Teruo: Caw! Caw! The White Whale is here! Caw! Caw!
Crusch: Soldiers-
Kaoi: Now Ram!
Ram: El Fura!
(Play Takt of Heroes)
The Black Earth Dragon runs at miraculous speed with Ram and Kaoi on top. Ram casts her wind magic to summon wind blades that slice the beast's belly. Spilling blood all over. Everyone is at a shock as they witness the two speeding towards the White Whale. Kaoi takes out his sword and lights it up in fire. Signaling the start of a grand battle.
Crusch: Soldiers, follow those two fools into battle!
The entire army charges forward to meet the White Whale. Cannons unlike Kaoi had seen before fired on the side of the Mabeast. A series of thunderous sounds is made as they made impact on the beast.
Ram: Bakaoi, they're firing the night banishers! Close your eyes!
True to Ram's word, a special cannon shot towards the sky. When it reached the same altitude as the White Whale, it exploded and made the night sky bright as daylight.
Kaoi: Incredible! I wonder if this night banisher could harm demons.
[White Whale Bellows]
Everyone momentarily stops as the White Whale begins roaring at it's attackers. Wilhelm glares at the monster as he reminisces about the red-haired woman that was his wife. Kaoi took this roar as a declaration of a challenge. A challenge he was prepared to meet.
Kaoi: Second round, monster!
Kaoi: Let's go, Ram!
Ram: This idioitc plan of yours better work!
Snapping at the reins, the black earth dragon runs under the White Whale. Kaoi's scent catches its attention and follows in pursuit. As it closed in on the two, it didn't notice the on coming attack that slashed its face.
(Play Suehiro Kenichirou - Victory March)
[Wind Shrieks]
[Roars]
Crusch: You greatly underestimate us, looking away so carelessly.
Crusch had just used her hundred man strike to deviate the Whale from Kaoi and Ram. Allowing for the magical cannons to fire again at both sides. After the barrage, the White Whale opened its eyes and made its way towards the army.
Crusch: Evasive Action!
The army split in two to avoid the whale. While one swordsman riding upon a red earth dragon makes his way to the beast. It was Wilhelm as he jumped off his mount and readied his sword.
[Bellows]
Wilhelm: 14 years,that's how long I dreamed of nothing but this day.
The White Whale then begins to descend. Even crashing into the ground but keeps on moving.
Wilhelm: Fall here, and leave your corpse behind.
Memories of his time with the red-haired woman played in his mind once again as the Whale came closer.
Wilhelm: You're nothing but a monster!
With that, Wilhelm jumps high in the air and comes down with a heavy blow on the White Whale.
[Roars]
The White Whale rapidly ascends in order to shake off the man, but it is futile as he continues to slash at its body. Running along its skin with his blade drawing blood with each step, Wilhelm yells…
Wilhelm: How wonderfully cooperative of you, monster, coming here to be slain!
Kaoi: Amazing, when I fought that thing I could only get a few lucky hits in, yet Wilhelm is doing some real damage to that thing.
Wilhelm continues his assault until he is thrown off by the tail. Only for Wilhelm to gracefully land back on his mount. The White Whale was then intercepted by Ricardo and his Riger.
Ricardo: Don't you look away from us, moron!
With his might, Ricardro slashes a piece of the White Whale's tooth.
Mimi: Here we go!
Hetero: Everyone, attack now!
Several members of the Iron Fang then jumped up to make their attack on the beast.
Crusch: Soldiers, now fall back!
As the Iron Fang members retreated, Crusch once again used her Hundred Man Strike and slashed along the White Whale's body.
Crusch: That's it! Now fire at its flank!
Mages: Al Gao!
Soon multiple mages cast a fireball spell that engulfed the beast in a huge explosion.
Army: [Cheering]
The whole army began cheering. However, there were a few that didn't join. Two of these being Kaoi and Ram.
Kaoi: It's too early to celebrate.
Ram: Agreed.
While it did look like a lot of damage was done. The White Whale still remains in the sky.
Ricardo: We used all of our best attacks right from the get-go.
Kaoi and Ram turn their heads to Ricardo.
Ricardo: If all that wasn't enough to knock it out of the sky, that means this beast is a lot tougher than we thought it was.
Kaoi: Yes, it seems like the magic attacks had little effect.
