing this, the Demon Dog King and the Villain Alchemist can be seen in the background, with their arms on each other's shoulders and laughing merrily, she sweat drops after seeing this, "I take it back…it's like they've known each other forever…"

"(Oh) forgive me for getting ahead of myself, may we start again? My name is Kanata, the Demon Dog King of the NetherUniverse! Pleased to meet you!" the Demon Dog King introduced himself to everyone awake.

"Interesting, you can be similar to Flay but you could also be formal when needed, I like you already." The Samurai Alchemist noted, "(Oh) And my name is Anna Lemouri, pleased to meet you too." she bows.

"I knew you were someone important! Your aura does not lie! I am the' Flayvor of Evil'! But you could refer to me in my civilian name, Flay Gunnar!" the Villain Alchemist also introduced.

"(Huh) Hard to believe that we'll meet someone as extraordinary as Flay in here." Roxis noted from where he was sitting at, "I'm Roxis Rosenkrantz, a pleasure."

"(chuckle) Wait till you see Flonne." Pamela said as an announcement of her attendance.

"Pamela! You're here! Good morning!" Blair said, she and Veola are the only other two who are currently awake from the "Atelier Kiesling" gang; the other five are all members of the "Atelier Aurelius" and Iris is from the "Alchemic Raiders", "(oh) And It's good to meet you too, Demon Dog King Kanata, I'm Blair Burea, at your service."

"You don't have to be so formal with me, Kanata is just fine!" Kanata corrected.

"Okay, then I'm good with just 'Blair' too." The Baker also added, she then looks at her companion and getting the message, she starts to introduce herself too.

"My name is Veola Biora…" Veola started, she really does not want to introduce herself to someone so bright in this time of the morning (same with that happened earlier, when the eight of them are just starting and it was her turn to introduce herself to Flay, good thing Blair was there to keep her from being too mean.)

"Nice to meet you, Veola!" Kanata brightly announced.

"…Likewise." The Vendor replied back, doesn't have to be mean to someone being nice to you.

"Hi, Kanata, I'm Nicole Mimi Tithel but my friends call me Nikki, you can too since we're friends already!" Nikki announced happily.

"But of course, Nikki!" the Demon Dog King happily answered back.

Jess had to stop herself from coughing again to avoid ruining the good atmosphere, when she was sure that she wouldn't cough, she started to introduce herself, "Hello, Kanata, my name is Jessica Philomele, but like Nikki, my friends call me by my nickname, 'Jess', I'd be happy if you would too."

"I would be honored to, Jess." Kanata answered.

"And I'm Iris Fortner, I'm not with their group," she motions to the 'Atelier Aurelius' members, "or theirs," she motions to the 'Atelier Kiesling's two members, "But I'm already quite familiar with them, hope I could say the same with you."

"I would be delighted to help you with that!" the Demon Dog King replied.

"And good morning to all of you! Blair, Veola, Nikki, Jess, Roxis, Anna, Flay and Iris." the Ghastly Inn Mascot greeted all of the awakened characters.

"Hey, before I forget, Pamela! Why didn't you tell us that your transportation item would knock us out! I wasn't prepared! Right in the middle of the trip, I suddenly felt dizzy and then I wake up to who knows where!" Nikki complained.

"It's not good to be so excited in your condition." the Vendor calmed the Singing Alchemist, referring to her pregnancy, she then turns to Pamela, "But I do support her claims, it's a good thing that I wake up next to my friends or else I would have panicked." Despite her complaints, Veola does not change her tone of voice.

"I didn't write that side effect down? That's odd…then again I was busy watching my favorite soap opera at the same time reading my mystery novel while writing that letter…so that's what's been bothering me since I invited you…sorry!" the Ghastly Inn Mascot ended that statement with a happy note.

"I remember that! You were telling me that you were at the juicy parts of the both the novel and the tv show." The Demon Dog King added.

"You mean you knew that we would fall asleep and just forgot to tell us about it because you were focused on reading and watching at the same time? Knowing you, Pamela, that doesn't really surprise me." Iris commented.

"You could say that again, Iris." Jessica supported, "But why are the others still sleeping? Aren't they supposed to be awake by now?"

"Is it because the 'Diabolical Ghost' has ulterior motives in our hero! ? I will not allow it! Only I shall be the one who will defeat the Alchemy Man!" Flay announced, the others must be really tired because their slumber wasn't disturbed by his exclamations.

"It's not like that, Flay! Actually, I was surprised that you all are already awake, the side effect of the transportation device should have lasted a few more hours from now, according to my calculations." The Ghastly Inn Mascot explains, "Then again, the only reason that you would fall asleep is because your mana energy was being depleted as an energy source for the transportation device."

"Isn't that dangerous? Especially for people with less mana energy in them, like the people you invited that are not Alchemists?" the Ill Alchemist pondered.

"You think so? I don't feel any more tired than natural, you know, after waking up from a good night sleep, I mean." The Baker added.

"Is it because you did not have mana energy? But according to Pamela's stories, all of the people from your worlds, adventurers or not have mana energy on them…" the Demon Dog King theorized.

"I did feel my mana energy being drained but I have a feeling that the reason we are already awake is, as usual, because of his actions." The Royal Alchemist was referring to their group and points his finger to Vayne's sleeping form, "And by an extension, them too." He does the same to Vain and Sulpher's sleeping forms.

"Vayne, my husband and Sulpher?" the Singing Alchemist asked, "Why? What did they do?"

"Think about it, Nikki, if Vain found out that our mana energy is being drained, much more if it's yours, what do you think he would do? As well as Vayne in regards to Jess." The Samurai Alchemist hinted, the girls she was talking to connected the dots.

"That sounds like Vayne and Vain alright, giving more energy than required so that those important to them won't have to." Pamela chuckled, making Nikki and Jess blush, "They must have given so much for them to still be asleep for all five of you to be awake already." She continued, making Roxis irritated because of 'self-sacrificing buffoons' and Anna to also blush, "I feel bad for Sulpher though, he also needed to give his own mana energy so that Vayne and Vain could give more too." She added, referring to the three's connection.

Hearing their explanation, the Vendor then came to a conclusion of her own, "Klein must have sensed that mana energy drain too, and since I and Blair's mana energy are mostly nonexistent, he must have used the mana energy of his Mana's in replace of ours."

"Your Alchemist has Mana's with him? How wonderful! How many is currently with him?" the Grand Alchemist asked.

"(Laughs) You are not serious with that inquiry, correct Lady Alchemist? Everyone knows that an Alchemist can only have a pact with one Mana." The Villain Alchemist stated as a matter of fact way, every one of the awakened members of the 'Students Alliance' smiles or nods in confirmation.

"Actually, I once had a pact with eight Mana's." Iris stated in a very natural way but her statement made the five Al-Revis Students to look at her with wide eyes and open mouths.

"…You're joking, correct?" Roxis tried to clarify.

"That's a weird joke but it's still funny, I guess." Jessica also thought it was a joke.

"She wasn't joking, Iris really did made pacts with eight Mana's." Pamela revealed much to the shock of Vayne's team.

"Why didn't you tell us such an amazing thing! ? I don't know any alchemist from our home world that could make a pact with more than one Mana! Let alone eight!" Anna questioned in such an awe tone.

"I guess it just never came up. (teehee)" the Ghastly Inn Mascot answered.

"Truly, this is a very amazing discovery!" If Flay is amazed, it's certainly something to be amazed about, "But how come I do not feel your Mana's? Did you not bring them with you?"

"Well, after our adventures a year ago, I let my Mana's back to their home Alterworlds since the link between our world and theirs are about to disappear, it would cause some kind of paradox if they were to remain with me in our world but once we find a more safe way to visit their Alterwords and if no Alchemists still made a new pact with them, they said that they would return to me." Iris explains in detail.

"I see, still…eight Mana's? I still can't get my mind around it…" Nikki, still in awe, could not digest the new information.

"I am not an alchemist so I could only imagine your awe and disbelief to this revelation but if you still have doubt in your minds, why not ask Veola and Blair. After all, their companion, Klein, brought his Mana's with him, correct?" Kanata offered and this suggestion made the five past students to look at him and then to the two that belongs to Klein's Group.

"That was a good idea! Why didn't we think about it?" the Singing Alchemist asked.

"No matter how similar they are, Kanata is certainly better compared to Flay, no contest about it." The Samurai Alchemist proclaims.

"Your words hurt my feelings, Minion number two!" the Villain Alchemist complains dramatically.

"We're getting off track here!" the Royal Alchemist raised his voice before Anna could say her complaints; he then asks the question directed to the Baker and the Vendor, "Is it true then? Your companion, Klein, has multiple Mana's with him?"

"You're referring to Popo and the others right?" Blair asked.

"Popo? I don't any Mana with that name…" the Ill Alchemist stated.

"Neither do I, what's his Mana Spirit?" the Grand Alchemist asked.

"Mana Spirit? I'm not really familiar with that, all I know is, Klein calls Popo, Toma, Kirika, Mizel, Jeanne, Alice, Gardenia and Euphoria his Mana's…" the Baker said, much to the more raising confusion with her listeners.

"(chuckle) This is so fun to watch." The Ghastly Inn Mascot said as she watches the scene.

"Pamela, you know the answer to their inquiries about Klein and his Mana's, correct? Why will you not offer it to them?" the Demon Dog King asked.

"Well they haven't asked me yet (they forgot that she we're friends with Klein) and I'm having so much fun just watching." Pamela replied.

"I see." Satisfied with her answer, Kanata goes back to listening to the Blair's attempts to explain Klein's Manas.

"(Oh!) This is going nowhere! I'm not even sure what the difference is between Mana and us! All I know is that they fly and disappear and stuff! How am I suppose to explain it to them!" Blair complained while thinking of ways to explain it to them, she then sees Veola looking at her, the girls face is still in deadpan look but her eyes are shining, this made the Baker call out to her, "Veola!"

"What?" the Vendor asked.

"You know how to answer their question, don't you! ? And don't try to lie, I can see in your eyes how funny you think my explanation is!" the Baker pointed out, everyone then turns their eyes to the other girl.

"…I admit I found your explanation very humorous…" Veola started, "Not to worry though, I won't hold it against you, what with how rare Alchemists and Mana's are in Regallzine, it's understandable that you only know that some of Klein's friends are Mana's."

"Friends?" Anna, Flay, Roxis, Jessica, Nikki and Iris thought.

"I'll take over in explaining then but I warn all of you, I only know the basics that Klein and his Mana's described to me, I am after all just a Magic Shop Vendor, not an Alchemist." The Vendor warned, "Now then, the names Blair mentioned earlier are the names of Klein's Mana's but you do not recognized them, I think it's because it was Klein who gave those names to them, to differentiate his Mana's from others, or so he once told me."

That explanation was enough to make everyone shocked all over; even Iris seems to be surprised to this revelation.

"He gave names to his Mana's? I have never heard of such a thing!" Flay was once again surprised and immensely impressed, "The more I hear about him, the more grand this 'Klein' Alchemist seems to become!"

