Maple found herself being attacked by Terra and her golem.

'Okay, according to my Magic Flower Guidepost, the enemy had hit their crystal inside of Terra's golem,' said Maple.

Terra had her golem demolish the rock she was hiding behind, exposing her.

Maple then pulled out a single seed. 'If I use this seed to plant my Magic Controlling Weeds inside of Terra's spell, we can win this. It will let me take control of her mud pet long enough to expose the gem and shatter it. The problem is that spell needs time to sprout and put down roots, and I would have to fight as if I didn't know the seed was sown.'

Terra had just destroyed the second rock she had been hiding behind, forcing her to run out into the open. Maple then quickly spun around and created her flower cannon.

'Will I be able to pull a bluff like that?' she said. "Plant Magic: Cannon Flower!"

Her cannon then fired a laser that tore right through the right arm of Terra's golem.

"You're not as weak as I thought, but not good enough," Terra smiled. "Earth Magic: Clod Seal!"

The severed right on the golem then suddenly exploded, unleashing a burst of mud that rained down upon Maple. She suddenly found herself stuck to the ground, unable to move.

"I want to win, but I'm not into hurting women," said Terra as she walked off. "How about you stay out of this?"

"I have to warm the others!" Maple panicked.

"Now then, I wonder how far that hothead got on his own," said Terra.

Xerx was looking down at the unconscious Carl, who was still stuck in the pitfall with Dak's Demons-Slayer Sword pinning him down.

"It was only a matter of time before your overconfidence led to your downfall, and now look at you," he said. "I can't believe you fell for such a primitive trap. Are you really a Vice-Captain? Save some face and quit already. Egotistical morons like you make me sick by the way your precious face is all scratched up."

"Why are you piling the insults on a guy who's totally out cold?" Dak asked. "Still, this was a great idea. It may have been a bit risky, but that people worked out in the end. See, I knew you would come up with something crafty."

Dak then looked at his Demon-Dweller Sword, which was covered in dirt as he used it as the shovel. "Never, I thought my sword would double as a shovel, but it got the job done way faster than I thought it would."

"I have to admit your speed was impressive, and you barely broke a sweat," Xerx admitted. "You pack a lot of muscle in that tiny frame of yours."

"Thanks, I've been training."

"Now, this guy may be a fool, but he is strong," said Xerx as he raised his hand. "No telling what he'll do when he wakes up. Put a magic circle around the entrance just in case."

Dak then watched as Xerx created a magic circle and then placed it at the foot of the cave.

"Wow, so that's how you make traps, and they just disappear?"

"If anyone shows up and tries to rescue the fool, kaboom. Might as well bury him while I'm at it, can't be too careful."

There was a small explosion, and rubble began filling up the pitfall.

"Hey, that's overkill!" Dak protested. "Not to mention, my sword is still down there with him."

"Hear that? This way!" Magnus yelled.

"I know that voice," said Dak.

Dak turned and saw, dashing towards them with unbelievable speed, was Magnus.

"Fire Reinforcement Magic: Risky Stolen Base!" Magnus yelled as he ran as quickly as he could. "Looks like I found your crystal!

"You're really bringing the heat, huh, Magnus?" said Dak.

Magnus then suddenly came to a halt. "I know better than to get close enough to attack me, Dak, but at this distance, I'm sure to win this match. Call it revenge for what happened after what happened at your stupid baptism!" He then conjured up a powerful fireball. "Don't think I haven't become a much more powerful wizard than I was back then."

"You got to prove it; bring it on!" said Dak.

"Take this!" Magnus yelled, tossing a fireball as hard as he could.

"All right," said Dak as he gripped his sword firmly. "I hit this back, no problem; you're not going to get this crystal, Magnus!"

He then swung his sword, preparing to reflect it just like last time, but moments before it made contact with the store, the fireball vanished. Seconds later reappeared behind Dak's sword and struck the crystal.

"Uh-oh," said Dak.

"Now that's a swing and miss," Magnus smiled. "My new Annihilation Masker Fireball vanishes before it hits its target. There's no way you can stop something that disappears right before your eyes."

