Around ten in the morning, Ren and Licia witnessed the breathtaking beauty of Eupeheim—the land known as the White Crown—as it unfolded across the train window.
Rows of white-washed houses lined the streets, interspersed with a complex network of intricate waterways. Boats drifted lazily along the canals, and massive buildings, characteristic of a great metropolis, stood tall against the sky. It was as if the city itself spoke of why this "City of Water," overlooking a crescent-shaped bay, was called the White Crown, and why generations of the Imperial Family had visited so frequently.
The scenic city was as grand as the Imperial Capital. Renowned for its scale in trade and national defense, Eupeheim was one of the premier territories in Leomel, possessing an immense scope that dwarfed most other major cities.
The Gardiknight came to a stop at Eupeheim’s central station. The exterior of the white-painted terminal, much like the surrounding residences, was a colossal piece of architecture of heart-stopping beauty. Ceremonies were already underway here as well, involving what Ulysses called the "troublesome greetings that nobles love."
Once the scheduled formalities concluded, the guests departed the station one by one to head into the city. Ren and his companions boarded a carriage, and the coachman set the horses into a walk. After traveling for a while along a main thoroughfare with scenery unlike anything in the Imperial Capital or Erendil, the carriage stopped before a grand inn. It was the most prominent establishment in Eupeheim, where Ren and the others would be staying.
After receiving his key alongside Lezard, Ren headed to his room and found himself in a guest suite filled with the signature elegance of the city. Consistent with the town’s white motif, the interior felt like a refreshing coastal resort. When Ren opened the windows and stepped onto the terrace, he was greeted by a breeze carrying the salt-tinged scent of the tide.
"I’ve thought this many times, but..." Ren whispered to himself.
Once again, he was struck by the city's sheer beauty. Looking down from the terrace, he could see the main street and Eupeheim’s pride—its waterways—all at once.
Ren finished an early lunch and returned to the terrace for a rest. Licia sat in the seat opposite him, and the two spent a quiet moment gazing at the townscape. As they sat there, a servant of House Clausel, who had accompanied them from Erendil, arrived.
"Excuse me. Master Ren, you have a visitor."
"For me? Is it Lord Ulysses?"
"No, it is a knight. He mentioned that he wished to speak with Master Ren directly."
Licia perked up. "A knight... I wonder if it’s about that."
"I think so. I’ll be right back."
Ren stood up and left Licia’s side. When he stepped into the hallway, he found a Strong Sword User he frequently encountered at the Lion Holy Chancel standing there.
"So it was Radius after all."
"I arrived from the Imperial Capital via magic ship with His Highness," the knight replied. "I have come to fetch Master Ren by His Highness’s order."
Due to his busy schedule, Radius had not joined the Gardiknight journey, but it seemed he had reached Eupeheim ahead of schedule. Ren returned to the room briefly to tell Licia he was leaving. Since she had already guessed who the visitor was, she simply nodded.
"I’ll let Father know, so please be careful," she said.
Ren stood before her and spoke in a gentle voice. "It’s fine, Licia."
"B-But—!"
"Besides, I’m doing this research because I want to. Absolutely no staying cooped up in your room just because I’m not here, okay?"
"Ugh..." Licia gave Ren a wry smile, caught in the act of planning exactly that.
"We came all the way to Eupeheim. I’ll be cross if you just sit still out of consideration for me."
"F-Fine, I get it! So—thanks." Licia finally yielded to Ren’s unusually forceful insistence.
Satisfied with her answer, Ren nodded. "Well then, I’m off."
As he walked with the knight toward the lift to head to the ground floor, they spoke inside the carriage.
"How was your journey on the Gardiknight?"
"It was fun. It was my first time spending a whole night on a train, and the scenery was refreshing."
"Oh, indeed!" Hearing the knight’s lively response, Ren asked, "Are you interested in the train?"
"Yes, I intend to ride it on my day off eventually! I was thinking of securing a first-class ticket when the time comes!"
First-class was the carriage prepared for Ren and the others, but the ticket prices were astronomical. However, the knight continued as if the cost were irrelevant.
"When you’re a bachelor knight, your salary just keeps piling up, so I have to enjoy myself at times like this."
The railway project, spearheaded by Ulysses, had clearly captured the fascination of the Strong Sword Users.
Meanwhile, when Licia left her room, she heard a familiar voice from the other side of the hallway.
"Licia! I was looking for you!"