"You sound really impressed, is having multiple Mana's and naming them such a rare thing to happen?" Blair asked.

"I have never heard of it happening, normally an Alchemist could only make a pact with one Mana, not because of lack of trying, but because having a pact with a Mana Spirit connects them to an Alchemist's mana energy, essentially making the Alchemist use more of his mana energy that his Mana requires in order to do Alchemic Arts." Anna explains, "Each Mana requires different amount of mana energy for their assistance, rarer and elite Mana's could only be used by equally elite Alchemists, and even then, forming a pact with another Mana, even lower in class, could put too much strain to the mana energy that has already formed a pact, no matter how strong the Alchemist, as for the names…"

"Since an Alchemist apparently can only make a pact with one Mana Spirit, there's no need to call them with anything other than their title as well as the name equivalent to that title, for an example, the Mana Spirit of Wood is commonly associated with the name, Dour. " Jessica further explained, referring to the information taught to them back in the Al-Revis Academy.

"Now you know why we're so shocked when Iris said that she made eight pacts with eight Mana's, if two we're already impossible back in Al-Revis, how could eight be, right?" Nikki clarifies.

"But is it possible to break the pact with the current Mana so as to change to another Mana Spirit?" Kanata asked the question that's been bugging him.

"Some Alchemists do just that for their experiments, even we graduates from the Al-Revis Academy had to relinquish our hold with our Mana's from the institution, unfortunately, the strain of removal was so intense that it left us drained of our mana energy for almost two whole months, it was also advised that we should at least wait for a full year before breaking a Mana Pact since continually doing so might degrade our mana energy and shorten our lives as Alchemists." Roxis answered.

"That's why Alchemists with different types of Mana Spirit stick together! So that they won't have to make the whole process of acquiring another Mana whenever they need it for their research." Pamela added.

"I see, I guess you and Klein really are an elite type of Alchemists." Veola said to the Grand Alchemist.

"I wouldn't call myself that, I mean I only learned the basics of Alchemy from one book, the rest came from experimentation and self-teaching, that's nothing compared to being taught and guided by another Alchemist, as for my Mana's, there wasn't even one on our home world originally, I just got lucky to have even met them." Iris explains.

"Still, to be able to make eight Mana Pacts means you have tremendous mana energy in your body, it's something that no Alchemist could ever learn or teach himself, no matter how long or dedicated. The blood of a great Alchemist flows through your veins, Iris." The Samurai Alchemist said in respect.

"I-I don't know about that." The Grand Alchemist said in embarrassment, while people find her talents amazing, growing up as the only Alchemist in Zey Meruze, she couldn't talk about Alchemy to others in a way that they would understand, here though, she knows that the people around her are certified Alchemists so their compliments really mean something to her, "B-But I have to admit, I never once thought of giving my Mana's names, I mean, if Mister Klein could do that then that means his connection with his Mana's must be stronger than mine."

"How so?" the Baker asked, "And sorry about asking so much, since, you know, I'm not really that knowledgeable when it comes to Alchemy."

"Not to worry, Blair! As the saying goes, I am in the same boat as you." The Demon Dog King supported.

"Don't worry, Blair, Kanata, it actually makes me feel good that you're so interested about Alchemy." The Ill Alchemist smiled, "To answer your question though, Roxis could explain it to you in full detail; he's the smartest of us after all."

"Don't say that too often, it might get in his head. (chuckle)" the Ghastly Inn Mascot teased.

"(coughs) If there wouldn't be interruptions then I would begin my explanation." The Royal Alchemist stated with high volume, he then explains the answer to the question, "You have already heard that each Mana's already have an accustomed name to call them with, that's not something that an Alchemist conjured. I have once read that it's a tradition between similar elemental Mana's to only refer themselves with their specific name so as to keep their relationship with their Alchemist partners on a professional level, after all, a lifetime for Alchemists' is only a fraction compared to theirs, being too connected with their Alchemists would not be positive on the long run, especially if they have to keep switching pact partners. The fact that they break that tradition refers on how important their current handler- Klein, is to them."

"I see…knowing Klein, that doesn't really surprise me." the Vendor stated.

"And I may only read history books when I positively need to but even I can tell with perfect confidence that no books that I read ever had anything written on them about someone naming their Mana's." the Singing Alchemist

"Truly, revelations like these, I will never believe had I not heard them for myself." The Villain Alchemist stated.

When there were no more questions regarding Alchemy, all of them are left with their own thoughts to contemplate.

"I was so enthusiastic about this topic that I didn't have to force my cough away, it simply disappeared, what a relief, still I'm very curious about Iris and Klein's Alchemy, I need to talk to Vayne about this." Jessica thought with a smile.

"Wow, all this talk about Alchemy and better Alchemist than us made me so excited that I felt like I wasn't pregnant, you don't know what you're missing, Vain! I better make him catch up with us when he wakes up." Nikki thought while looking at her sleeping husband.

"Now that I focused my senses, I could feel the energy emanating from Iris, it's on par with Vayne, Klein on the other hand, I could feel his Mana's around him, further amplifying his energy…I definitely need to have a word with the two of them." Roxis thought while looking at Iris and then at Klein's sleeping form.

"Hearing about Iris and Klein's abilities made me realize just how much I need to learn more about Alchemy, and I thought Vayne's the only one I had to catch up with, still this would actually make me focus more on my studies so it's all good." Anna thought while thinking about how to better herself as an Alchemist.

"What to call the superior Alchemist in front of me? Iris is obviously the 'Lady of Alchemy' but what about Klein? Super Alchemist? Captain Alchemist? I need to learn more about him in order to come up with a better title, what I do know is that from what I hear, he is a class-A hero material, similar to Vayne and Kanata." Flay thought while thinking of further titles for his new 'Hero Rival'.

"(chuckle) They seem to be getting along but that doesn't surprise me, they are all Alchemists after all, I hope my other friends would also get along." Pamela thought while thinking about her other sleeping friends.

"They seem to be really interested to know more about Klein, I on the other hand, am more interested about knowing them, they are Alchemists after all, they may be able help me synthesize items that I could sell at my shop." Veola opportunistically thought before adding, "But I definitely understand their interest on Klein." She thought while slightly blushing.

"They know much more about Alchemy than I do, even Veola does and she's not even an Alchemist!" Blair sadly thought but thinks again that, "I definitely have to make them teach me more about Alchemy so that I could catch up to Veola and Lita! And besides, it wouldn't hurt to have friends like them; they're fun to be with!"

"Seeing all these Alchemists around me makes me so happy! They say that I'm greater than them but I don't think so, I still have a lot to learn to meet even half of their expectations, still like them, I really want to know more about Mister Klein." Iris thought while also looking at Klein's sleeping form before turning to Edge's direction, "By the way, if mana energy we're being consumed by Pamela's transportation device and if I'm awake and Edge isn't, does that mean he also sacrificed more of his mana energy? Sounds like him alright…"

"Everyone just sounds and looks so awesome! I cannot wait to talk about the various adventures that they have all partaken! And if luck would allow me to, they might even accept a sparring session or two! I hope the other's we're already awaken!" Kanata excitedly thought.

While everyone was thinking about their individual reactions, a sound erupted which made all of them to halt their thoughts, namely, the growling of Kanata's and Flay's stomachs.

"(oh!) Forgive me for that! I had forgotten that I have not yet consumed anything since I woke up this morning!" The Demon Dog King explains.

"(Laughs) Do not worry, my new ally/rival, the same could be said to us, I in particular have gotten so hungry after digesting all those wonderful information about Alchemy!" proudly stated by the Villain Alchemist.

"Now that you brought it up, I am getting pretty hungry myself; it's probably because by this time, we were supposed to be eating our breakfast." The Samurai Alchemist explains while holding her stomach.

"Well, it seems everyone's pretty hungry right now but aren't the chefs currently away from the Demon Palace, Kanata?" the Ghastly Inn Mascot asks.

"True enough, they are currently absent, the only cook in the Demon Palace is Violet, should I request her to make food for us? Then again, she's very busy on preparing the gourmet for my Engagement Day…" Kanata thought in concern.

"Wait, the Engagement Day that we we're supposed to attend was yours, Kanata?" the Baker asked in surprise, "So you're like, royalty? I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't told me, no offence." She added.

"None taken, Blair, I do hear that statement a lot." The Demon Dog King chuckles.

"I guess the ruling title in here was the 'Demon Dog King', other worldly traditions sure are different from ours." The Ill alchemist noted.

"Tell me about it, now I just remembered Muppy asking Vayne to be his 'bride' (shivers)." The Singing Alchemist reminisced while shaking.

"Well everyone's busy with preparing for your Engagement Day, I wouldn't want my hunger to add on that pile so of it's alright with everyone, I volunteer to cook our breakfast." The Grand Alchemist suggested.

"I could not possibly let you to do labor while being our guest! That would make us poor hosts!" Kanata argued.

"I'll join you." The Vendor called to Iris, she then looks to Kanata and says "Don't worry about it; I'm just in the mood to cook right now, it's no trouble at all." The Vendor added.

"Well…if you insist then I guess I see nothing wrong with allowing you to cook for your meals, especially since it is what you want to do." The Demon Dog King allowed.

"And I suppose you two are going as well?" the Royal Alchemist asks to both Jessica and Nikki, "You do know that the moment Vayne and Vain woke up, they will immediately look for both of you and after knowing that you were gone, they would panic and instantaneously let their emotions overwhelm them without first hearing our explanation?"

"I-I don't think that they would go that far…" Jess nervously said.

"Yeah, besides, you, Flay and Anna are here, surely you could explain the situation without things getting out of control." Nikki pointed out.

"Truer words are never spoken! Leave the handling of the 'Alchemy Man' and his 'Dark Counterpart' to me and my minions! Enjoy yourselves and make sure you cook delicious food (laughs)" Flay added as he took the Samurai and Royal Alchemist's on a buddy hold on the neck, pulling them close to him.

"Then I'll join too! I'll show you my famous baking skills, besides, someone's got to hold back this wild girl from doing anything impolite." Blair joined while referring to Veola, this earned her a light glare from the girl, "What about you, Anna?"

"L-Let go of me! And don't call me your minion!" Anna shouted as she releases herself from her friends' grip, "And sorry but it would be better if I remain here to explain the situation to Vayne, besides I don't really know how to cook so I will have to pass." She explains before adding "I guess that's not really very feminine of me (huh?)"

"It's no trouble at all, Anna, I say you look girly enough." Iris said which made the Samurai Alchemist blush, "Well they did said that you would be needed here but when we have time, if you would like, I could teach you how to cook." she added, making Anna smile and nod, accepting her offer.

"I guess nobody would heed my warnings then, mark my words, you'll all regret it." Roxis warned.

"Do not worry about that, after all, I, the Demon Dog King, strongest in the NetherUniverse is here!" Kanata boasted, "I will help you calm your companions in the event that they panicked."

"Then it's decided! Jess, Nikki, Iris, Blair and Veola, if you would follow me to the kitchen." Pamela said as she floats away from the current group, Nikki Blair and Veola assisted Jess to her wheelchair while Iris looks at the direction to her still sleeping companion, "We'll be back with foods later Kanata, entertain my friends for me till then."