'That's an awesome spell,' said Dak. 'I shouldn't be surprised coming from Magnus.'

"Oooh, quite impressive," Julius beamed. "It turned out he is more skilled than he looks."

"You should see him fire up the grill whenever we have a big barbecue," said Charmy.

'If I tried to get close to Magnus, he'll just sprint away with that speedy spell from earlier,' said Dak. 'Plus, I would be leaving the crystal wide open. I would need to go all Black Dak to get close to him quickly, but that power is still calling down.'

Dak quickly realised that he was in trouble. "Maple? Where are you? I need your help!"

"Hey, runt," said Xerx and Dak turned to see him creating a magic circle. "Hold out for 10… no, make that five minutes."

"Sure, I'm on it," said Dak.

Carl was so semi-conscious, and he began thinking back to a time when his family were touring the Forsaken Realm. Both he and Mabel had just witnessed a girl stealing a loaf of bread someone.

"Hey! Get back here, you thieving brat!"

"You see that, Maple," said Carl. "Such a young child already devoted to a life of crime. Take note, their hearts are shallow as their wealth. Earthly inside and within, those who are revolting a childhood destined to be just as hideous as they are adults."

They watched as the man the girl had stolen from caught up with her and snatched the bread out of her hands; he then kicked her hard onto the pavement.

"Hey, you okay!" said a voice. "Time to rise and shine! I said wake up!"

He then suddenly felt someone slapping him hard on the face, and he woke up to see Terra standing over him.

"Good, you finally decided to join us," she said.

"I'm afraid I can never forgive you for laying a hand on my glorious face," said Carl.

"I hate to tell you this, but it was pretty messed up before I got here."

"My beautiful visage shall survive."

"You're not beautiful!" Terra snapped. "You're not deserving of that word; it should only be used for people like Astrid."

Four years ago, Terra's father, along with a few men from the village, whereinto the capital to sell some products. Atown in the Common Realm known as Hekylo.

"Now then, will be back soon; take care of the village while we're gone," he said.

"You can count on me," said Terra strongly. "No reason to worry when I'm watching over things. You focus on making money, and I'll make sure everyone here is safe."

"Just as I suspected, you're still a heck of a spitfire, Terra."

"But this village is full of promising reliable young men; they'll handle things for us."

"That's right, we'll take care of everything," said a young man.

"Yeah, we'll guard the village while our fathers are away," said his friend. "You be a good girl and help mothers out, why don't ya?"

"What?" Terra glared. "Aren't you the baby who just spent the afternoon running around crying because a scary-looking stray dog wanted to lick him?"

Everyone laughed while the two boys looked rather embarrassed.

"I'm way stronger than any of you little boys in town; everyone knows it's true," said Terra proudly.

"Maybe, but even if you are kinda strong for a girl, you're still the woman, and us men are the ones who should be doing the protecting."

Terra immediately blushed. "Wait, huh? You really think that matters?"

"I am worried, though," said an old woman. "There are reports that there are bandits wandering around targeting villages far from the royal capital."

A young woman nodded. "They attacked a rural village in these not too long ago."

"There's no need to panic; those bandits you heard about are all but destroyed, thanks to the Magic Knights going after them," said one of the men.

With that, the men went on their brooms and took off.

"If anything happens, contact the Magic Knights right away!" said Terra's father. "Goodbye for now! We'll be back before you know it!"

Everyone waved them goodbye and then went on with their business.

However, later that night, there was an explosion, and Terra quickly woke up. When she got outside, she saw people running in the streets, and she saw that the entire town was under attack by a bunch of bandits.

"Grab anything that looked valuable and any woman who looks like she might sell!"

"And be quick about it; we've got to be gone before those damn knights show up!"

Terra quickly took charge. "Everyone needs to get to the church right now!"

One of the women quickly grabbed her hand. "I know what you're thinking, but you can't stay out here. You have to come too."

"I'll be fine on my own; just go," she said.

She then immediately made her way to where the fighting was going on and came face-to-face with some of the bandits.