Appearing from the far end of the corridor was Sera. While Licia was surprised by this unexpected reunion, Wayne appeared from behind Sera a moment later.
"Are you staying here too, Sera?"
"Yeah. We just finished lunch, so we were talking about heading out."
Sera had a sword at her waist, as did Wayne. For some reason, the two were wearing their Academy uniforms.
"Why the uniforms?" Licia asked.
"Like I said, we’re planning to go outside now. If that’s the case, clothes that are easy to move in are better. Our uniforms are custom-made, after all."
"Is that all?"
"That’s right. Besides, we’re students, aren't we? It’s a waste if we don't make good use of them while we still can. We won't wear them after graduation anyway." Sera puffed out her chest proudly, but Licia thought there was no real need to wear school clothes all the way in Eupeheim. She could agree they were functional, though.
"If you and Ren are done with lunch, why don't you come with us?"
"I’m sorry. Ren went out just now on some business. Only a few minutes ago."
Wayne and Sera slumped their shoulders in disappointment.
"It’s a shame Ren isn’t here, but what about you, Licia? If you have time, come with us."
Lezard had encouraged her to enjoy her holiday, and Ren had specifically told her not to stay cooped up. Licia herself had no particular plans until evening, when she hoped to see the city lights with Ren.
Judging from the conversation, "outside" meant heading beyond the city walls. Sera confirmed they were heading into the outskirts. After informing Lezard, Licia immediately returned to Sera's side.
"May I join you?"
"Yay! Then we’ll be waiting downstairs. Come when you’re ready!"
By the time Licia had finished her preparations, about ten minutes had passed. When she reached the lobby, she saw Kaito and Nemu in addition to Sera and Wayne. The inn was bustling with other nobles, but the sight of the children from the Seven Great Ducal Houses drew everyone's attention.
And among them stood a girl with a bow slung across her back. Capturing Licia in her sights, the girl left the boys and walked over.
"Nice to meet you, Saintess-san."
The girl possessed a seductive voice and a knowing smile. She was slightly shorter than Licia but still tall for her age. Her figure was remarkably curvaceous, possessing an allure that combined with her striking facial features to create an air of refined sensuality. Facing this beauty, Licia replied without hesitation.
"I am Licia Clausel. Nice to meet you."
"Yes. A pleasure."
As the two beautiful maidens stood side by side, a palpable pressure filled the air. Recognizing the newcomer, Licia spoke her name.
"I didn't expect to meet Lady Roferia here."
Charlotte Roferia was a second-year Special Merit Class student at the Imperial Military Academy. Licia had never spoken with her, nor had they met at social functions. However, based on the fact that she was an older girl with Sera’s group and possessed extraordinary beauty, there was only one possible identity.
Her impression in person was that of a beautiful, alluring senior. Charlotte was a girl so charming she could likely captivate anyone with just a glance, and Licia could tell she would be a formidable rival even for Sera.
While Licia considered this, Sera spoke up. "Licia, don't worry about Sharo."
"Sharo?"
"Yep, remember that. If you take Sharo seriously, you’ll just get exhausted. It’s best to just let her talk and brush her off."
Since Sera said this boldly right next to Charlotte, the older girl reacted immediately.
"Saying that right in front of me? You’ve got some nerve."
"But I’m not wrong, am I?"
"How rude. And here I am showing you my affection."
Due to the connection between the Seven Great Ducal Houses, Sera and Charlotte shared a deep friendship. From Sera’s perspective, she had been worried lately that Wayne might be snatched away, but the bond between those born into the great houses remained unshakable.
"Ahahaha! Nemu might have the same idea as Sera-chan!"
"That’s hurtful. It makes me sound like a senior who’s pretty but annoying."
"I’m not saying you’re like that, I’m saying you are that! Also, don't call yourself pretty!"
Charlotte brushed off Sera’s protest. "Ah, yes, yes. Cute, cute. Sera-chan is energetic today too."
"Ah, hey! Don't suddenly stroke my head!"
"Why not? You’re adorable."
"No... that’s not it! Ah, jeez! Talking to Sharo always throws me off! How long are you going to keep treating me like a child!"
Licia’s expression softened as she watched the descendants of the Seven Heroes chatting. She was surprised to learn that Sera had such a close relationship with a senior student. At the same time, she keenly felt the weight of their legacy. It wasn't that she felt excluded, but she had caught a glimpse of the strong ties that bound the Seven Great Ducal Houses together.
