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The first thing that Lichter felt was bewilderment. His brain could not keep up with processing the information.

He had traveled here from the Kingdom of Elugor with the girl known as Seletina. Lichter thought that she had given off a heroic aura, reminiscent of the hero Orthus he’d heard so much about. Her combat skills had astounded him as well. The girl, who appeared to have never even held a knife, had demonstrated abilities that were not something that could be learned overnight.

Lichter had pondered the source of her strength.

In retrospect, Lichter saw that, despite his singular concentration on power. He had started to develop an interest in this girl, Seletina. Lichter had been assigned as this mysterious girl’s attendant by Loggins, the most powerful man in the realm after he had personally tested her abilities.

It all made sense now.

Her strength. Her outlook and powers were unrivaled in the kingdom, even at the tender age of 14. The imbalance between her supernatural abilities, which were well beyond what her sickly body could support.

It would never have happened if not for the soul, which knew how to maximize the potential of this body and balance everything out.

Lichter slowly opened his eyes. There stood a girl, dispelling the darkness and shining brilliantly. She was the epitome of strength and dignity. Her unclouded gaze remained fixated on justice alone. The girl understood the preciousness and beauty of reaching out to others.

The hero Orthus had transformed into a girl, and Seletina had become his soul’s home. His essence was the same. Even if Seletina’s heart was gouged out and she was laid bare, she would continue moving forward without faltering.

“I’m here! I, Orthus, will not run nor hide! Lichter! I will shoulder it all! Your guilt and your hatred of the strong. I forgive you for everything!”

Seletina spoke, attempting to guide Lichter as a true mentor. Lichter couldn’t remember when was the last time he’d heard such warm words that were not only superficial but also direct. They seeped into his heart. Seletina continued, her light shining even brighter.

“Let’s go back and take a nice, long bath! Then we’ll feast on a delicious plate of red meat with a glass of wine while we slowly discuss what’s to come! You’re tired, aren’t you? You’ve been hurt by this hopeless world, always tense and unable to find time to relax. Rest. Eat till your heart’s content, and let out all of your frustrations and anxieties until you simply can’t anymore. Then crash into a big bed, embracing the drunken feeling!”

A plethora of pleasant words filled Lichter’s ears. Seletina’s words were sweeter and more fragrant than the whispers of the devil.

It was at this moment that Lichter realized, for the first time, that what he truly desired was not struggle but rest and peace. It felt like being an infant sleeping in his mother’s or father’s arms.

“I’ll protect you, Lichter! I’ll protect everything about you, so just…” Seletina yelled, extending her hand. It was close enough for Lichter to take it if he so desired. Lichter was flustered.

Warm words, warm eyes, an extended hand filled with goodwill.

“Take my hand!!!”

It wasn’t too late; Lichter could still take Seletina’s hand.

However, Lichter shook off Seletina’s hand and kicked her in the stomach. By then, it was too late for any hero to arrive.

◇◇◇

“No!”

Imitia exclaimed, staring in the distance. Several minutes had passed since Seletina was swallowed by the murky darkness. The silence that had pervaded the skies up until this point abruptly collapsed.

The darkness that was forming in the sky shattered. It seemed to shrink back from Seletina’s light, breaking apart into pieces. At the same moment, a figure was seen falling. It was Seletina.

“This is bad!”

The wings of light and the protective magic had been exhausted. Seletina’s petite body, unable to resist gravity, fell gently. Though she was conscious, a direct impact on the ground would prove fatal.

Imitia transformed. Her fangs bared, and silver hair covered her whole body, turning her into her Wolfen form. She dropped to all fours and rushed to the spot where Seletina was about to fall.

She destroyed numerous tiles, accelerating repeatedly, using the rooftops of buildings as launching platforms.

“Orthus!”

Just before Seletina was ready to tumble, Imitia let out a cry and used her fangs to get hold of her neck. She dove and rolled toward a church’s roof, hoping to disperse the energy from Seletina’s fall.

“Whoa!”

The aged roof gave way easily, absorbing the impact as they crashed through beams and sawdust. It was fortunate that they landed this way, as the damage would’ve been more severe if they had hit the roof directly.

“Ouch…” Imitia muttered.
“Are you alright?! I’m sorry, Imitia, and thank you.”
“Tsk, I hit my a̲s̲s̲… You’re welcome.”

With tears gathering in her eyes, Imitia, having reverted to her former form, stroked her rear end. If that was all that was injured, then it was a blessing. Seletina checked to make sure she was unharmed too, then she gazed at the big hole in the church where they had fallen.

She was staring at Lichter Willgame, who was suspended in midair with his hands extended and gazing down at her. Seletina couldn’t make out the expression on his face. She couldn’t guess if he was angry, troubled, sad, or even frightened…
It was then that Lichter spoke slowly,

“You said you’d protect me, right? Show it to me then.”