Part 12

After a long travel from Cornelia to Cardia Isles, the party was excited to see some land after having only the endless ocean as the sight for days. Unfortunately, due to lack of area knowledge, Sky Empress landed on the wrong island while trying to find to the correct one. While they had landed and trying to find out where to go, they were surprised by the local population. Unsure of what their intent was, the Warriors of Light approached them cautiously. This was pointless as the island chief warmly welcomed the Goddess's chosen heroes to his domain. This was surprising to the party as they didn't think that stories about them had reached Cardia Isles. To that the chief responded that King Bahamut sent a message about the new heroes that have appeared and requested that they be send to him as soon as they could. With this information everyone felt happiness that even the Dragon King would care about them. Before they could return to the airship, the chief had invited them to the celebration. After all, this was a unique event in history and the chief would feel inadequate if he didn't at least provide some hospitality to the heroes. While initially hesitant, everyone had accepted his offer and so the Sky Empress's crew and the Warriors of Light spent a nice celebratory night in the nearby village. There were even some nice surprises waiting for them. Not only did they receive the exact location of Dragon King's throne, but they also received gifts from the dragons too. Seeing as the world was in danger with Fiends' awakening, the dragons have been preparing gifts for the Warriors of Light so that they could help them on their journey. In this tribe's case, a large sum of money and a X-Potion, an item that could restore someone back to full health, were prepared. Sensing their gratitude, the party had no choice but to accept. And so the night passed in celebratory mood.

The next day, Sky Empress again took to the sky. Now they had to do was to travel northwest to get to King Bahamut. However, something strange was happening on a nearby island while they were passing by. The marsh was visibly dry as smoke continued to rise from below. Sensing something was wrong, Sky Empress landed on a nearby plain and the Warriors of Light went to explore. Unfortunately for them, two very unpleasant things that they have experienced have been combined into one as they soon discovered. As soon as they climbed down the big hole, they found themselves in a room where most of the floor was magma. Having horrible flashbacks of Mount Gulg, they were already not happy about this. Nevertheless, they pressed on. That's when a magical illusion appeared in front of them. A strange man covered in red cloak with blue dots was welcoming them. "Greetings, brave warriors. My name is Rubicante and I bid you welcome to our prison, the Hellfire Chasm." Thinking they might be in for a fight, the party went into combat. "Do please relax. Neither me nor my compatriots will harm you up here."

Kelin: "I assume you are among those that were imprisoned two thousand years ago."

Rubicante: "Ah, it seems I am not the first one you have encountered so far."

Lewyn: "Exactly. We have first hand experience in how powerful the prisoners are."

Rubicante: "Yes. Being trapped in here has made us able to recreate this realm in our image. As long as this realm exists, we can exist at the height of our power. As such, I would suggest refraining from continuing to explore this place. Once you enter, you cannot escape until you explore it completely."

Kelin: "We learned that the hard way, but thank you for the warning."

?: "Oh? It seems you are quite powerful already if you are already aware of the consequences."

As soon as this booming voice sounded off behind the party, everyone turned in the direction of the sound where they saw a mighty big black dragon with large and majestic wings. Surprised at this arrival, Warriors haven't notice that Lewyn was kneeling down at the sight of that dragon.

Rubicante: "It seems you have something more important to discuss. Until we meet next time. Goodbye." And with that, the illusion disappeared. The party, however, kept their eyes on the newly-arrived dragon. Finally, they noticed Lewyn kneeling down.

Kelin: "What are you doing?"

Lewyn: "Giving my respects to His Majesty."

?: "Rise up, young Marciano. You are not required to do that every time you are in my presence."

Lewyn: "With respect I must refuse that offer, Your Majesty. I am sure you are not here by mere chance."

Rosch: "Does that mean-?"

Lewyn: "Yes. Everyone, meet the ruler of these isles. The Dragon King Bahamut."

With this realization, everyone followed Lewyn's example.

Bahamut: "Please, rise up. I believe this is not a good environment to remain in for long.

Kelin: "But-"

Bahamut: "I have seen the relic of the Sky Kingdom on my way here. I have no doubt you can reach the island where my throne resides. There we can converse in more pleasant environment. Wouldn't you agree?"