"Gah! Enough! Let go of me!" Sera shook off Charlotte’s arms and took a breath. "It’s time to go!"
She strode ahead, and Licia followed. Sera didn't answer immediately when Licia asked where they were going, simply stating, "Since we came to Eupeheim, we have to go there!"
In the timeline Ren knew, this was one of the few occasions where the Saintess joined the party. It was a scene from the final stages of Legend of the Seven Heroes I, occurring in a location that had never been explored quite this way before.
The carriage carrying Ren was heading toward the Government District. Radius, sitting opposite him, spoke.
"We are heading straight to the Department of Mysteries."
It was a national research institute involved with magic—one of the public institutions in Leomel. At the Department of Mysteries, ancient Sacred Relics and myths were serious subjects of research. Historical materials concerning the Lion King were handled here in cooperation with the Lion Holy Chancel. The person who had once tutored Radius was currently a researcher there.
"How was your trip?"
"It was fun," Ren replied. "I enjoyed the atmosphere, and I plan to take things slowly starting tomorrow."
"That is good to hear. It was a pity I missed it, but let us ride together another time."
"Honestly, if you were going to make it today, you should have just come with us, Radius."
Ren didn't mean to be insensitive to Radius’s schedule; he simply felt the journey would have been better together. However, Radius had been overwhelmed with duties.
"My apologies. As I said before, I simply did not have the luxury of time."
"I brought the letter of introduction you gave me, but I guess I won't need it since you’re here."
"For today, yes. But if you wish to see him tomorrow or later, it will be easier to have it. Show it at the entrance, and you shouldn't need to go through any tedious procedures."
"I see."
Time passed as they spoke. The carriage continued through the town and entered the Government District. Radius, wishing to avoid a public stir, had the carriage stop quietly at an inconspicuous spot behind the massive building.
"We have arrived," a knight called out.
Ren stepped outside and looked up at the towering Department of Mysteries. "Ooh..."
He voiced his admiration with a light heart. So this is the famous Department of Mysteries.
It was an ivory-colored structure that resembled a spire, standing even taller than the massive station or the Hanging Garden of Erendil. He had visited it in the game, but he’d only been able to explore the ground floor. Nothing compared to seeing it in person.
Radius led Ren through the entrance without even stopping at the reception. The entire floor was laid with polished brass-toned flagstones that echoed with their footsteps.
"I have already completed the necessary procedures, so we will proceed straight inside."
"Got it."
The walls and ceilings matched the floor, and chandeliers cast a warm glow. Compared to the obsidian-dark interior of the Lion Holy Chancel, the design felt inviting. There were also magic tool defense systems and elite knights stationed throughout. Even Ren could tell that high-level security was woven into every inch of the place.
Researchers in white coats hurried past, as did officials in expensive suits, their voices echoing in the halls.
"...Wait—I got word from the Doctor—" "...The investigation report for those ruins." "Pardon me, a message from the Imperial Court of Law—" "Tell them it’s within the Department of Mysteries’ jurisdiction—"
"Are the Department and the Court on bad terms?" Ren whispered.
"Terribly so," Radius replied. "The Department of Mysteries is granted various privileges regarding research, but legal interpretations are always a point of contention. They are often arguing over differences in opinion."
Since it sounded complicated, Ren didn't press for details. The two boys stood out among the adults, drawing a few suspicious glances until someone recognized the prince.
"T-The Third Prince!?"
Those who realized his identity immediately stopped and bowed deeply. Radius replied with a slight nod as he led Ren down a long hallway toward a magic lift. They ascended far above the city. Passing the thirtieth floor, the lift stopped on the thirty-third.
The doors opened to a single, long corridor. At the very end was a single room. Ren stared at an object placed in front of the door—a large bag that he recognized instantly.
Wait, is that...?
Ren walked on, suppressing his surprise.
"What’s wrong, Ren? You’ve been quiet."
"Maybe I’m nervous."
"That’s rare for you. But there’s no need. That’s why I’m here."
"Thanks. That helps."
Radius knocked on the door. A familiar voice came from inside.
"You may enter."
Radius opened the door and stepped inside with Ren. Straight ahead, a floor-to-ceiling window offered a panoramic view of scenic Eupeheim. In front of the window sat a massive desk. A man was sitting there with both feet unceremoniously propped up on the desk, his chair tilted back.
"You’ve come, Radius. Is that the friend you mentioned?"
