"Alright...! The magic formula is rewritten. All that's left is how we're going to channel the magic power..."
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Fee! We brought the micro-particle metal from the workshop!"
Fee had been focusing with every ounce of his being. He let out a long, heavy sigh as he completed the first phase of the operation.
No sooner had he finished than Hex and Misery arrived, hauling boxes overflowing with micro-particle metal. Hearing their confirmation, Fee immediately threw himself into the next stage.
"Thank you! Bring it over here! I’m going to link it to the magic circle!"
"L-Link? I don't really follow the technical stuff, but you got it!"
Hex didn't understand the first thing about magical engineering, but he moved the metal next to the circle exactly as instructed. Fee manipulated the magic circle, flicking his finger; a ribbon of light shot out, lashing the boxes and causing a transformation in the contents.
"Whoa! W-What's happening?!"
"The metal... it’s changing shape?"
The boxes burst open of their own accord. Inside, the cloud-like micro-particle metal solidified into dozens of distinct fragments, each about the size of a palm. Inscribed on their surfaces was the same intricate pattern as the magic circle on the floor. Hex and the others stared, realizing this was the "link" Fee had mentioned, just as Anhel finished her final check.
"The magic circle and the micro-particle metal are bonded! Success! And we have more than enough!"
"I see! So if we pour magic power into these fragments, it'll be funneled directly into the magic circle!"
"Exactly," Anhel said. "For now, everyone take one."
"Brother! Everyone! Get ready! Over here, now!" Fee called out.
The activation sequence was ready. Now, they were just waiting for the children to arrive. Yugo and the others stepped toward the circle while their allies gripped their respective metal fragments. Marcos spoke up, breaking the silence.
"So, who are the ones fusing? Yugo is a lock, but who are the other two?"
"Isn't it obvious? It has to be our top three strongest," one of the girls replied with a touch of exasperation. "Specifically, Ryuga and you! If the enemy is sending out a monstrosity made of three monsters, then we’re going to hit them back with our strongest three!"
"M-Me? I get Ryuga, but I'm actually in that tier...?"
"Have some confidence, Marcos! You’re the one who beat Burn, so of course you're included!" Elena chimed in. "You just have to do it one more time with Yugo and Ryuga by your side. It’ll be a breeze!"
"Elena... You’re right. Just like you said, I’ll just have to knock that man down again."
Marcos had already taken down Burn, who was now part of their fused enemy. It was only fitting that he face his nemesis once more. He nodded, the tension bleeding out of his shoulders thanks to Elena’s reminder that he was simply repeating a victory with his best friend and his rival. Raiha, still busy fine-tuning the circle, looked up.
"I shall pray for your success. I know this will be a grueling battle, but please... return safely."
"He isn't an opponent worth worrying over," Ryuga replied. "But... well... I appreciate the sentiment."
"!!"
It was rare—unheard of, really—for Ryuga to accept Raiha’s concern so graciously. The others stared at him in collective shock. In reality, he was only acting this way out of lingering guilt for the brutal way he had butchered the Mad Dragon Hypno had impersonated underground, but seeing the others misinterpret his words so wildly made him wince. He let out a low groan, his face contorted in sheer awkwardness.
"All three of you, get inside the magic circle! I’m going to make the final adjustments."
Ignoring the various reactions around him, Fee stayed focused on the task at hand. The three warriors stepped into the center of the circle, and Fee began the final calibration with Anhel’s assistance.
"...Thanks, Fee."
"There's no need for thanks. I'm just doing what I have to do. Exactly like you’ve always done for us, Brother..."
"No, I didn't mean that... I mean, thank you for calling me your brother earlier. It meant a lot."
"!"
Yugo was referring to how Fee had defiantly claimed him as his brother while facing Dogma. Fee blinked, startled, and turned to look at him. Yugo gave him a soft, warm smile, then let out a quiet breath. He looked at the younger brother who had fought so magnificently.
"...Let’s talk later. I’ll tell you everything. Properly. All the things I couldn't say, and who I really am... I’ll tell you everything."
"...Yeah. I understand, Brother."
Fee gave a solemn nod. Right then, the heavy doors of the cathedral groaned open. Melt appeared at the entrance, leading a large crowd of children.
"I’ve brought everyone!" she called out. "Now, let’s get started!"