2 a.m. — Fuyuki City was still deep in slumber.
But, in one corner of this sleeping city, the New Chaldea was holding its Round Table Conference on the future—a chaotic and laughable affair. The gathering of children (average age under ten) huddled around their futuristic armored car, discussing what to do next.
After nearly thirty minutes of confused debate, it was Fujimaru Ritsuka, the team's most sensible member, who finally voiced the reality everyone needed to accept. Taking a deep breath, he looked around at his companions, showing a maturity that belied his age, and said wearily, "Everyone… I think it's best we part ways for now."
"Huh?" Mash was the first to show unease.
Ritsuka looked at her, then at Olga Marie, and explained sincerely, "I completed the most crucial mission: foiling Marisbury's plot and… bringing the Doctor back."
"To tell the truth, I'm completely exhausted."
"Honestly, being able to fight alongside everyone and lead Mash at this point is already more than anyone should expect. I have no wish for a repeat anytime soon."
"For now... I just want to experience life as an ordinary elementary schooler."
His words were gentle, yet brimming with unmistakable resolve. He longed for peace—for ordinary days with homework and exams to worry about, nothing more.
"I… I didn't mean we should just disband!" Olga Marie retorted in fluster, but, seeing the tired yet determined look in Ritsuka's eyes, her tone softened. She knew she couldn't keep forcing such a heavy fate on a boy who was still just six.
Turning away, she muttered, "Fine, whatever—just know I'm only temporarily approving your extended leave! Don't misunderstand me!"
Clearing her throat, she returned to her Director persona and stuck out her little finger. "Promise me! Eleven years from now, in 2015, I'll rehire you as the official member of Chaldea!"
"When that time comes, you'd better report in first!"
"Yes, it's a promise." Ritsuka smiled, linking his pinky with hers. "As long as humanity doesn't face another incineration or freezing crisis, there shouldn't be any problem."
Speaking of those two crises—everyone's eyes, as if on silent cue, drifted towards the one remaining silent, potential threat in their midst: Goetia.
Feeling their suspicious gaze, Lev's face momentarily twisted in displeasure. His demon-king pride could barely stand the feeling of being interrogated like a war criminal.
"What's with those looks?!" He growled, unable to hide his annoyance. "I already swore I'd never pull something like that again! That man… Romani has already given up everything. What reason could I possibly have to repeat those mistakes?"
"If you still don't trust me, I could throw away this form and kill myself right here to prove it!"
"Don't!" Ritsuka and Mash shouted in unison.
They didn't want to see comrades, who just moments ago fought at their side, suffer a tragic end for testing purposes. Yet, even if Solomon had been reincarnated as a human, none could deny that he retained the ability to one day return to his highest form as a Beast. If he ever chose to do so, nothing would stop him from once again threatening humanity's survival on a grand scale.
Ahem...
Just as the mood grew tense and awkward, Steve, still leaning against the car and watching the show, finally coughed lightly and stepped in. He strolled calmly to the center and said quietly, "Everyone here is worried about future dangers, but I have a simple solution."
He turned to Lev, "Hand over what isn't truly yours. I mean the Rings of Solomon."
At those words, Lev's body froze.
Steve continued, unfazed, "I don't need all of them—just nine."
"The last one will go to Dr. Romani Archaman."
After a brief pause, he addressed everyone else, explaining his plan's cleverness. "This way, the seventy-two Demons who couldn't collect all the rings will forever remain incomplete and powerless. He may still possess far sight as a human, but without full magical authority, he can't burn away human reason again."
"And," Steve glanced at the still-dazed Romani, "the doctor who holds the last ring will have what amounts to an ultimate insurance policy. If—God forbid—our King of Magecraft ever decides to pull something again, the doctor can unleash a Noble Phantasm that sacrifices everything to ruin his plans at the last instant."
"As for anyone worrying about the possibility of him stealing the rings from me..." Steve gave an enigmatic smile. "I don't think there's any need to consider that."
Lev hadn't witnessed it himself, but the seventy-one demons within him all simultaneously recalled the soul-crushing terror of having their essence seized by Venus UO at that crucial moment. The overwhelming, irresistible pressure from a higher being meant the combined will of Goetia couldn't even form thoughts of resistance.
Steal something from Steve? The chance of that was about as likely as the King of Magecraft stealing power from the god he worshipped.
And so, this solution was the best for everyone. It preserved Goetia's life and dignity, eliminated future threats, and entrusted final responsibility to Romani.
The Chaldea members immediately understood the merits and nodded in agreement. After his expression shifted between light and shadow for a while, Lev finally, under overwhelming pressure and everyone's gaze, deflated like a punctured balloon, and reluctantly held out his right hand.
Focusing his will, ten rings of pure, magical brilliance appeared around his fingers. Steve smiled, reaching out—nine glowing halos obediently floated to rest on his palm and vanished. The last remaining one drifted down, like a firefly finding its master, to land softly on the ring finger of the still-stunned Romani's left hand.
"Eh? What is this? A wedding ring?!"
Poor Dr. Roman stared at the meaningful ring now on his finger and slipped once again into complete confusion.
With the rings handed over, the last gloom in everyone's hearts finally faded away.