Licht returned to the hideout, which now had a large gaping hole in the ceiling and the floor.

"The giant hole you just made in the ceiling kinda lights up the place," said Rhya, joining him. "But you lost your grimoire and both your swords with it. You sure that was a good move?"

Licht just stood there in silence.

'Guess he's not in a talking mood,' said Rhya, rubbing the back of his head.

"Well… never mind the grimoire," said Licht in an emotionless tone. "It isn't mine any more."

Rhya looked at him, confused. "What?"

"Rhya… let's go," he said.

Rhya smiled. 'Licht is finally here for real now; that's all that matters.'

Outside, Leyla carried everyone towards the edge of the evaporated lake. All of them were completely worn out, but Dak was practically unconscious.

"Dak," said Maple, kneeling beside him.

"That guy was good," said Summer. "If Dak and Leyla hadn't softened the blow, we would have been wiped out."

Leyla towards the hideout. "I'm not even sure that was the leader of the Eye the Midnight Sun. He didn't use any kind of Light Magic and wasn't as talkative as the reports led us to believe."

They then heard movement in the bushes and thought it was a new enemy, but it was Zora.

"Zora," said Maple relieved.

"This way," he said. "There's another captain here."

Leyla and Maple each grabbed one of Dak's arms and followed Zora into the forest.

Back in the hideout, Rhya was checking on Klaus and Hamon.

"They're fine, just unconscious," he said, relieved.

A spatial door then appeared before them, and stepping out of it was that possessed Cob.

"Hello there, Rhya," he waved.

"Hey, Otto," Rhya smiled.

"How's everything been?" Otto asked.

"Not bad, thanks."

Otto then looked at Licht. "Is he still…"

"Yeah, looks like all we can do is wait for him to awaken the rest of the way."

"I suppose."

"So, where are the others?"

"One moment."

Otto then conjured up some spatial doors and stepping out of them with the possessed elves.

"It's been quite a while, hasn't it?" said Otto. "Three whole centuries, but all of you look great."

"Well, about that time," said Rhya.

Slade then raised his hand and conjured a steering wheel out of stone.

"Let's go and pay the rest of our friends' visit," said Rhya. "And then we will wipe out all humankind."

Slade then used his magic to steer the hideout and headed straight towards the Royal capital. As it travelled, it glowed so bright that it could be seen for miles.

Dak then regained consciousness.

"I think I blacked out!" he said as he shot upright. He then winced in pain as it felt like every single muscle in his body was crying out in pain. "And for some reason, my whole body hurts, and I'm dripping wet. What's wrong with me?"

"Well, we did get blasted by the most powerful blast of magic power I've ever seen," said Leyla. "You should count yourself lucky that you got off so easy."

"You should take it easy; you did take the full brunt of the attack," said Summer.

Maple, who had Nero resting on the top of the head, sighed in relief. "You survived, I'm so relieved."

"I'm glad we're all okay," said Dak and then winced. "Thought okay might be a bit of a stretch." He then noted the hideout was gone. "And where do the hideout go?"

"Crazy as it may sound, it took off towards the Royal capital while you were out cold," Zora explained.

"What do you mean it took off?" Dak asked and then winced.

"You came back alive just as you promised, your luckiest damn half-point I know," said Zora.

"How's the captain?" Dak winced.

"She's unconscious, but she'll pull through," said Zora, gesturing to Victoria's bloodied body.

"That's some good news, at least."

"She won't be up any time soon, though," said Zora regretfully. "I'd wake her, but I don't have a death wish."

"You made it," said En as he and Snotlout stepped out of the trees. "This is wonderful."

"The mushroom man and the Silver Eagles captain?" Dak stared.

"Two of our comrades seem to have changed sides," said En. "Fortunately, we were able to escape using my Mushroom Smokescreen and the mobility boost from Snotlout's magic."

"Then too?" Dak stared.

Snotlout looked at Dak curiously. 'Dak of the Black Dragons, he survived a battle that puts someone like Victoria in that condition.'

"I wish I could hear everyone, but I'm completely out of magic," said Maple.

Snotlout then pulled out a magic item. "Here, use this. Magic Item: Eilia's Booth."

Then suddenly, a green vale began to cover Dak, Leyla and Maple.

"This tool provides an enormous enhancement to the body's natural healing abilities," said Snotlout. "Which usually desperately need."

"Uh, thanks," said Dak. "I can already feel the pain disappearing."

"What a useful magic item. Thank you so much for your help," Maple smiled.

"You know, I really don't get him," said Dak. "He had like a jerk, but then he does a massive U-turn."

"With Captain Victoria out of commission, command of the Royal Knights now falls to Captain Snotlout," said Leyla.

"The question is, are we the only ones who managed to make it out of the hideout?" Summer asked.

That question was answered as they saw Adelaide floating towards them, carrying Carl in her Sea Dragon's Lair spell.

"You guys, you're all okay," she said relieved.