It was Ren's first time seeing him without his robe, but the voice and manner were unmistakable. The man was the Bag Traveler—the same person Ren and Licia had seen in the Imperial Capital.
His hair was a shade of gold mixed with Radius’s silver. His small stature was the same, though he was now dressed in casual clothes. His features were neutrally beautiful, almost like a boy’s.
"Ren, let me introduce you," Radius began. "This man is—"
"Ah, fine. I’ll introduce myself." The Bag Traveler stood up. A refreshing scent of herbs tickled Ren’s nose. "I’m Ragna. In terms of race, I’m a Shelgad."
"Nice to meet you. I’m Ren Ashton."
Ren knew better than to judge him by his height. Ragna was a Shelgad, meaning he was from the Sky Continent. Since his kind lived for centuries and remained young, he was likely much older than he appeared.
Ragna sat back down. "I agreed to meet you because of this cheeky Third Prince. Otherwise, my time is too precious. I’d rather be out searching for romance and wisdom."
"Thank you for seeing me. There were some things I wanted to ask about."
"How to find romance?"
"No, that's not it." Ren was curious, but he had priorities. He looked at Radius, who nodded encouragingly. Ren asked without hesitation. "I’m sorry for starting off-topic, but I heard that Shelgads can be much older than they look."
"So you were curious about me. Not a bad interest." Ragna wore a defiant smile. "I’ll be thirty soon. Nice to meet you."
Ren nodded. "Nice to meet you."
"But don't get the wrong idea. Me being a Shelgad is just a matter of race—a throwback. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to work here." Since the Department was a secure institution, Ragna had to be a legal citizen. He was born and raised in Leomel, specializing in archaeology like his parents.
Ragna let out a yawn. "Sit wherever you like. If you want tea, brew it yourself."
Ren and Radius sat on a sofa. Papers were piled high on the table, filled with diagrams and text Ren didn't understand.
"So, you two." Ragna’s cool gaze fixed on them. "I have no intention of answering boring questions."
He had already returned to a book on his desk.
"My apologies," Radius whispered. "He’s been like this since he was my tutor."
"But he is brilliant," Ren added. "I knew that since he helped start the Arnevelde Merchant Guild."
"Though the management rights are almost entirely in my hands now," Radius said. "Ragna lost interest immediately."
"I see... well, I’ll brew some tea for now."
"Are you sure? Ragna is picky about—ah, no, it should be fine if it’s you, Ren."
Ren went to the corner of the room, using a magic tool to boil water and preparing the tea with practiced hands. Ragna caught the scent of the steam.
"You’re good at this."
"You can tell without drinking it?"
"Someone at my level can tell. Tea is interesting. The way the taste changes depending on who brews it... it’s like a book. The style of the writer makes the difference."
"I think I understand. Here, please."
Ragna took a sip. "Delicious."
Ren breathed a sigh of relief. Ragna might act like a foul-mouthed brat, but he was a genius, and Ren had to navigate his whims carefully. Next, Ren served Radius and stood by the window with his own cup.
"Ren, what do you want to ask me?" Ragna asked without looking up.
"Please teach me about Sacred Magic."
"Hah." Ragna sighed as if he’d lost interest. However, thanks to the tea, he didn't turn them away. "There’s plenty of information in the Academy’s textbooks."
"Maybe, but I wanted to hear it from an expert." Ren turned to face him. "In Sacred Magic, besides physical reinforcement and being effective against undead, can you use any other special powers?"
"Hah? I heard you were smart, but that’s a vague question."
"I’m sorry. In House Clausel, there’s a girl my age—the White Saintess."
"I’ve heard the rumors."
"Yes. I help her with sword training, but we haven't been able to do much with Sacred Magic. I wanted to learn so I could be of help." Ren told the cover story he’d prepared. Ragna watched him as if he were a rare specimen.
"How admirable."
"Is it strange?"
"No, just a way of thinking I could never manage. If it were me, I’d be off exploring ruins. But everyone has their own path." A small smile played on Ragna’s lips.
Radius added, "Ren is just that kind of man."
"He’s dazzling," Ragna said. "Especially to a man like me who spends his life in the dark. My best friend is a man of integrity, it seems."
Ragna took another sip of tea. "My specialties are archaeology and ancient magic. I know Sacred Magic well enough, but its inherent power is exactly what you mentioned. It’s holy and remarkable, but it has no other hidden features. That’s all it is."
