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Witch Musume Re:RISE

Epilogue - The Meaning to Live

1/28/2019 Kaburagi Residence, Westerholt, Herten, Karlsland Daytime - Clear Sky

[FIFTEEN DAYS LATER…]

Background Music | Persona 3 Reload OST - Iwatodai Dorm

First Person POV

Fifteen days have passed ever since I left my country of Japan and permanently live in Karlsland here at Adi's birthplace… Westerholt. It's within the town of Herten. When I first came here with Adi, I was surprised by how much vibrancy that the town has to offer. She did give me a tour of this place before we headed to her birthplace. I find myself here at home that she managed to own. She told me that this is the same house she lived in but… times are different when it comes to Witches living in our world with the knowledge of their former homes and all. I entered the house after I wanted to have a decent walk around the residential neighborhood here. The people who lived next door are nice people but don't me wrong. They wanted to have a peaceful life as I do.

"Guten Tag!" The young man on the bicycle greeted me as I noticed him riding down the road as I greeted him back.

"Guten Tag." I replied back in their language as I opened the door from the lock as I entered inside.

The moment I entered the house where we live. I wanted to take the time to look around. I looked to my right to see the stuff hanging on the wall… I looked at the particular medal on the wall that was hanging as I examined it. Of course, this is Adi's medal that she was awarded on the 15th of January. I remember the time when we arrived at Berlin to meet with the Emperor of Karlsland. She told me that he is a very important person who was brought here to this world. I was just surprised that we would be granted an audience since Adi here is widely known. After all, the Emperor trusts him. That medal that she calls it is the Iron Cross of Honour and Valor. It is considered to be the nation's highest and utmost reward to Witches who have proven themselves the most brave and valiant since she was the one who led the charge to destroy the Neuroi Hive in Verdansk. I remember seeing her wearing her high-ranking Karlslandian Military uniform and the black military hat with the Karlslandian Air Force insignia. So… I proceeded to remember those memories as the flashback began.

Background Music End

[Flashback - The Emperor of Karlsland and The New Pact]

Background Music | Persona 3 OST - Troubled

I began to recall those memories when we first got to the palace in Berlin on the 15th of January. We were seen walking down the royal and yet, imperial hallways as we were following the heavily armed guard wielding large great hammers… If I recall correctly, Adi told me that the current chancellor of Karlsland is none other than Leo Weissfang. He is also the leader of his own elite knights known as the Holy Knights of Order. She said that they're the strongest knights who are tasked with protecting both the Emperor and the high interests of important people within the military. From what I can tell you… I would not suffer the front end of the hammer. The moment the knights opened the door for us as we entered inside. We were inside the audience chamber of this place where everything feels regal. From the royal red carpet, polished marble quartz floor, large tall windows, and up on the ceiling shows the full portrait as if it was symbolic. We both kept walking forward more and more until we stopped up on the stairs where the white-haired old man in his 70s sat on the throne. He wore such regal clothing as if he was a king. But he is the Emperor. The knights stood between the stairs as they lightly slammed their end of the great hammer's handle. Man, it feels like I've been summoned into another world? It's just like one of those isekai genres that my country has been hooked on. So, we both proceeded to kneel on the floor in order to greet the man's presence.

"Your Majesty. Pray forgive my delay. I simply wanted to spend time in Japan, that's all." Adi said to the Emperor as he seemingly nodded. I kept my head down in order to kneel before his presence so I won't be disrespectful.

"That is fine, Galland. Your presence is all that matters." The Emperor said as we both looked at me. Our eyes meet as if we've never met. "You must be Keiwa Kaburagi, the Witch's Son. Am I correct? She… has told me a lot about you."

"Yes, Your Majesty… It is an honor to meet you here in this wonderful country of Karlsland." I continued. "With due respect… I am indeed… in a relationship with Adolfine Galland."

"A Japanese commoner in a relationship with the Commodore? Ridiculous." The blonde haired man with glasses scoffed and glared at me with disdain as the Emperor spoke up.

"Ease yourself, my advisor. Japan has been our greatest ally now that we are in a positive relationship in the name of a greater peace." The Emperor said to him as he stood down.

"My sincerest apologies, Your Majesty…" The Advisor bowed in apologies as if he nearly overstepped his boundaries.