"Adelaide!" said Dak.

"And she brought that," said Maple, looking at her brother with no enthusiasm.

"It's your big brother," said Dak as they landed and noticed that Carl was pretty beaten up. "What happened to you, Carl? You look like crap?"

"Even spattered with blood, I'm still beautiful," said Carl.

"I don't think so," said Maple in disgust.

Carl led towards the Vale, and the moment he entered it, he collapsed. "I am such a gorgeous fragile flower."

"Okay, this guy is a bit much," said Summer.

"Adelaide, where is the team?" Dak asked.

"I don't know how to explain all this, but Luck turned on us," said Adelaide.

"That sucks," said Dak.

"The Crimson Lion as well," Carl added.

"Same with Klaus and Hamon," said Maple. "It was out of nowhere."

"Don't forget about Gustav," said Dak.

"This is bad," said Adelaide.

"And yet the same thing didn't exactly happen to me," said Leyla.

Adelaide noticed Leyla's new appearance for the first time. "Hey, you have markings and pointy ears, too! Are you sure you're all right?"

"I don't know how, but I'm still the same person as before; it's just that my magic has been boosted," said Leyla.

"Okay, but why only you?" Adelaide asked.

"Well, she wasn't exactly herself beginning," said Summer. "She just stood there motionless without any emotion until Dak called out."

Snotlout looked around. 'The spatial mage that was on standby isn't here. He must have changed sides like they did.'

"Captain Snotlout!" said a voice. "Come in. Can you hear me?"

All eyes then turned towards Snotlout, who then pulled out his communicator.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Oh, good. You're there. I thought I would never get through."

"What's that?" Dak asked.

"A magic transmission communication device that all the captains have," En explained.

"Some of our squad mates have suddenly become violent; they're acting strangely and claiming to be elves. The worst part is their magic power is much stronger than usual; we can't handle them. Apparently, other squads are experiencing the same thing, and the Wizard King had been reported to be mortally wounded. Captain Hiccup of the Black Dragons is taking charge; he's ordered us to prioritise protecting the citizens and not to engage unless we absolutely have to. He's also ordered all non-possessed Magic Knight captains to report to the capital."

Then, suddenly, they heard a scream and the communication was cut.

"What is that?" Snotlout asked. "Answer me!"

"Is this happening all over the place?" Dak stared.

"It's not looking good, especially the Wizard King is out of action," said Zora.

"And Captain Hiccup is now in charge?" Adelaide stared.

"Come what may, we are still Magic Knights," said Snotlout. "Which means our number one responsibility is to protect the Clover Kingdom, even if doing so results we are forced to slaughter our own comrades in the process."

'Even if it comes to the cost of our own lives,' he said to himself. "To that end, we will follow Hiccup's instructions."

"But Luck…" said Adelaide. "When he attacked me, his spell didn't hit me. He was moving extremely quickly, but we were still able to escape from him. I think Luck made that happen."

"Well, then, why did he hit me?" Carl asked.

"I'm sure you deserved it," said Maple.

"That means Luck's soul is fighting to resist," said Adelaide. She then looked at Leyla. "Just like how Leyla has control, and since we know that it is possible, we should be able to restore everyone's free will. There has to be a way. As Magic Knights, we can save our squad mates and Clover Kingdom."

"Yeah," Dak agreed.

"Let's do it," En nodded.

Snotlout gave a small smile.

Snotlout lifted them into the air with his mercury and began heading straight back towards the Royal Capital.

At Huttsgalor, everyone was in a panic, especially after the light swords and that glow they saw from the demon skull.

"What do you think that is?"

"As soon as those light swords went away, now this happens?"

"Why is the demon skull glowing?"

"It's frightening."

"Hey, see that?"

"What's happening this time?" Duggard asked.

They could see a glow emanating from behind the demon's skull.

"It looks like Daybreak if the sun had just set," said Hannahr.

"Something is definitely coming," said Finngard.

Then, they saw the Eye of the Midnight Sun hideout floating directly over the skull, flying directly over the village.

"It is heading for the capital."

"But what is it?"

"Those are my friends, of course," said a voice.

Everyone turned to the source of the boys and saw a Purple Orca standing in the middle of the village.

"His friends?"

"Look at his clothes," said Finngard. "He's dressed like a…"

Duggard then approached him. "Your robe tells me you're a Magic Knight."

"It would appear that you humans have rapidly increased in number over the last several centuries," he noted.

"Sir?" Duggard frowned, confused.

"The people that possess the least magic power make their homes in this area, and then as you reach the centre, you begin to encounter the stronger inhabitants. I see your kind continues to discriminate in petty ways."

"So, a Magic Knight or not?" Finngard asked.

"Kinda looks like he is."

"And you weaklings are the target of this prejudice," he said, turning to face them. "You humans are so arbitrary."

"What?" said Hannahr.

"Just who are you exactly?" Duggard asked.

