On a mild day early in February, Ren walked the path leading to the Garden of Swords.
He was still preoccupied with why Lutreche had offered him that advice. He also wondered exactly what she knew, and how much of it she was willing to share.
He doubted she would simply hand him the answers, but he could certainly keep asking.
However, whenever he investigated the history of House Ashton, another event from a specific point in time inevitably surfaced in his mind.
Why did Ren Ashton take the life of Saintess Licia?
Ren had pondered this since the very beginning. He couldn’t help but be conscious of the event that served as the catalyst for his entire story.
There were times when he had intentionally tried to push it from his mind, but as spring approached—and with it, his second year at the academy—the thought weighed more heavily than ever.
"Don't forget..."
It felt as though the world itself were whispering it to him, more forcefully than anything else.
The sound of his own footsteps on the bridge felt unnaturally loud to his ears.
Nevertheless, Ren pushed forward, pretending not to notice the restlessness in his heart, and stepped into the Garden of Swords.
Perhaps because the snow had melted in the day’s warmth, the greenery was even more vibrant than it had been during his previous visit. A plain dressed in the bright colors of spring stretched out before him.
As before, Ren headed for the small hill where the lone tree stood. But no matter how long he waited, Lutreche never appeared. Eventually, a full hour passed.
It wasn’t as if he could expect to meet her every time he came. He had arrived with the mindset that it would simply be nice if they happened to cross paths. Resigned to his luck, Ren turned and began to walk away.
(In the end, I wonder if that "Emblem" she mentioned just referred to Ragna-san's request.)
He left the Garden of Swords behind a few moments later.
After departing the garden, Ren boarded a Magic Train headed for the station nearest to the Imperial Military Academy.
Since it was still winter break, he wasn't there for classes. Upon arriving at the academy, he went straight to the Academy Director’s office. He had contacted Chronoa in advance by letter to arrange this meeting.
"Welcome, Ren! Right this way!"
"I’m sorry for the short notice. Thank you for making time for me."
"Don’t worry about it! I was the one who suggested it to you, after all!"
The woman who spoke with a clear, melodic voice was Academy Director Chronoa Highland.
Her long, swaying hair was a vibrant shade like golden thread, possessing a lustrous, high-quality sheen. Her features were as delicate and lovely as a doll's, making it easy to forget that she was one of the world's greatest Mages.
Looking every bit the elegant princess, she urged Ren to sit on the sofa, and then—
"Well then, regarding today's business..."
The friendly smile she had worn until a moment ago faltered at his promptness.
"Wait, what...?" she let out a weak, slightly pathetic sound, blinking at him with an indescribable expression. "Are you... already trying to get to the main point?"
"Well, I didn't want to waste the time you've given me, Chronoa-san."
"No, no! That’s not what I mean! Listen! You became a Sword Saint right at the start of winter break, didn't you!?"
Chronoa had known they would talk once the break ended, but she had been impatient, wanting to catch up with him as soon as possible.
The main topic of business was a separate matter.
She wanted to hear the story of how he had grown so strong. Yet, as she watched Ren maintain his usual pace, unchanged from before the break, her expression naturally softened into a smile.
"I managed to reach the rank of Sword Saint for now, but not much else has changed, really..."
"Ahaha... that way of putting it is so typically you, I suppose."
Chronoa gave him a gentle smile before finally turning to the actual business of the day.
Ren had requested this meeting to discuss the Sacred Relic of the Water Goddess he had been investigating with Ragna.
A short while later, Chronoa walked beside Ren as they headed outside. She wore the traveling robe she favored for excursions, moving through the Imperial Capital with a light, cheerful step.
Beside her, Ren looked up at the early spring sky.
"The graduation ceremony is coming up soon."
"It is... so many children will be leaving the nest again this year," Chronoa said. Her voice held a tinge of sadness, but she sounded genuinely happy for them.
She couldn't help but celebrate the departure of the students who had worked hard throughout their four years at the school. Soon, flowers would bloom in the academy garden and along the streets, signaling the true arrival of spring.
The two were walking toward the Magic Ship Landing in the Imperial Capital.
The capital’s landing was smaller than Erendir’s Hanging Garden, so most travelers preferred the latter, leaving this area relatively quiet.
After a short flight, they arrived at a landing situated near Roses Kaitas.
The simple facilities built for pilgrims during the Lion King Festival last summer were still standing. The place looked exactly as it had when Ren had come with Licia to listen to the choir.