Everyone: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Bahamut: "Very well. Now to see in what shape that relic is."

Thinking the last sentence was a concern for the ship, the party nervously returned back to the ship and lifted off. They were quite surprised to see the Dragon King escorting them. In what can only be described as playful matter, the Dragon King made several circles around the ship before speeding away and stopping. He did this several times as a provocation to the ship's crew. As nervousness disappeared and confidence grew, the crew decided to take on the challenge. And so the Sky Empress' engines were pushed to their limits as the airship tried to keep up with the Dragon King. For those looking on from the bridge and the deck, they swore they could see the dragon smiling. For the first time in centuries something was sharing the sky with the dragons. They thought he was happy to see humans restoring back lost technology. Nevertheless, they kept those thoughts to themselves as the rest of the trip was a smooth sail across the sky. Soon enough, they were at their destination, the island of Sclavora where the Dragon King resided.

As they split their way with Bahamut, the crew landed the airship on the island smoothly. Shortly after landing, the party left the ship without Sead, thinking they wouldn't need the wagon. They did, however, brought along a guest. For a reason that she refused to disclose right then, Lianna decided to tag along and leave her first mate Masatoki in charge while she was gone. With that and a fresh set of clothes that everyone needed after Hellfire Chasm, the five of them departed to the main cave as the sun started to set down. They entered a massive artificial cave that made them look like ants. After going through a long corridor and going down one floor, they have entered the throne room. Beautifully decorated with stone pillars and carvings depicting the history of dragons, they slowly made their way to the end of the room where Bahamut waited on his intricate throne surrounded by his aides. While their initial instincts was to bow down to him, he made it clear earlier that they weren't required to do that. With that, the meeting started.

Bahamut: „I must say that I am very impressed with state of the ship. You have made great strides in repairing it and bringing it back to the original state."

Lianna: "I will pass on the compliments to the crew, Your Majesty."

Bahamut: "I am grateful to finally meet you, young daughter of Marciano."

Lianna: "Oh, His Majesty is aware of me?"

Bahamut: "Yes. Your father made great praises of all of his children whenever he visited. You have my condolences."

Lianna: "Thank you. As much as it saddens me to see most of my family dead, at least I can be happy by knowing that my father died revenging them. The survivors told me that he smiled through his battle the entire time. At very least he died while doing what he loved. I also feel satisfied knowing my brother was the one that killed Astos."

Bahamut: "So the rumours are true then? The Calatian crown has been recovered?"

Lewyn: "Yes, Your Majesty. Here it is. I was hoping to make a request about it."

Bahamut: "Which is?"

Lewyn: "I wanted to request that Your Majesty safeguards it for the time being. We thought that the dark elf menace was finished with Astos's death. However, a chance encounter has proven everyone wrong about that. I was hoping to place it somewhere safe until our mission is done."

Bahamut: "I will decide about this after you answer me this question. What is your end goal with this crown? Do you wish to restore the fallen kingdom and make yourself the king of it?"

Lewyn: "While I believe the kingdom should be restored, I don't see myself as the king everyone will look up to. I was hoping for Lia to accept the honour."

Lianna: "As you can guess, that has caused some discussion between us about who should accept the honour."

Bahamut: "I also believe the kingdom should be restored. Very well. I will safeguard it under one condition. You may only retrieve it back after you have decided what you will do about this. A massive task such as this deserves careful consideration and I will not accept anything else."

Lewyn: "I accept this condition."

Bahamut: "Good. Now on to the main point of this meeting. I believe all of you have something to ask of me."

Rosch: "Yes. As we understand it, with Your blessing we can receive a class promotion and be allowed to study and use higher level magic."

Bahamut: "That is correct. Many have come here across the centuries to achieve such goals. I confer honour upon those whose strength and courage are true. As far as I heard of your feats in the south, you have already proven yourself to the people there. However, I still need to see this with my own eyes. Across the sea I created an arena to test out anyone who would seek more power. At the end of it I have left a token of courage to prove that you have successfully passed the trial. Bring to me that token and I shall grant you my blessing. That is all."

