"Please! You have to sell it to me!" A young boy said.

"Bah, Shut up! Get the hell out of my shop!" The older man replied.

Just because we're outsiders, he won't sell it to me?

"P-Please!" The child pleaded.

"I told you to leave already! You and that hag you call your mother are a plight on the good people of this village! I have a mind to kick you both out myself. At least you two would make a decent meal for the monsters! Now go back to her and die together!" The man then kicked the boy out of the shop. He landed on the ground, holding his now bruised chest.

N-No! She's going to die...

The child ran back to his house. Those who saw him offered no help. He eventually struggled enough to reach his mother's bedside. She was always smiling in the boy's memories. His mother had taught him how to cook only a few weeks before the illness set in. She was smiling so brightly when he successfully cooked his first meal.

Mother...

The boy looked at the thin, frail woman lying where his mother once slept. Her once clean and delicate skin was now pale and pallid. Her once-bright blue eyes were now dim. She didn't even notice when her son entered the room. Instead, she continued to stare at the ceiling. Once he started to shake her, she turned to him.

"Luka..." She said. "Mother, the shopkeeper refused to sell me the medicine! I don't know what to do... I could try to steal it, but–"

"Luka." She interrupted. "I don't think it would help much anyway. But thank you for trying. You're such a brave little boy." The mother rustled the young boy's purple hair, then wiped the tears off his face.

"But... It will all be okay. I know-" She coughed. "I know. I know that you'll grow to be a fine hero."

"Mother?" Luka cried out for her as she laid back on the bed. It only took him a few moments to notice that she stopped moving entirely. "Mother!? Mother! Wake up, please! Mo-"

"Haah!" Luka suddenly awoke. His breathing was erratic, and he was sweating heavily.

Just a dream... It was all just a dream.

Luka let out a prolonged sigh of relief.

I haven't had a nightmare like that since the war with Ilias...

Luka noticed the large tail that was coiled around him. His breathing slowly calmed as he relaxed. He let go of the cover he was clutching and laid back in bed. After a few moments, he turned to his side. His lover was sleeping peacefully. She had a calm, serene face.

She's probably having a nice dream. Knowing her, it involves parfaits...

Luka had a gentle smile as he continued to look at her.

Heh, I never thought I'd end up marrying a monster, and even more, the Monster Lord herself. I wonder what younger me would've thought of that.

The Monster Lord remained in a deep slumber, showing no sign of awakening any time soon. Her beauty remained as prevalent as when Luka first met her outside of Iliasville.

Back then, he was barely an adult. Alice was twenty-one at that point, but always acted a lot younger. This was in part thanks to the trauma she had to endure as a child. Her mother was slain before her eyes, and Luka's father and his party were to thank for it.

As the two travelled together, they each grew as people. Luka became more mature, stronger, and more confident. Alice began to break down the barriers that she often put up to protect herself. Eventually, they began to reveal their shared past.

Their friendship had blossomed into something more. After the rebellion and after he endured a trial of temptation, Alice confessed her love to the hero. Luka was surprised but soon admitted to feeling the same way about her.

That was seven years ago now. Hard to believe. We've both changed so much since then. But there's no one I'd rather be with.

Luka could still feel the session that happened immediately after they were officially wed. Apparently, making children with the Monster Lord was no easy task. Still, he knew it was worth it in the end.

Nero and Neris. I better go wake them up. I'll let Alice get some more sleep.

He tried to leave the bed but failed. Getting Alice's tail off of him had become a daily task. The hero did the usual. He grabbed the pillow he rested on with his teeth and slipped from under the tail. The pillow took his position in the bed, allowing Alice to still sleep comfortably.

Alright, now to get ready for the day.

Luka began his morning routine with haste. He walked over to the nearby cupboard in the room. Inside of it was his cape, which was nearly vintage now. Still, it was his signature cape, and it held far too much sentimental value for him to replace it now.

He held the cape in his hand and walked over to a glass display on the wall. Angel Halo was inside. Luka opened the case and took the sword out. He admired the blade, which had been with him for so long.

The weapon had been used by both him and Heinrich to fight. Tamamo said it was originally made by his own mother, Lucifina. Its sealing ability served him well. He was thankful that Alice trusted him enough to lend it to him.

Luka looked to the floor. His Enrikan shirt was thrown on the carpet after last night's activities. He picked the shirt up, dusted it off, and put it on. He also found his belt down there.

