In an instant, the sun expanded, and its shining light engulfed the entire property. Louis said, "Lucifer, what's your plan?"
Lucifer replied, "Sorry. Now... Dark Sphere."
They were suddenly engulfed in a sphere of darkness.
Meanwhile, the battle between the Existforger elites and the monsters ended, with the elites emerging victorious without any harm. As the white sun engulfed the area, the monsters turned to ash—along with Drake. Iris screamed, "Licht, what are you doing? That attack will kill all of us and destroy the Sacred Tree!"
Licht responded calmly, "Don't worry. All of you, and the Sacred Tree, will survive."
In an instant, the sun was absorbed by the crystal base of the tree. The entire tree began to shine with the light of Licht's attack.
Iris whispered, "It's beautiful..."
Suddenly, the tree began to grow. Iris watched in awe, her eyes wide as the sight left everyone in shock. Then, overwhelmed, she fainted. Licht carried her to their quarters.
The following morning, Louis summoned Lucifer and Licht to her office. They both entered and knelt in respect.
Louis said, "Today, I can proudly say that my students have surpassed me."
Lucifer replied, "Ma'am, you are too kind. We are simply not worthy of such praise."
Louis smiled. "That sincerity of yours is truly an asset. I suppose I should have thanked your mother personally when I had the chance. May she rest well in heaven."
"Yes, ma'am," Lucifer said quietly.
Louis turned to Licht. "And Licht, you've grown—both as a knight and as a person."
"Thank you, ma'am. And now that Drake is dealt with, I suppose my job here is done," Licht replied.
Louis nodded. "You have my permission to stay and take care of Iris. After all, she was injured during the attack."
"Thank you, ma'am," Licht said.
As they left the room, Licht sighed. "Pretty sure Ma'am still hates Iris."
Lucifer shook his head. "Actually, it's the other way around."
"Why?" Licht asked, surprised.
Lucifer explained, "Regardless of how she's treated Iris or what she's said, I've never once felt any malice from her toward Iris."
They entered the room where Iris lay unconscious. Licht gently replaced the wet sponge on her forehead.
Lucifer commented, "Looks like the tepid sponging is working."
Licht shook his head. "No... but this is all I can do for now."
"Understood," Lucifer said. "Tomorrow, the Existforger members and I will return to our HQ. So today might be the last time we hang out for a while."
"Sorry, I'll have to pass," Licht said. "I'm busy taking care of her."
"As unfortunate as that is, I suppose nothing can be done," Lucifer replied.
The next morning, the Existforger members prepared to leave. Before departing, Anew and Astrea placed a bouquet of flowers beside Iris's bed.
Lucifer said, "Here, Licht. Take this—the Mask of Ifrit, Mythical Model Vidar. It's highly compatible with your family's sacred treasure, the Kimaris."
"Thanks," Licht replied.
Lucifer added, "By the way... just in case it helps—you're not to blame for her collapse. She used the Mask of Ifrit. It takes quite a toll on the body."
The following day, at 9 a.m., Iris finally woke up.
"Good morning," Licht said as she sat up.
She walked toward him, grabbed him by the collar, and yelled, "Why did you do it?! Why the hell did you do it?!"
Licht, stunned, asked, "What?"
Iris slapped him—once, then again, and again. Licht didn't stop her. He simply stood there, took the hits, and quietly said, "I'm sorry." Then, without another word, he left the room.