Stepping off the ramp, Ren and Chronoa walked toward Roses Kaitas, paying no mind to the other pilgrims.
"The Empire and the Elfen Religion are still managing the site together, just like before the incident," Chronoa explained.
"There seem to be more Knights than before, though."
"They’ve tightened security because the number of pilgrims has increased."
Even so, the pilgrims were only allowed to approach as far as the bridge. Ren watched the groups of faithful offering their prayers near the Knights standing guard.
When Ren and Chronoa reached the bridge, they weren't stopped.
"They asked me to show my face again anyway, so this worked out perfectly," she said.
"I appreciate you letting me tag along."
"Ahaha, don't worry about it. Leave everything to your big sister."
Chronoa had once worked at the Ginseikyu, the headquarters of the Elfen Religion in the Holy Land. Even now, she occasionally received state requests to inspect the status of Roses Kaitas.
As they reached the sentry at the far end of the bridge, a Leomel Knight called out to them.
"Highland-sama, I presume."
"That's right," Chronoa replied immediately.
"I have seen your companion near the Lion Holy Chancel several times. Might he be the rumored Sword Saint?" the Knight asked, looking at Ren.
Before Ren could answer, Chronoa interjected.
"Correct. You don't mind if he comes with me, do you?"
"No, of course not. We have confirmed his identity, so there is no issue, but..."
"Hmm? Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just... he doesn't seem to be acting as Highland-sama's guard."
Even as a Sword Saint of the Strong Sword Arts, there was no reason for someone like Ren to serve as a bodyguard for a Mage of Chronoa’s caliber.
"I brought him because I wanted his company," Chronoa said simply.
"I-I see..."
"Actually, wait. I might get in trouble if I say that, so let's just record him as my guard. Is that alright?"
"That won't be a problem. We have been instructed to follow your wishes, Highland-sama."
Normally, such an excuse wouldn't have passed, but this was Chronoa. The Knight seemed to believe that beneath her playful exterior, she had some deeper purpose in mind. Even if she didn't radiate the same cold pressure as the Sword King, he felt no desire to question her further.
"Please, pass through."
This was the second time Ren had headed for the Plaza of the Divine Statue at the heart of Roses Kaitas. While it was his first time taking the official mountain path, the seal had only recently been broken, so it was a new experience for almost everyone.
...Seeing the outside world really is a relief, Ren thought as he glanced back.
When they had been trapped during the Lion King Festival, they were stuck inside the seal. They couldn't see the path out, let alone the world beyond the mountain. Having Chronoa beside him now added to that sense of security.
"It’s as battered as ever, everywhere you look," Chronoa remarked, surveying the devastation.
The scars of the battle Ren and Licia had fought against the Sword Demon were visible everywhere. It hadn't been this bad when they were wandering the mountain; now, entire slopes were gouged out, and deep fissures split the earth.
Chronoa, who had been walking ahead, stopped and turned back to him.
"Are you okay? Not pushing yourself?" she asked softly. Her voice was full of genuine concern. "You and Licia went through a lot here. I was worried you might feel unwell being back. You shouldn't push yourself if it’s too much, okay?"
"Thank you. I’m fine, really. I have some... complicated thoughts about the battle and the Elfen Religion, but I’m okay."
Chronoa could see there was no falsehood in his wry smile.
"Even so, it's very quiet. I expected to see at least a few priests around."
"They’re probably busy hunting the Demon King Cult," Chronoa suggested.
"Oh right, I heard something about that."
He recalled Kaito mentioning it during their trip to Eupeheim. Apparently, the Elfen Religion had been aggressively pursuing the cult lately.
(I wonder if it’s a matter of prestige or something else.)
Ever since Roses Kaitas was reopened, they had supposedly been using every opportunity to strike at the cult.
They eventually reached the plaza where the divine statues had stood, once sealed away with the Sword Demon. Most of the area had collapsed, leaving massive holes that dropped into underground rivers and lakes. The statues themselves were mostly shattered ruins.
Ren focused on his objective, navigating the broken terrain with Chronoa as they searched for the Divine Statue of the Water Goddess.
There were no Knights or priests in sight; only Ren and Chronoa occupied the space. The only sounds were their voices and the faint crunch of gravel beneath their boots.
"Whenever I used to visit, there was always someone here, but I suppose months have passed," Chronoa said. She took a staff from her robe and waved it lightly, drawing a glowing golden image in the air. "This is what the statue of the Water Goddess used to look like."