Once he was done dressing up, he put Angel Halo in its sheath and looked back at the bed. He looked at his wife for a few moments before noticing a book on the nearby bedside table. It was a biography about his journey and life.

'The Legend of Hero Luka' had been a bestseller. After he was done satisfying Alice's needs, the two would often read it together. They would reminisce about the memories the book contained, about the times they shared, or just laugh at the exaggerations riddled within the story.

Luka turned back around and left the room. He stepped out into the hall, which was unusually empty, but it was quite early.

The Hero walked to a room further down the hall. He opened the door and entered. The room was pitch black.

"Nero, Neris? It's time to get up." Luka called out to his twin children. After receiving no response, he walked over to one of the beds.

"C'mon, Neris. Wake up." He began to shake the young Lamia awake. Her golden eyes opened slowly. She looked at her father, and after a few seconds, a wide smile appeared on her face.

"Daddy!" She sprung on the Hero, surprising him.

Luka rustled her hair. "Alright, alright. C'mon, you need to get dressed." He said.

"Only if you help me!" Neris replied.

"Fine, but I'm waking Nero up first." Luka walked over to Nero's bed. It only took calling his name for the young boy to awaken. Nero began to get dressed, and Luka returned to Neris.

After he was done helping her dress, he took his children outside. Today was one of the few days when he was not busy reinforcing coexistence. It also happened to be a day when Nero was not in Yamatai and Neris was not being trained on how to be the next Monster Lord.

Days like this were more than rare, and Luka had no intention to waste them. First, though, he would need to go get Alice.

"Do we really have to bring Mother with us?" Neris asked.

"Of course we do. What's a day out without the whole family?" Luka responded.

"I guess..." Neris said.

Luka told them to wait outside as he walked in. He repeated the same thing that he had already done twice today and shook the Lamia awake.

"Luka...?" Alice said groggily.

"Yes, it's me, Alice. It's time to get up." Luka said as he opened the blinds.

Sunlight was let into the room, and Alice reflexively protected her eyes from it. After a few seconds, she slithered out of bed and prepared for the day.

"Alright, let's go," Alice said as she put her gloves on. She took the hero's hand, and the two walked out together.

"Good morning, Mother," Nero said.

"Morning," She replied. Neris was lying against the wall impatiently. Once the pair had stepped out, she sniffed them. Her face scrunched into one of anger, but she did not say anything.

Huh, I wonder why she did that. Anyway, it's time to go.

Luka and his family began to walk down the hall. Breakfast awaited them.

"How have your lessons been going?" Alice asked.

"They have been going well," Nero replied. "Yesterday we learned about angel anatomy and the differences between holy magic and dark magic, and Master went over Tanuki history with us," Nero explained.

"Ah, I remember getting that lesson. She wouldn't stop scowling during the whole thing. I'm glad it's going well. Though, I assume Neris just complained like always," Alice said.

"She did," Nero replied.

"Nero! You snitch!" Neris shouted at her brother for telling on her. Luka laughed a little at the sight. They had nearly finished eating now, although Alice was still far from done.

Four portions down, and she's still going...

Luka sighed at his family's antics. "Relax, you two," Luka said. "And Neris, you should focus more on your lessons. Nero, well, I never had any siblings, so maybe I'm in no position to speak, but you shouldn't tell on your sister like that."

"Yes, Father..." Nero said.

"Fine..." Neris looked down in shame as she spoke.

"How come they always listen to you?" Alice asked. Luka shrugged.

"Anyway, I have a new joke," He said. Nero and Neris both immediately sighed.

"Why did the vampire girl enjoy studying mathematics?" Luka asked. Nero, Neris, and Alice all grimaced as they prepared for the answer.

"Because she loved making calculations with fangtastic precision!"

...Near-complete silence filled the room.

Neris rolled her eyes upon hearing the joke, although she had a small smile on her face. Nero was silent, and Alice laughed a little.

"Oh, come on. That was a good one." Luka said. Before the others could respond, the door to the room opened.

"Luka!" A young-sounding girl shouted. Luka turned to the intruder to see Tamamo No Mae standing at the door, a worried look across her face.

"Tamamo? What is it?" He asked.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have barged in like that. Anyway, there's a letter for you." Tamamo said.

"A letter? From who?" He asked. Alice and the others were also intrigued by this mysterious letter.

"Let's go to a different room," Tamamo suggested.