"Hey, now, Missy. This area is dangerous."

"Especially for a beauty like you. I'm betting you'll grow into a fine woman soon. You're going to be joining us now; if you come quietly, I guarantee that you'll only be bruised up a little bit."

Terra responded by blasting them with her magic. "Leave this village immediately, or I'll force you out!"

"Ha, she's a real wild one, isn't she?"

"That's good, and I think we're just the mentor tame her."

One of the bandits then blasted her with some Lightning Magic, paralysing her. They then heard movement in one of the alleyways, and Terra saw one of the young men from earlier standing there looking terrified.

"Looks like we found the mouse in the alley," said one of the bandits.

"What's wrong, kid? You're so scared that you can't even run?" one of the bandits smirked as he grabbed Terra. "You want to impress her? Here's a little tip, you'll have to do more than just stare. Why don't you come here and try to save your friend? I mean, unless you value your life."

"Sorry, Terra," he said and ran off scared.

One of the bandits looked at Terra. "Well, so much being rescued."

"Not that he ever stood a chance against us. Forget about that hopeless kid, girly; I'll teach you how to play like a grown-up."

Terra knew there was nothing she could do to stop them. She had never felt this powerless before.

Then suddenly, completely out of nowhere, a vine wrapped around the bandit holding her, dragging him away, and another vine struck the second, and it hard in the chest. Terra turned and saw standing there was none other than Astrid, and she had never seen someone as beautiful or as powerful as her before.

"Captain Astrid really went out of her way to protect a poor village like that?" said Carl stunned.

"You remember what the Wizard King said," said Terra. "'We fight for people regardless of their rank or staters.' And Astrid, not only did she save my life, she gave me a goal for the future too."

Terra was still stunned by what had happened then Astrid approached, extending her hand.

"Can you stand?" she asked gently. "There's no need to be afraid."

Terra shook her head and cried. "I wasn't… I swear it. I really was planning to fight them and win somehow, someway. This is home; I wanted to protect everyone here, but…" She then clenched her teeth in frustration. 'I couldn't do anything; I was too weak. I'm so mad at myself; I believe what those boys said about me, even if it was just for a second. I'm a failure.'

She then looked up at Astrid. "What does it take? How do I become a powerful person? Please tell me! How do I become strong and beautiful like you are?"

Astrid then gently put a hand on her head. "Your plenty beautiful already." She then helped her up onto her feet. "Moving forward, you should be focused on training your body and your magic. You'll grow up to be powerful, I'm sure it. When that happens, I hope you will join the Magic Knights."

"You think that I could? Seriously?" Terra asked.

"I'll be waiting with the Blue Rose Knights," Astrid smiled and used her magic to ride upon vines to join the rest of her squad.

Terra watched as Heather and a good portion of the Blue Rose Knights took the bandits into custody and left the town.

Then emerging from the alleyway was the boy from earlier. "They didn't take you," he said, clearly suffering from shock. "You're fine."

"You," said Terra.

He then fell to his knees and broke into tears. "Oh, Terra, I'm sorry!"

Terra forced his head up. "What are you apologising for? I wasn't ever relying on you to save me, you idiot. I'm sorry you had to see me looking so pitiful. I thought I could finish that bandit guy off with a single shot, but I guess I let my guard down. Don't worry about it, though; if they shop again, I swear that I will keep you in this village safe no matter what!"

"Of course," he said, stunned.

"Then it's decided," said Terra as she looked towards the Blue Rose Knights. "I'll get stronger and stronger, and I'll join the Magic Knights and then…" She then looked up at Astrid. "…what was her name? Never mind…"

She just continued to smile. 'Wait for me, whoever you are.'

"Don't you have a reason to overcome your narcissism and win this fight?" Terra asked. "Or are you weak?"

Carl just stared at her, not sure what to think.

Meanwhile, Magnus was still tossing his vanishing fireballs at Dak, who was having a really difficult time fending them off.

'Crap missed again,' Dak cursed. 'Hitting a tiny target is hard enough, but alas, we, I can't even sense their aura.'

