Liebe turned toward Gabriel.
His eyes burned with such overwhelming malice that even Lilith—one of the most powerful mages in the kingdom—was forced to her knees.
"What kind of power is this...?" Lilith thought, trembling. "This is comparable... no, it's on par with Father's magic."
Liebe raised his hand.
"Dark Magic: Angeli Impii Ascendunt."
A massive black magic circle formed beneath him.
From it, ten six-winged angels emerged—towering beings cloaked in dark armor, each holding a glowing obsidian sword.
The angels surrounded Gabriel, swords drawn, their presence alone forcing him to the ground. The air around them crackled and screamed with raw energy.
Liebe's voice, cold and thunderous, echoed through the castle:
"Dark Magic: Angeli Lapsi Ala Sacra Ascendunt."
A new circle opened behind Gabriel, and from it rose a 50-foot-tall ten-winged angel, wings blazing with a black and silver light. The weight of its presence alone crushed Gabriel's body and spirit.
"Is this... is this how much sorrow he's been holding in?"
"Is this how deep his pain goes?" Lilith thought, tears in her eyes as she struggled to stand.
Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, a chill ran down everyone's spine.
Jewel stood up, her body trembling.
"Who… who could possibly be this strong?"
Every knight present felt the crushing malice.
Licht, overwhelmed, collapsed to his knees, coughing blood.
"No one… no one should ever have this much sorrow in their heart…"
Gabriel lay on the floor, unable to move—his mouth spilling blood, his eyes bleeding, his body trembling under the weight of Liebe's fury.
Liebe raised his hand slowly.
"Angeli Lapsi: Odium."
The giant angel did the same, preparing to bring down judgment. The ground cracked. Magic surged. Death was near.
But then—
Lilith reached him.
Her eyes wide, her voice soft and trembling, "Liebe…"
Liebe flinched at the sound of her voice. His eyes widened.
"Angeli Lapsi: Sine Fine Dolore."
A final incantation.
The entire area went black. The castle, the sky, the capital—everything was shrouded in darkness. The pressure was suffocating.
"Even the Grandmaster can't compare to this..."
"We'll all die here," Jewel whispered, blood dripping from her nose. "There's no escape."
But then—
Lilith wrapped her arms tightly around Liebe.
The malice didn't fade. It intensified.
But so did the warmth between them.
"No matter what happens," Lilith whispered, "I'm not letting you go this time."
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. I thought you were happy. At least… I was happy from the moment you were born."
"You were my greatest treasure. I loved you. Because of you, my life was filled with happiness. But in pursuit of my career… I let yours be filled with darkness."
Tears streamed down her face.
"If you hate someone, it should be me. Not him. But please, Liebe… please don't become a killer."
"I was wrong. I assumed you'd be like your father—quiet, strong, independent—but I forgot… you're still a child. And I left you to face it all alone."
"I'm so sorry, my son. I promise… I'll be there for you. Always."
Just then, Astreous appeared behind them.
"Emotions are powerful," he said gently, "but not strong enough right now."
He raised his hand.
"Tempus Lapsus: Mana Somnus."
A soft orb of blue light floated toward Liebe—and gently touched his chest.
In an instant, Liebe collapsed into Lilith's arms, asleep.
The angels vanished. The darkness disappeared.
Silence returned.
Lilith looked at Astreous. "Will he be okay?"
"He's only sleeping," Astreous assured her. "Let him rest."
Lilith nodded—and held her son tighter than ever before.
"I'm never letting you out of my sight again."
She carried him home, the moonlight shining behind them.
My memories from that night are still fuzzy.
I don't remember what happened after the angels came.
I just remember her warmth.
That was the last time my mother hugged me.
As we returned home, the morning sun rose.
She was sleeping on the sofa… her arms still wrapped around me.