"The Black Hound... it's been spotted at the crossroads. It's more than just a fairy; it's something closer to an evil spirit," Kairi announced, pacing as the crew gathered in the library.
"That shouldn't be possible," he muttered, rubbing his chin. "We've got a solid barrier around the place."
Lord El-Melloi II frowned. "The Black Hound manifests with thunder, and it's likely behind all these recent incidents. No mistake about it."
"This workshop's turning into a powder keg," Reines chimed in, her tone a strange contrast to the tense atmosphere.
Kairi shrugged. "Well, that clears Wales of suspicion, at least. One problem down."
Valetta, nearby, clicked her tongue in mild irritation.
"Now we just have to deal with this rogue workshop," Wales exhaled, relieved. "Once that's out of the way, they won't be able to take it back."
Reines's eyes narrowed. "What about that magical weapon—the scythe?"
Lord El-Melloi II glanced instinctively at Gray, who quickly shook her head.
"It's not mine," Gray said, then cast a look at Cyd, who leaned casually against the window, arms crossed.
"Oh, busted, huh?" Lainess teased, hands in the air in mock surrender.
"Not hard to miss," Reines chuckled, "though I couldn't confirm it back at the bathhouse."
Lord El-Melloi II sighed. "You sly fox."
Wales, looking completely lost, glanced around. "Uh, what are you all talking about? What's going on with the detective?"
"Before we dive into that," Cyd tapped the window, "take a look outside."
Kairi stepped up to the window, following Cyd's gesture. His eyes widened. "What the—?"
Beyond the glass, it wasn't just a door. It was a gateway to another realm—and it wasn't spilling out fairies. No, this was a pack of Black Hounds, and there were a lot of them.
Lord El-Melloi II sank into a chair. "Well, that confirms it. Worst-case scenario... but something doesn't add up."
Cyd spoke, low and quiet. "Might be my fault. My scythe must've triggered the gate early."
"I see," Lord El-Melloi II rubbed his temples. "Your power increased the connection between the Underworld and here. Death attracts death... you activated the workshop."
"So, what's the plan?" Kairi asked, calm despite the hounds outside. He wasn't one to panic.
"We end this," Cyd said, cracking his knuckles. "We figure out the details after we survive."
Lord El-Melloi II stood, glancing at Wales. "Then survival takes priority."
Kairi smirked. "You really are a magician to the core, Cordlington."
"Actually," Cyd tapped Lord El-Melloi II's forehead lightly, "you guys can sit this one out." Lord El-Melloi stumbled back, blinking in surprise.
"What the—" he rubbed his forehead, glaring. "What are you planning to do?"
"This is my mess. I'll clean it up."
"Don't be arrogant!" Lord El-Melloi II snapped. "You can't shoulder everything yourself! No matter what you do, it won't change the outcome—stop trying to carry the world alone!"
Cyd held his gaze, silent. Then, after a moment, he extended his hand. "Let's fight together, then."
Lord El-Melloi II blinked, then smiled, taking the hand. "Sorry... and thanks."
"Guess I can't just sit this out either," Kairi pulled a shotgun from his coat, loading it up. He glanced at Reines. "Think the Mage Association will cover the ammo?"
"Absolutely," Reines grinned. "We're getting some quality intel out of this."
The Black Hounds were almost upon them—restless, hungry, ready to add to their ranks with every life they claimed. Cyd hefted his scythe but held his ground, not rushing forward just yet.
"They're created by the dead, artificial beings," he murmured, eyes on the eerie gateway. And beyond the door, he felt someone watching. Someone waiting for him.
"Well, looks like I'll be the villain today," he muttered.
"Cyd?" Gray whispered, gripping her weapon. "What's the plan?"
"You guys cover me." With a thumbs-up, Cyd walked toward the Black Hounds without a glance back.
"But I can—" Gray started to say.
"The earth!" Cyd raised his hand, and his bracelet gleamed even in the rain, one gem brighter than the others.
"Bring forth the harvest."
The ground trembled, cracks spreading across the courtyard. Tiny green sprouts erupted from the fractures, quickly intertwining to form a pathway—leading straight to the gateway.
"Unfortunate souls," he whispered, facing the hounds tangled in the vines. "Allow me to open the door for you."
The hounds howled, merging into a massive beast that lumbered toward Cyd, sensing his power.
"All that teamwork talk, and here he goes, handling things solo again," Lord El-Melloi II muttered, reaching for a cigarette before remembering the rain. "Same old story."
A thin, straight line cut through the enormous Black Hound. Scythe on his shoulder, Cyd strode toward the gateway.
"Because that's what heroes do," Kairi chuckled, putting away his shotgun. "Even a third-rate knight can protect... oops, said too much."
Lord El-Melloi II shook his head, sighing as the giant hound fell apart, leaving Cyd before the door. "Your report on the Holy Grail War was a lot more complex than you let on, wasn't it?"
"Everything has an end," Kairi murmured, hands in his pockets. "And his scythe just happens to bring that end a little sooner. It's done. The door won't open again. No more spirits, no more fairies. This land's safe."
Wales, face pale, suddenly bolted down the vine-covered road toward Cyd.
"The dead shouldn't meddle with the living," Cyd whispered, lifting his scythe as he faced the figure before him—a woman who resembled a fairy.
Her gaze drifted past him, focused beyond, as if she were seeing someone far beyond their reach.
"Goodbye," Cyd murmured.