"That's very helpful... but that over there..."
Ren navigated a particularly difficult stretch of rubble and pointed.
"That's definitely it, isn't it?"
"You noticed? That's the one we're looking for, but..." Chronoa trailed off with a cute, apologetic smile.
"There's nothing left of it," Ren finished.
Before him sat the ruined remains of the Water Goddess’s statue.
...At least I can still make out the patterns on the robes, he thought.
The statue had been massive. Based on the fragments that hadn't fallen into the abyss, Ren estimated it had stood at least thirty meils high. What remained in the plaza were mostly the base and shards of the intricate carvings.
Chronoa reached out, trying to sense the surrounding mana.
"U-Um... let's look around a little more! Maybe we'll find something!" she chirped, though her smile was clearly forced.
They searched the area for several more minutes, but Chronoa said nothing to suggest any progress. Ren picked through the rubble, hoping to find something like the Sacred Relic of the Goddess of Time that had originally formed the seal.
...There’s no way it’s here, Ren concluded.
In hindsight, the Elfen Religion would have already conducted a thorough investigation. They wouldn't have left anything valuable behind. These were just shards of a broken idol.
Ren continued to survey the area and noticed one divine statue that had suffered significantly less damage than the others. It lay on its side, its pedestal destroyed, but the stone itself was remarkably intact.
"Chronoa-san! Why is this one in such good condition?"
"That’s likely because it’s a statue of the Goddess of Regeneration. Since her mana dwells within it, it’s probably trying to restore its original form little by little."
"—So that is the Power of Regeneration."
"Yes. It’s entirely different from the healing powers found in White Magic."
"...Are there any reference books on the Power of Regeneration at the academy?"
"I think there are a few in the library. I have some in my personal collection as well—" Chronoa caught the look on Ren's face as he stared at the statue. "If you're interested, Ren, should I look into it for you?"
"Would you? Honestly, I’ve become quite curious about it. It would be a huge help."
"Of course! For my studious Ren, I’ll do my best!"
While he might have appeared merely academic, Ren was actually pursuing a different line of thought. He was silently pleased that Chronoa had volunteered to help.
"I want to properly understand how it differs from the healing in Sacred Magic or White Magic."
"That’s a very specific interest. I’ll make sure to give my books a thorough re-read!"
Chronoa’s robe fluttered as she moved briskly across the plaza to inspect another section. Ren turned his gaze toward the massive hole in the center of the area.
He had ended the battle with the Sword Demon right there, falling into the depths. Now, he was a Sword Saint, and he could use the Demon’s own techniques.
As these thoughts swirled, Ren checked the crystal on his bracelet. His Mastery had grown significantly after his winter training with Estel and, more importantly, after defeating two Messenger of the Giant God Wadatsumis.
He also thought of the Water Magic Sword.
"What should I even call that guy's Arts?" he murmured. He hadn't really considered that the technique didn't have a formal name.
"Ren? Did you say something?"
"No! Just that the footing is terrible!"
"Don't worry! If you fall, I'll just make you float!"
"...Thank you, Chronoa-san."
Even if he did fall, it was just water at the bottom; he would have been fine. But a few seconds later, Ren decided to be honest.
"Chronoa-san, do you have a minute?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Since my fight with the Sword Demon, I’ve been able to use the techniques he used."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes. Actually."
The Academy Director blinked in surprise, her eyes wide.
"That's news to me. I feel like this is the first time I'm hearing about this."
"Sorry. I forgot to mention it."
"I see... you forgot..."
Just as he thought she might let it go, Chronoa stepped right up to him and poked his nose. "Listen. You have to tell me about things like that!"
Ren apologized again, which finally made her laugh.
"I’ll forgive you. So, what about the technique?"
"Calling it 'the Sword Demon's technique' is a bit awkward. I was wondering if you knew its true name."
"I see. Describe it to me."
Ren explained the sensation and the visual effects he had seen and felt. Chronoa listened with deep interest, her finger resting on her chin. She searched through her vast knowledge and eventually reached a conclusion.
"It might be Sanctuary Fall."
She hadn't given it that name because of her own poor opinion of the Holy Land, nor was it because the Sword Demon had destroyed Roses Kaitas. The name had a historical basis.
"The Bard Muedi sang of it. Long ago, when the Sword Demon razed a sacred site on the Martel Continent, she called the destruction 'Sanctuary Fall'."