"Will do, Pamela! You can count on me!" Kanata promised.

"What's wrong?" Veola asked as she as well as the other girls looked on the Grand Alchemists' figure walking towards her sleeping Raider companion.

"Edge's been getting stressed out about little things these days, I don't think that me suddenly gone when he wakes up would be good so I'll just take his weapon with me, just in case." The Grand Alchemist explains as she lifts Edge's MechBlade and drags it with her.

"Wow, that Edge guy's seems like a handful, like my husband." The Singing Alchemist commented which was met by a very big nod from Iris.

"By the way, Nikki, what's it like being married and pregnant?" the Baker asked as the six of them we're heading outside, with Pamela leading them.

"(chuckle) I remember being so curious about that too." The Ill Alchemist said while her wheelchair was being pushed by Nikki.

"Now that I think about it, I'm curious too, I never did have the chance to get married or be pregnant back when I'm still alive." The Ghastly Inn Mascot curiously revealed which made every girl following her to look at her.

"…I have no plan on involving myself with that topic." The Vendor said and the other's replies we're unheard because their group exited the Guests Room of the Demon Palace.

"There they go." The Samurai Alchemist said, "I assume it would be a while before they return, now then, what shall we do to pass the time?"

"I would be more than content with hearing your various adventures!" the Demon Dog King suggested.

"That's a splendid idea! Although it would be not as exciting for us since we already lived the tale." The Villain Alchemist complained.

"If you want, we could play games with my cards while telling stories to Kanata." The Royal Alchemist offered.

"You would allow that, my minion? The last time I 'played' with your cards, you almost ended my story with the Alchemy Man by finishing me off before we even had our final battle." Flay reminded.

"If for you, 'playing' with my cards is the same as synthesizing them into another one of your injudicious 'accessory' for your villain costume then you deserve to face the consequence of my wrath." Said with irritation by Roxis, after calming down, he continues, "Otherwise I'm fine with using them for proper card games like poker or card-duels and such."

"But my knowledge about those card games and terms are non-existent!" Kanata argued.

"Don't worry, Kanata, I may not know how to do 'Girl Duties' but I can do this, let me teach you." Anna offered and with that, the four of them relived the adventures that three-fourth of them had partaken while playing a game of Texas Hold-em.

This activity continued on for quite some time, with Roxis winning the majority of the games, followed by Anna with Flay and Kanata battling it out for last place, they have also now told the Demon Dog King their version of the story that Pamela told him yesterday, as well as what they have been doing ever since the end of their adventure. After their fifth game with the same results, the Demon Dog King made a comment.

"I see, Pamela had only stated to me on how your adventure ended, not your current circumstances." Kanata said while looking at the combination of cards on his hands.

"I'm not surprised, it has been a while since Pamela visited our home world, and whenever we would send letters to each other, the contents would be the required items we needed for our research than catching up with how each of us are doing, that's probably why she couldn't tell you our current situation." Roxis explained, not even bothering on examining his cards.

"We definitely need to use this rare time that we we're gathered together on seeing how we have been doing, I'm sure Pamela would also want to know how the research was going." Anna noted, satisfied with the current pattern of her cards.

"I on the other hand would like to hear more about how Pamela's stay here had been, especially about the adventures she has partaken with you!" Flay points his finger to the Demon Dog King, "How about it, Dog Emperor?" he asks after looking at the cards on his hand and then shrugging.

"I would love to tell you about our adventures! But first…" the Demon Dog King started, he then motions the cards on his hands, the others getting the message, they all dropped their cards, "Straight Flush! One of the strongest combinations!" he declares.

"You have improved, Dog Emperor! On the other hand, similarly to our other bouts, I could only produce a High Card! Truly, this type of game is not created for me!" The Villain Alchemist stated.

"And yet you don't sound bothered by it, still, I'm surprise with your progress, Kanata! You have defeated my Full House." The Samurai Alchemist praised, "That's a good combination, are you outdone too, Roxis?"

"(Hmph!) Of course not." The Royal Alchemist said as he shows them his Royal Flush, "Still, you were close Kanata, and this is only your sixth game, the only one who could get this close to me in this game was Jessica and it took her almost a whole month to understand the rules."

"Indeed, I remember the Princess Alchemist playing worse than I! Who would have thought that she would later become the only one who might be able defeat my Minion in this duel of cards?" Flay declared.

"Now that you have mentioned Jess' name, I recall from Pamela's tale that her character ending was with Vayne and all of you trying to find a permanent cure for her illness, seeing her very cheerful but still confined made me realize that things might coming along well, correct?" Kanata asked, his question was enough to lessen the bright mood of the room, he notices it, "Oh dear, is talking about it considered a taboo? I am gravely apologetic talking about it, Tsubaki always mentioned that I need to think first before asking questions."

"It's alright Kanata, there's no need to apologize, everything is going well actually, Jess has more color on her than a few months ago, she could even go out of bed now, so everything is going along smoothly as you say, it's just that…" Anna tried to say but ends up lowering her eyes.

"A few months ago, we hit a dead end, even after creating stronger medicines than the ones already existing back in our home world, it still wasn't enough to cleanse the virus, worse it's adapting itself on our cures, becoming stronger, in this rate, at best we are only prolonging the inevitable." Roxis explained while shuffling his deck.

"Surely there are still multiple remedy's that could still be made to cure Jess, right?" the Demon Dog King asks.

"Currently in our world, no more but in other worlds, of course! That is one of the reason we are here! To ask our ghastly companion of further materials we may be able to use in order to create stronger medicine and finally, rid the Alchemy Princess of her curse!" the Villain Alchemist triumphantly said.

"As you can see Kanata, Flay here symbolizes our united belief that Jess will be cured one day, it's just that we still have our self-respect that we don't go around shouting it to everyone that will listen but it's still the same feeling we all share." The Samurai Alchemist informed.

"Hearing that eases my feelings, and about that permission you require, I the Demon Dog King allow you to take any mineral or items that you may need to procure a permanent medicine on Jess' illness, I would like to help with anyway I can for my new friends!" Kanata promises.

"…Really? Just like that?" the Royal Alchemist was very surprised by this, "We only just met a few minutes ago, literally. We have just been introduced, then became friends and now you want to help us after hearing some stories…?"

"Of course! Is that not what friends do? Help each other when they are in need? Or is it the difference with our culture again?" the Demon Dog King asked.

"No, nothing like, it's just that, we're not used to act of kindness like this, Alchemists like us back in our home world tends to be…avoided by 'ordinary' people, as Pamela may have told you." Anna explains, "There was one time that people wouldn't have allowed us to buy some minerals we needed without charging us with high price and lots of items we created."

"People did that! ? What foul play! And just because you can do Alchemy! ?" Kanata was outraged by this revelation, "But now I can promise you, unlike those heathen, I intend to truly help you, as friends do."

"(Laughs) Truly you are commendable, Dog Emperor, for your valor and kindness, I'm positive that with your inclusion, Vayne and I's epic would be truly outstanding!" Flay praised and envisioned.

"Here you are, not an Alchemist and yet is actually helping us, and without asking anything in return…I'm not used to that, if it wasn't obvious." Roxis considered, "Maybe we should have visited Pamela a long time ago."

"We're very grateful for that, Kanata, I'm sure that the moment Vayne hears about this, he'll be very happy." The Samurai Alchemist deduced.

"Still we're short on time, if the sickness suddenly develops further while we're staying here…at the very least, only Muppy is missing now, I'm sure Jessica would not mind." The Royal Alchemist humored darkly.

"Roxis! Did you imply what I think you did! ?" the Demon Dog King demanded.

"(Laughs…again) Do not take it the wrong way my new ally or enemy, my minion is just the most realist of all of us…of course unless it involves his fights with the Alchemy Man that he still thinks he could win with." The Villain Alchemist semi-insulted.

"Coming from the mouth of the 'Emperor of the half world' that is obviously a lie and has been beaten by his 'rival' much more than me, forgive me if I'm not insulted by your remark." Roxis countered.

"Still, joking like that does not sit well with me…" Kanata complains regarding Roxis' earlier statement

"While I agree that Roxis can state the darkest humorous statement for him, there are still truth in his words. When we acquire our new ingredients, we'll have to get right back to work once we go back to our home world." Anna justifies.

"Is that so? Then maybe you should all just focus on creating your cure for Jess' illness for the remainder of your stay here? I could even let my friends help." The Demon Dog King suggests.

The Villain Alchemist shakes his head sideways to this suggestion, "You suggestion is not accepted." Even the Samurai and Royal Alchemists are quick to agree to this answer, much to the confusion of the Demon Dog King.

"But why not?" Kanata asks.

"If we are to agree to that suggestion, then instead of having fun with our new friends, we would be too focused on doing our jobs, the Alchemy Princess does not approve of that." Flay started.

Followed by Roxis, "And you also offered to help us, even including your friends with you, one thing Jessica doesn't like is for others to do so much just for her sake."

"And if we do that, we'll most likely be postponing you Engagement Day, Jess would never forgive us if that happens on her account." Ended by Anna

The Demon Dog King considers their words, "I see, Jess does not want to be a burden to others despite the fact that her condition is critical…"

The Royal Alchemist finishes shuffling his cards, "That's Jessica for you, if you really want to help her without making her upset, enjoy your Engagement Day and we will too, that's the main reason we came her in the first place."

Understanding his words, Kanata nods, "I understand, I will make sure to provide all of you the best Engagement Day the NetherUniverse has to offer!"

"(Laughs…he's really happy) I look forward to that, Dog Emperor!" exclaimed by the Villain Alchemist as Roxis hands each of them their new sets of cards.

"By the way, Kanata, Flay earlier said that he could like to hear what Pamela's been up too, I have to say, I'm curious too, would you mind telling us the story of your adventure now?" the Samurai Alchemist asked while arranging her cards.

"Of course not! Let me tell you our tale as we play our game." Happily stated by the Demon Dog King.

The group was in their tenth game where the arrangement of the winners is now starting from Roxis first, second place is being fought between Anna and Kanata while Flay is still dead last, Kanata's story about the 'Trinity Universe' is in the 'True Ending' part when the other sleeping occupants of the Guest Room started to stir.

"…agh…my head hurts…" Klein mumbles as he slowly raises his upper body and sits in his futon, since he was awakened, it would mean that his mana energy was replenished, sensing this, the three Alchemists around Kanata looks up from their game to stare at him.

"Kanata, Blair and Veola's friends are waking up." Anna said to the Demon Dog King.

"Hmm?" Kanata looks up from looking at his cards to the direction that Anna points, looking there; he sees three figures rising from their sleeping state.

"(groans)" Arlin follow's Klein's lead as he too sits while shaking his head.

"Man…this is worse than having a hangover…and I think this is the first time I ever hear you groan, Arlin." Delsus said, making other's know that he's awake but that he still doesn't have the strength to stand up, "And you even warned us about our mana energy being drained…this better be gone in a few minutes like you promised, Klein!"