"We do not discriminate," said the Purple Orca. "We slaughter all humans equally and swiftly. Poison Plant Magic: Zhovniir's Garden of Lingering Burns!"

Then suddenly, behind him, a large number of venomous-looking plants materialised. Vines then started to approach the villages, and Duggard quickly placed himself in front of them.

At the same time, the Royal Knights were making their way towards the Royal Capital, floating on Snotlout's mercury, which was boosted by Leyla's wind.

"I feel as good as new," said Dak as he stretched his muscles.

"Hey, where did your shirt go?" Adelaide asked, blushing.

"I have to get a good look to see if my injuries were healed," said Dak.

"Okay, now you know, so get dressed already."

Dak quickly pulled back on his shirt and robe.

"Now that I've recovered, my beauty can shine to the fullest," said Carl.

"I kind of wish you hadn't recovered at all," said Maple.

Victoria's injuries healed, but she was still out cold.

"The captain should be better, too, right?" Zora asked. "I don't understand why she's not waking up."

"Just let her rest," said Snotlout.

Dak then handed him his magic item back. "You can have this back now."

"Throw it out," said Snotlout. "It only works once."

"Seriously?" Dak blinked. "If you don't mind, I would rather hold on to it."

"Do what you want."

"We're almost to the Forsaken Realm," said Zora, and his eyes widened.

"What's wrong?" Dak asked.

"Someone is attacking that area," said Zora, looking towards the direction of Huttsgalor.

Dak and Leyla looked horrified.

"B-but that's…" Dak gasped.

"The village!" he and Leyla gasped.

"Ley and I grew up there; we have to help," said Dak.

"No," said Snotlout flatly. "We must proceed directly to the Royal Capital as quickly as possible. The best way to protect the Clover Kingdom is to first secure the most populated areas; even your captain stated as much."

"Captain Hiccup also said we should prioritise protecting the citizens," Dak pointed out. "And there's no way I'm going to abandon my home town!"

"You too can do what you want, but we press on," said Snotlout. "That said, you are both crucial to our fighting strength. Finish quickly and meet us at the capital."

"Right!" Dak and Leyla nodded, saluting.

"Let me go with them," said Adelaide.

"You'll remain here with us, Adelaide," said Snotlout firmly.

"You're forcing me?" Adelaide stared.

"You are royalty," Snotlout reminded her. "I order you to accompany me to safeguard the castle."

"You want my help? Really?" said Adelaide shocked.

This was the first time Snotlout wanted her to be around, and she could scarcely believe it.

"Right!" said Adelaide saluting. "Then I'll go."

Maple looked at her and smiled.

Snotlout then moulded his mercury into the form of an eagle and began to fly even faster across the air.

At Huttsgalor, the Purple Orca unleashed his poisonous plant upon the town, infecting many people with poison.

"I always felt it strange," he said as he touched his plants. "Why did I possess Poison Plants Magic? It didn't seem logical, but one day, I was understood."

He then looked down at the citizens, with many of them in a massive amount of pain from the poison.

"It hurts so much."

"Help me… please. It feels like my whole body is being burnt alive."

"That is what this magic is for," said the Purple Orca. "Eradicating insignificant lives like yours."

Duggard then blasted him with a fireball.

"I'm not gonna stand around while you take so many lives!" said Duggard.

The children were hiding behind Hannahr, who was desperately trying to protect them.

"Just stay behind the kids," she said.

"So some of you are able to use a little magic at least," the Purple Orca observed. "Or is it only you and that woman behind? Well, no matter, even the mightiest of humans are powerless against the elves."

"Who is this guy?" said Finngard, looking absolutely terrified. "He's a monster."

"I don't know who you are or why you hold so much anger, but we have this village did not to you," said Duggard. "We live simple, peaceful lives here just like anyone else. We cry… we struggle… we worry… and yet we find a way to laugh, dream, and live life with everything we've got. We don't deserve to die like this; nobody in the kingdom does!"

Fingard looked up. 'Yeah…'

His thoughts then turned to Dak, who, even without magic, kept on fighting just to achieve his dream.

"I agree," said the Purple Orca. "No one's life should have to end in sadness; therefore, I'll wipe out the source of that sadness… your kind. Poison Plants Magic: Zhovniir's Garden of Lingering Burns!"

He then struck Duggard with his poison plants, and he fell to the ground; poison began to consume him.

"No!" Fingard yelled and ran forwards. "Leave him alone! Stop!"

"Fingard! Stop!" Hannahr yelled.

But it was too late; he was already dashing out in front, his fist covered in flames. However, before the plans could reach Fingard, Dak and Leyla dropped out of the sky and quickly destroyed the plants.

"Dak… Leyla…" Hannahr gasped.

"You're really brave, Fingard," said Leyla.

"Good job," said Dak.

"You mean it?" said Fingard in tears. "Thanks a lot, guys."

"Stay back," they said in unison. "It's our turn now."