Kelin: "Thank you. That is all we needed to know. Now with your permission-"

Lianna: "I have a personal request."

Bahamut: "I have expected that. I can already sense the power within you so you don't need my blessing. What is your request?"

Lianna: "I wish to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors. I wish to experience what my progenitor created in order to be recognized as his direct descendant. I hereby request the Trial of Fury."

Lewyn: "You serious?"

Bahamut: "Is that your true wish, young daughter of Marciano? Do you truly know how strong you are?"

Lianna: "I don't know how weak I am. I don't know what true strength is. Unlike the Warriors of Light I rarely have a chance to test myself. In order to find out just how truly weak I am I need to experience it first-hand."

Bahamut: "And you, young son of Marciano? Do you still refuse to take part in this trial?"

Lewyn: "Yes, I do. Unlike her, I have seen what my current limits are. I do not wish to disappoint Your Majesty with my performance."

Bahamut: "To disappoint me is a feat in of itself. Do not concern yourself of such matters."

Lewyn: "Then may I at least observe the trial? I want to see how much my sister has grown in my absence."

Bahamut: "I can accept that. Please follow me. As for you, Warriors of Light, please follow my servant to your quarters for the night. Unless you wish to return to your airship."

Kelin: "If Your Majesty doesn't mind, we would prefer to return to our airship for the night."

Bahamut: "Very well then. I bid you good night."

While the Warriors of Light were curious about this Trial of Fury, they were worried about somehow insulting the dragons so they decided against inquiring further. One hour after they have returned back to Sky Empress, the Marciano siblings returned back too during the dinner. Lianna seemed to have been roughed up judging from her damaged clothes and blood on it. However, she looked well herself. Like she came from a walk instead of a trial. Everyone had asked her what the trial was, but she refused to say. "Whenever people ask about the Trial of Fury, almost no one ever matches the level of scariness you experience while you participate in it. I wonder what stories will you come up with trying to imagine it." With that and Lewyn's refusal to elaborate more, by the end of the night everyone had their own version of what exactly the trial was. Some were reasonable, some were outlandish and one was so weird that no one wanted to comment on it. With that the rest of the night was peaceful. By the time Lewyn was walking on the main deck at midnight, everyone had went to sleep. Well, almost everyone, as he would find out. Unable to sleep, he was walking around taking in the night air when he found Mari looking at the stars. Thinking something again might be bothering her, he decided to speak to her.

Lewyn: "Unable to sleep again, Mari?"

Mari: "Oh, Lewyn. Yes, I couldn't sleep."

Lewyn: "I hope it's not the same reason as last time."

Mari: ...

Lewyn: "Wait, you can't be serious. You are still questioning whether you should be here or not?"

Mari: "... Yes."

Lewyn: "Dear Goddess, what exactly am I supposed to do with you? Being a great team player is not good enough for you?"

Mari: "I am not talking about the good part, but a bad one."

Lewyn: "Oh, you talking about the battle with Cerberus?"

Mari: "Of course. You and Rosch fell down since I couldn't keep with healing. If Kelin hadn't went for a desperate attack and won, who knows whether we would be alive or not."

Lewyn: "So? It was clear we were too weak to be there. We have learned our mistake and will keep away for now. So stop banging your head against the wall and accept that we were lucky."

Mari: "Easy for you to say. You didn't look useless by failing to do one job you are good at. How exactly am I supposed to face more enemies knowing I can't even do my job?"

Lewyn: "Because healing isn't your only job? You are supposed to be our support, our rock. Each of us is invaluable to our team. So I hope this is the last time I see your self-deprecating."

Mari: "Oh, yeah? Rosch already has access to white magic. If we are successful, then Kelin will access too. What exactly will I have then? Hm?"

Lewyn: "I... Um..."

Mari: "And there you go. Even you can't answer that."

Lewyn: "(sigh) It seems I will have to use that as he suggested."

Mari: "Use what?"

Lewyn: "You want to see what you can do that no one can? Fine then. Tomorrow morning there is something I need to show you. And, no, you can't ask about it. You will just have to be surprised about."