"Forgive my advisor. Not everyone here is too keen on you being in a relationship with Galland." The Emperor continued as he took a deep breath as we both stood up. "Now then, Commodore. Now that you're here. Barkhorn, Hartmann, and Weisse have already received their medals. Thanks to your utmost efforts in leading everyone to victory and the last Neuroi Hive is no more. Please, accept this highest reward that the nation has to offer."

The Advisor then proceeds to hold a small box containing the medal as he steps forward and shows Adi the medal… The Iron Cross of Honour and Valor. Of course, she was happy to accept this reward as she took it from his hands gently.

"Thank you, I will accept this." Adi continued. "Oh and… I do want to confirm this to you, Your Majesty. My boyfriend here will be joining the Witch Corps under the newly formed Mage Pact Department. Of course, he'll be the head of it."

"Oh?" The Emperor was rather curious as he looked at me. "Kaburagi, You have earned my blessings due to your contributions with the Commodore from the Battle of Verdansk. For that, I am grateful."

"Please, Your Majesty. I only did what's best to make the world a better place." I continued. "I'm not much of a good talker but… I made a vow to protect Galland as she'll protect me."

"Then that is fine… I will actually allow it under one condition." The Emperor continued. "Don't break her heart."

"I won't, Your Majesty. I swear it…" And then, the whole flashback switches after our visit at the Emperor's Palace.

Background Music | Persona 3 OST - Changing Seasons

There, me and Adi went to the Neu-Luftwaffe Air Base in Frankfurt after Adi wanted me to form a pact with another Witch since Tomoko had made her decision to move on. Adi told me back in her world that she led a Jet Striker-only unit which was done at Ursula's idea. But ever since the Tetras Act, Jet Strikers are forbidden as they're considered as contraband. So as a result, the mass-production of the Striker Arms skyrocketed here in this country where the majority but some of the Karlslandian Witches have begun their usage of the Striker Suit and the Striker Arm. And one particular Witch I met that Adi recommended to me was Helma Lennartz. She told me that she's an expert in piloting the Jet Striker. But since the ban, Helma has become more proficient in using the Striker Arm. Trude and Erica were there with me but Jered isn't around since Trude told me that her descendant is currently doing supply runs at the moment.

"I gotta warn you right now, Keiwa." Erica continued as she had her both hands held at the back of her head. "Lennartz here is basically Mini-Trude at this point. She loves being serious much like Trudy here."

"Frau… now's not the time." Trude sighed and looked at me. "So, what's your reason for forming a pact with Lennartz, exactly?"

"I wanted to figure out if my Thunder Magic will still be kept if I form a pact with her. Of course, a Witch can cancel out a pact at any time." I continued as I pondered as I looked at her. "Say, did you have ideas of forming a pact with Jered? You know? Turning him into a Sla- I mean… a Mage?"

"Mage? So that's a new term now? Not Slaves?" Trude said to me as I nodded.

"Yeah, me and Adi here decided that it'd be best if Slaves can now be renamed into Mages." I briefly explained as she seemed surprised.

"I see… As for my idea involving Jered. He was against it so he has no desire to wield magic." Trude explained until…

"Kei, here's the Witch I wanted you to meet. Helma Lennartz and Elfriede Schreiber" Adi continued as she managed to meet Helma and cuddle her. "Lennartz, my sweet little kitty…~ I hope you're doing okay.~"

Helma Lennartz, she was seen wearing her Striker Suit and the Striker Arm of the Fw-190 that matches the color of her suit as she moved out of the hangar as if she was about to run some tests today. And there's that blonde Witch named Elfriede Schreiber with both the Suit and Arm, too. Both of them seem to be wearing military caps.

"C-Commodore! Please snap out of it!" The young Witch named Helma Lennartz was flustered as Adi let her go from all of the petting and hugging. "So, what is it?"

"Ahh, well you see…" Adi then shifts her eyes at me. "My boyfriend here needs to form a pact with you. Surely you've heard of him, right?"

"Keiwa Kaburagi? The Witch's Son!?" Helma said in surprise. "But the pact… Commodore, you don't mean…"

"That's right, I want you to form a pact with him so he can regain his Thunder Magic. That's his idea, not mine." Adi said as Helma seemed concerned.