"Shut up Delsus, hearing your voice makes my brain hurt..." Marietta complained as she too goes to a sitting position while rubbing her forehead to ease the pain.

"It would seem that that the others are now also awake." Flay noted.

"I would go and greet them, as to what a proper host should do." Kanata declares as he stands up and walks toward the other group.

"They knew about the mana energy drain before starting?" Roxis questions.

"It seems only they do, Veola and Blair are unaware of it." The Samurai Alchemist deducted.

"Then it was kept a secret from them so as to not make them think that they we're being a liability, with their low mana energy and all." the Villain Alchemist also deducted.

"He noticed it before using the transportation device while we only did when it was already draining our energy…this Klein guy…" the Royal Alchemist thought while adjusting his glasses.

"... (grumbles) I don't wanna wake up yet…" Lita complains as she open's one of her eyes and see's Klein's sitting figure in front of her, "Hey Klein, where's everyone?"

"Good morning Lita." The Master Alchemist greeted first before answering her question, "Arlin, Delsus and Marietta are here, as for Norn…"

Norn was still sleeping in her futon while munching her pillow and drooling while doing it, mumbling all the time, "Fish…Meat…Pork…"

The Lady Knight's stomach grumbles when she hears her companions sleep talk, "Great, first a headache, now hunger…is there anything worse than this?"

"You heard Norn…but where are-?" Klein continues as he looks around the room.

"What's wrong, Klein?" the Galgazit asks as she turns her head so that both of her eyes are looking at Klein.

"Veola and Blair are missing." The Swordsman inputted when he also notices the pair's absence.

The Demon Dog King was within earshot when Arlin made that statement (the Guests Room of the Demon Place is a very big room) so he announces himself by depleting their worries, "Do not be alarmed, Veola and Blair are both with Pamela in the Demon Palace kitchen, making breakfast."

Still lying on his futon, the Archer relaxes after hearing this "That's good to hear, what we need now is some of us suddenly disappearing." he then re-open's his eyes and arches his head upwards so that his view of Kanata is upside down, "And you are?"

"I am Kanata, the Demon Dog King of the NetherUniverse, pleased to make your acquaintance." Kanata introduces himself.

"The Demon Dog King…where have I heard that funny name before…?" Lita wonders out loud, still laying on her futon.

"Pamela's letter. Her friend who was getting engaged." Arlin reminded and a light bulb appeared in Lita's head.

"Lita, did you just make fun of the most important guy on the event that we're attending?" Delsus asks which to Lita replacing her light-bulb with a sweat drop.

"S-Sorry about that, Mr. Demon Dog King, i-it wasn't my intention to make fun of you or anything!" the Galgazit apologized.

"No need to be so formal! And do not worry about it; I'm used to such a reaction, after all, my first meeting with my other friends are similar, in fact, Blair's reaction is very alike to yours, Miss…?" the Demon Dog King asks in the end, causing Lita to sit on her futon, try to make her sleep hair look good and put's her cap on her head.

"Lita Blanchimont but you can call me Lita." The Galgazit introduces herself, "And in order to make up for my kind of making fun of you, let me introduce my other friends with you, Kanata."

"Sounds good, Lita." The Demon Dog King allowed.

"Alright then first off, that guy that was still laying over there is Delsus." Lita started

"Hey!" the Archer greeted from the futon he's still laying in.

"Nice to meet you, Delsus! By the way, while it is normal here in the NetherUniverse to only have a title and a single name, all my other friends from far away worlds seems to have a 'surname' but you, why is that?" Kanata asks in wonder

"Let me answer that for you once we're out of his earshot." The Galgazit promised.

"Don't you dare, Lita!" Delsus warned but because of over exerting himself, his head doubles in pain, "Man, my head hurts again."

"Mine too, and I blame your shouting…I hope breakfast comes soon." Marietta complains while rubbing both her head and her stomach with her hands.

"The lady who was hungry is Marietta Lixiss." Lita continues her introductions.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Marietta! And do not worry, I am sure Pamela, Veola, Blair and the others are cooking very delicious food right now so your agony will be worth it!" The Demon Dog King promised.

"I hope your right, and you don't have to call me Miss Marietta, just Marietta is fine, I had more than enough of formality back at the Alkavana headquarters." The Lady Knight corrected.

Seeing this, Lita chuckles, "Moving on, the green haired guy over there is Arlin…as for his surname…"

"I don't have one…" the Swordsman inputted himself.

Remembering Pamela's Story about Klein's adventures', particularly about Arlin, Kanata nods in understanding, "I see, well that does not stop this moment from being nice so I will still say it, nice to meet you, Arlin."

Hearing those words made Arlin smile a little as he replies, "Same to you."

The Galgazit's smile becomes bigger after seeing this, as well as Delsus' and Marietta's, she then coughs and motions for their still sleeping party member, "Her name is Norn and I'm sure she'll be very glad to meet you but as you can see, she's still sleeping."

The Demon Dog King moves toward the sleeping girl and pet's her head, taking note of her ears, "She has ears on her head, like myself, Tsubaki and Miyu (chuckles) I think we'll get along just fine."

"I don't doubt that." Lita answer's, she then look's at their Alchemist leader, "And lastly, this is Klein Kiesling…" she sees that Klein was in deep concentration, "What's up, Klein? What are you doing?"

"I'm distributing my mana energy to my Mana's, they can't materialize on their own yet." the Master Alchemist explains, he opens one of his eyes and looks at the Demon Dog King, "It's good to meet you, Kanata. If you would give me a moment, I'll make my Mana's appear, they would be excited to meet you."

"I myself am quite thrilled to meet them too." Kanata said and it's true, he's been looking forward on meeting Mana's ever since Pamela told him about them.

Klein smiles and continues on concentrating on distributing his mana energy; this was of course noticed by the other Alchemists on the room.

"His mana energy…it's so…great…equal to Vayne and Vain when they we're still confused…or even greater than that…? Unlikely…but still…" Anna thought while looking at Klein's mana energy.

"What great mana energy! Certainly far greater than mine, or all of our mana energy combined! Is his even stronger than Vayne I wonder?" Flay wondered while also being entranced by the display of Klein's mana energy.

"The great mana energy is very noticeable indeed, but I'm sure what both Anna and Flay does not realize is the greater control that Klein has on his mana energy." Roxis analyzed while adjusting his glasses, "His control is so great that no energy of his is being wasted, all of it is being directed to where he wants it to be, no more and no less, and while being an Alchemist is the reason that we could feel his energy, I'm sure Jessica, Nicole and Pamela does not because of their current location, no matter how great his mana energy is, that's how good he is at controlling it."

Because the three of them is so fascinated by what's happening in front of them, they failed to notice the worried expression on Vayne, Vain and Sulpher while they were still sleeping.

"This mana energy is very similar to Theofratus when he made that wish to Vayne…or is it similar to Vayne's energy when he's still a Mana…?" Sulpher wondered while reliving said memories.

"What is this? I thought our powers were already wished away by Vayne…why do I feel it now? This energy is comparable to when I was the 'Crazed Eye'…Nikki, where are you…?" Vain wonders in distress while having a nightmare of being the Crazed Eye once more.

"This power…I don't want it, I already threw it away…I fought my friends with this power…Jess…I'm sorry…I didn't want to hurt you…" Vayne thought while having a nightmare of fighting his friends as part of the Crazed Eye, especially the part of him hurting Jess.

And this effect is not for Alchemists only, those who had seen power greater or equal to Klein's energy, especially if they are traumatized by it, whether they are an Alchemist or not, could still feel it.

"This energy…Crowley's? No…greater than that…Ash? No…" Edge was having a nightmare of facing someone with the same mana energy, "Uroborus…no…this time…you won't take her from me…!"

When Klein was done distributing his mana energy, eight Mana's suddenly appeared.

"He truly has made a pact with eight Manas!" Flay exclaims after seeing the newly appeared Mana's.

"I had my doubts, even after hearing all those reasonable explanations, but I still couldn't believe it, seeing it now though, right in front of me…" Roxis said in shock.

"Kanata, meet my Mana's." the Master Alchemist introduced.

The first to speak was Dour, the Mana Spirit of Wood, "Hey! Kanata! No need to start with introducing yourself all over again, we already heard it the first time, you can't see us then, and I'm Popo! Nice to meet you!" he offers his hand.

The Demon Dog King takes his hands and shakes it, "Nice to meet you too, Popo."

Anna too was amazed by finally seeing the Mana's first hand but a sudden shift on her left made her notice something, "Vayne…? Why are you in your battle mode?"

Sure enough, Vayne was merged with both Vain and Sulpher, turning them into his weapons. Upon hearing her statement, Flay and Roxis also looked at their leader.

"What? Vayne? What are you doing?" the Royal Alchemist asks, he then notices that their leader's eyes seems to be darkened, "He's-!"

The Villain Alchemist acted first before thinking, as usual, "Alchemy Man! What a way to announce your awakening!" he motions his hand on taking hold of his friends shoulder.

Seeing this, the Samurai Alchemist tried to warn her friend, "No Flay! Something's wrong with-!" she was too late.

The Mana Alchemist suddenly unleashes his 'Over Realm' skill that was overpowered enough to throw away Flay, Anna and Roxis, making them hit the nearest wall, and by this time, the occupiers of the side of the room where Kanata and the others are using have also taken notice of these events.

Delsus stands up from his lying position to look at the scene, "What the hell! ? What's happening over there! ?"

"Maaan! And it's my turn to introduce myself!" Toma, titled Uru and Mana Spirit of Fire complained.

"I think that's the least of our worries, Sir Toma." Lightly criticized by Euphoria, titled Eital and Mana Spirit of Light as she analyses Vayne's mana energy, "He's going on a rampage and his power is on par with Sir Klein! This is dangerous."

Because Vayne's 'Over Realm' was still being overpowered, aftershocks of the skill were blown away. A large one was heading towards Klein's group.

Klein instinctively puts himself forward and raises his Cane to block the energy but when it collides with him, he was being overpowered, "Damn it, I'm still too tired…"

Seeing this, Kanata stand steps forward too and places his sword over the Master Alchemist's Cane, "Let me assist you, Klein!"

"We will assist you too, Master Klein and Master Kanata." Kirika, titled Plua and Mana Spirit of Darkness announced as she and Aion offers their power to the two, making them fare better on guarding the shockwave.

Gardenia, titled Aion and Mana Spirit of Life took notice of the energy they were blocking and sees that small fragments of it we're taking off, "Be careful, everyone! Some portions of the energy are going to blast off; it may be smaller but could still be quite deadly."

"Understood!" Marietta nodded, she turns and starts giving orders, "All young Mana, stand behind Mizel, while I cover him! The others, if you have the energy, support anyone who needs it." she equips her sword and goes into 'Defend' mode.

Mizel, titled Diemia and Mana Spirit of Stone walks behind the Lady Knight and readies himself, "Alright everyone, you heard Young Marietta's orders!" saying this, Dour, Uru and Nymph stands behind him, that's then Nymph noticed something.