Mari: "I can't do that."

Lewyn: "Come on. Don't chicken out now."

Mari: "That's not why. Because of Lianna's request, king forgot to mention that he is gathering all the gifts he prepared for us and will present it to us tomorrow."

Lewyn: "Oh. Tomorrow evening then. But no backing out."

Mari: "Fine. If you have that you think can remove my doubts once and for all, that's something I have to see."

Lewyn: "Good. That's what I wanted to hear. And with that I shall bid you good night."

Mari: "Good night."

The next morning, the Warriors of Light received some modest offerings from the dragons such as Dry Ether and Gold Needle. They sort of spoiled this when they landed on that island earlier and received the monetary offering already. Nevertheless, the party was grateful for this and departed for the ship with the raised spirits. As the airship crew prepared for next day's launch, Mari couldn't stop wondering what surprise Lewyn had in store for her. Soon enough she would receive her answer as the evening fell and she returned to the cave.

When Mari informed the dragons that she was there by request, it seemed some of them already knew why she was there so she was offered escort to the place where Lewyn waited for her. She was also asked to be blindfolded if she wanted to continue. Despite not knowing what was waiting in front and being worried, she nevertheless accepted this and put on the blindfold. As she was being escorted to this secretive location, she tried to use her other sense to figure out what was happening. This had little effect. While she could clearly hear where she was going, she picked very little clues. As she hadn't trained to be a thief, she couldn't recognize the faint sounds or the size of the room by just hearing. Not to mention that the dragons that she passed by just acknowledged their presence and kept their interaction to a minimum. Her ability to sense magic was no better than other humans so that too was useless. Finally, they have seemingly arrived at their destination. Her escort had finally asked to remove her blindfold. As soon as she started to, she heard a crackling of a spell, so when she removed her blindfold, she noticed her escort disappearing into nothing. "Is that a teleportation spell? Where are you going?" she asked that out loudly and failing to get answers. "Wait, where exactly am I?"

As far as she could see, she was in another cave which was bigger than the throne room. Dimly lit and with a clear echo, she couldn't even see the end it with how dark it was. The only light that she currently had was coming from several lit torches above a strange crystal. As soon as she approached it, she had an idea about it. "Is that what I think it is? Well then, let there be light." She concentrated some magic into the palm of her hand which the crystal absorbed and triggered something. "As I thought", she said to herself as she watched light appearing across the cave. She had heard about magic crystals that could give light across the room at night, but she thought that only the very rich could afford something like that. That was, until she took a look at rooms on the Sky Empress and saw that each room came with a similar mechanism. While noticing that to her left was a dead end, her body suddenly started crying out in fear as laughter and a sound of rumbling started coming out behind her. As she slowly turned to see what was that noise, she was scared of whatever was hiding in the darkness before. Her fear increased tenfold when she saw a 20-metre black dragon approaching her.

"Ha ha ha... Humans and their desires! I AM FREE AT LAST! I bring you destruction! I bring you terror! I am Czar! PREPARE YOURSELVES!" With his massive body and golden horns he was the most intimidating thing she ever faced and she was facing it alone. "One tiny ant? Ha, you humans crack me up! You have truly became arrogant in our absence. Now to show you what true power looks like!" With that he swung his arms and hit Mari, knocking her into the wall. She managed to avoid most damage as her Protect spell was cast just in the nick of time. After she stood up, she casted Invis on her. "Oh, I see we have a brave fool thinking she can stand up to the likes of me. Alright, tiny ant. Let's see what you got. I won't even-" Czar's monologue was interrupted by a blinding light. "Oh, don't tell me Dia is your main source of attack. And here I thought we could have had something slightly interesting happen today. I guess-" Again, he was interrupted with Mari's spell, this time it was Fear. "If you are not going to entertain me, then at least allow me to finish. Now, see what true fear feels like. " Czar unleashed a roar so mighty the entire cave shook as the small rocks dropped from the ceiling. Yet, Mari was still using her invisibility. "Huh, a decent caster you are if your spell held for this long. That's alright. All I need to do is smell the fear leaking out of you to track you down. Isn't-" For the third time, he was interrupted by Mari's attack. This time she threw her hammer in his eye as he was still speaking. Finally, the mighty dragon reeled back from pain. "OH, THAT'S IT! YOU WANT SERIOUS? I WILL GIVE YOU SERIOUS!" With that he unleashed a flame breath attack in her direction followed up by a shockwave attack with his fists slamming down into the ground. Mari was barely avoiding his attacks and was trying to get behind his back. Finally, her luck had run out as she was swatted with his tail attack, breaking her Protect and Invis spells.