Ram: The white hair that covers the White Whale scatters mana and disperses force. It seems like even my magic wasn't as effective as it appeared, either.
Kaoi: That would explain what appeared to my flames when I fought it last time.
Crusch: Fire!
The magical cannons fired again.
Ricardo; Time for the second campaign. Hack away its reserve power!
Ricardo and the members of the Iron Fang jump on the White Whale and begin hacking away on the beast's side. Meanwhile Kaoi only stares at the scene before him.
Felix: You're nyot joining them?
On his left Kaoi sees Felix on his yellow earth dragon come up to them.
Kaoi: As much as I want to join the fray. I can't help but feel something strange about the situation.
Felix: What do you mean?
Kaoi: Before, when it was just Wilhelm. The White Whale was doing everything to get him off, but now look at it.
Looking at the scene above them as Kaoi suggested. Felix did notice something odd about what was transpiring.
Felix: It's still…
Kaoi: That's right.
However, the rest of the army fail to notice this oddity as they cheer for Wilhelm. After being flung into the air by Ricardo to slice more of the Whale. Wilhelm was able to gouge out the Whale's eye. The eyeball falls out of the Whale's eye socket as Wilhelm lands on it. Piercing it with his sword and lifting the yellow eye up in the air.
Wilhelm: Miserable beast.
Soldier: What is that?!
Wilhelm: Huh?
Soldier: Something's odd.
Everyone stops in shock as they begin to feel rumbling from the White Whale. The Whale's remaining eye turns red as parts of its body open up. It lets out a loud roar that forces everybody to cover their ears.
When the sound finally stops, the whale starts dispersing fog. Covering the entire area in its foggy terrain. While Ram is trying to find her way to regroup with the others. Her passenger, Kaoi is trying to recover from the sudden sensations he feels from everybody. Hearing the faint cries of their comrades along the way.
Kaoi: All this confusion and fear is making me disoriented. If only there was a way to calm everybody down.
Ram: Bakaoi, hold on!
Kaoi: Whoa!
With a sharp turn, the two were barely able to dodge the pressurized fog attack that otherwise carved part of the ground.
Kaoi: That was too close…
Crusch: Hah!
Using her own power, Crusch was able to form a clearing for her and other survivors to regroup.
Crusch: How many men did we lose?
Captain: Before the battle started, I had 12. Looks like we're three short now.
Crusch: Which soldiers were they?
Captain: I'm not exactly sure.
Captain 2: 14 gone from mine, although one was a deserter.
Captain 3: I'm missing six from my unit. I'm sorry, Miss Crusch.
Kaoi: So it is true. Whoever is engulfed in the fog vanishes and is forgotten by everyone. The Fog of Elimination.
Crusch: You're back?
Wilhelm: Forgive my haste, Miss Crusch. What are the damages?
Crusch: A total of 21 lost. It appears that one whole platoon was wiped out. It won't even be possible to adequately protect the honor of those who fell in battle.
Wilhelm: My apologies.
Crusch: Now that's it in the fog. We don't know which direction it will attack us from.
Ram: (whispers) Bakaoi?
Kaoi: (whispers) Yes, Ram?
Ram: (whispers) Could you use your empath power to sense where it is?
Kaoi: (whispers) It should be possible-
[Shrieking]
Suddenly a loud shrieking sound can be heard. Alerting everyone in the clearing.
Crusch: What's that noise?
Ram starts clutching her head as her mind is being attacked.
Kaoi: Is this the work of the Whale?
Soon soldiers begin falling over, foam forming in their mouths and some scratching themselves to the point of bleeding.
Kaoi: Ram, what's happening?
Ram: It's the accrued fog. It's directly attacking our minds. [groans] It's similar to mana sickness, but much worse.
Kaoi: I see. Ram, do as I do and concentrate on your breathing. It won't take the pain away but it should help you ignore it.
Ram: [Breathing]
Kaoi: It seems that there are some of us that can resist it. So far, I don't think it's affecting me at all.
Ram: It seems like the fog is easing up.
[Screaming]
Kaoi: This isn't good with all this madness spreading around. It's going to be difficult to find the Whale using my empathy power.
Crusch: Felix, have the unaffected help the others.
Felix: Yes, Miss Crusch.