"Everyone! Norn's still sleeping!" Jeanne, titled Nymph and Mana Spirit of Water shouted.

Before anyone could do anything, some parts of the energy already flew away to random directions, one of which was heading towards the still sleeping Cat-girl.

Dour took notice of this and tried to warn her, "Hey! Norn! Watch out!"

"…meow…" Norn was still in deep sleep.

"How can she still sleep at a time like this! ?" Lita wonders out loud while blocking the energy that was heading towards her, "Darn! I can't help her! Somebody do something!"

Seeing the situation, Arlin heads towards Norn's location, dodging aftershocks along the way. When Alice, titled Silwest, Mana Spirit of Wind sees this, she offers her support.

"Take my power, Kin Arlin!" Silwest shouts as she uses her wind energy to amplify the Swordsman's speed, making him reach the oncoming projectile on time and block it, saving the still sleeping Cat-girl.

"I appreciate your assistance, Alice." Arlin said in gratitude to Silwest.

While all this is happening, the trio blown away and crashed to the wall was finally coming to.

Roxis shakes his head as he picks up his glasses and looks to Vayne again, what he saw shocked and terrified him, "Vayne…he's overpowering himself, at this rate, he might turn into the Crazed-Eye again!"

True enough, some of the dark matter of Vain and Sulpher's weapon form was already moving upwards where various spikes are coming out of. Vayne suddenly raised his left arm and focuses the energy in it.

"Not good! The Berserk Alchemy Man is going to use his Pillar skills!" Flay said as he remembers their fight last chapter ago.

Something else entirely was the cause of Anna's worry after shaking the pain away, "Flay, your weapon!" she points at something.

At the direction she pointed, Edge was seen raising Flay's large MechSword, intending to use the ninja stars within it.

"Impossible! Your weapon is too heavy to be used by anyone!" the Royal Alchemist proclaims as he readies his cards.

"Not only that, I adjusted my weapon to electrocute anyone who dares to touch it, including myself as both security and training!" the Villain Alchemist also shockingly said.

The Samurai Alchemist on the other hand pulls out her katana and shouts, "Kanata! Vayne and Iris' friend are going to attack you with powerful skills, prepare yourself!"

"You hear that, Klein?" Kanata asks while still helping the Master Alchemist to block the initial energy charge.

"I did." Klein answered, he turns his head and shouts, "Everyone, the big one's coming! I'm going to need all your help with this!"

"Got it, Klein!" Lita said as she stands beside Klein and goes to her defensive position.

"Remember that breakfast you promised? This 'agony' I have right now better make it really worth it." Marietta said to the Demon Dog King as she stands beside him and uses the 'Defend' mode.

Arlin hands the Cat-girl in his arms to the Archer, "Take care of her." After doing that, he walks beside Lita and goes to 'Defense' too.

"Sounds good to me." Delsus said as he goes behind the 'wall' that his friends created, he then looks at the still sleeping Norn, "Man, I wish I'm still sleeping like you, ignorant of all that's happening."

"…meow..." Norn mumbles, obviously still sleeping.

"Well, I can't just let you guys do all the work!" Dour shouts as he gives everyone his powers, making their defense sturdier.

"Yeah! Give us all you got!" Uru taunted as he also gives his energy, making the five defenders have an orange like aura.

"Here's more of my power…!" Plua whispers, her energy made the five's feet encased with dark mana.

"(laughs) This'll make a good morning exercise!" Diemia shouted as his energy also strengthened everyone's defense.

"I'll help too!" Nymph exclaim as she revitalize everyone with her water mana.

"Don't forget about me!" Silwest uses the wind mana in her to enclose everyone on a barrier made of wind.

"Being part of this excites me so…" Aion said as she uses her life mana to heal everyone.

"Let my light help you!" Eital shouted as her light mana encases everyone.

With everyone (sort of, one was sleeping and the other was looking out for her) prepared for the attack, the initial energy blast subsided, revealing the two individuals who are also just waiting for their own power ups.

"Can't hold it…I will..destroy…all!" the semi-awakened-and-still-having-a-nightmare Vayne shouted, unleashing his 'Violent Pillar' skill.

"I won't let you take her…again!" the panicked Edge shouts as he unleashes the weapon's electricity imbued ninja star, using his 'Windmill' skill.

Both skills collide with the defending group, making the explosion that would be felt by everyone in the Demon Palace.

NetherUniverse: Demon Palace/Guests Room (morning)

"Kanata! Are you all alright! ?" Anna shouted in worry.

Kanata looks at her after fixing his grip at his sword and says, "Not one of us has sustained any injuries!" he reports.

"Luckily, that is." Eital added, "It's a good thing that we all stood together, otherwise, that attack would have annihilated us."

"Well…not really all of us stood together…" Aion said while looking at the duo behind them.

"In my excuse, I had to look after Norn who's still sleeping, Gardenia." Delsus tried to justify

"…(purrs)…" Norn still continued to dream.

Nymph looks at Vayne, getting afraid by his current state, "He's as strong as Big Brother but he uses his power to do bad things…" she turns to Edge, "His eyes..they're scary…both of them scares me…" she hugs goes to hug Dour.

"It's alright Jeanne." Dour tried to calm her down, he then angrily points at the two, "Why did you attack us in the first place!"

"Yeah! What's your problem with us! ?" Silwest angrily asked.

"What she said! You're an Alchemist, aren't you! ?" Uru angrily backed up while shouting to Vayne pointedly.

"It is not the Alchemy Man's fault! He is currently not himself!" Flay tried to explain.

"Himself or not, he just tried to attack us, if he does so again then we have no choice but to retaliate." Plua reasoned.

"And that other man there? What's his excuse?" Diemia asks as he gestures to Edge.

Roxis was the one to 'answer' that, "He's not really with is so we can't answer that."

Edge turns to look at them angrily, "Where's Iris? Answer me if you don't want to die!"

His question made every member of the 'Atelier Kiesling' to look at him in bewilderment, especially Klein and Lita.

"W-What did you say…? I-Iris?" Lita asks as she wonders how this guy knew her mother's name and seems to be looking for her.

"This isn't our world, it's perfectly logical to find out that there is someone here who is named Iris…" Marietta tried to think logically, while it was effective for everyone, Klein and Lita are still stunned.

"Klein! Lita!" Arlin called, shaking the two out of their stunned state, "Focus at the task at hand, there will be time for other matters."

Understanding his words, Klein takes hold of his Cane tighter, "You're right Arlin. Everyone listen, we can't be distracted while something powerful is in front of us, be ready for anything."

With that, everyone inside the Guests Room of the Demon Palace concentrated on analyzing their foes while whispering with their respectable companions their plans of attack.

"…agh.." Vayne was in pain as he continues to morph.

"The longer this gets, the closer Vayne gets to turning into the Crazed-Eye." Anna notes, "What should we do, Roxis?"

"First off, let's have this buffoon circle around into the other side of the room where the noncombatants will surely be stationed." Roxis said as he points to Flay.

"I really want to help but without my weapon and with no Mana, I'm nothing different from an ordinary person, I agree to this plan, next, my minion?" Flay asks as he readies himself for the run.

"Stop calling me your minion!" the Royal Alchemist complains before continuing, "Vayne may not be at full power yet but I doubt that the two of us would be enough to defeat him, we need to somehow relay to the other Alchemist, Klein, that we need him supporting us, as much as I would like to get Flay's weapon away from that red-haired idiot we don't have the time for that, knocking Vayne out is our top priority, the sooner the better."

"Understood, then let me distract Vayne while you talk to Klein about your plan, I could at least buy you some time." The Samurai Alchemists readies her katana.

"Then I'll run on my fastest to the other side so as to not be a liability, good luck you both, my minions!" The Villain Alchemist wished, earning him the usual 'don't call me your minion' from the duo. On the other side of the room…

"So what's the plan, Chief Klein?" Silwest asks.

"Is there anything that you could tell me about them, Kanata? That will help me make a good plan." Klein asks his new friend.

"I am not entirely familiar with both of them, what little that I do know is from Pamela's tales about them, let us start with Vayne, the one with similar color of hair to mine, he is leader of a group of alchemists and also their strongest, especially if he is with black mass with blades protruding on his arms, the other fellow is Edge, a Raider, a job that is similar to a warrior, he is a very experienced fighter with full mastery on a weapon called 'MechBlade', he is not to be underestimated." Kanata explains the highlights regarding the two's abilities from Pamela's stories about them.

"Leader of an Alchemist group? Interesting…you should definitely fight him, Young Kiesling." Aion suggested.

"I agree with Mistress Gardenia's suggestion, fighting another Alchemist is something that everyone else is unfamiliar with, only Master Klein could match the skill of another of his class." Plua supported.

"Then I guess we all handle the other guy? I like this plan." Delsus also supported while reloading his crossbow.

"Correction, they would! What you'll do is to guard Norn, Jeanne, Alice and me!" Dour corrected.

Delsus was about to complain but Diemia stops him, "Someone has to look after the young ones…and the old ones too." He obviously refers to himself.

"I think it's best if all the Mana would stay out of this battle." Marietta suggested, making all the Manas who want to support them to look at her in bewilderment.

"But Miss Marietta, we want to help you too! And I'm sure we aren't going to be a liability." Eital protested.

"Actually, I too think that all of you should stay out of this, Euphoria." Lita said, much to the Mana's shock, "I just think that since we're fighting an Alchemist, he might try to intentionally hurt you, he can obviously do that if he wants."

"Let him try! I'll show him what happens to anyone who takes a fight with Toma, Mana of Fire!" Uru said with confidence.

"I side with Marietta and Lita's suggestion." Arlin voted.

"…meow…(purrs)…" Norn continues to sleep

"What do you think, Big Brother Klein?" Nymph asked after everyone has said their individual proposals.

"Alright, here's the plan: I will fight, Vayne was it? Kanata, Lita, Marietta and Arlin, you four will fight the other guy, Edge, while Delsus guards my Manas and Norn, no complaining you guys." The Master Alchemist warned his Manas in his serious tone, making them relent, "But you could support us with your mana energy, just don't attack either one of them so that they won't try to attack you back."

"(Oh) Well, at least it's better than doing nothing." The Mana of Fire accepts, "Got your back, Bro's and Sis'."

"Counting on you, Toma!" the Galgazit said while looking at her target and readying her claws.

"A wise plan, Master Klein, do be careful, you too Master Arlin, Mistress Marietta, Mistress Lita and Master Kanata." The Mana of Darkness wished.

"We will, Kirika, watch over the others for me, especially Delsus." The Lady Knight requested as she readies her blade.

"We'll do our best on assisting you all, just don't leave your backs exposed!" the Mana Spirit of Wind advised.

"We will, miss flying Mana! I definitely need to properly introduce myself to all of you!" the Demon Dog King psyched himself with.

"Don't let your guard down for anything, remember, this is one of those battles that are not over till someone is down or given up." The Mana of Light brought up.

"True enough, Euphoria." The Swordsman agreed as he readies his sword.

"(chuckles) Try to give me a good show everyone but do not to risk yourselves to danger." The Mana Spirit of Life said, both in eager and worry.