"You surely know how to piss someone." Finally able to see her properly, he picked her up with his right hand. She was messed up as her head was bleeding. "Now, was all that necessary? Did you had to do that?" Out of breath, she responded: "Leave me... alone." "Now, why should I do that? And here I was, all willing to give you a quick and peaceful death. But, no. You just had to rile me up. Oh, how sweet. You are trying to concentrate all your magic into one spot so that you can try to free yourself. Oh, how nice. Tiny ants do know some entertainment after all. Oh, you said something? Let me make you closer so that you don't tire your voice. Now, what was it?" With a deep look into his eyes, she said: " I said. Leave. Me. The. Hell. ALONE!" "What?" Before Czar could react, a sudden white light covered his arm. Feeling such extreme pain, he let Mari go and reeled back. When he finally looked at his hand, he noticed most of the scales were gone and he was bleeding. Meanwhile Mari was on the ground coughing up blood. Czar roared: "What did you do?!" Mari wiped the blood from her mouth and with unusual calmness said:"This." Czar's reaction was too slow as his vision was covered in white light. It annihilated his left eye and was bleeding heavily from it. Mari, on the other hand, was on the floor coughing up even more blood. Despite looking so pale and that she could collapse at any minute, she again stood up and looked at Czar. "You like that? That's for being overconfident, you arrogant bastard! Now, see with your only eye how this little ant will end you." As she was preparing to cast that spell again, Lewyn appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Mari from her back. "Stop! That's enough!"

Mari: "Let me go! I have some overgrown lizard to kill!"

Lewyn: "Not at the cost of your life! The battle is over."

Mari: "No, it isn't."

Lewyn: "Free yourself then. Because I am not letting you die like this."

Mari tried to wriggle herself out of Lewyn's hold on her, but her injuries had caught up to her. After only a few attempts at kicks and scratches, she had no more strength and she passed out.

Lewyn: "Mari? Hey, are you alright?"

Czar: "Let me heal her."

At that moment Czar transformed from his massive form into one that the modern day people are most familiar with. His so-called Dragon King form.

Bahamut: "Full-Heal."

This spell cured all Mari's injuries and made her breathing back to normal.

Bahamut: "There we go."

Lewyn: "So what did exactly just happen, Your Majesty?"

Bahamut: "One moment. Full-Heal."

Even after he transformed into his more humanoid form, his right hand and his left eye were still messed up. So he used the spell on himself to restore all of his injuries.

Bahamut: "Now, you can ask."

Lewyn: "First of all, what was that spell? I never saw any like it."

Bahamut: "Holy Light. Or as most mages call it, just Holy. The most powerful white magic spell in existence. As I assumed, she is capable of wielding it."

Lewyn: "I never saw her study it though."

Bahamut: It could be either her Crystal acting in self-defence or Goddess simply chose someone who could wield it naturally as her Warrior of Light. In any case, it is made clear on who the most powerful mage is among you."

Lewyn: "I don't think Rosch will want to hear that. Then again, I didn't think she could pass the Trial of Fury."

Bahamut: "What exactly did you expect, young son of Marciano?"

Lewyn: "That she would retreat when she saw that she was fighting against you. I couldn't fathom why would you suggest that she undergoes the Trial of Fury."

Bahamut: "And now?"

Lewyn: "You have made it clear that I have a lot more to learn."

Bahamut: "Good. I wish to discuss more, but we can pick it up. Right now we should let Mari rest."

Lewyn: "I am on it."

Lewyn picked Mari up, put her on his back and escorted her out of the Trial Cave through a magical door and brought her back on the ship.