"Or actually. Alice, take care of Nero and Neris while Luka and I look at the letter." Tamamo ordered. Alice raised an eyebrow at the order but decided to do what she said.

"Come, Nero, Neris," Alice said. She slithered by Luka and whispered into his ear. "You better tell me what it says later." Luka had no time to respond. Neris waved goodbye as they left the room.

"Alright, Tamamo. What's this all about?" Luka asked.

"I have good reason to keep this letter from Alice, for now at least," Tamamo said. She pulled the letter from her pouch and sat down on the table beside Luka.

"Here, you can open it." She said. Luka took the letter and looked at his name on the front of the envelope. It was written in blood.

Well, that's not a good sign.

Luka cut the envelope open and began to read. Tamamo looked over his shoulder and also read the letter.

'Dear Hero Luka.'

'It's been a while, hasn't it? I hope you haven't missed me too much. This letter is a formal invitation to a tea party I'm hosting! Though you and I are the only guests, I'll be waiting here at the Navel of the World. Oh, and don't even think of bringing any plus-ones with you. And definitely not those spirits either. I've had my fill of their power... Now, make sure you show up on time. You wouldn't want to spoil my mood, would you?'

'PS: So, you and Alipheese ended up getting married after all... And I missed the wedding. How sad. Well, good for you. I hope you make the right decision. It would be terrible if you two never saw each other again.'

'With warm regards. Black Alice'

...That's...Impossible...

"What? How can she be back? I thought you and Alice killed her in heaven." Tamamo said.

"I thought so too. Though I guess I didn't really make sure, but she wasn't sealed. That's for sure. So, how can she be back?" Luka asked.

"I don't know either. She's always had a knack for barely surviving fights. But if she was alive this whole time, how come she only showed up now?" Tamamo wondered.

Luka looked over the letter again. "Maybe it's fake?" He said.

"That's what I thought at first too. But look, see that seal? Only Fateburns use that seal. It contains a magical signature unique to them. Not even I could replicate it. Whoever did this has to be a Fateburn. The only explanation is that it really is Black Alice." Tamamo explained.

"This is insane... What should we do?" Luka put down the letter and looked at the Kitsune.

"I... I'm not sure. I'll go talk to Alice. You go get the knights. Tell them to meet us in the war room." Tamamo said. Luka nodded. Without another word, the two left the room.

Tamamo... I've never seen her so worried before. But I understand. Black Alice should be dead. Even if she was somehow sealed, it should have taken decades, even centuries, to get her power back. How can this be?

Haah. I'll figure it out later, I guess. For now, I'll look for the knights. Better go get Galda then.

"For the fourth time already! Get into a proper stance! No! Not like that!" Granberia shouted.

The trial she was facing proved more and more challenging as time went on. But she was not one to back down. No matter how many times she would have to shout at them, no matter how long it would take for them to finally do as she said, she would succeed.

She knew in her heart that they would eventually do it. They would finally hit her.

"Faster! You're like a snail!" She reprimanded. The soldier swung again at the dragonkin, but she easily dodged the attack.

I'm not even going hard on them! This is pathetic!

Granberia's inner rage continued to boil as the men kept on failing. She had spent hours upon hours training them, and this was the result. They were stronger than the average human, but not by much.

Damn it! Why won't they just do what I say? How hard can it be to hit me?

"Ah, you're doing it all wrong, Granberry." A seductive, sultry voice said

Of course, she decides to show up now...

"What do you want, Alma Elma?" Granberia asked.

"Oh, not much. I just wanted to show you what you're doing wrong and something else... But I'll get onto that later." The flying obscenity responded.

"Look at what you've done to this poor man... You're going about this training all wrong." Alma Elma said. She flew over to the soldier and got a bit too close for comfort. He began to blush as the succubus stared into his eyes.

"See, they're never going to do what you want without a reward," She said.

Granberia sighed. "I'm not doing that. Strength is its own reward. They need no incentive like that." The Heavenly Knight of Fire replied. Alma Elma stepped away from the man and looked right at her.

"Oh yeah? Are you sure you aren't just saving yourself for someone?" Alma Elma teased. "Someone with purple hair? The only human to have ever defeated you? The one who is already married?"

"W-What!? O-Of course not!" Granberia shouted. The soldier looked at his instructor. She was flustered and blushing; this was something he could've never imagined the strong and serious Knight he knew doing.