Felix quickly rushes over to one of the fallen men and performs his healing magic to alleviate the effects of the Whale's fog.
Kaoi: This is bad. Everyone here is a sitting duck. If the Whale were to attack now…
Kaoi: Miss Crusch, I'm going to buy you some time! Have everyone regroup and be ready!
Crusch: Whart!
Kaoi: Sorry Ram, but if you would.
Ram: Ha! As if you could do anything without me, Bakaoi.
Crusch: Wait, Kaoi! In this fog you-
But it was too late as the black earth dragon made a quick dash away from the group and into the fog.
Kaoi: I just need to increase my scent and that will lead the Whale away from the others.
Ram: And how do you plan on doing that, Bakaoi?
Kaoi: I have an idea.
Thinking back on an incident that happened during his first week in the Mansion. Kaoi had come up with a theory.
Kaoi: If that was her then her presence should do the trick!
Kaoi: I can return by-
Like before, everything comes to a halt. Ram, the earth dragon and even the fog stops in place. Kaoi can feel the grip on heart once again but this time he feels a presence behind him. He cannot see this presence but he can guess on who it is.
Then just as suddenly, Kaoi starts panting from the experience.
Kaoi: That should do it!
Ram: Are you sure Bakaoi!
Kaoi: Yeah, I can feel the desire of the beast increasing.
As the two ride in the fog. Crusch turns to address her men.
Crusch: Those of you who can move, get all the injured to the foot of the tree! We'll have to use a little force to stay in this battle.
Kaoi: Something strange is really going on.
Ram: How can you tell?
Kaoi: Despite the increase in desire, I didn't sense it moving at all towards us. It is still high in the air.
Kaoi: Back then that thing was relentless in pursuing me. Why is it just staying in the sky now?
The two then start to hear rumbling noises close in.
Kaoi: What is it now?
[Roars]
Just then the White Whale appears from the fog to swallow them whole with a wide open mouth.
Kaoi: How?
Ram: Ul Fura!
Launching forward, she transformed the air around them into blades of wind and hurled it towards the Whale's mouth. Shredding the insides of the beast.
[Bellows]
Distracted from the intense pain, the Whale ascends as Ram steer the Earth Dragon to the right.
Ram: I thought you said the Whale was in the sky!
Kaoi: It should be!
Ram: You're telling me that your powers are becoming faulty!
Kaoi: It shouldn't- Huh!
Kaoi notices a giant red eye staring right at him. Then a shadow passes over Kaoi. That shadow belongs to Wilhelm as he lunges down on the Whale with his sword.
Hetaro: Sis, together!
The two orange cat siblings jump in the air before releasing a sonic attack from their mouths that hit the whale. Ricardo riding on his riger then proceeds to slash at the openings where the whale was leaking the fog.
[Wails]
Despite all that, the whale continues to pursue Kaoi and Ram.
Wilhelm: Looking away from me. How rude and after I've spent 14 years utterly mad for you!
After stabbing the Whale, Wilhelm jumps on top of the beast next to Ricardo and takes out another blade.
Ricardo: This is starting to get fun. It's more sturdy than expected, but it doesn't seem to be all that strong.
Wilhelm: Yes but it's putting up less of a fight than it should. I find it hard to believe this mabeast got the better of my wife, a master swordsman. The fact that we surprised it and it didn't use its fog to divide up our forces to begin with..
[Bellows]
The White whale begins to ascend to the sky. Making Ricardo and Wilhelm fall.
Wilhelm: Just one last thing before I take my leave!
With that proclamation, Wilhelm sliced off one of the fins and then
Lands softley on his ground dragon. Kaoi and Ram then come up next to him with Ricardo and a couple of Iron Fang members following behind.
Kaoi: Wilhelm!
Wilhelm: Be alert. We don't know where it'll come from.
Kaoi: I still don't know why but now matter how hard I focus, I'm still sensing the feeling of bloodlust and desire in the sky.
The group rides their mounts for a while until they stop as there was no sign of an attack from the whale.
Ricardo: What's up? It's not gonna follow us?
Ricardo's question would remain unanswered as everyone is standing still. Anticipating for the next attack.
Wilhelm: There!
SNapping their heads upwards, everyone sees a large object coming down.
Kaoi: Everyone, scatter!