'I don't have some kind of fancy-schmancy Anti-Magic Sword like he does, and I'm definitely no noble,' said Magnus as he continued tossing his fireballs. 'If I was, this wouldn't be a problem because I would fire off a million high-powered spells, but I do have this sure-to-hit technical magic. The blast might be small, but this is how I can overcome him in a fight!'

Magnus then launched another fireball, but this time Dak was able to hit it with his sword moments after it vanished.

"Wait, what?" Magnus stared.

"Finally! About time I stopped one!" said Dak and smirked at Magnus. "What's the matter? Keep them coming, Magnus?"

"Yeah, asked for it! Feel the heat!" Magnus yelled, tossing even more fireballs. 'Damn, he's putting up a fight. I'm barely scoring any hits now.'

It was true, Dak was now starting to keep up with his vanishing fireballs, but he was unable to stop all of them.

'I'm still letting too many of them through,' said Dak as a fireball struck the crystal. 'Our crystal is not looking too good. Magnus really is amazing.'

"That's such an intense match I can't take my eyes off them," said Finral.

"And it's only going to get better," said Vanessa. "Neither of those two knows how to hold back."

"They're certainly going all out," said Tuffnut.

"Makes you wish we could take part," said Ruffnut.

"Oh man, I bet they're having so much fun!" said Luck excitedly. "I can't wait to get back out there! Come on, guys, finish up your match!"

'Dak, you really are something, you stupid tweep,' said Magnus. 'Thank you for not just making me, but all of us stronger, you little jerk wad. Just so you know, the file is going to be between you and your sister…' Magnus just kept on pelting fireball after fireball in rapid succession."…it's between me and Luck!"

Carl then suddenly appeared overhead. "Seems you're forgetting about this dashing mage."

"Oh man, I thought we were done with this guy!" Dak moaned.

"There we are," said Xerx, finally completing his magic circle.

"It's criminal to mar such a beautiful face and punishable by death!" Carl roared.

'Yikes, two against one not good,' Dak grimaced as he looked back at the crystal. 'As it looks like our crystal could shatter any second. What do I do?'

"Go! Take out of the flower, guy! Do it now!" Xerx yelled as he tossed the magic circle at the crystal.

Dak did just that, leaving the crystal completely unguarded, and Magnus took full advantage of that.

"It's true I can't see your fireballs until it's too late," said Xerx as one of Magnus' fireballs vanished briefly and reappeared to strike their crystal. However, it was immediately absorbed by the magic circle and was sent flying right back at him. 'But a magic circle on our crystal means that doesn't matter.'

"Think you could defeat my magic, huh?" he said as he made his flaming baseball bat. "Well, I'll just hit that spell right back at you."

He then swung at the fireball with his bat but then briefly vanished just before he could hit it. He remembered too late that this fireball was his vanishing fireball, so moments later reappeared in front of him and struck him hard while his guard was down.

"Oh man, not again," Magnus groaned as he hit the ground. "It's by my own spell. Well, this just proves that my magic is awesome."

Dak, meanwhile, had just cut through Carl's attack.

"Magic is the essence of beauty, and that sword wiped it out," said Carl as he rose high into the sky. "This is appalling; his power is an affront to my senses. I shall no longer simply scorn new lowly peasant. Instead, I shall destroy every trace of you and your crystal!"

'Uh-oh, if he goes any higher, forget fending off his blossoms; I will be able to land any attacks,' said Dak. 'Our crystal will be history.'

"I don't care how unseemly it is. I will unleash all my power!" Carl roared as he raised his hand. However, before he could launch the attack, he found himself unable to move and found he had triggered a snare trap. "What? Ensnared by some kind of magic?"

"Bingo," Xerx smirked. "I set plenty of traps up in the sky, too, by the way. Maybe you should have focused on your trademark magic senses instead of talking trash."

"This will only slow me for a moment!" Carl snarled as he used cherry blossoms to remove the trap.

Dak took this opportunity and began running up the hill opposite him. "That's all I need to beat you!"