"...It’s an ominous name, but I’m glad to finally have one."
He hadn't found a relic of the Water Goddess as he’d hoped, but Ren decided it was for the best. If he had found something, he would have had to worry about how to smuggle it out past the Elfen Religion.
By the time Ren returned to Erendir, it was well past the usual hour for dinner. The sky was dark, and the clock had passed seven.
Exhaling a plume of white breath, Ren entered the mansion, took a hot bath, and finished his evening meal. Even after completing his studies, he remained at his desk, poring over a map of the Leomel Empire.
Windea—the place Where Water and Wind Sleep.
It was the first major stage of the adventure once Legend of the Seven Heroes II began.
Ren traced his pen across the map, confirming the distances. It was about a two-hour trip from the capital by Magic Ship—a distance that could easily be covered in a day trip. It was a longer commute than his trip to school, but not an impossible journey.
However, his real concern was what he had to do once he got there. He wanted to go straight to the Water Goddess's Ring, grab it, and leave, but there were reasons that wouldn't work. He would likely need to stay for several days.
"And then there's the Magic Ship," he muttered. He would need a way to move around the Windea region.
Ren slumped over his desk, groaning. There was a lot more to plan than he had initially thought. Needing to clear his head, he left his room to walk in the night garden.
...I wonder if Ragna-san can provide a ship.
Given his background as the Bag Traveler, procuring a Magic Ship shouldn't be a problem. They could even sleep on the vessel.
Ren sighed and considered one more thing.
"...There's no need to go with Wayne and the others... right?"
Wayne had clearly awakened the power of a Hero. In the spring, the descendants of the Seven Heroes would likely head to Windea to test and strengthen that power.
Accompanying them only to split off once they arrived would be far too convenient. It would be simpler to just ask Ulysses to lend him a ship. Just because they had the same destination didn't mean they had to travel together.
Since Ren needed to find the ring, and Wayne’s group would be heading for the main temple, their objectives were different. Besides, Ren knew the specific method for obtaining the ring, which involved several tedious steps.
"I should probably just move on my own..."
"What should you do on your own?" a girl’s voice asked.
"I was just thinking it would be better if I acted independently."
"I don't quite understand, but are you keeping secrets from us again?"
"No, it's more about Wayne and—Licia?"
"Yes. It’s me."
Ren, who had been naturally answering the voice, looked down to see Licia standing right beside him. They were close enough that their shoulders nearly touched.
Licia's skin was slightly flushed, likely from her own recent bath. She was wearing a thin cardigan, which seemed far too light for the chilly night air. Ren took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
"Oh... thank you."
"Don't mention it."
Since there was no reason to freeze outside, they headed back into the mansion. Licia walked beside him with a light step, holding the edges of his coat around her.
"Where are we going?"
"I was just going to walk you to your room."
"Sigh... I should have known." Licia gave a wry smile. "This way."
She grabbed his hand from within the coat and pulled him in a different direction—toward the kitchen.
The room was empty. While they could have called for a servant, Licia decided to prepare a warm drink herself. She stood with her back against the kitchen wall, holding her cup with both hands, while Ren did the same.
After a quiet moment, Licia spoke.
"Was your monologue about the Sacred Relic we discussed the other day?"
"How did you know?"
"I just did."
Ren accepted her answer without further thought. He immediately told her about the "Emblem" request he had accepted.
"Ragna-san is looking for something."
"That name... he's with the Department of Mysteries, right? He helped me with the Angelization incident..."
Angelization was the term they used for the moment during the battle with the Sword Demon when Licia’s power had flared out of control. Fearing it was related to her role as the White Saintess, Ren had asked Radius to introduce him to a magic expert last year. Licia had clearly not forgotten the man.
Ren explained what Ragna was looking for and why.
"So you're traveling together because your goals align."
Searching for items related to the Water Goddess would help both the Water Magic Sword and the search for the legendary bard's hideout. Licia understood perfectly.
"But where are you going?"
"Windea. It’s impossible right now, so we’re aiming for spring."
"Hmm... I see." Licia gave him a cute, suspicious look. "I understand why you have to go that far, but..."
"Just so we’re clear, I was always planning to tell you, Licia."
"I... I know! I was just surprised because it was a place I hadn't expected!"
Since he wasn't trying to hide anything, he told her more about the request—the new key found at the Geno Orphanage, the repairs needed, and the possibility that information about House Ashton was hidden in the Bard Muedi's retreat.