Although it was too late as the large force crashed into the ground that made everyone lose balance and fall off their mounts. Wilhelm lands near a yellow flower.
Kaoi: Run!
Kaoi shouts as the ground begins to crumble. The White Whale starts to close in on Wilhelm and swallow him whole.
Theresia: So … have you grown to like flowers?
A memory plays in Wilhelm's mind as everything slows down for him and all the noises fade away. As darkness begins to envelope him.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Seventh Form Modification: Medial Ring of Inferno!
Before anyone could comprehend what happened. Kaoi jumped into the whale's mouth as he swung his sword vertically. The blade slicing opens the tongue of an already bleeding mouth.
(Think of it like a flame version of Water Wheel)
[Roars]
Grabbing Wilhelm by the jacket, Kaoi leapt out of the Whale jaw and landed on the ground with his two feet.
The Whale ascends once again to recover from the pain.
Kaoi: Wilhelm, are you okay? What happened?
Wilhelm: Apologies Sir Kaoi, I was distracted.
Wilhelm then passes out.
Ram: Bakaoi!
Ricardo: Old Man!
Looking at the source of the voices, Kaoi sees Ram running over to them while Ricardo rides on his Riger. However, the two of them stopped as they looked at the sky in shock. Curious about their reactions, Kaoi looks up and is shocked at what he sees.
As the fog begins to clear, everyone can see not one but three White Whales flying around the army.
Mimi: There's three?
Crusch: [Gasp]
Felix: [Gasp]
At the sight of this, many knights and mercenaries fell to their knees and gave up all hope of winning this battle.
Soldier 1: How could this happen?
Soldier 2: It's all over.
Soldier 3: We're dead for sure.
Kaoi: Ricardo!
Ricardo: Huh?!
Kaoi: Take Wilhelm and get him to Felix. Me and Ram will draw attention away from you if any one of them decides to follow you.
Ricardo had a stunned expression on his face before it riveted back into his signature smirk.
Ricardo: You got it!
Kaoi: Here you go.
Ricardo with Wilhelm dashes off to regroup with the others.
Ram: I hope you know what you're doing, Bakaoi.
Kaoi: If what I think is happening is true. Then I think I can figure out a way to win.-huh
Approaching from the floating dust clouds comes the Black Earth Dragon unharmed as it ran to its two riders. Bringing a smile to Kaoi's face.
Kaoi: Glad to see that you're okay, Patrache.
Ram: Patrache?
Kaoi: It's what I named her. I got it from a foriegn book.
Kaoi gets on the earth dragon and then stretches his hand out to Ram.
Kaoi: Now come on! You and I are far from giving up!
Ram smirks at the Demon Slayer as she then grabs his hand.
The effects of the night banisher vanishers as all of the soldiers tried to get away. It all seems futile as the Whales kept attacking and more lives fell before them. Even Crusch felt troubled and was losing her composure. As the whale goes in for another attack.
Ram: El Fura!
Suddenly several wind blades were sent into the eye socket where the Whale's left eye used to be. Everyone looks to see a familiar duo riding a black earth dragon going under the horrible beast.
[Roars]
Kaoi: Good job, Ram! Just keep focusing on the parts not protected by the feathers!
Ram: Just don't make me fall off due to your poor riding skills.
Kaoi: Hah!
Taking hold of the reins, Kaoi steer Patrache under the attacking Whales to gain their attention and keep them away from the retreating soldiers. While Ram does her best to keep them a safe distance using her wind magic.
Crusch: Kaoi!
Kaoi: Huh?
Ram: Miss Crusch!
Indeed, riding on her own white earth dragon comes Crusch.
Crusch: At a glance the situation looks dismal. Where's Wilhelm?
Kaoi: Ricardo should be taking him to Felix!
Crush: I see. Tell me, Kaoi, doesn't it seem strange to you?
Kaoi: You mean how there are now three whales?
Crusch: Yes. If this creature is actually a type of mabeast that lives in groups, then how did we not know that?
Kaoi: That's because it's not.
Crusch: Huh?
Kaoi: I didn't mean to keep this from you, but I have an ability that allows me to sense the emotions of living things.
Crusch: A divine protection?
Kaoi: Afraid not, I had it even before being transported to this world. Point is that in a situation like this I should be able to feel the emotions of all three but I don't.