He wasn't saying it was weak, just that it was straightforward.
As I thought, Ren mused. It’s not an influence of Sacred Magic. I should focus on the Saintess herself. But I need more.
"On another subject," Ren said, looking at Ragna. "I’ve fought the Demon King Cult several times."
"I know. Radius has consulted me many times. I’ve analyzed their powers for him."
Ren decided to use this opening. "Those influenced by the Mark of the Demon King Cult had their abilities enhanced, but some lost their sense of self. What do you think is the cause?"
"The power of the Demon King is the source. Those affected die because they can't withstand the power they’re given. The physical changes vary by individual."
"And the loss of self?"
"Who knows? It’s probably like a change in the nature of a Magic Stone."
Ren listened intently. Licia had a Magic Stone inside her body.
"In monsters," Ragna continued, "the stone undergoes a major change during evolution. If it’s no longer the original creature, the sense of self often shifts. It’s not that their memories vanish, but they change."
"But Cultists don't have Magic Stones."
"Right, that’s the key point. I believe their Marks are effectively Magic Stones for humans—engraved to anchor power within."
"Wait, Ragna!" Radius exclaimed. "I haven't heard this!"
"I thought of it just the other day while searching for romance. The difference is that their Marks corrode the body to forcibly strengthen the person."
Forced evolution through external factors. Ren thought of Licia.
"Is there no way to avoid the loss of self?"
"Why bother?" Ragna asked. "Is there a Cultist you want to save?"
"No, I just want to know for the future. Many Cultists die when we capture them."
"To squeeze every bit of information out of them? You have a harsh streak behind that cute face." Ragna laughed. "The loss of self happens because the owner cannot control the power. It's an overflow."
"Like the story of The Eroding Princess?" Radius asked.
Ragna disagreed. "No. She was different. She kept her will because she was controlling her power."
"Then why did she erode everything around her?"
"Most living things breathe in and out. For her, that 'breathing' was harmful to others. She eroded her surroundings just by existing. From her perspective, everyone else was the one that wasn't normal."
But that was just an old story. Ragna returned to the main point.
"To resist the compulsion, you must maintain your sense of self. If you lose, the power runs wild. It’s simple."
"Assuming one has endured it once, is there a guarantee it won't happen again?" Ren asked.
"If you continue to resist without losing, your body will adapt and grow. That is the answer you’re looking for." Ragna didn't hesitate. "If you adapt to a power you couldn't handle, you won't lose control to that same level of power again. You’ve mastered it."
"Is that true!?" Ren’s voice cracked with hope. Licia had resisted and come back. If she had adapted, she was safer now.
"Can you tell if someone has successfully adapted?"
"If they can use power they previously couldn't control, they’ve adapted. Their body has evolved to match the magic."
Ren thought back to the battle with the Sword Demon. Licia’s Sacred Magic had been far more powerful at the end. She resisted... and she grew.
"Thank goodness," Ren whispered.
"Of course," Ragna added, "if the Demon King himself were resurrected, that would be a different story. His presence might turn every Cultist into a mindless soldier, regardless of their previous control."
"So we won't know until it happens," Radius noted.
"Yeah. The legends are full of romance, but information is lacking." Ragna sighed, then looked toward the Elfen Religion. "If those priests had protected the Sacred Relics, this would be easier."
"Which Relic do you mean?"
"The 'Elfen Tears' stolen from the temple. With that divinity, you could purify the Cultists along with their Marks. But it’s gone now. I wonder if they stole it for self-defense."
"Do the Tears really have such power?" Ren asked.
"I have my doubts as a researcher," Ragna said. "The power of a god is supposedly flawless, but humans are not. I wonder how much the purification would actually work."
"That’s a contradiction," Radius pointed out. "If the god’s power is flawless, it should surpass human flaws."
"The world is built on contradictions. I say 'supposedly' because I suspect the gods themselves are flawed. If a god were truly omnipotent, would he need to create a Hero? He would have stopped the Demon King before he was even born." Ragna spoke with a boldness that bordered on blasphemy. He hated "manufactured stories" like trials given to people. "If a god is all-powerful, why hasn't he corrected my errors? Perhaps because he cannot."
Radius gave a wry smile. "Ren, you’re starting to understand this man, aren't you?"
"Ahaha... I’ll refrain from answering that."
"Changing the subject," Ragna said, his eyes sharpening. "History is about to shift. I can feel it."