"C-Commodore, you're not even allowed to have open relationships with that Fusoan!" Helma seemed against it as I sighed.

"Japanese." I corrected her.

"Oh? Then do we have a problem?" Adi said as this startled her. Of course, this causes her to backpedal as a result…

"N-No, Ma'am…" Helma continued. "I'll do it… I'll form a pact with Kaburagi."

"Good.~" Adi then looked at me. "Well, she's all yours."

"Thank you." I thanked her as I looked at Helma straight to her eye as I lent out my hand for a simple greeting. "I know you know me but I don't know you. Trude-san told me that you're a hard worker who takes this job seriously. I can respect that. However, I understand your concerns. But rest assured, I only use my abilities as a source of authority. Not for evil."

"I-I… I accept!" Helma then quickly took my hand as I felt the magical surge within me as I felt the searing burn on the side of my neck that created a mark as it began to fully return.

As this ends, we both let go of our hands. I'm now officially bound to Helma Lennartz. Next, I looked at my hand as I focused. Suddenly, a surge of electricity appears out of my hand as well as my body. The same purple lightning… it's back.

"So my assumptions are true… My initial abilities are the same." I said to everyone as Erica looked at me.

"There's the Keiwa I know! I still remember that you defeated Hanna once. That put a smile on my face.~" Erica said as someone shouted.

"Hey! I heard that!" Hanna shouted from afar as Trude sighs.

"At least he got what he came for." Trude continued. "Commodore, I assume you already received your medal?"

"Yup, I sure did." Adi continued with a smile. "But that's not all… Me and Kei here are going to get married. Have you seen my ring yet?"

"WHAAAAAAT!?" Helma shouted as she looked at the engagement ring that she had bought for her back in Japan. Of course, I remember asking her if she wanted to marry me back in Tokyo and she accepted. "C-Commodore. D-Does this mean?"

"I'm getting married? It's obvious. It won't get in my way in my line of work. As for you… Have you and Schreiber been getting along? I heard in your recent mission that you two encountered something out of the ordinary." Adi then asks the two as Helma then switches her behavior into serious mode as she salutes.

"Y-Yes!" Helma continued. "We were scouting within the black forests after hearing reports of missing children that disappeared over the course of the night."

"Ahh, that." Trude continued. "Schnaufer has been cooperating with us in the search but so far there was none. Eight children disappeared because of it."

"Really now? It seems we got a threat in our hands. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a Moon Witch. After all, we gotta maintain a good relationship with them if we wanna get our hands on their Arcanic Tools." Adi said as they continued their conversation as I watched. That is until Helma and Elfriede approached me.

"Keiwa, right?" Elfriede continued. "The names Elfriede Schreiber. Be sure to look after my friend here. She can be annoying at times but I'm sure you'll get along with her."

"Hey! Don't call me annoying! I'll have you know that I'm the upstanding Witch in Karlsland! And you!" Helma looked at me as if she was pouting. "I don't know why I had to form a pact with you. But treat Commodore well! Otherwise, I'd be willing to cancel this pact!"

"If she did, why not form a pact with me if that happens?" Elfriede casually said as she yawned.

"Absolutely not! Only I get to make a pact with Kaburagi" Helma retorted. Okay, I'm not sure if she's defending me? Or just harassing me…?

"By the way, Kaburagi." Trude said as I looked at her. "I heard you became the head of the newly formed Mages Pact Department for the Witch Corps. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Trude-san." I replied. "That reminds me… are you guys willing to come to our wedding?"

"Oh right, that…" Trude continued. "Commodore, when is your wedding ceremony being held, exactly?"

"Westerholt. My birthplace. Well, it'd be more fitting that we'll hold it in the town of Herten." Adi said. "Don't worry, I'll try to contact Wilcke if she's interested."

"Man... I wanna see Minna again if she comes to your wedding. And I wanna eat that sweet cake if it happens.~" Erica had a smirk on her face.

"Honestly…" Trude then looked at us. "Well, you got what you came for. I'll look after Lennartz as long as she's with me around. We'll look forward to your wedding, Commodore. Best for you and Kaburagi to take care."

"Thanks, Barkhorn. I'm sure you'll continue to lead the Neu-Luftwaffe well." Adi said to her with a smile.

"I will, Commodore. I will." Trude replied as both of us left.