Crusch: What are you saying?
Kaoi: I'm saying that we are still fighting a single entity. It just so happens to have the ability to split itself into three bodies.
Crusch: So if we were to destroy one of them then…
Kaoi: The other two are to go down with it. That one whale being…
Lifting his arm and dramatically pointing his finger high in the air, Kaoi directs Crush's attention to the only whale not participating in the fighting and the only whale that Kaoi can sense emotions from.
Kaoi:..the one still high in the air.
Crusch: I see, but I can't rely on my sword to hit from this distance. If I had one strike, it might be possible, but…
Kaoi: Well, I got a plan but it may be one of the most insane things I've ever done.
The two White Whales roar loudly as they approach the recovering army at the base of Flugel's tree. Everyone looked on as they saw their end approaching.
Crusch: We will hold off the two doubles.
Crusch then holds out her fist at Kaoi.
Crusch: and I'll take your wager.
Kaoi looked at the fist in a bit of confusion before mimicking the getursure and the two fists bump.
Soldier 4: They're coming this way!
Soldier 5: Stay back!
Soldier 6: Run!
Soldier 7: We'll be wiped out.
The two beasts then let out a blast of fog to cover the army. Only for it to be dispersed by Crusch's Hundred Man Strike. Although the clash knocked her out of her earth dragon. SHe quickly got up.
Crusch: Stand up! Stop staring at your feet! Take up your weapons! Look at the Man! Despite being outmatched he still fights. So how can we sit around hanging our faces in defeat? If he hasn't given up, how is it acceptable for the rest of us to kneel as if we've already lost?
One of the whales comes in for another fog attack.
Crusch: Tell me, did you all come this far to wallow in shame.
As she said that, one of the soldiers picked up a morning star and threw it at the White Whale's eye. Soon the remaining abled men picked up their weapons once again. Prepared to fight to the very end.
Crusch lets out another Hundred Man Strike on the way as she beacons her army to follow.
[Wails]
Crusch: Follow me!
[Soldiers yelling]
As the army works on distracting the doubles. Kaoi and Ram work on getting up to the real one in the sky.
Ram: Are you prepared, Bakaoi?
Kaoi: Do you really have to ask?
Synchronizing their breathing while combining both Ram's oni strength and Kaoi's own. Ram launches Kaoi into the air while Kaoi jumps from Ram's hands at the last second. Despite all that, it still wasn't enough for him to reach the whale.
Kaoi: Now, Ram!
Ram: I do hope you know what you're doing, Bakaoi.
Ram: Al Fura!
Ram summons a large amount of wind blades and launches them at Kaoi.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing - Fire Magic, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!
Just as Kaoi forms a shield of flames to clash with Ram's wind clashing magic was able to generate enough force to propel Kaoi higher into the air and straight in the direction of the White Whale.
Kaoi: I got you now! Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!
[Shiiing!]
As Kaoi swung his sword, he completely sliced the Whale's horn in half.
[wails]
Everyone looked on in awe at the sight. To break the horn of one of the great mabeasts. It was unthinkable. So unthinkable that it improved morale and made the men fight harder than before.
Crusch: I'm counting on you.
The whale groans in pain as it feels something jabbing into what remains of its horn.
Kaoi: Hello you monster, are you prepared to follow me to your death?
The whale then looks up and sees Kaoi with his nichirin blade stabbing into its horn. It roars angily at the sight.
Kaoi: I'll take that as a yes.
Using his feet, Kaoi dislodges his blade from the remains for the Whale's horn. Falling to the ground.
Kaoi: Now, while you may have not killed Ram! You still caused me a lot of pain during our last fight!
Once again, everything in motion froze and Kaoi felt a familiar pain in his chest. The witch's presence from before appears behind him and whispers something into his ear.
Kaoi: [Gasps]
The whale smelling that desirable smell follows Kaoi down into the earth.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Sixth Form: Igniting Cannon!
With a thrust attack, Kaoi made his way faster to the earth as the Whale tried to follow with an open mouth.
Kaoi: Now Ram!
Ram: Al Fura!
Like with the other White Whale, Ram sent a large amount of wind blades into the mouth of the real White Whale. Shredding its tongue and insides.
Kaoi: SIxth Form: Ring of Inferno!
Kaoi: Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!