Radius didn't reply. Instead, he asked, "And you? I heard you’ve been spending a lot of time in Eupeheim lately."
"Because something interesting was unearthed." Ragna led them to a shelf, activated a magic lock, and pulled out a glass-covered case. Inside was a circlet. "This was found in the Old Quarter decades ago. It’s Mithril—the metal that never corrodes. But this one is dead. Its magical properties are gone, encroached upon by shadow."
"How is that possible?" Ren asked.
"No known method can 'kill' Mithril. But a second piece was found just the other day—a pen. It’s in the same state. I’m fascinated by whatever could do this." Ragna looked at Ren. "You don't seem very impressed."
"I think it’s amazing," Ren replied, "but I don't have the expertise to appreciate how impossible it is."
"Well, the Bag Traveler isn't just a seller of junk. I find things like this while I’m out." Ragna clapped his hands. "So, Ren, where did you see me?"
"In an alley in the Imperial Capital."
Ragna laughed. "So I wasn't mistaken! I stopped by there for a bit."
"Wait!" Radius shouted. "If you were there, why didn't you visit me!?"
"I knew we’d meet here. Did you miss your mentor that much? I can pat your head if it helps."
Radius fell silent, turning away in frustration. Ren tried asking about the "Divine Child," but Ragna claimed to have never heard of it. Since Ragna was getting busy, they decided to disperse, promising to talk again later.
An hour’s walk from Eupeheim lay a maze of sheer cliffs and sturdy trees. It was a dangerous area for commoners, but for the descendants of the Seven Heroes, it was a training ground.
Battles with monsters were so smooth that Licia didn't even need to intervene. Kaito sent monsters flying with his shield, Sera and Wayne handled the rest with fluid swordplay, and Charlotte’s arrows never missed their mark.
"I wanted to see Licia-chan fight too," Nemu complained.
"You four were just too strong," Licia replied with a smile.
They reached the Old Quarter—a submerged district of ruins that had been destroyed during the Demon King’s invasion centuries ago. It was a hauntingly beautiful sight, with stone houses preserved beneath the water, where colorful fish now swam through the halls of nobles.
"We can't go further without permission," Sera noted. They were just passing through on their way to a different destination.
As they continued, a Thunder-Scaled Horse appeared. It was a D-rank monster that used lightning magic. Electricity crackled at its hooves. Licia stepped forward, drawing her white sword, Byakuen. She swung it lightly, as if brushing away dust.
"Don't worry," she said, echoing a line from the legends.
Before the lightning could strike, she swept her blade horizontally. The surging electricity shattered into grains of light and vanished. She had "slain" the magic itself.
Wayne and the others were dumbfounded. They knew what it meant to slay magic—it was a feat achieved only by those who had mastered the Strong Sword style. Licia had truly become a Swordmaster.
Finally, they reached their goal: a hidden cape and a sea cave.
[The Sea Cave: A Great Legacy]
It was a hidden quest location from the game. The cobalt blue sea, white sand, and the echoing waves created an air of mystery, inviting the group into a new adventure.
Ren and Licia reunited in the city as evening fell. Licia ran toward him with a radiant smile.
"Ren!"
"I just finished at the Department of Mysteries," Ren said. He felt a bit apologetic knowing he had gone there for her sake, but he smiled. "How was your trip?"
"It was incredible! I saw the techniques of the other houses up close. We’re even going into a sea cave tomorrow."
"A cave? I remember something about that," Ren mused. He realized they were nearing the events of the game where Radius was kidnapped and the final battle loomed.
"Ren and I are invited to Marquis Ignat’s mansion tomorrow, though," Licia added, "so I told them we couldn't go."
"I met Ragna," Ren said as they walked together through the night. "He was the Bag Traveler."
Licia’s eyes widened, and she laughed. "What a coincidence!"
"Licia," Ren said seriously, sharing what he had learned. "The reason you could use that powerful magic at the end of the fight with the Sword Demon... it’s because you successfully resisted the forced evolution. Your body has adapted. You’re stronger now, and the power is yours to control."
"So that was it..." Licia smiled, a weight lifting from her shoulders.
"We should still be careful," Ren cautioned. "We’ll talk to Chronoa as well."
Licia stopped walking and clasped her hands. "Ren... thank you. I’m always being helped by you."
She looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude and something more. In the quiet night of Eupeheim, she made a silent wish for this time to last, her heart racing as she walked beside him.