He then jumped with all his might heading straight for him, and struck him with his sword knocking him out cold.

"Geez, man," said Xerx shaking his head. "Knocked out twice in one match? You can feel so humiliated when you wake up."

Then suddenly erupting from the ground was Terra riding on her golem.

"It's payback time! This is the end of the line for you!" she yelled.

"Oh no, the crystal!" Dak panicked as Terra's golem swung its fist at it.

Then suddenly, the golem stopped right in its tracks.

"Huh? Hey, what's going on, stupid?" Terra asked, hitting her golem. "We've almost got them!"

Then suddenly, plants began to grow out of the golem covering it from head to toe. Everyone looked around and saw Maple standing there, her hands glowing.

"I did it, just in time," she smiled.

"Whoa, nice one, Maple!" Dak smiled.

"Hey, wake up!" Terra yelled, hitting her golem. "Do what I tell you to!"

However, she was no longer in control Maple was, and she began to use her magic to force the golem to pull open its chest to reveal the enemy crystal.

"Huh? No! That's the opposite of what I want!" Terra yelled.

Dak then immediately jumped down and charged at the golem with sword in hand.

"Here we go!" he yelled and cut the crystal in two with his sword.

"Crystal destroyed! Team B wins!" the referee announced.

"Whoa, now that was a fun match," said Luck. "Magnus and Dak are so cool."

"Our boys really hustled out there," said Vanessa. "I guess we'll have to drink a toast to them when this is all wrapped up."

"Only real friends can fight so earnestly," said Gordon. "Magnus and Dak are fight-friends!"

"You any idea what he's saying?" Ruffnut asked, looking at her brother.

"No, but I bet it's something creepy," said Tuffnut.

"Heck ha! We did it!" Dak cheered as he attempted to high-five Xerx. "Nice job, fancy mask, not that I'm surprised because teamwork always gets the job done in a fight. Oh yeah, bring it in for a high-five!"

'So it all played out like he thought he would, whatever,' said Xerx. "Would have been much easier to win if you hadn't destroyed any of my traps in the beginning, moron."

"You're mad about that?" said Dak. "Can't we just high-five is out, huh?"

Xerx ignored him and turned to the enemy team. "You three, maybe you would like a little advice from the victors. Let's see…"

He first turned to Terra. "… you're a pure amazon, you're good, but you got sloppy out there. If you had been a little more attune to the subtleties of magic power, you might not have lost."

He then turned to Magnus. "This deadweight delinquent used up a lot of his mana during the warmup. Maybe to have it for peasants, but you've got to learn how to say when."

He then finally turned to Carl. "And then there's you, the royal narcissist; you were far too arrogant during the entire time. Falling to pieces just because you got punched by someone you saw as lower than you. That makes you the ugliest of us all."

"What is with you?" said Dak. "You're going way too far with these burns again! Would it kill you to be nicer?"

Maple then approached her brother. "Brother…"

"Maple?" he said.

"What you said back then…"

During that tour of the Forsaken Realm, Maple wanted to know why that girl attempted to steal a loaf of bread. It turned out that she was trying to feed her little sister, and it looked as if the two of them would go hungry if it wasn't for a young boy passing by handing them what little food he had.

"It is true peasants in impoverished conditions can lead a soul to ruin, I agree. But true beauty is something even poverty can't take away; it lives inside of them."

"Avert your eyes; you mustn't look at me," said Carl hiding his face with his hand. "I'm hideous."

Maple laughed. "You did lose in a rather unsightly manner, but think about it. Not only did you accept the peasants could be mighty, but you also fought alongside them and getting yourself dirty. Honestly, this is the most beautiful you've ever been."

"I certainly don't want to admit this…" said Carl as he remembered watching Dak and Magnus clash with one another. "…but it's true. They really were gorgeous."

King Clover was immensely frustrated. "Royalty losing to these peasants, how downright deplorable."

"Next up, round two, match two, prepare yourselves!" the referee announced.

'It's my turn,' said Finral as he looked at Langris. 'And I won't lose! You got that, Langris?'