Mari woke up the next morning in her own room. Felling a little bit groggy, she looked around, trying to figure out what she was doing last night. She heard some knocking her door and asked the person to come in. It was Lewyn bringing her a bowl of soup.

Lewyn: "Oh, perfect timing. Here, brought you breakfast."

Mari: "Thanks. What time is it?"

Lewyn: "It's still morning. Why do you ask?"

Mari: "Just trying to figure out how long I have been asleep. Last night is still blurry to... ... Oh, no."

Lewyn: "What?"

Mari: "The dragon. We need to warn everyone."

Lewyn: "Relax. That has been dealt with."

Mari: "What do you mean relax? I- Wait a minute. Wasn't I supposed to meet with you before I got ambushed by that dragon?"

Lewyn: "Yes."

Mari: "Also didn't you do something to me before I passed out?"

Lewyn: "That was me trying to stop you from killing yourself."

Mari: "So what exactly happened last night?"

Lewyn: "Promise you won't get angry or mad?"

Mari: "I can't. I am calm right now. For how long, well that depends on the answer. Alright? Now start talking."

Lewyn: "Fine. I was asked to bring you to that cave by King Bahamut."

Mari: "Really? Why?"

Lewyn: "He said something about your potential and he wanted to talk to you about it. I was trying to figure out how best to approach about this to you."

Mari: "And that's when I revealed about my doubts, isn't it?"

Lewyn: "Yes. Now I expected for you two to talk it out between you and maybe experiment with some magic. I didn't expect he would throw you into the Trial of Fury."

Mari: "What exactly is the Trial of Fury?"

Lewyn: "Simple. You against King Bahamut in his old form at the height of his power."

Mari: ...

Lewyn: "Mari?"

Mari: "You are telling me that this trial consists of going up against the most powerful being AT the height of his power?"

Lewyn: "Yes. Why do you think the trial is named like that? Surely you won't be calm and collected when he comes barrelling down in that big form of his, would you?"

Mari: "... Ha."

Lewyn: "Hm?"

Mari: "Hahahahaha. I can only imagine how many people do the same thing I did and piss themselves out of fear."

Lewyn: "I would imagine a lot. It's hard to truly imagine what strength the most powerful being has until you face it for real."

Mari: "I am glad I failed the trial then. Imagine being remembered like that. That temporary stain would remain forever in people's minds."

Lewyn: "Don't be silly. Of course you passed."

Mari: "What do you mean I passed?"

Lewyn: "What did you think, that you need to defeat him to pass? You realize how few people would ever pass it?"

Mari: "Then what do you need to do?"

Lewyn: "Well, it's up to him to decide, but the common agreement is that if you fight fair and square and make him bleed, you pass."

Mari: "That's it? Really?"

Lewyn: "Mari, you just managed to do something a lot of my ancestors failed to do so. That's no small feat. Not to mention you also managed to destroy one of his eyes. I am sure the list of people who managed to pull that off is quite short."

Mari: "Oh, Goddess. What if he is angry at me because of that?"

Lewyn: "Relax. After he healed you, he also restored all the injuries you caused him. You won't have to worry about getting a bad reputation because of it."

Mari: "Good."

Lewyn: "Yes. All you have to worry about now is the fact that you as a white mage of all things managed to pass the trial."

Mari: "But I don't even know how."

Lewyn: "Are you aware of a spell known as Holy Light?"

Mari: "What?! You telling me I was casting Holy?!"

Lewyn: "Yes. That's why he wanted to test you. Now we don't know you had the natural ability to do so or did your Crystal boost your abilities. What we do know is that this make you officially the most powerful mage in our party."

Mari: "Really?"

Lewyn: "Yes. Rosch not committing to one school magic will hurt him in the long run. Meanwhile you could also potentially learn Full-Heal, the most powerful healing spell out there."

Mari: "How do you know this?"

Lewyn: "After I brought you back here, and practically begged everyone not to ask questions until you woke up, I went back to ask few questions. Unfortunately, while you could learn the magic, we don't know where to go. King had to admit that he had been withdrawn from the world for too long."