"Take care, you two!~" Erica shouted the moment my flashback ended.

[Flashback End]

Background Music | Persona 3 Reload OST - Iwatodai Dorm

I snap back to reality after remembering this whole process. I placed my right hand to the side of my neck on the right as I wanted to check my mark. It's still here that's for sure. And in case you didn't know… I made a decision to rename Slaves into Mages because it was more fitting in some sense. Thanks to my work I provided with the peers now that I work at home in my own preferred way. Human Male and Females can form a pact with Earth Witches. Not Moon Witches. Once they gain their abilities. It will never change, even if you formed a new pact with someone. Like how I once made a pact with Tomoko and later on with Helma. Of course, I'll explain it later. I proceeded to look at two photo frames… One shows us here at the wedding ceremony at Herten. Trude, Jered, Erica along with her descendant Eitel, Ursula, Minna holding Ann, Richard, Klaus, Hanna, Raisa, Heidi, and Lukas. They were present here. Of course, this took place on the 17th. Then, the second picture frame shows Adi in the hospital holding our first daughter after we got married. She told me that she was pregnant and… well, this happens. I was with her but I'm glad that she gave birth to our daughter which she named her Edeltraud as intended. This photo was taken on the 21st. Adi's organic birthing process through her magical energy was something to never expect but… I'm glad that it's a start. It's hard for me to take care of Edeltraud while handling work at home. I had Johanna to babysit her when it came to me being busy. So, I let out a small smile as I headed inside my own office room. The moment I headed inside the office room. I turned on my computer and got back to work as usual until my phone began to ring… What now? So, I proceeded to check my phone for a moment. Oh, it's from Kaspar. He works at my department that Adi made for me. After all, our job is to keep track and record registered Mages. Like me for example. So, I proceeded to answer the call and put it in speaker mode.

"Kaburagi, are you there?" Kaspar asked me as I replied.

"I'm here. Is there something you need?" I answered him.

"Y-Yes. I managed to finish up the latest record of the known Mages registered by rank. Of course, thanks to your ideas on using the Evaluation Orb powered by the Moon Witches' Arcanic Tool. We've been able to travel from America, Japan, and here in Karlsland." Kaspar continued. "As a result, I have summed up this particular bio for you. Think you can proofread them?"

"Sure, send me the file." I said to him as I saw the files being transferred into my document files.

"All done. Is there anything you need next?" Kaspar asked as I responded.

"No need, continue your work as usual. I'll be busy up until then. Cya." I said to him as I ended the call and opened up the file which contains the list of registered Mages as I read through it.

Background Music | Persona 3 OST - This Mysterious Feeling

-[CHARACTER BIO AS OF JANUARY 28, 2019 (Edited by Kaspar Ackermann)]-

[Naoto Kuroda - Rank E]

Age: 18

Bound to: Kunika Kuroda (Affiliated with 506th Joint Fighter Wing Noble Witches)

Mage Ability: Water Magic

Nationality: Japanese

Birthday: October 17, 2001

Affiliation: Kuroda-marquis Family

Strength: A-

Endurance: S

Agility: B+

Magic: N/A

Editor Note: As of writing this, I still don't have a clear clue about who Naoto really is. He said that his former last name was Tameyoshi but… both DNA between Naoto and Kunika are definitely a match. Regardless, he is a Kuroda. But that bothers me for some reason. Sure, his Water Magic is more than enough to present it to me. But for some reason… the Evaluation Orb can't seem to… you know, evaluate. I can tell it works most of the time… but not for him for some reason. But I noticed his right arm. For a second, it looked like a tattoo. Turns out it was more than that. The "tattoo" had a purple color of the thorny vines creeped over his right arm all over. One of the Witches who worked alongside me told me something… Naoto, for some reason, is emanating this "negative magic" within his arm. Apparently, it serves no purpose but… I can't understand. I must send it to Kaburagi to help proofread it.

Naoto Kuroda… Wait a second… Kunika told me about him. I can tell this is recent based on his recent evaluation of him. But what does he mean by that 'tattoo' he's mentioning? Weird… this is the first time I've heard about this. Over 50 Mages were registered within the database but Naoto himself, would be placed at E-Rank, which is considered the lowest one out there. Of course, I was the one who decided to present the Rank system based on abilities rather than skill. The highest Rank that a Mage can achieve is S-Rank. I, too, am also evaluated at S-Rank since I wanted to have a test on myself. But why would Kaspar place him at E-Rank for? I better go call him when I get the chance. This is all too weird. After all, I wanted the idea for Witches to be responsible to look after their Mages after their pact. Being the head of the Mages Pact Department is tough.