Alma Elma sure is amazing to be able to do that so easily. And she's amazing in other ways too. I mean, just look at her...

Granberia quickly regained her composure. "A-Anyway. What did you come here for? Just to annoy me?" She asked.

Alma Elma ignored her. "Oh well, we both know you've already lost that innocent part of you long ago. Those sessions of ours were so fun."

"Shut up! Don't talk about that here!" Granberia interrupted. Alma Elma giggled.

"Now answer my question!" The dragonkin demanded.

"Ugh, fine. You're no fun anymore." She pouted. "Well, I guess it is pretty important. Luka-boy told me we all had to meet up at the castle. Apparently, something big went down that needs all our attention. He got the others too. They're just waiting on us now." Alma Elma explained.

"Something big? What could've happened?" Granberia asked.

"I don't know. He didn't say, but he looked worried." She said.

"Then, we should get over there quickly. Aemon! Go back to training. By the time I'm back, you better be able to hit me!" Granberia commanded.

"What did I say?" Alma Elma retorted. "Aemon, dear, don't listen to that mean dragon lady. I promise, if you manage to hit her, I'll give you a big reward." Alma Elma said seductively

The soldier collapsed on the ground upon hearing the words. Alma Elma giggled and turned to her fellow knight. "Now, let's get going," She said.

"How? Going by boat would take too long, and—Whoa! What are you doing!?" Granberia shouted as Alma Elma picked her up.

"I'll just fly you there. It's not my fault you don't have wings." She explained.

"S-Shut up... Fly higher; I don't want everyone to see us," Granberia said. Her face was as red as the flames she controlled.

"Hehe, very well..." Alma Elma flew high into the sky. She was holding Granberia marital style, and she was sufficiently embarrassed about the position.

"Can't you hold me some other way?" She asked.

"I could, but this is much more fun," She replied.

Alipheese... Save me.

Granberia sighed as Alma Elma flew over the ocean.

"Well then. Who are we waiting on now?" Micaela asked.

"Granberia and Alma Elma are late. Please, sit." Tamamo said. She offered the seraph a seat beside Luka. Micaela sat down next to her nephew.

"Ah, auntie. How have you been doing? It's been a while." Luka said.

"Indeed. I've been fine, thank you. Some angels have been acting up as of late, and a not insignificant portion of them still think we should be butchering monsters in Ilias's name, but most have accepted her death. How have you been doing? I trust Alice is well?" She asked.

"She's fine, if not a bit grumpy. We haven't been able to see each other as often as she would like. I'm fine too. Though Neris has still been acting up lately," Luka explained.

"Well, that is just a stage of growing up. I'm sure you were like that too when you were growing up." Micaela said.

"Heh, maybe. Though, I think you'd be the more defiant one among us." Luka retorted. Micaela smiled.

"Finally, where have you been?" Tamamo asked. "You should have gotten here an hour ago!" She said. Luka looked up to see Granberia stumble into the room, followed by a smiling Alma Elma.

"Oh, you know how it is, little Tamamo. We got caught up with something." She explained.

Tamamo sighed. "And I'm sure I don't want to know. Just go sit down; this is serious. Luka, go get Alice for me, would you?" Tamamo requested.

Luka nodded. He walked out of the room and down the hall. Alice was currently with Nero and Neris and was impressively still eating.

"Alice, it's time," Luka said. Alice looked up at her husband.

"Alright. Nero, Neris, be good." Alice said. Nero nodded.

"Neris?" The Monster Lord looked down at the young lamia, who had yet to answer her. After a few seconds, she nodded. Alice looked at her husband.

"I'll be waiting for you," Alice said as she slithered out of the room.

Luka was about to leave as well but was stopped when a certain Lamia coiled around his leg.

"Neris, let go," Luka said.

"Nope! You know the deal!" She said with a deceivingly innocent smile.

You really take after your mother, you know that?

Luka sighed and knelt down to the little girl. He kissed her on the cheek, and she released her bind.

"Hehe, Make sure to come back soon!" She said, her smile even wider than it was before.

"Yeah, yeah. I love you too." The hero replied. Luka walked out of the room and returned to his seat.

He was positioned between Alice and Micaela on one side of the table, while the other three knights were on the opposite end.

Granberia was on the left, closest to Tamamo, who was at the head of the table; Alma Elma was in the middle; and Erubetie was on the right. Luka looked over at the Queen of Slimes. For some reason, she was staring at him before he even looked at her.