"You're really something, Gardenia…maybe it's a good I'm on the outer field for this." The Archer wonders, never letting go of his weapon.

"Be careful, everyone!" the Mana Spirit of Water wished.

"…meow…let's go, Jeanne, Popo…" the Cat-girl mumbles in her sleep.

"I can't believe she's still sleeping…" the Mana Spirit of Wood said in astonishment.

Vayne on the other hand continues to be still half-asleep and half-having-nightmares while Edge glares at both groups.

"I can feel their energy...very similar to Crowley's…Alchemists…" the Raider angrily thought, "I won't let any of you take Iris again!"

For while, only the glance and the glaring between different characters transpired, everyone was waiting for the perfect chance to attack without letting their enemies see an opening, this is more difficult for Edge since his 'enemies' are on opposite sides of him while Vayne just continues to be devoured by his weapons dark matter, since Roxis, Anna and Flay must make their move as soon as possible, they were the ones who acted first.

"Take this!" Roxis threw two cards, each having a different target, at the same time; Anna makes a rift on the 4th dimension and jumps inside it while Flay runs as fast as he could towards the other side of the Guests Room.

Edge sees the attack and blocks it with the MechSword while Vayne unconsciously protruded some blades on his back to block the card thrown at him, before either of them could retaliate, Klein's group also made their move.

The Master Alchemist shouted his battle cry "Let's go!" Klein ran, followed by Lita, Arlin, Marietta and Kanata while the others remained at their position. Halfway away from their two enemies, Klein jumps to the left while the others jumps to the right where their respective target are.

Wanting to catch his enemy's attention, Klein used a simple attack first, his 'Mace ATK' skill, "Take this!"

Vayne, not even conscious and moving from his slightly crouched position, used his earlier move of protruding more blades form his body to block the attack, making the Master Alchemist fall back, no damage was made but the action was enough for the berserk Vayne to change his target from Roxis to Klein.

"Here it comes!" Klein readies himself to either guard or dodge.

"Leave it to me!" Suddenly, a gash from the 4th dimension appeared in front of Klein, from it, Anna appears; she proceeds to attack Vayne's protruded blades, catching his attention, he retaliates by trying to hit her but she's already hidden herself inside the 4th dimension gash she created, she would then reappear on his blind spot and continue attacking his blades, repeating the pattern of her distracting him, just as Roxis planned with he himself running towards Klein's direction.

When he was near the Master Alchemist, he starts to explain the situation, "Klein, I am Roxis, one of the companions of Vayne, the Alchemist we're fighting."

"I see." Klein nods in recognition before asking "Roxis, what's happening to Vayne? I just met him but I feel like there's something wrong about him, and one of your friends even says so too." The Master Alchemist asks while looking at the Samurai Alchemist in amazement to her sword skills.

"I assume that because he's been under stress the past few days, and with his mana energy being drained by Pamela's device with more than what is required from him, he might have gone into a daydreaming state and is acting instinctively to what he perceives as a threat." The Royal Alchemist explains his theory.

This information shocked Klein, "He's got his mana energy drained and still he's this powerful! ?"

"Vayne's…not your ordinary Alchemist, even compared to us; he's on a unique level himself." Roxis looks pointedly at Klein, "But I think your powers are equal, or even greater than his, that's why we need your help on non-fatally taking him down."

"I see…then let me help, do you already have a plan in mind?" the Master Alchemist asks.

The Royal Alchemist nods, "I do, listen carefully because Vayne's powers grow considerably by the passing moments, it won't be long before Anna, the Alchemist currently distracting Vayne, could no longer buy us time, by then both of us should be at our respective designations with the correct skills to use in mind."

The Master Alchemist nods at hearing this, "I understand, tell me your plan, Roxis."

On the other side of the battlefield: Lita tries to attack Edge with her claws but was blocked with his 'borrowed' MechSword, when the two weapons connected, Lita was electrocuted by the opposing weapon.

"Ahh!" the Galgazit shouts as she pulls away from Edge, stunned, the Raider took the opportunity to try to slice her in half.

"Take this!" before the MechSword could connect with Lita's skull, it was blocked by both weapons of Marietta and Kanata, also electrocuting them, but it was just a diversion so that Arlin, who has ran further than the others can attack Edge from behind with his sword.

The Swordsman was about slash the Raider's back, unknown to him though; Edge knew he was behind him. He twists some part of the MechSword's handle at the time as he was pushing it's blade down, pushing more force to it, breaking the cross guard of the Lady Knight and the Demon Dog King, and continuing its motion downwards, as well as unleashing a 'Windmill' when it was pointed behind him to Arlin's direction.

"Damn!" the Swords man dodges the 'Windmill' but misses the chance to land a hit.

Everyone stands still again, either wanting to recover or plan their next move, Edge points his sword on the three in front of him while keeping an eye on the Swordsman behind him, Kanata and Marietta regains their bearing, Arlin glares at his opponents back and Lita shakes the electrocution of her body away.

"Ow…my head still spins a little…" the Galgazit complains while shaking her head.

Hearing this, Kanata looks to her without leaving an opening for the Raider "Are you alright, Lita?"

Making a last shake, Lita goes to her battle stance before answering, "Yeah, it just surprised me, I'm ok now. What about you guys? You were electrocuted too."

"I'm fine." Marietta does not look at her when she answers, she also does not look at Kanata when she asks "You, Kanata?", instead, her eyes does not leave their opponent.

"Like, Lita, I was shocked too! But I am alright now also." The Demon Dog King looks back to their opponent, specifically at his sword, "Still, that weapon is quite something! I did not even feel the electricity flowing on it till my blade locks with it."

The Galgazit nods at this, "Yeah, I know what you mean; it even had that boomerang thing that flies away from it! Our attacks should have connected if it wasn't for that weapon's weapons!"

"We should be more careful now, who knows how many surprises that weapon has, not to mention, it's user certainly knows how to use it effectively, we better not let our guard down." The Lady Knight advised.

"…ridiculous weapon." The Swordsman whispers to himself in regard to the MechSword.

Seeing that they are not planning to attack yet, Edge thinks about the weapons he 'borrowed', "It's good that this 'MechSword' is very similar to my 'MechBlade', if it wasn't then I would have been in danger…still there are so many adjustments hidden in it compared to mine, if there are even more weapons in it, fighting all four of them at once shouldn't be a problem."

For a while, everyone just looked at the enemy/enemies, before making another move.

"Let's go!" Marietta shouts as she ran with Kanata and Lita beside her while Arlin also ran from behind Edge.

The Raider sees the opponents on the front and back, he readies his weapon and unleashes three ninja start from it, using his 'Cross Rain' skill, "Let's end this, with this!" the three ninja stars are thrown to the three in front of him while he turns back and uses another switch on his weapon, turning it's blade into a spinning drill, facing Arlin with it.

Seeing the oncoming ninja star, Kanata tries to dodge it but it was following him, "W-What kind of weapon is this! ?"

"Homing!" Marietta shouts as she blocks the ninja star targeting her with her sword, "It won't stop following you, block it then destroy it!"

"What about me! ? My claws would turn to dust if I block it with them!" Lita complains as she runs around with a ninja star following her, she also thought of using her 'Force Blast' skill to destroy it but feeling her lack of mana energy, she could only continue to try to outrun it.

Edge looks at his weapon's form and mutters "I see…" he looks at Arlin and shouts, "Let's see how you deal with this!" he points the tip of the drill to the Swordsman and run's straight to him.

Seeing that his opponent's weapon is 'better' than his, the Swordsman scoffs in disgust, "I'm through with this…" he mutters as he uses his 'Berserker' skill which sacrifices his defense to strengthen his attack, "Die…" he adds his mana on his blade and prepares to face the drill with his 'Mana Strike' attack skill.

At the same time all of this is happening, Flay had already reached the other side of the room where Klein's Mana's, Delsus and Norn are, they at first looked at him cautiously.

Flay ran up to them with his arms up, "No need to be alert, I'm not against you, but I am friends with Vayne." He started, "You can call me Flay Gunnar, an interesting way of meeting, this is."

Delsus lowers his crossbow and says, "You have no idea."

The group lets the Alchemist stand by with them.

The Villain Alchemist sees the sleeping Cat-Girl, "Interesting, sleeping while a lot is happening around."

"…meow…breads…" Norn murmurs in her sleep.

Silwest answer affirms this, "Kin Norn is known to be a heavy sleeper but even we are surprised that she would even sleep through this."

"They got him!" Uru's shout made them look back at the fight and sees Arlin about to attack Edge's back, that's when he uses the ninja star behind him, Arlin being forced to dodge it, "(Aww) Man! That was close! What is with that weapon! ? Why does it have weapons inside it! ?"

Flay nods at hearing this, "Impressive, is it not? I made the modifications in it myself." He proudly stated before getting serious again, "Still, that man's way of using it is not something a first timer would do, he must have a weapon similar to mine." He says, himself impressed to Edge's prowess.

"I don't think now's the time to be impressed with the enemy!" Eital said as they witness the Raider using his 'Cross Rain' skill to Lita, Kanata and Marietta.

"T-Those boomerangs….they're following them!" Dour said as they see the ninja star's homing ability.

"Not good, the only way to stop that thing is to block it then destroy it; Young Blanchimont can do neither with her weapons and low mana energy." Aion worryingly stated.

This leads to Delsus standing up with his crossbow ready, "I'll go help her, you!" he points to Flay, "Watch over Norn and the others!" and with that, he runs into the battlefield.

The Villain Alchemist tried to stop him, "Wait! Currently, I cannot do anything to watch over them!" but his reasoning is unheard, he himself hears something, "That sound…!" he looks up and see's Edge had turned his weapon into a drill, "He has even figure that out! ? That green haired man is in trouble!" he says, meaning Arlin.

Plua does not believe so, "No, Master Arlin is not overwhelmed…whereas…" she looks at Vayne and feels his increasing power overtime.

Nymph nervously looks at their master, "Big Brother Klein's enemy is getting stronger, can he take care of it on his own…?"

Diemia tried to ease her fear, "Do not worry, Young Jeanne, Young Klein's not alone in fighting that strong Alchemist, just look at that Samurai Alchemist." He pointed, just in time to see Anna being blown away with Vayne's various protruding blades from the ground, using his 'Eluding Thorn' skill, "Perhaps I spoke too soon…"

Back at the 'Alchemist battle Royal…"

"-and that's the all of it." Roxis has finished explaining his plan to Klein, "I'm counting on you Klein."

"I got it, Roxis." Klein nods, that's when they both heard Anna being blown away.

Anna attempted to strike the blades on Vayne's body but Vayne seems to have had enough of her distraction that he uses the skill 'Eluding Thorn', hitting both of his hands to the ground, unleashing multiple blades at his surrounding, stabbing Anna through her body and forcing her to jump away to avoid getting deeply impaled but her jump was so full of force that her back collides with the wall behind her, making her fall down, "Ugh!"

Seeing this, the Royal Alchemist worriedly called out to her, "Anna!"