Licia already knew the story of Cecil Ashton and the Eroding Princess. It was obvious that the man and woman in the painting in Ren’s room were those two.
"I’m hoping Ragna-san can provide a ship, or maybe I can borrow one from Ulysses-sama."
Ulysses would likely lend him a vessel in a heartbeat after the Wadatsumi incident, but Ren couldn't help but wish the Clausels had their own Magic Ship.
As they both fell silent, thinking the same thing, Yuno entered the kitchen to prepare a snack and tea for Lezard.
"I shall take these to the Lord now," Yuno said, stopping at the door as she remembered something. "By the way, a letter arrived for both of you."
"An invitation, perhaps?" Licia asked.
"No, it is from Werlich-sama. He contacted the Lord as well, mentioning that he wants to perform a test flight soon."
"A test flight?" Ren and Licia asked in unison.
Yuno smiled at their perfectly synchronized reaction. "Have you forgotten the vessel being repaired in the Hanging Garden’s dock?"
Then, simultaneously:
"—Ah!"
The Magic Ship Lemuria. A beautiful vessel shaped like a sailing ship. The ship Werlich had been repairing with Asval’s Materials was finally ready to return to the sky.
Ren and Licia looked at each other and laughed at the perfect timing.
The Lemuria’s original owner had been a member of the Imperial Family. Werlich had built it for them, but they had pushed the ship so hard that the reactor and framework were heavily damaged. It had taken a long time to reach this point.
"Look at her! This is the repaired and improved Lemuria!" Werlich shouted. The dwarf stood in a corner of the dock, arms crossed over his muscular chest, laughing with pride.
Ren and Licia had come to the dock as soon as they heard. Standing on the metal floor of the dock, they were speechless. The vessel was a work of art.
"She’ll be ready for long-range flights by spring! I'll be doing a test flight soon—hey, why are you two so quiet?"
"Sorry. We’re just... honestly moved."
"Me too. I’ve never seen a ship this beautiful," Licia added.
Werlich scratched his nose, looking uncharacteristically embarrassed, then turned back to his creation with pride. "Yeah. She’s something else."
The exterior hadn't changed much since Ren last saw it. The interior was divided into several rooms, making it smaller than a standard passenger ship. The bullet-shaped upper section had translucent wings that looked like fins, glowing like polished crystal.
"The size and look are the same, but I’ve overhauled the guts to handle the higher output. I had to recalculate the coefficients for the mana sensitivity..."
Ren didn't understand the technical jargon, but he got the gist: the Lemuria was a completely different beast now. With Asval’s horn and the Dragon Vein Reactor Ren had provided, plus Werlich’s legendary skill, the ship had been reborn with unimaginable power.
"I’ll register myself as the pilot. She’s tricky to handle, so it’s better this way."
"Is registration required for Magic Ships too?" Ren asked.
"Of course it is! Even for the Boss's ship, my name is registered alongside the Drake family. You have to do these things by the book."
"Understood. Though I imagine Lezard-sama will handle those details."
"I figured. But really, who owns the thing?"
Ren was about to say "House Clausel," but Licia beat him to it.
"The Lemuria was granted to us by His Majesty alongside Erendir, so ownership resides with our house."
However, because it was a personal gift from the Emperor, there was a twist.
"But I heard that Ren’s name will be listed alongside my father’s for usage rights and several other categories."
"Apparently. This is the first I'm hearing of it, though," Ren noted.
"I only heard this morning. It wasn't a secret or anything!" Licia added quickly.
"Gwahahaha! I see! Well, it makes sense. Ren’s the reason she’s fixed. Master Lezard knows how to settle a debt!"
Transferring ownership of a gift from the Emperor was impossible, but Lezard had done the next best thing. For Ren, who needed the ship for his spring trip, this was perfect.
"I'll handle the test flight alone soon. I can't promise she's 100% safe yet, so I'll go up solo first," Werlich stated firmly.
Later that morning, Ren, Licia, and Fiona gathered in their usual room at the academy. Licia was telling Fiona about the ship.
"The test flight is happening soon."
"I would love to see it. By the way..."
Ren wasn't paying attention. He was staring intensely at his map, twirling a pen.
"Hmm..."
He looked genuinely troubled. Fiona noticed his preoccupation.
"Ren-kun, is something wrong?"