[KNOCK! KNOCK!]

"Come in." I said as the door opened… Johanna reveals herself as she was seen carrying Edeltraud with her arms. Of course, we've met numerous times and was kind to me. I only heard that she has a boyfriend but I won't pry further. "Johanna-san. How's taking care of Edeltraud? Has she been behaving?"

"Definitely. She's just sound asleep right now." Johanna continued as she looked at my computer screen to show the bio of Naoto. "I see you're busy, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Trying to figure out who this Naoto guy is. Kaspar feels like he's being spooked by his… right arm." I said to her as this made Johanna tilt her head a bit.

"Right arm? How so?" Johanna asked as I tried to ponder.

"Well, it's all too strange. Based on his notes, he said that the Witch who was with him told Kaspar that his right arm is emitting the presence of 'negative magic'." I continued. "Johanna-san. Help me out here. By 'negative magic', what does he mean by it?"

"It's almost as certain that the negative magic he refers to is most likely a 'curse'." Johanna provided me with an answer as I thought about it.

"A curse… There's no way a curse should exist. But… I suppose I'll trust you on that." I said to her as Johanna then handed me Edeltraud.

"Again, these are my assumptions but I'm sure you'll figure it out. I better head back to Berlin soon. It was nice looking after your daughter… She's beautiful.~" Johanna said with a smile.

"Thank you, Johanna-san. I hope you continue coming here again. After all, I think she has taken quite the liking of you." I replied to her as she chuckled.

"I can tell. But we'll see. After all, my schedule is rather tight." Johanna said as she would proceed to leave the room since she needed to get back to Berlin on her Striker Unit. Thus, Johanna had left on her own as this leaves me. However, my computer notifies me that I received a video message.

Background Music End

"Makomo…" I said my sister's name. Of course, it's been a long while since Makomo is training hard to be the first Modern Witch in this world. I was expecting a call but instead… a video message. I can tell she's busy as usual but… I decided to open up the video message that I sent within my email as I played the video.

Background Music | Persona 3 The Movie OST - Because of My Friends

The video shows Makomo who now wears sailor clothing similar to Yoshika wore with a swimsuit under it. Her hair has grown a little long but she proceeded to sit on her bed in what appears to be her dorm room. Of course, she's recording it from her phone. Makomo then takes a deep breath and proceeds to speak.

"Hey, Onii-chan… I know it's not much so… Here I go. I've been training hard at flight school. I learned how to fly properly, shoot a gun. Yoshiko-sensei has been giving me great insights on improving and I took it to heart! But that's not all… I even made new friends there who were the same age as me." She seemed to enjoy her life there at the flight school in Yokosuka. From what I could tell, she's getting better compared to her first try. Makomo paused as if she forgot what to say but… she continued.

"And how are you doing? Oto-san told me that you left Japan for Karlsland. So I've been curious… Did you actually find a girlfriend? If so… I'm actually happy that you managed to get one. Yet, you've been fighting in battles for… whatever how long. Now that I heard that the Neurois are no more. The Witches were left in question now if they have a purpose to keep going. I know they haven't realized that people still hurt people… That's the scary part. But I've already made my decision. I will become a full-fledged Witch and make you proud, Onii-chan! I promise that I won't slack off my archery training. I haven't given it up yet!"

Suddenly, my eyes proceed to shed a tear the moment I look at my sister being so happy… Wait… what's going on? Why… Why am I crying? Being emotional at a time like this… that's so me… However, I noticed Makomo shedding a tear as well.

"S-Sorry, Onii-chan… I guess I do get emotional but I want to say this… I miss you so much. I miss you so much because I still haven't forgotten about you because we're so far apart. I'm sure Oto-san is doing fine on his own but… maybe in the future? So maybe… you could come back to see me? I know it's a video message and not a live call but… no matter what. We're still connected right here… in our hearts. Sorry for getting carried away but… I hope you're doing okay. Alright, I better get going now… Bye bye, Onii-chan."