Strange. She's been doing that a lot lately.

The slime turned her gaze away from the Hero. He shrugged it off and looked towards the head of the table. Tamamo was currently reading the letter over and over again. After a few seconds of silence, she spoke.

"Ahem. Some of you may already be aware of this fact, but I will reiterate it nonetheless. I know it's hard to believe, but Black Alice has somehow returned. She sent us this letter, addressed to Luka."

Tamamo held up the letter in question.

"She demands that we hand over Luka. She told us to send him to the Navel of the World alone. No spirits, no nothing. This is a conundrum. That is why I have called you all here." She explained. Those who were unaware of the news in the room had shocked faces, even Erubetie.

Granberia raised her hand. Tamamo nodded at her, granting her permission to speak.

"How is this possible? I thought she was dead?" She asked.

"That is the question I cannot answer. I simply have no idea how she could've possibly survived. Even if she were sealed, we would've noticed. And even if she did somehow hide for all these years, it would've taken hundreds, even thousands, of years to gather enough energy to regain her form." Tamamo said.

"In theory, she could actually be sealed right now. But then, why send us this letter telling us where she is? Why threaten us? It's far too risky. Even if it is a trap, which it almost certainly is, there is nothing we can do about it. If she truly has returned with all her might, she could attack innocent people, slaughtering thousands until we comply." She explained.

Upon hearing the news, the members of the meeting, except for Tamamo, had downcast gazes. Alice looked at her husband in worry but did not say anything.

"So, what is the plan?" Micaela asked. "Surely, the great Tamamo No Mae has come up with something?" Micaela looked at Tamamo as she spoke. Despite her sarcastic tone, she truly did hope the Kitsune had a plan.

"Well, the plan is... We have to send Luka there alone. We have no choice. We don't even really know why she wants to see him, although I can make a few guesses."

"Anyway, do not fret. I have devised a new method of communication, and it should come in handy. This is a Makina. It should be familiar to you all. You may recognise it as the prototype Promestein made long ago. I've successfully repaired it now. Luka will be wearing it when he leaves." Tamamo explained.

"This will allow us to track his position, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vitals. It will also show us a transcript of the local dialogue. With this, we can time our rescue. We will be nearby, but not close enough for Black Alice to sense us." She added.

Before Granberia could raise her hand, she continued. "In simple terms, this will allow us to know exactly what's happening even when we're not there." She explained. Granberia nodded, putting her hand back down.

"Then, why don't we just take her on ourselves?" Alma Elma asked. "Even if she has gotten a bit tougher, so have we. I'm sure all of us together could take her." She suggested.

"That would be the obvious solution... but the last time we saw her, she was fused with Ilias. If she still has that power, even worse, if she has managed to master that power…"

Tamamo did not finish her sentence. The answer was obvious to all. "It is unlikely, but we cannot rule anything out."

...Is anything unlikely anymore? Black Alice has just come back from the dead.

"I see," Alice said. "Then, what happens if Black Alice does attack Luka?" She asked. Tamamo noted that she did not raise her hand, but chose to ignore it.

"It depends. If Black Alice has somehow regained her full strength, we will still attack, although we'll wait for a good opportunity. If she is weaker than usual, for example, if she is still sealed, we will attack immediately. If, in the worst case, she is even stronger than we remember, then there is nothing we can do." Tamamo said.

Silence filled the room as the news broke. "What!?" Alice shouted. "You mean we'll just let her do as she pleases?"

Everyone else in the room, save Luka, all agreed with her sentiment. They began to bombard the little kitsune with questions. Tamamo tried to silence the room and restore order, but failed.

The silence returned when Luka stood up. "I get it. She wants something from me. And we really do have no choice. I'll go." Luka spoke bravely. Alice looked up at her husband.

"You idiot! You don't have to go!" She shouted. "You can just stay! Who cares about the locals? She can do what she wants. Just… don't leave," She said.

"Alice! How could you say that?" Luka scolded. "Those are innocent people. Even children!" He said. Alice looked down in shame at her outburst.

Tamamo tried to put the conversation back on track. "Thank you, Luka, for accepting your role. As for the others, come with me." She said.

"Luka, unfortunately, we have no time to spare. We have to go. Now." Tamamo explained. Luka looked around and saw that the Knights of Fire, Wind, and Water had already left.