"He’s probably just agonizing over the Windea trip," Licia explained.
"Windea? Why go there?"
As Licia explained the mission, Fiona understood immediately. Their voices were just background noise to Ren as he murmured, "I should probably consult Ragna-san about this too."
Once his thoughts were settled, he blinked and realized the girls were watching him. "Did I miss something?"
"No, nothing at all," Licia said with a smile.
"Ren-kun, now that you’re back with us, I have something for you," Fiona said, handing him a thick envelope. It was sealed with a magical wax that would incinerate the contents if opened by the wrong person. "It’s regarding what we decided last winter. Please check it with Licia-sama when you return home."
Ren understood and tucked the envelope into his coat. "We’ll show you what we’ve investigated later as well, Fiona-sama."
A few minutes later, the door opened.
"Oh? Everyone is here," Radius said as he entered, followed by Mirei. The cat ears on the half-Cait Sith girl were perked, and her tail swayed gently. The group from the Lion King Festival was together once more.
Radius sat next to Ren and noticed the map. "Windea? Planning a trip for spring?"
"Yeah. I have some business there."
"I doubt anyone but you would accept such a shady request," Radius said with a knowing look after hearing the explanation.
"Maybe. But I have some free time in the spring, and I’m curious about it."
"You're as restless as ever, Ren."
"Things are finally starting to make sense, you know?"
Radius muttered something about how Ragna should have told him first, then asked, "What are you doing for a ship?"
"Either the Lemuria or one Ragna-san provides. The Lemuria is almost ready."
Radius congratulated him, then pulled a memo pad from his coat and scribbled something. "This is the inn where Ragna is staying. He probably forgot to tell you."
Radius continued, "Regarding Adventurer Ashton, the Forbidden Library is still the most promising lead."
"But you can't get in there until at least summer, right?" Ren asked.
"Correct. I have to be the Crown Prince first."
Only the Emperor, the Crown Prince, the Minister of the Court of Law, and their top aides could enter the Forbidden Library.
"I want to investigate as soon as possible, though," Radius added.
Licia and Fiona were speechless at the casual mention of the title.
"You two, explain yourselves. They're confused nya," Mirei teased.
Ren and Radius explained that Radius was slated to become the Crown Prince, and that Ren had already been informed.
"The news hasn't been made public yet, so please keep it between us," Radius added casually.
(So Ulysses-sama hadn't even told Fiona-sama yet.)
The girls were looking at Ren exactly the way he had looked at Radius a few days ago. Radius didn't dwell on the topic, ending it with, "But that’s a story for the future."
"We’re here for winter break assignments. What about you two?" Ren asked.
"Mirei’s work. I’m just accompanying her," Radius said.
"Work? At the library?"
"Winter break is almost over, and graduation is right after," Mirei said. "I won't be a student much longer nya."
The group felt a pang of sadness at her impending departure.
"Well, I'll still be around nya!"
"Mirei is my adjunct, so she won't just be a bureaucrat in the castle. Starting this spring, she’ll be stationed here at the library as well. Our relationship won't change much," Radius explained.
"I see..."
"What’s with that weak response, Ren? You all look so deflated."
"Ahaha... sorry. Licia and I were just feeling sad for a second there..."
"Yes... but I'm glad we'll still be able to see you, Mirei-san."
"Nyahaha! That’s just how it is nya! It would be weirder if I stayed in the castle all day nya!"
The three students nodded. Radius and Mirei were close in age, so the arrangement was likely easier for the castle staff to manage. It made sense.
"Graduation, then the entrance ceremony... spring is always busy," Ren mused.
He wondered what this spring would bring.
A specific memory—or rather, a scene he had played through in the game—crossed his mind.
A day during his second year at the Imperial Military Academy. In the Great Auditorium.
"Wh—Re, Ren!? What are you doing!?" a voice screamed.
"You can tell by looking, can't you? I have just killed her," came the quiet, cold reply.
In the original story, that was the exchange between Ren Ashton and the Hero Wayne, just before Ren disappeared with Licia’s body. It was the moment that had started everything for him.
He had resolved to avoid that fate no matter what. And according to the timeline, that moment was supposed to happen this very year.
"Ren?"
He realized Licia was peering into his face.
"You went quiet all of a sudden. Is something wrong?"
"Um... no! It’s nothing!"
Ren answered hurriedly, as if trying to convince himself.
Licia looked up at him and smiled. "Fufu. If you say so."