And so, the video ends there. I started to lightly sob as I continued to hold Edeltraud in my arms as I tried to wipe my tears away as my mind had to remind her… my sister. It felt like I lost myself to the point where I just forgot. Damn it… Why do I have to cry all the time when it comes to emotional things like this. And then, I sobbed and sniffed as I had a small smile on my face.

"Thank you, Makomo-chan… Thank you… for not forgetting me… I'm glad that… Oka-san… gave us life in this world… I'm happy…" I proceeded to sob and try to get the better hold of myself until the door opened…

"Hmm? Kei? Are you crying?" The voice of Adi spoke as she came in to see me in a confused expression. "I just came back. Y'know, busy working back at the Witch Corps. Still, is something wrong?"

"N-No… my… sister. She sent me a video message to let me know that she's okay… That's all." I said to her as Adi approached me and looked at my computer to show Makomo's face which was already finished.

"Ahh, I get the feeling. You miss your sister, do you?" Adi said to me as I nodded. Then, she proceeded to hug me as I still held our daughter. "I understand your feelings, Kei. But remember that you're not alone. Even if you're far apart, you're still connected by the bonds. After all, you formed bonds with everything and they're unbreakable."

"Y-Yeah… Sorry that you had to see me cry at such a bad time. After all…" I looked at Edeltraud as I handed to her as she held our daughter in her arms. "I wouldn't want her to see me crying."

"Hehe.~ I know you wouldn't." Adi smiled. "Aside from that… Hows taking your work-from-home seriously in the Mage Pact Department?"

"Decent." I said without mentioning Naoto since I needed a break. I turned off my computer and got off my desk. "Though, Johanna was here not too long ago."

"I heard. I did have a talk with her when I came back here. She seemed to like our daughter, huh?" Adi said about it as I smiled a bit.

"She does." I continued. "Since you're back… You want to cook some dinner with me?"

"I'd love to but… Would it be alright if you want to come with me? There is one place I want to visit one last time." Adi said to me as I pondered.

"Your counterpart's resting place…" I said as she nodded.

"Bingo." Adi continued. "After all, I get the feeling that the spirit of my counterpart told me to live to my fullest. But… I want to thank him and have a fine talk with him."

"So, where is it at?" I asked her for the location.

"Saint Laurentius Churchyard. It's in Remagen. It's far but we'll take the Witch Carriage to make travel easier. I just hope our daughter here won't mind the flight." Adi said as she proceeded to pamper her as she was making noises. She seemed happy. "I know, my little kitten… You'll get a chance to see me talk to my counterpart.~ Now then, Kei. Shall we get going?"

"Sure, let's get going. You mind if I can bring my katana for self-defense?" I asked her as she nodded.

"I wouldn't mind. It's your sword so I don't mind if you wanna use it or not." Adi said as she would leave right away. I looked to my left where I had my katana held on the weapon stand… my Lucky Outrage. So, I took my magic-infused katana with me and proceeded to head off.

Saint Laurentius Churchyard, Remagen, Karlsland Afternoon - Clear Sky

Background Music | Persona 5 Tactica OST - Beneath the Mask

As time passed by we finally arrived at the location we needed to be. A churchyard where her counterpart is buried. I was seen holding Edeltraud as I had my katana on my hip where I followed Adi to the specific grave where I saw the name of where he was buried… Adolf Galland. Both him and Adi really adored the Spitfire. And Adi herself still adores it to this day. Usually, Adi would fly her Striker Unit to work and be busy. And at times, she would get serious if she were to use both her Striker Suit and Striker Arm but… that's kept safe back at the Neu-Luftwaffe Air Base. The chilling wind blew our hair as I watched Adi who approached her counterpart's grave. She then grabs out a small glass shot as she pours it from her canteen. I can tell it's alcohol. Then, she proceeded to pour all of the alcohol from her canteen on the tombstone as it was drenched. Just as she empties it as she takes a drink from her shot glass. And so… she closed the cap on her canteen and spoke to the grave of her counterpart.