Mari: "That's alright. We will just be on the lookout for it."

Lewyn: "He did instruct me to tell me that you should avoid using Holy right now."

Mari: "I was planning not to. I might not be so lucky next time. Speaking of last night, did you changed my clothes and put me to my bed?"

Lewyn: "No, Lia did. She put the nightgown on you and left you here while I was out."

Mari: "You don't think she took advantage while I was unconscious, do you?"

Lewyn: "Let's not go there. Lia is not a creep. She would never take advantage of a helpless woman like you. No, if she wants to take advantage of someone, that would be Rosch. Apparently he lost a bet between them and now she is thinking on what to do."

Mari: "I see."

Lewyn: "So don't worry. You can still marry to your fiancée."

Mari: "He isn't... He is not... ..."

Lewyn: "See? Even you can't deny it. Are you aware of the elven culture?"

Mari: "Um, somewhat?"

Lewyn: "Then you should be aware that elves don't commit to marriage so easily. Not to mention he swore his life to you, a human. He will be forced to watch you age and die while he will remain youthful forever. That is not an easy decision to be made."

Mari: "I understand."

Lewyn: "Don't worry. Once we return to Elfheim, we will find a reason to get him onboard."

Mari: "Won't you feel lonely?"

Lewyn: "What do you mean?"

Mari: "By then each of us will have a significant other onboard except for you. Won't you feel lonely?"

Lewyn: "I doubt that. Look here."

Mari: "What do you mean? Wait, is that a marriage band?"

Lewyn: (grins from ear to ear) "I am afraid you are not the only one who has someone waiting for them."

Mari: "You bastard. How long have you been hodling out on us?"

Lewyn: "Since the beginning. If you want to see him, you will have to continue travel with us. And i mean it. No more this doubt crap from you. Alright? Otherwise I will fight you."

Mari: "But I am just a weak and fragile maiden."

Lewyn: "Don't you dare. From now on every time I hear those words from you, you will be insulting my clan and I won't allow that. So if you dare to say that, I will fight you."

Mari: "Is that even a fair fight?"

Lewyn: "I don't know, you tell me. All I have are my fists. You, on the other hand, can protect yourself, can make invisible, can heal yourself and now can even use attack magic so powerful it can even hurt the most powerful being in the world. You tell me if this is fair."

Mari: "I don't know."

Lewyn: "Well, if you don't want to fight me, then it's clear what you cannot do. No more doubting yourself. Alright, Dragon Saint of Balfour?"

Mari: "What's with title?"

Lewyn: "I made it up while I was waiting for you to wake up. I will spread it around from now on and if you don't like it, then you need to earn your own. Alright."

Mari: "Fine. But don't think I will be happy with it."

Lewyn: "Then don't chicken out on us. Oh, that reminds me. There is someone here that will escort you back to the King."

Mari: "Huh? Why?"

Lewyn: Because you earned your promotion after last night."

Mari: "Wait, really?"

Lewyn: "Yes. I checked it just in case. Any words you plan to say to him?"

Mari: "Actually, yes. I will thank him for giving me the opportunity to undertake the Trial of Fury and that we will do our best to get back with that proof of courage or whatever as soon as possible. I am sure the escort can pass on the message."

Lewyn: "You are not going to accept the promotion?"

Mari: "We are in this together. It's not fair that one of us gets the promotion while others have to eait for that. Besides, I won't benefit from the promotion too much between now and our arrival at the site of trial."

Lewyn: "I see. Well, your clothes should be brought back soon so I will leave you to your breakfast. Bye."

Mari: "Bye."

After Lewyn left the room, Mari had the chance to check which soup did he bring. She smiled when she saw it was her favourite. A regular vegetable soup with little pieces of carrot floating around. They often mocked her for having such a plain meal as her favourite meal, but to her this held a lot of memories of childhood. She often ate this soup for lunch while talking to the other girls before they went to work. The soup was just clear enough that she could see her smile in the reflection. Knowing she had such a considerate friend in Lewyn who probably asked specifically for this soup, she gladly ate it. After her clothes got back from the cleaning, she rejoined the crew and told them all about the events the night before.