The Samurai Alchemist opens her eyes just in time to see Vayne's still berserk form unleashing the combined forces of his three ultimate skills: Blade, Rising and Violent Pillar at her direction, protruding blades of various sizes at top speed, annihilating anything on its path, "Vayne…"

Fortunately for her, the Master Alchemist saw the attack and seeing that his mana energy is still too low and the force of the attack was too strong to be blocked and too fast to be dodged, he uses his 'Item Synthesis' to create one of his 'Mana Items' which only requires elements to be used, the item he will synthesize is one of his most powerful item that usually misses on his targets but since he is aiming for the blades, not Vayne, the item would surely hit. Pointing the tip of his cane to the barrage of blades, he turns his staff and synthesizes the item, "Laruba Key"

"Disappear!" the Master Alchemist shouted as the 'Laruba Key' took effect, 'incapacitating' all the blades that we're heading towards Anna, this shock the girl, Roxis and even Vayne's berserk form looked stunned, "Roxis! Go to Anna! Tell her the plan, leave Vayne to me for now!" the order shook the shock away from Roxis who nods to this order, he runs towards to Anna.

Berserk Vayne seems to turn his attention away from the Samurai Alchemist and the Royal Alchemist running across of him, instead he turns his attention to the one who exhibits the most threat around him, and also the reason he's acting like this, the Master Alchemist, "…" the Mana Alchemist raises his arms that were covered in blades and assumes a feral like battle position.

"That's right, just focus on me." Klein whispers as he feels his mana energy, currently he could only cast two more skills and would have to rely on his 'Item Synthesis' for the rest of the battle, realizing that, he uses his 'Power Item' skill which amplifies all the effects of his 'Mana Items', usually it only lasts for a couple of game player turns but because of Plua's hellish training, the effect has improved on lasting for almost a whole hour, more than enough time to subdue Vayne. The two proceeded to fight with Vayne's blades meeting Klein's Mana Items.

Roxis reached his colleague and gently helps her to a sitting position, "Are you alright?"

"I'm alright…I can still fight…" Anna explains while various holes on her body starts to drip too much blood for Roxis' liking, it didn't stop her from asking "Did I buy you enough time…?"

"Lying idiot, it's clear that you were in no shape to fight any longer." The Royal Alchemist takes out a Heal Jar from one of his shirt's pockets and pours the contents on Anna's wounds before adding, "Answering your question, you did, Klein knows what we need to do now, we'll take it form here. For now just mind your wounds and rest, my potion isn't powerful enough to heal your deep wounds after all." he reminded her.

The Samurai Alchemist tried to argue, "You can't! I'm sure you could feel Vayne's energy increasing every passing second, you will need all the help you could get!" she tries to stand up to prove her point but she easily falls back down.

"Stop being hard headed!" Roxis reprimanded, "You will only end up being a liability or at worse, a casualty, if you continue on making true with this line of thought! Do not forget, we do not have our Mana's anymore, we are now much more vulnerable and less powerful than when we still have them…" he reminded as he looks back at the two Alchemists fighting and raises his glasses, "Unlike Klein who has eight of them, you did see him easily destroy one of Vayne's most powerful attack, right? Add my support and I'm sure we'll be able to match Vayne's berserk state."

Being reminded of Klein's skill calmed her nerves, "True enough, Klein's more than capable, and so are you." She admitted, "But be careful, Vayne may be our friend but his berserk state clearly does not recognize us, it's clear on what he wanted to happen when he used that attack on me, do not let your guard down and give it your all."

"You didn't have to tell me that, whenever I fight Vayne, I always use my full strength, I don't plan on stopping now." The Royal Alchemist adjusts his glasses for effect, "For now, rest and mind your wounds, we'll try to make Vayne focus on us so that he'll leave you alone."

"I understand…" Anna nods.

Roxis returns the nod and looks forward, just in time to see Klein uses 'Item Synthesis' to create three pieces of the Mana Item 'Flame' and throws it forward to Vayne who has 90% of his body covered in blades, resulting to another explosion not unlike the one that shook the Demon Palace earlier.

The 'Battle of Blades' on the other side of the room also continues alongside the 'Alchemy Battle Royal', continuing where we last left, Arlin's mana imbued blade was about to cross paths with the tip of Edge's stolen MechSword turned drill.

"Take this!" Edge shouted as the tip of the drill is about to pierce through his enemy, confident that his opponent's sword would not be able to stop his weapon.

"Arrogant imbecile…!" Arlin insulted as he cancels the attack with his sword by striking Edge's weapon upwards, the strength of the attack was enough to raise Edge's whole arm, much to his shock because of his belief that his weapon is superior.

"What the-!?" the Raider shouted but before he could really absorb what happened, Arlin has begun his next move.

"What goes up…" he whispers as he follows the attack with a downward slash, performing his 'Double' skill amplified by 'Mana Strike' and 'Berserker', weirdly though, instead of attacking his opponents unguarded body for a critical hit, the Swordsman struck the raised MechSword in the Raider's hand and since Edge is still stunned, the sword was easily removed from his grasp and came crashing down to the ground, breaking its drill form and parts into various pieces, only its sword form remains intact.

Seeing this, Edge tried to kneel and re-equip the weapon's sword form but was halted by the Swordsman's blade, its tip pointed at his throat, "(grunts)"

"…" Arlin just glared at him.

At the other participants of the battle, Marietta was still blocking the ninja star that was coming for her, when it finally starts to slow down; she waits for the time that it stops right in the middle.

When it did, she struck its center, "A-Ha!" she uses her 'Halberd' skill, a vertical attack that extends her whip blade, it damaged one of the center of the ninja star and also blew it away.

When it turns spins back as per its homing ability, the Lady Knight points her sword's tip at it horizontally, when it was within reach, she uses her 'Harken' skill, "Hi-yyahh!", a piercing attack that uses her swords whip like structure for range and power, the attack once again struck the center of the ninja star that she already damaged, breaking it into pieces, "I have destroyed my target!" she announces.

On Kanata's side, instead of blocking the ninja star coming for him, he strikes it away with his sword, "Dice!", whenever it is near and when it goes back, he strikes it again, "Take this!", since he doesn't have Marietta's timing, all his strikes hit different parts of the ninja star, "There!", but in return, his attacks have strength backing it up, so by the fourth strike, "Slice!", the ninja star was destroyed, "I have also conquered the 'homing' that has targeted me!" the Demon Dog King shouts.

Lita was not as successful, she tries to mimic Kanata's tactic but whenever she would stop and strike the ninja star coming for her, it's her claws that was blown away when the weapons meet, forcing her to dodge the weapon and continue to run away from it, "Darn it! This thing's still following me-!" she tripped on one of the futons scattered in the room, falling forward with no time to roll away from the ninja star that's about to decapitate her.

Both the Demon Dog King and the Lady Knight saw this, "Lita!" they both tried to help her, Marietta extending her weapon and Kanata running towards the fallen girl but their distance from each other is quite long, they won't make it in time.

The Galgazit turns her head just in time to see the ninja star right in front of her throat, "!"

Before it could pierce her flesh though, "Rapid Fire!" Delsus shouted as he uses his skill, 'First Shot' a quick shot with his crossbow, hitting the ninja star at one of its blade, changing its direction and missing the Galgazit girl, "(chuckles) Looks like I made it in time."

"Great shot Delsus!" Kanata praised.

Marietta though, warned everyone when the ninja star spun back to Lita's direction, "Delsus! It's coming back, destroy it!"

The Archer changes the cartridge of his crossbow and re-aims it to the ninja star, "Way ahead of you!" when it was within distance, he shouted, "Fire in the hole!" as he use his skill 'Power Shot', a physical attack skill that fires special explosive rounds, disintegrating the ninja star, "(sighs in relief) Glad that's over."

Lita stands up, walks towards the archer and thanks him, "Thanks for the assist Delsus, I thought I was a goner."

The Archer smiled at her, "Guess it's a good thing I didn't change too much, huh?" he asks, referring to their first meeting last chapter.

"Still debatable…" Marietta muttered as she walks pass the two and looks at Arlin destroying Edge's stolen weapon and pointing his sword at the enemy's throat, "Looks like Arlin's finished over there too."

Kanata on the other hand is worried about this fact, "Arlin is not going to slay Edge is he? This is after all just a big misunderstanding, and I'm sure Iris would be very if upset if she returns here and finds her companion exterminated, we should explain to Edge."

Hearing Iris' name again, the Galgazit supports that decision, "I'm sure Arlin knows that there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for them attacking us but let's go make sure that he doesn't let his irritation get the best of him."

The Lady Knight nods to this, "I agree, if that red haired guy is another one of Pamela's friends, as much as she would like her friends to become ghosts, I'm sure even she would be sad in finding out her friend murdered her other friend."

The Demon Dog King took command, "Then let us approach them and start the explanations."

The others nodded and the four of them approached the Swordsman and Raider at his mercy, when they we're near enough, Delsus whistles.

"Looks like game over for you." The Archer taunted the un-moving Edge, the Raider grunts at his direction in return.

"Don't make him mad any further, he might hold a grudge with you after all's said and done and believe me you won't like it if he did." Marietta warned her partner.

Delsus shrugged nervously and Lita talks to the Swordsman, "It's alright now Arlin, we just need to explain what happened, there's no need to be so extreme about this."

Arlin glanced at her; he then withdrew his sword form the Raider's throat but only slightly, "Start explaining, I won't give him any more opening."

Taking the initiative, Kanata started to explain the situation, "Hello Edge! My name is Kanata, the Demon Dog King of the NetherUniverse! I'm friends with Pamela, the same as you."

Edge relaxes a bit as he remembers the words written on the letter that Pamela sent to him and Iris, "I know who you are, it's your Engagement Day we're attending, aren't we?"

Kanata lightens up upon hearing this, "You are correct! It is a fortunate that we are now talking on mutual grounds."

"If what your saying is true then you must know where Iris is!" the Raider accused and demanded, "Tell me now!"

Everyone tensed at this point, Lita with wanting to know just who this 'Iris' Edge was talking about, Arlin tightening his grip on his sword, Marietta prepared on withdrawing her own weapon, Delsus nervously clutching his crossbow and Kanata more determined to defuse the situation. Before he could answer though, the second explosion came from Klein's 'Flame' bombs crashing to Vayne's protruded blades happened, stunning the Demon Dog King, the Archer and the Galgazit while the Raider was about to quickly crouch down to get the broken MechSword on the ground but was halted by the Swordsman's sword piercing lightly on his throat and the Lady Knight brandishing her own weapon and laying it's blade on Edge's neck.

"Damn it…" Edge muttered as he was again cornered.

"Try to escape again and I will kill you." Arlin threatened.

Delsus rubs his head and looks at the other side of the battle field, "Man, looks like Klein got his hands full, you guys still think we shouldn't help him?"

"We got our hands full right here ourselves, besides I think Klein knows what he's doing, we might just slow him down if we interfered." Marietta added while concentrated on watching the Raider's every move.

"I agree, you should continue your explanation, Kanata." Lita supported after glancing a last worried look to Klein.

