Later, everyone returned to the ship. Alysa said, "Well, that was intense."
Licht said, "You can say that again."
Elizabeth said, "Is it just me, or did big bro get stronger?"
Liebe said, "You got that right. That lightning did hurt. It hurt like crap, alright."
Licht said, "Yup. But Liebe, you seem indifferent about it."
Liebe said, "It's not that."
Licht said, "Then what is it?"
Liebe said, "Well, big bro mentioned Lana."
Licht said, "God damn. Come on, it's been seven years. She is dead. Let it go. She is dead."
Liebe said, "Yeah, I know."
Licht said, "Listen, I know it's hard to accept, but we can't let it stop us."
Liebe said, "Yeah."
Licht said, "What is it?"
Liebe said, "What is what?"
Licht said, "You said you'd explain later."
Isurugi said, "Umm, ma'am, who exactly is Mrs. Lana?"
Alysa said, "Well, she is Lana Scarlet Faust."
Isurugi said, "Faust?"
Alysa said, "Yeah. She was also adopted by Grandpa Domr and is the direct younger sister of Lia."
Isurugi said, "What happened to her?"
Alysa said, "She died one day, seven years ago. Lia and Lara went on a mission, and Lara died. Yet, not even her body was found. She was my age, and we used to play together. After that, Liebe truly began to change towards fighting. He directly felt it was his fault. We even have a grave for her in the forest where we all used to play together, as a memory. It was our favorite spot as kids."
Isurugi said, "What kind of person was Mrs. Lana?"
Alysa said, "Well, basically, she was like the boss, like Lia. She would boss us around, but it was fun. We enjoyed playing with her. It became normal for us. She was kinda the glue. Even though, till that point, Licht had no interest in growing stronger—he just wanted to take naps—but after her death, he decided to give his all, growing stronger."
Later, when Licht and Liebe were alone, Licht said, "Now, what's wrong?"
Liebe said, "I don't know why, but when we were at the Xeniz village, I felt it for a second. Her mana."
Licht said, "You done with the BS?"
Liebe said, "What? I just... what if—"
Licht slammed his fist on the table and said, "She is dead! Even Lia has accepted it! Just because you felt a similar magic power doesn't mean it was her!"
Liebe said, "Do you still have feelings for her?"
Licht said, "No. We weren't even there."
Liebe said, "Yeah, maybe."
Licht said, "Is that why you wanted to leave the Xeniz village so soon?"
Liebe said, "Yeah. You are right. She really is gone."
Licht said, "Now tell me, what should we do?"
Liebe said, "What we have always done. Grow stronger."
Licht said, "Good to see you still have your head in the game. We will make landfall in Haldonia tomorrow, 6 AM sharp."
Liebe said, "Should we go back with Gaia and see?"
Licht said, "Why? For false hope? What happens if it's a devil that looks like her? No. Since you felt magic power, maybe it's someone similar. But what will you do when it's someone else? Cry? Or be depressed, huh? Even if it is her, what will you say seven years later? Huh? Answer me, damn it! The Xeniz may be allies, but that's it. We have no right to barge in for no good reason."
Liebe said, "Yeah."
Licht said, "Let's go back to the deck and train."
As they went to the deck, while Licht and Liebe were training, Lumos and Hedin came in. Hedin said, "Mind if we join in?"
Liebe said, "Thought you and Olivia had a thing going on."
Hedin said, "We are, but Iris and Olivia are busy, so I thought I might as well train."
Aoi said, "Great. Fight me."
Lichee said, "No, no, fight me."
Liebe said, "Licht, exactly how is your training going with the Breath of Silver?"
Licht said, "I'm used to the drawback. Usually, the blade melts from my magic, but this... it actually asks for more."
Liebe said, "Keep practicing. Let's fight in the open waters outside the ship. Same goes for you four. And Lumos, you are a combat medic; you also need to have basic combat skills."
Lumos said, "Got it."
While they fought, Liebe said, "Looks like the weapon isn't limiting you anymore. Now, come at me!"
After the training, Liebe said, "Well, that was fun and all."
Licht said, "Same. And someone please get me a warm towel."
Mia said, "Of course, sir."
Licht said, "Thanks."
As Lichee said, "So, that's why I'm sent to the past? Liebe, is that what a leader is supposed to do?"
Liebe said, "I don't know what a leader is supposed to do. I do what I feel is right. But I'm sure you are making progress towards learning what you need to learn so that you can return to the future."
Lichee said, "I don't want to leave. I want to stay here with you and everyone. The future is scary. Everyone hates me, and you are suffering because of me."
Liebe said, "Hey, don't say that. I'm sure, if not now, there will be a point where you are glad you decided to come back. Plus, I don't know why you were sent here or the lesson you were supposed to learn, but through the passage of time, scars heal."
The next morning, as they made landfall and entered the port, Hwang and his team were waiting.
Hwang said, "Greetings. I'm Lee Hwang, the leader of Team Yin-Tenhwang, and this is my team: Meimei, Chine, Meili, and Ziki. It's a pleasure to meet you, Liebe Faust."
Liebe said, "The pleasure is all mine."
Hwang said, "I must say, I am very interested to see what you are capable of... Conquista."