"Hey… It's been a while since we last met back in 2018, huh? I'm sure you gave me tips that I should live my life to the fullest… And look at me now. I'm finally living the life that I longed for." Adi said as she continued with a small smile on her face. "Besides, my whole life was a rollercoaster. If you didn't know… We managed to drive out the last Neuroi Hive in Verdansk. The whole world is finally at peace. Of course… you fought in wars in this world. The world will never get its peace as long there is conflict. We human beings just continue to make mistakes. It'll always be our main flaw."

She is right… even if we managed to obtain this peace after we got rid of the Neuroi Hive. Human-to-human conflict still exists to this day. Witches will find a hard lesson in life that they need to confront it themselves. Not all Witches aren't too thrilled, of course… But the Witches I've met have taken a human life before. It's part of our nature to fight, defend, or worse… murder.

"Y'know, I always said that I wanted to meet you someday but… it's too late. I'm sure you're in heaven enjoying the afterlife right now while we're simply living our lives. But as of currently… I have a husband and a loving child now. Keiwa Kaburagi and Edeltraud Kaburagi. Hehehe.~ Sure, my full name would be just Adolfine Kaburagi Galland now. But rest assured, I'm still a Galland through and through. So I'd never disappoint you." Adi then continued after pausing for a bit. "Did you enjoy the last ounce of the drink? I was hoping you'd like it as I did. Still, I've already taken your advice to heart. To keep on living. While the current Witches around the world will soon age and one day in the future. Witches can give life to the next generation where they swear to protect the skies and humanity lives on. We're not alone. We're never alone. As long as we do it together, then the future will be realized. Which is why I have a family who'll help me. The path may be long but we'll push through no matter what. This… may be our last conversation. After all, you inspired me. Shared stories. And even shared the thing you and I love… adoring Spitfires. Thank you, my counterpart… And farewell. This time, I'll forge a new path towards a bright future. We'll live our life to our fullest and you know it."

And so, Adi finishes talking to her counterpart's grave. She then leaves the empty canteen at the grave as a way to part with. She then stood up and turned around to look at me. I handed our daughter to her since she wanted to be with Adi more.

"I assume you're finished?" I asked her as she nodded.

"I am. We just had a decent talk. After all, I'm just as happy that he gave me a purpose to live." Adi continued as she smiled at me. "And now I have you. My life would've been so lonely if you never existed. But I'm glad that we're finally together. So…"

Adi then hugged me as I hugged her back softly.

"Please… don't leave my side…" Adi said to me.

"I won't…" I replied as we had a heartfelt moment. We both stopped hugging now that Adi is finished with what she needs to do. "But do you remember what I said? That I'll always be your pilot?"

"And you'll always be my plane. After all, the two have a desire to fly in the end." Adi then continued. "The future may be bleak. But one day in the future… Edeltraud will be trained into a fine Witch and hopefully take over my role once she grows at a certain age."

"Certainly, Adi." I continued with a small smile as we saw some Witches flying in the air as they soar through the sky. "We have a long road ahead. Our future- no… the Witches' future is in good hands."

"Indeed it is…" Adi then walks past me a bit. "Since I'm done visiting my counterpart's resting place one last time. About the dinner you want to cook with me?"

"Oh you." I chuckled as I followed. "We'll have to make sure to keep our daughter well-fed, y'know?"

"I know, I know. As for our next steps… We have a meeting coming up. Chariot is presenting an idea that you might be interested in." Adi said to me as I raised a brow.

"Really now? I'm all ears." And so, we left the resting place as we continued our lives.

What is the meaning of life? What does it mean to live? Everyone has their own darkness to face. But within those darkness in our hearts, there's light. People… humans, Witches, and the Moon Witches. They all need to look after each other, support each other, and help each other where humanity can finally achieve a new sense of unity and peace. But sometimes, that everlasting peace would shatter. Conflicts arise. Wars ignited. Casualties triggered. Humans like us will always have those flaws. We can't turn back time to fix those mistakes. The only thing we all need to do? If I move forward, focus on the present and the future. Not the past. Everyone wants peace. But it won't be easy. Anti-Witch Groups are forming one after another all over the world. The remnants of the Neurois are still scattered, hiding, lost with no direction. The Witches are doing their best to eradicate the remaining stragglers. And of course, when I talk about the light. I speak of the future. A future where Witches from the Second War era will soon lose their magic the more they age. They all want to envision a world where they can pass onto the next generation of Witches so the future can be secured. But still, we all want to overcome our darkness. Like death itself. Me, Adi, Tomoko, Alexandra, Trude, Erica, Junko, Dominica, Geena, Heinrike, and many other Witches I have met along the way. We all want to live. To pray for a good future and live our lives to our fullest. Even if we tried to fight, that seemed stacked against us. Against all odds. We kept pushing. To me… no… To us. To us, this is what it means to live. And I pray for a good future where the Mages like me, can get along with anyone. Not as weapons of war, but as actual human beings. But for now, for me and Adi… When it comes to problems such as the AWWBs, Ultranationalists, or any Anti-Witch Terrorist Groups. We have our own battles to fight in.