Kaoi: Eighth Form: Torching Wildfire!
Kaoi uses a series of Flame Breathing techniques in order to slow down his fall. Now that the White Whale was distracted by its shredded mouth. Kaoi grunts as his hand is grabbed by Ram who uses Patrache to intercept him in the air.
Kaoi: Thanks for the save!
Ram: I'll be sure to find a way for you to repay me later!
[Roars]
The two couldn't continue their banter as the Whale roared in anger.
Kaoi: I'm counting on you, Patrache. Show this monster, what for!
[Roars]
Patrache lets out a prideful roar as she speeds up. Eventually the trio lead the Whale near Flugel's tree.
Crusch: Fire!
Suddenly, a ring of explosions appeared around the base of the tree and made the giant tree fall on the Whale. Trapping it under the large trunk.
[wails]
Resting a large shock wave that clears out the fog and making room for the light of the rising sun.
Broken and trapped, the whale is approached by a single man. WIlhelm has fully recovered and now moves to take his revenge.
Wilhelm: What I do now is for my wife, Theresia van Astrea.
As he rushes in, various memories play out in his mind as he slash and stab.
The day he met her.
The flowers she would gaze at.
The day she saved him.
The small fight.
Finally, the duel where he professed his love for her.
Theresia: That sword why wield it.
Wilhelm: That's simple. To protect you.
Theresia: Then are you saying that you truly love me?
WIlhelm: You should know.
Theresia: Okay, but sometimes I still want to hear you say it.
Wilhelm: All right. Someday. When I feel like it.
Wilhelm: Now sleep for all eternity.
With one last strike, Wilhelm has killed the White Whale as its two doubles disappear.
Wilhelm: At last, Theresia, I can say it. My dear I love you forever.
Crusch: Finally the White Whale has fallen. The mabeast of fog that has kept us in fear and terrorized the world for four centuries, by the hand of Wilhelm van Astrea, was defeated!
Everyone cheers in joy.
Crusch: We have won this battle!
Timeskip
As everyone is recovering from the battle, Kaoi makes his way around the now fallen tree.
Kaoi: There it is! I'm so glad that it wasn't facing the whale when the tree fell.
On the side of the trunk, Kaoi spots the same carvings he noticed before the battle started. Now clearly lit by the morning sun the carvings are in reality katakana characters. Which reads as
"Flugel is from Earth"
Kaoi: So far, there are three people that have been transported into this world. Me, Al and now this Flugel. I'm going to have to ask Beatrice when I get a chance.
Crusch: There you are, are you alright?
Kaoi: As a Demon Slayer, I have witnessed death before. Whether it be the blood of innocents or my comrades. I am no stranger to death, but never before at this scale.
Crusch: Indeed, this victory was not without tragic losses and with the White Whale defeated, those who have vanished will not be returning.
Kaoi: Although I do hope that Emi won't label me a traitor for helping you in the Royal Selection. [Chuckling]
Crusch: [Chuckling] Even if that were the case. The people will be sure to revere you as the Hero who brought down the White Whale.
Kaoi: Well, I definitely won't get used to that sort of popularity. I'm used to not being praised by the general public.
Crusch: There's no need to be modest. In fact, I believe a reward is in order, so join my household, and let me properly express my gratitude.
Kaoi: I appreciate the offer but I'm afraid I'm going to have to refuse. I'm going to help Emilia. Whether or not she becomes the ruler will be up for the people to decide, but I want to help her grow into someone who can stand beside you and the rest of the candidates with her head held high.
Crusch lets out a small smile as she hears that.
Crusch: I had my suspicions but having them confirmed still stings a bit.
Kaoi: Maybe under different circumstances I would have accepted your offer, but I'll be counting on you to uphold the alliance, and even if we both end up as enemies, I hope we can still stay friendly until that moment comes, so…
The demon slayer then holds out his hand.
Kaoi: … What do you have to say?
Crusch: Kaoi, allow me to correct one idea you have. If we find ourselves in conflict one day, I promise that I will continue to remain friendly towards you. Even if the time comes and we must settle things once and for all, I will not forget the great debt I have incurred to you this day. Therefore, even if we do become enemies, my respect for you will never fade nor falter, and I will continue to show you favor 'til the end.
She then grabs Kaoi's hand and the two shake.