"Goodbye, nephew, and good luck," Micaela said. She stood up and left the room.

Luka started to follow her but was stopped when someone grabbed his hand.

Alice... You know I have to go.

Luka was about to turn around to see his wife but was tackled to the floor by her instead. She had fully coiled around by this time and whispered into his ear.

"No. I won't let you go." She said. "We both know what she'll do to you," Alice said. Her head was resting on his shoulder. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his chest, while her tail was coiled around his lower body.

"Alice, c'mon, I have to go now. I promise we'll see each other again soon." Luka said. He returned the hug, embracing his wife.

Tamamo waited for a full minute until they finally separated. It was quite awkward for the kitsune. Luka took one more look at his wife as he left the room. Tamamo left with him, leaving Alice alone in the room.

Damn it... Please come back soon, Luka.

Alice sighed and slithered over to the other knights. Together, they would survey the area surrounding the Navel of the World for a spot to lie in wait.

Now then, I click this button... Then I... There we go.

Luka smiled as he saw the Makina work. It was a small device that had a strap on it so that it would fit around his wrist, making it look like a watch. Tamamo had shown him earlier how to use it. Without her, he would've been fiddling with it for hours before he figured it out.

'Nearly there. A minute or so away.'

The Makina beeped as it sent the message. A few seconds later, a reply appeared on the small screen.

'Understood. Be ready for anything.'

Wow. Technology sure is incredible, and Promestein is to thank for it. Without her, it would have taken decades to reach this level of technology.

Luka looked up into the sky. Heaven used to be far above him, a place where he believed only pure, untainted angels lived. Where saints were brought, where all was well, and where the Goddess herself resided.

Only the last part was true, as Luka found out seven years ago. Heaven was destroyed along with Ilias, ending her era for good.

But that was a long time ago. Nowadays, almost everywhere has accepted coexistence, even remote villages. Still, there are plenty of problems for me to solve.

Well, at least I get to keep travelling around the world. Alice comes along sometimes as well, which is always nice.

"Galda, it's just down there," Luka said. Galda cawed in response and flew down to the place he pointed at. Luka jumped off the oversized harpy and petted her.

"There, there. Good girl. Now, go over to where Tamamo said." Galda leaned into his hand as he petted her, but stopped when he ordered her. She flew off, leaving Luka alone.

The Navel of the World. I haven't been here in a while.

Luka looked at the now-deactivated thermos traps that were along the path. He remembered having to fight one of them.

When the hero began his adventure, he never imagined he would have to fight a state that was trying to seduce him. Life was strange, or at least, his one was.

She's probably further in. Better get going.

Luka walked towards the centre of the location. He looked at the strange architecture that made up the place. It was here that he fought Doppel and one of the next dolls.

He also fought Gargoyle Girl, who was known for serving as Alipheese the Second's most trusted general during the Great Monster Wars. He also fought the Gate of Heaven, although she fell quite easily.

Huh, I wonder what happened to my Doppel. I never saw her again after our fight. I hope she's okay.

"Fufufu, I was wondering what was taking so long. I was worried you were never going to show up!" A girlish voice said. Luka turned around to see where the source of the voice came from.

Black Alice! She really is here!

Luka looked at the infamous Monster Lord. Long ago, the two had fought in heaven, and his power combined with Alice's managed to take her down. But, much like Heinrich's own battle with the tyrant, she had somehow survived the fight.

Alipheese the Eighth looked different from what Luka remembered. First, her dress was changed. Instead of the blue and white clothing a young girl might wear, she instead wore a far more revealing white dress.

Her signature bow was now in two colours instead of one. The same could be said about her hair, which is now split down the middle. Half was blonde, much like her original hair colour, while the other was darker purple.

She had a large, angelic wing coming out of her right side and a dark, monstrous one coming out of her left. Luka also noticed she had new tattoos going over her now-revealed skin and had a tentacle wrapped around one of her legs.

Her body looks like a combination of holy and dark energy...

Damn it. This is the worst-case scenario!

Stay calm, Luka. Panicking now will accomplish nothing.

On top of all her other odd features, she also had a large, man-eating tail. It opened and closed threateningly. Black Alice wore a smile on her face as she spoke to the Hero.

"Ah, you've grown a bit!" She said. "Though, I'm sure people still confuse you for a boy. And look at that; you haven't gotten any taller either." She giggled.

Luka frowned but did not retort; what she said was true, even if he didn't want to admit it.

Well, I actually did get a little bit taller. But I won't say that now; otherwise, I really will sound like a child.

"Oh, relax, would you? Stop with the frowning. Look, I brought tea!" The crazed Monster Lord said before Luka could respond, a table revealed itself, along with a full tea set on top.

Did that just appear out of mid-air? How the hell could she do something like that?

Just how strong is she?

"Come on, sit. It's a party, after all." Black Alice said. Luka, seeing no other option, slowly sat down on the chair offered to him.

"There we go. Isn't everything better when you just obey?" She asked. Luka did not respond. Instead, he began to type something on the Makina. He hid his arms under the table as he did so.

"How are you alive, Black Alice? And why did you call me here?" Luka asked.

Black Alice sighed. "Yeah, I don't feel like telling you any of that. But I don't mind showing you. I'm excited to see whether or not you can figure everything out, but... Well, you always were a bit slow." Black Alice giggled.

Luka's frown deepened, but he did not respond. Black Alice then began to pour a cup of tea for herself, and Luka took the opportunity to finish his text.

'Black Alice is here. She's very strong. Goddess-tier at least. Do not come in.'

"What are you doing?" Black Alice asked. The cup began to overflow as she poured in the excess tea. She stared at Luka with a frown.

"Haah, and after all the effort I put in to make it just the two of us, you pull something like this? That's really rude, you know?" She said.

Luka's heart skipped a beat. Black Alice stopped pouring the tea and walked over to the hero. "And here I wanted to talk a little bit longer, but it looks like you leave me no choice." She said.

"What? What do you mean?" Luka asked. He put his hand on Angel Halo, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.

"I just wanted to have a civil conversation with you. It seems I'll just have to skip to the end of the party then." Black Alice said. Luka stood up and backed away from the Monster Lord.

"Oh, it seems some people are approaching... Well, then, better hurry this up. Luka, what you're about to go through is a trial, or a test. I can't wait to see how you do, and I'll be sure to reward you for the results." Black Alice said.

Luka looked confused as she pointed her hand at him. He got into a combat stance but was surprised when Black Alice just snapped her fingers.

Huh? What's she doing?

The hero's question was answered when the ground below him began to disappear. An empty, black hole appeared beneath him, and Luka fell through it.

What!? What's happening?

Luka looked up. He was now surrounded by a dark void. Above him, he could see a small ray of light, but even that began to disappear as the hole closed back up.

The man panicked as he continued to fall. After a few seconds, a new hole appeared. He fell through and saw a wooden floor appear on the other side. Hitting his head against the wood, he blacked out.

No, Where is he?

Tamamo looked around the site of the Hero Luka's disappearance. Just a few minutes ago, he had texted her on the Makina. She, Alice, the Knights, and Micaela were all looking for the hero and Black Alice.

Both were now missing. Micaela walked over to the Kitsune. "Seen anything?" She asked. Tamamo shook her head. "I see. Any idea what might've happened?"

"No. Other than the obvious." Tamamo said. Micaela nodded.

For some inexplicable reason, a reason she could never explain, Micaela felt the hero was not, in fact, dead. Instead, she believed something else had happened, though, she had no proof of this.

Luka. For your mother's sake, and for my sake too, please… come back.

Micaela sighed. "Very well. For now, we should inform the leaders of the world. Though we should keep this a secret from the common folk," Micaela suggested. Tamamo nodded.

"I agree. We'll have to call another meeting. This time, the spirits should attend as well. I'll schedule it for a week from now." Tamamo said.

"Tamamo! Did you find anything?" Alice asked. The kitsune's heart sank upon hearing her voice.

"No," she said.

"Then why are you standing around here? We have to go look for him!" Tamamo remained silent.

"He's gone, Alice." She said.

"No, he's not! Damn it!"

"This is your fault! You're the one who sent him here—the one who forced him to go! What am I meant to tell Nero and Neris!?" Alice shouted. Micaela took the opportunity to back out of the conversation. She had no place in it.

Tamamo thought about saying that Alice was the one who forced the group to move closer to Black Alice in the first place, as she was worried about what the message could mean, but she decided it would be better to let it go.

"You and I both know I had no choice. As for the children, I'll tell them myself." Tamamo said. Alice did not reply. Instead, she returned to the search. Tamamo sighed.

Luka, where did you go? What did she do to you?