Background Music End

Unknown Location, Warsaw, Poland Nighttime - Clear Sky

Third Person POV

Meanwhile, somewhere hidden underground within the polish capital of Warsaw where one person was seen reading a newspaper where the black and white pictures were shown to be moving as if they're recorded footage. Of course, the newspapers were made of magic as the person's face was obscured by the darkness. He had his feet relaxing on his desk until he got a video call from someone who goes by "K". He gets his legs off as he types on the holographic magic-powered keyboard as he pressed enter. The holographic computer screen, also powered by magic, opens up the voice channel as it begins the conversation. Of course, the camera feed is not available at the moment as K has no interest in revealing his face.

K: "Have you heard of the news, Tes?"

Tes: "That the last Neuroi Hive was destroyed in Verdansk? The Witches along with some guy took it down with every effort. Such a shame that we can't steal more Neuroi Cores anymore."

K: "That's fine for now… How many Neuroi Cores have you managed to smuggle from the hive over the course of a year?"

Tes: "You wanna know? We have like 1000 of them. After all, it was your idea that we can sell them to the cartels, terrorist groups, and ultranationalist groups. So far, we're making some quick money if you ask me."

K: "I see. Words spread like wildfire that our benefactor Sevens… was captured by the Enforcer and was brought back to the Moon."

Tes: "What? Then what's going to happen? We'll never know how to utilize these Arcanic Tools that she provided us! Hell, we already know that our friends in Russia are low on resources in the Anti-Witch gear production."

K: "Calm yourself, we'll find a way regardless. The Witches are already nearly eradicating the Neurois and that's fine. It's an arms race. So keep selling those Neuroi Cores. Otherwise, we wouldn't want those 'Shadow Company' to annihilate us, too."

Tes: "Righty-o, boss. I'll catch you later."

And so, the man named Tes then ends the call as he goes back reading his newspaper in order to be alone in peace. Outside of his room shows the glass window outside where it appears to be a large storehouse where the mysterious armed soldiers who were seen distributing and lining up Neuroi Cores with care.

Miyazaki, Japan Nighttime - Clear Sky

Meanwhile… in the city of Miyazaki somewhere in the alleyways… The young man uses his right arm which was aimed at a Witch who has no Strikers but her hair was white until it was reverting back to black hair as her pale skin reverts back to normal as the dark essence flows into his right arm. The moment he manages to obtain the last remaining dark essence, the Witch was cured from the 'affliction'. Then, he then turns around to reveal his face when he turns around. And until then… it was abruptly cut to black…

[KEIWA'S STORY IS NOW DONE…]

[SEE YOU SEASON 2 20XX]

[FIN.]

Author's Notes: Hello all, thank you for reading this epilogue! Man, what a journey we've come to, huh? I'm glad of how this story turns out with all the chapters I've released throughout my life. Of course, the rebooted series will continue with Season 2. The epilogue, as I said before, sets the stage towards Season 2 which will officially have its subtitle called "Blood:LINE". What does that term mean? Well, it's in the early concept/production stage as I speak. It'll take a long time to make but give me time. Naoto Kuroda will indeed be the next protagonist as I teased him back in Chapter 12 and now here in the Epilogue. He'll play a very important role as a protagonist that involves his right arm being cursed. What is his goal? His endgame? His mission? What did he do to that Witch? All the questions will reveal itself in Season 2, of course. Now that Keiwa's story is finished. It's time for Naoto to be the new star of the show. As Season 1 tells the story about the Journey as well as the hardships and struggles. Season 2 will tell the story about- Whoops! I can't spoil the themes just yet. For now, please look forward to it. Until then, peace out!