"Right then, as I was saying…" Kanata continues to explain the events to Edge.

As the two separate battle transpired, the 'Collection of Audience' tries to offer their commentary.

"Good going, Klein my man! That's how it's done!" Uru praised as Klein uses the 'Laruba Key' to destroy the onslaught of blades targeted at Anna.

"I agree…" Plua nods in approval as the results of her training are finally showing, at this point, Klein uses the 'Power Item' skill.

"Too bad that Samurai Alchemist was deeply injured, she would have been a great help to Young Klein." Diemia added while looking at the injured Anna who was talking to Roxis.

"Oh dear, is she going to be alright?" Silwest asks in worry upon seeing Anna's wounds.

"Do not worry, my minion is the toughest there is, and for another plus, my other minion is by her side, minion number 2 is known to always have healing items on him." Flay proudly pronounced.

"That's a good habit to get into." Eital commended.

Nymph on the other hand was looking at the other battle field, "Oh no! Big sister Lita tripped!"

"It's a good thing Young Delvarud has taken action." Aion said as Delsus deflects the ninja star and destroys it with a 'Power Shot',

"Kanata and Marietta also destroyed theirs, and looks like Arlin's done too." Dour noted as Arlin destroys the drill and points his blade at Edge's throat.

"zzz…zzz…" Norn still continues to sleep.

"Oh yeah! That's what I'm talking about! You got this Arlin my man!" the Mana Spirit of Fire also praised.

"Unbelievable, my ninja stars are made up of the strongest metal in our planet and yet they easily destroyed them…and while that may be one of the basic drill forms of my MechSword, it's powerful enough to destroy diamonds…to think that he could destroy it with a simple blade…" the Villain Alchemist was in awe with Kanata, Marietta, Delsus and Arlin's display of strength.

"Looks like they're finished." The Mana Spirit of Light noted when the group of four approaches the other two.

"I'm just glad Big Brother Delsus saved Big Sister Lita in time." The Man Spirit of Water says in relief.

"I know what you mean, Jeanne." The Mana Spirit of Darkness nodded, "On the other hand, Master Klein seems to be getting serious."

"What do you mean Kirika?" as soon as the Mana Spirit of Wood asks, they were all shaken by the second explosion made by Klein's bombs and Vayne's blades, "Never mind, I know what you mean now."

"Young Klein's attack sure removed most of the spikes out of that young alchemist." The Mana Spirit of Stone noted as the smoke clears out and Vayne was seen with only 40% of his protruded blades remaining, he corrects that my growing more out of his body, Klein on the other hand took the opportunity to synthesize the 'Icy Bomb' Mana Item and deploy it to the Mana Alchemist's body, it explodes on contact, freezing Vayne's body from the neck down.

"Great! The enemy is immobilized!" the Mana Spirit of Wind cheered until Vayne destroys the ice on his body by protruding blades out of his body with greater effort, "Its effect is only temporary!"

"No, that is not the reason why Young Kiesling did that." When everyone looked at the Mana Spirit of Life for clarification she pointed her fingers back at the battle where Roxis just joined, using his 'Purifying' skill, Roxis was able to destroy most of the protruded blades while Klein again freezes Vayne with an 'Icy Bomb', "As you can see, the opponent is frozen again and we all know he can still get out of the ice, but in order for him to do that, he must uses more mana energy to recreate the blades in his body to destroy the ice, wasting the energy that he could have used to fully transform himself into a being pure of blades, if Young Kiesling and the other Alchemist continue this, they would be able to empty the mana energy of the opponent and hopefully talk sense to him."

"…ice cream…" besides the Cat-Girl who was still sleeping, everyone understood the explanation that Aion provided, it's only a matter of time until Vayne runs out of mana energy where Roxis would try to calm him down, wake him up and explain the situation.

At the 'Alchemist Battle Royal' that was approaching its end…

Klein had once again frozen Vayne with the 'Icy Bomb', when the Mana Alchemist struggled but did not protruded blades out of his body, the Master Alchemist relaxes, "I think we did it Roxis, his mana energy is depleted that he couldn't create any more blades."

"I'll try talking to him then, but don't let your guard down." Roxis approached his berserk leader and tried to talk to him, "Vayne…? Are you fully conscious now? It's me, Roxis."

At first, Vayne just continued to struggle in the ice but after a few moments, he closes his eyes and when he opens them, it's his natural pair, not the berserk ones, "R-Roxis…? What happened…? Why is it so cold…?

The Royal Alchemist sighs in relief and motions for Klein to stand down, "It worked, his mana energy is drained, we tired him enough that he finally regained his sense instead of trusting his instincts." He turns back to Vayne, "You have no idea what kind of trouble you caused, I'll make sure Jessica hears about this."

"J-Jess…? W-Where is she? Is she alright…?" the Mana Alchemist worriedly asks, Klein seeing that Roxis got this under control, walks towards the injured Anna who was still sitting in the ground.

Seeing the Master Alchemist approaching her, Anna guessed, "It's over? Vayne's alright?"

Klein synthesized an 'Elixir' which cures the users health and mana energy, "He's fine, Roxis is explaining the situation to him, as for you, here." he hands her the Elixir, "This should heal all your wounds, you'll still be tired but at least you won't be bleeding anymore."

The Samurai Alchemist takes the potion, "Thank you…" she pours the contents to her body and as soon as the bottle was empty, she could feel all the holes in her body were cured, and her mana energy was fully replenished, "What a powerful potion…wait…is it an Elixir?"

"Yes, it is." The Master Alchemist simply answered, questioned as to why she looks so surprised.

Anna wasn't just surprised, she was bewildered, "W-Why would you let me drink such a powerful item! ? An Elixir was supposed to be used only as last resort, when you're dying or worse! My wounds aren't that bad!"

"W-Well it's not that light either, and I could only synthesize a 'Heal Jar' or a 'Heal Bulb' and it's not enough to heal you so synthesizing an Elixir seems like the best possible action, right?" Klein explained but his explanation earned him another surprised outburst.

"Y-You just synthesized that Elixir? You can synthesize without a cauldron! ?" the Samurai Alchemist asks.

"Well I could synthesize it with a cauldron but there's nothing around and your injuries are getting worse, but would you prefer if I created the Elixir in a cauldron?" the Master Alchemist asks in confusion.

"Y-You don't understand, Alchemists…well Alchemists in our world could only synthesize items in a cauldron, not on the battlefield or when they want to!" Anna shouted as she was absorbing this revelation, "Alchemy in your world must be so advance…"

Not sure what to say, Klein just agree to her statement, "Yeah, I guess it is…"

There was still something troubling the Samurai Alchemist, "Still, you just created an Elixir and you gave it me, somebody not in the verge of death and somebody you don't even know…forgive me…" she bows in front of him.

"Why are you apologizing? It's not that big of a deal." The Master Alchemist tried to tell her but she got the wrong message.

"Your very polite but we both know that you just wasted a precious resource for me, I'm an Alchemist too so I know how hard it is to create an Elixir…" Anna revealed while again bowing, "I'm really sorry…"

"Hey, you don't have to do that and please listen to what I'm saying." When Anna looks up to him, Klein continues, "Like I said, it's not a big deal, I have enough elements on me to synthesize plenty of Elixirs and even if I could only create one Elixir, I wouldn't hesitate to give it to you, it's not a waste for you to use it."

The Samurai Alchemist is having a mixed feeling of awe, to Klein's superior Alchemy, and bashfulness, for hearing his words of encouragement, making her nervous and blushing as she says "I-Is that so…? Then I-I suppose apologizing isn't the way to r-repay your generosity to me, b-but is there anyway f-for me to show you h-how grateful I am…?"

The Master Alchemist thinks about this offer, "Well you did say that I don't know you yet, how about we start with introductions? Roxis told me your name but it's not too late to do it the proper way, right?"

Nervous, Anna answers "R-Right, it isn't…" she takes a deep breath and introduces herself, "My name is Anna Lemouri, you can call me Anna, p-pleased to meet you…"

Klein chuckles and returns the greeting, "It's nice to meet you too Anna, my name's Klein Kiesling, you can call me Klein."

The two chuckled at each other, with the feminine one still lightly blushing; Vayne heard some parts of their talk while Roxis was melting the ice on his body with some of his hot items.

"Was Anna…injured…?" Vayne asks as the ice was melted away.

"…" Roxis recalled Vayne attacking Anna with his blades and almost killing her with his follow up attack so he answers, "Ask her yourself." When all of the ice was melted away, he puts Vayne's arm across his shoulder to help him stand up.

When Roxis and Vayne (Vain and Sulpher are still merged with Vayne and while they are regaining their consciousness, they still feel lightheaded) were approaching Klein and Anna, when Kanata was just about to explain where Iris is to Edge while Lita, Delsus, Marietta and Arlin watch him, and when Flay, Dour, Uru, Plua, Diemia, Nymph, Silwest, Aion and Eital all sighs in relief because of the finished battle, four doors around the Guest Room of the Demon Palace suddenly opened at the same time, the first door is where Suzaku and Lucius entered, the second door is for Rizelea, Tsubaki, Flonne and Etna, the third door for Violet, Pamela, Veola, Blair, Iris, Jess and Nikki, and the final door was for Laharl and his vassals who turned into Axels (Axel himself, Taro, Hanako and Aramis), everyone stopped what they were doing and starts shouting exclamations at what startled them the most.

"Master Kanata! Are you alright! ?" "Tsubaki! You're alright!" "What's going on here, Kanata!?" "Demon Dog King! Rizelea! ?" "Master Kanata, your guests!" "So many Alchemists!" "Veola! Blair!" "Klein! Lita!/Klein…! Lita…!" "There you both are!" "…Huh? Did I miss something, meow?" "…" "…They brought food." "That's what you noticed! ?" "Things just got weirder" "Why are we shouting! ?" "They are…?" "I'm too old for this…" "(sniff) I'm scared…" "Are they reinforcements! ?" "…They're all worked up…not good" "What should we do?" "Edge!" "IRIS!" "Jess…!" "(cough) Vayne…!" "Alchemy Princess!" "Jess! Vain! ?" "Nikki…!" "What happened…?" "(tsk!) Jessica! Why now?" "Are you all fighting?" "Pamela! It's all a misunderstanding!" "Sir Laharl!" "Why are there Axels! ?" "I'm Hanako, Etna!" "And I'm Taro…!" "Why have we turned into you?" "Oh man, it's the A-Virus again!" "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE! ?"

Before anyone's question was answered, something crashed right in the middle of the room, two space ships specifically, the 'Getter Mao' and Valvatorez's space ship. From the window in the Throne Room of the Demon Palace, Demon God Gem Shuten saw the two spaceships crashing at the Guests Chamber.

"… (Hmph) must be more people invited for the party, oh well, they do say that the more people there are, the merrier the event becomes, I just wish they wouldn't crash their spaceships for some fancy entrance though..." with that, Shuten proceeded to do what a Demon God Gem does, oblivious at the chaos in the Guests Chamber of the Demon Palace.

END CHAPTER 5 PART 1