Crusch: Now then, I'll be leaving for the capital to take our wounded in for proper treatment and to present the White Whale's carcass. But from the sound of things, it would seem that you still have a duty to attend to.
Kaoi: Indeed. It may seem rude but the White Whale was only the first step in my mission.
Crusch: Is that so? That sounds intriguing. Do you need assistance?
Kaoi: I do.
Wilhelm: If that is the case then allow yourself to make use of this old man before you?
Wilhelm then comes up to Kaoi before kneeling at his feet.
Wilhelm: Sir Kaoi, you have my deepest gratitude. It was because of you and your plan that I was able to take part in this subjugation and carry out my reason for living all this time. I thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I humbly thank you.
Kaoi: You're welcome. I am glad that you are able to attain closure.
Crusch: If you want my opinion, I think you should hold on to that treasured sword for a while. In these times, being unarmed will do you little good.
Wilhelm: Right. Thank you, Milady.
Crusch: I want you to take Felix and half of the uninjured soldiers with you. There should be about 20 of them.
Kaoi: Thank you, Miss Crusch.
The demon slayer gives a respectful bow to the dragon candidate.
Timeskip
Kaoi: Ram, please.
Ram: I told you, Bakaoi. If my sister is in danger, then it is my responsibility for me to protect her along with protecting Master Roswaal's domain.
Felix: I'm afraid, I can't allow that Ram.
Ram: Huh!
Felix: While this Total Concentration Breathing may have helped. You still used a lot of mana in this fight. From what you told me of your condition, you are very fortunate to narrowly avoid any repercussions. I can't allow you to push yourself any further. You need to stay behind and try to-
Ram: But I must-
The Pink maid began to fall as she tried to move. Luckily, Kaoi was able to catch her.
Kaoi: Be careful.
Ram: Bakaoi…
Kaoi: With all that has happened I don't want her to get hurt anymore. Especially with how things went last time.
Kaoi: Look, I know that Rem and Roswaal are very important to you. So I promise. I promise that I will make sure that those two as well as everyone else will stay safe under my watch. Okay?
Ram: … Fine, but I want to add something to that promise.
Kaoi: Anything you want.
Ram: I want you to promise me that you'll come out of this attack safely as well.
Kaoi: Huh!?
Ram: It would reflect poorly on Master Roswaal if one of his employees were to fall to a mere grunt of the Witch Cult. So do you promise me that?
Although stunned at this request. Kaoi slowly returned a small smile and replied
Kaoi: I promise, Ram.
Timeskip
[carriage rattling]
As the army finished gathering all the wounded. Kaoi and those who stayed behind waved good-bye to their compatriots as they left for the capital.
Ricardo: What do you know? You really got all the good parts back there, didn't you? Well, way to go, man. Nice work.
Mimi: Hey, Captain! Mimi,too! Mimi, too! I did super good! Praise me, too!
Kaoi:Hold on, wasn't Hetaro exhausted after the battle? How did you have so much energy?
Mimi: Hetaro's just a baby. He's weak and frail. Honesetly, it's so pathetic.
Ricardo: I know I didn't get much action in doing battle with that whale, but you don't have to worry about a thing. My lady did ask me to do her a favor. I'll show what I've got in the real battle coming up for sure.
Kaoi: So you already figured out that I'm planning on taking on the Witch Cult.
Ricardo: You should never underestimate the merchant information network. Ah, here they come now.
Looking at the road, Kaoi can see a group of the Iron Fang mercenaries approaching them.
RIcardo: You're looking at half of our mercenary team there.
Kaoi: Huh?
Ricardo: This half of the crew was sent to block the road and keep the battleground free of civilians instead of fighting off the whale.
Kaoi: I'm glad for the reinforcements then, so who's leading them?
Mimi: My younger brother Tivey. I can't wait for you to meet him.
Kaoi: You have another brother? Can't wait to meet him I guess-
The demon slayer noticed a familiar knight riding upon a blue earth dragon. A familiar lavender haired knight. One that makes Kaoi mentally groan.
Kaoi: Of all people, why did he have to be here?
Wow! This has been my longest chapter yet! Sorry for the long wait. I meant to finish this before New Years but then things came up. I will make an effort to finish Arc 3 before the spring semester starts. Anyways, how did you like the fight? Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments.